How to Lose the Lottery by Jay McKenzie
HarperCollins, £16.99, 416 pages
In Jay McKenzie's compelling novel, How to Lose the Lottery, Edie and her husband Ron experience a life-altering event when they hit the lottery jackpot. Initially, this windfall seems like a dream come true, but Edie quickly harbors deep reservations about their newfound wealth. Her doubts are dismissed by Ron and their son Colin, who has moved back home after a divorce.
Colin and Ron bond over extravagant purchases like new cars and luxury items, embracing the flashy lifestyle. Meanwhile, Edie finds herself increasingly isolated as her friends and neighbors either avoid her or make pointed remarks about her changed status. The novel powerfully illustrates that money is far from a universal solution to life's problems, often exacerbating existing tensions.
The narrative structure alternates between chapters set before the win, depicting a life of financial struggle, and after, where a transformed Edie gradually emerges. As the story unfolds, a mystery is unraveled, revealing Edie's traumatic backstory, adding depth to her character and the plot. This book serves as a stark warning about the hidden dangers of sudden wealth.
After Darcy by Joanna Nadin
Bedford Square, £9.99, 320 pages
Joanna Nadin's After Darcy offers a contemporary sequel to Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice, imagining the Bennet sisters navigating life in their forties today. The story begins on the two-year anniversary of a tragic car crash on the M1 that claimed the lives of Darcy and Bingley.
Lizzy Bennet is grappling with grief while struggling to parent her three-year-old twins alone. Mrs. Bennet remains keen to see her daughters settled before she and her husband pass away, adding pressure to their already complicated lives. The youngest sister, Lydia, lives a chaotic existence marked by excessive drinking, drug use, and promiscuity, but vows to stay sober for a year when challenged by her family.
This proves timely, as the Bennet sisters face a busy and eventful year ahead. The novel is a brilliant exploration of modern themes through the lens of beloved characters, blending Austen's wit with contemporary issues.
Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Picador, £18.99, 448 pages
Kiran Millwood Hargrave's Almost Life tells the poignant story of Laure and Erica, who meet on the steps of the Sacre-Coeur in Paris in 1978. Both are students, and their initial encounter sparks immediate intrigue and infatuation.
Erica is enjoying a few months abroad before starting university in Norfolk, while Laure is pursuing a PhD but partying heavily and involved in an affair with a married woman. What begins as a summer romance evolves into a complex relationship that spans decades, lasting until 2013.
Over the years, Erica marries a man, and Laure ends up with a woman, yet they remain irresistibly drawn to each other despite the twists and turns of their separate lives. The novel is beautifully written, excelling in its portrayal of longing, identity, and the messy realities of life. Laure and Erica are likable protagonists, making this an emotional and addictive read that captures the enduring power of connection.
