Read it Before You See It - The Sequel
With the really chilly winter’s nights of late, we thought we would treat you to a second round of Read It before you See It books. The five books below have all inspired films or mini-series. We can’t think of a better way to spend the evening, curled up with a hot toddy, a blanket and a book. Enjoy!
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
A suspenseful and thought-provoking novel that centers around a vacation taken by a Brooklyn family. Amanda and Clay, along with their teenage children, head to a secluded vacation home to escape their urban lives. However, their idyllic getaway takes an unexpected turn when the owners of the vacation home, an older couple named Ruth and G.H. unexpectedly return in the midst of a mysterious and unsettling global event.
The novel delves into themes of fear, uncertainty, and the breakdown of societal norms as the two families grapple with the unknown situation outside the safety of the vacation home. Alam crafts an atmosphere of tension and suspense, exploring how people from different backgrounds react when faced with an existential crisis.
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
A compelling and thought-provoking novel that provides a critical perspective on the socio-economic disparities in modern India. The story is narrated by Balram Halwai, a chauffeur from a rural village who rises above his humble beginnings to become a successful entrepreneur in the bustling city of Delhi.
Balram's journey takes the reader through the various strata of Indian society, exposing the corruption, exploitation, and class struggle that define the nation's landscape. The novel is a commentary on the complexities of power, privilege, and the harsh realities faced by those on the margins of society.
The Colour Purple by Alice Walker
"The Color Purple" is a powerful and acclaimed novel that follows the life of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century. The story unfolds through Celie's letters, written to God, as she navigates through the challenges of her difficult life, including abuse, racism, and sexism.
Set in the American South, the novel explores themes of oppression, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship and self-discovery. The narrative takes a poignant turn when Celie begins a correspondence with Shug Avery, a blues singer, and their relationship becomes a catalyst for Celie's personal growth and empowerment.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
This non-fiction book investigates a series of murders that occurred in the Osage Nation, an American Indian tribe in Oklahoma, during the 1920s. The Osage people, after discovering oil on their land, became incredibly wealthy, attracting envy and greed.
The book explores the conspiracy to murder wealthy Osage members for their oil wealth and the birth of the FBI, led by J. Edgar Hoover, as it investigates the crimes. Grann meticulously examines the historical events, detailing the systemic corruption and racism that plagued the investigation.
A Nearly Normal Family by M.T. Edvardsson
This psychological thriller revolves around a seemingly ordinary family and the unexpected challenges they face. The story is narrated from the perspectives of three family members: a daughter, a father, and a mother.
Stella, the teenage daughter, becomes entangled in a murder investigation, and her parents, Adam and Ulrika, find themselves grappling with the legal and moral complexities surrounding her actions. As the narrative unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the family's facade of normalcy begins to crumble.
Edvardsson explores themes of morality, loyalty, and the lengths to which parents will go to protect their children. The novel keeps readers on edge with its twists and turns, prompting them to question what they would do in similar circumstances
All the above books are available for Home Delivery here via bookshop.org or you can Order with us for collection from the shop.
