Andrew Miller’s new novel follows two married couples living next door to one another during a harsh winter in England. The book was nominated for the 2025 Booker Prize, won last week by David Szalay for his novel "Flesh." "The Land in Winter" has received many rave and positive reviews. These are my thoughts.
Category: New Books
Several good books, out now and coming soon
Here you'll find books I'm currently reading and also what I'm eager to read. Included, as a nod to the season, a series of ghost stories published annually this time of year, except they're connected to a Christmas tradition.
Why do we keep looking for ghosts?
Alice Vernon is the author of "Ghosted," a new book that examines 200 years of ghost hunting, including communication by séance and sleuthing through haunted houses. I couldn't resist delving into this interesting topic. Here's my review.
What I’m reading, including the 2025 Booker Prize longlist
I've been diving into the UK's Booker Prize longlisted novels, which have included 'Misinterpretation' and 'One Boat.' Here's why, plus there's a new thriller I flew through and nonfiction I've started about ghosts.
Three new books for summer reading
Each of these has strong characters and distinctive stories. One is humorous in its explorations of love, one thoughtful as part memoir part fiction, and one suspenseful in a tale of imposters.
“Flashlight” by Susan Choi
This new novel is a long read, not because of page count but of keeping steady during the times when you think nothing's happening. The payoff will be something you'll not soon forget.
Cable breakage and darkness of the soul
Colum McCann's new novel Twist hinges on a major break in underwater cables that carry the world’s information. Early on, there's a scenario that's chillingly real: the internet down, no cell phone service, no ATM service, and stores accepting cash only. “We were like stunned birds,” the book’s narrator tells us. He’s Anthony Fennell, an … Continue reading Cable breakage and darkness of the soul
What I’m reading and new books
I introduced Jeremy Cooper's novel Brian a while ago here on The Longest Chapter, eager to read it then but, as happens, left it waiting among the reading table stacks. But I believe some books "know" when the time is right to be read, as if stepping forward just when we need that one story … Continue reading What I’m reading and new books
A powerful story about books, friendship, and despair
Jón Kalman Stefánsson’s novel "Heaven and Hell" takes place in a remote part of Iceland among fishermen who make their living on the Arctic’s ocean water. It's deeply moving for its spare, lyric style. Here's a review.
A few book recommendations
January was a month when I swung widely among many types of books, not only in genre but also topic. To start, Ingrained: The Making of a Craftsman, not a topic I’d typically be drawn to. That changed thanks to what I read about the memoir when it published in December. Callum Robinson writes about … Continue reading A few book recommendations
New books published this week
Tuesday is the usual day of the week for new book releases. Of the many novels published this past Tuesday, here are some gems by authors both familiar and new to me that have my attention.
A story of kindness and hope in 1962 Ireland
A new novel by Niall Williams follows believable characters in a rural village that Mr. Williams has written about before, to great praise. He remains in top form. Here's a review of "Time of the Child."
A reluctant spy, Ukraine, and a stubborn octogenarian
I chose to read these books because I've admired the work of their authors. William Boyd is one of them, whose "Any Human Heart" remains one of my all-time favorite novels. He's in top form with this new one. Also, Jonathan Littell, who wrote the controversial bestselling novel "The Kindly Ones;" his new book, nonfiction, is brilliant. You'll also find here an author whose novel published mid-20th century is about an old woman thumbing her nose at family expectations. An added bonus: poet Billy Collins.
Caroline Adderson’s “A Way to Be Happy”
These eight stories cleverly illustrate the many ways happiness enters our lives when least expected. It's through human encounters, Adderson tells us, doing so with seemingly unremarkable incidents. They occur in her characters’ daily routines, surprising them and us. It’s wonderful new fiction.
A review of “Us Fools” by Nora Lange
This new novel takes place primarily on a small farm in Illinois during the 1980's agricutural crisis. It also takes place in Chicago and Alaska, spanning a little more than two decades as the protagonist Bernadette looks back, wrestling with what the future holds for herself, the farm, and her older sister, Joanne.
The Longest Chapter 