Top Reads of July
As July unfolds with its warm, sun-drenched days, there is no better time to immerse oneself in some truly captivating reads. This month’s selection offers a rich tapestry of genres, from poignant historical fiction to introspective memoirs and thought-provoking speculative narratives.
Celina by Catherine Axelrad brings to life the tragic yet enthralling story of a fifteen-year-old girl who becomes a chambermaid for the Victor Hugo family in exile on Guernsey. Axelrad’s storytelling is both haunting and beautiful, exploring Celina’s complex relationship with Hugo and shedding light on the enigmatic persona of the great author.
Mary and the Rabbit Dream by Noémi Kiss-Deáki reimagines the bizarre and true story of Mary Toft, an 18th-century woman who claimed to give birth to rabbits. This debut novel dives deep into themes of bodily autonomy, societal beliefs, and poverty, balancing wit and subversive mischief to create a gripping and significant narrative.
Mancunians by David Scott captures Manchester at the turn of the 21st century through a blend of memoir and interviews with iconic Mancunians. Scott explores the aftermath of the IRA bomb, the closure of the Haçienda nightclub, and the cultural shifts that redefined the city, offering a fresh and insightful look at Manchester’s rich history.
My Family: The Memoir by David Baddiel is a deeply personal and hilariously poignant exploration of his family history. Baddiel recounts his childhood in a Jewish household, overshadowed by his mother’s passionate affair and his father’s battle with dementia. His candid reflections on memory and identity make this memoir both a heartfelt tribute and a darkly comic masterpiece.
The Maniac by Benjamín Labatut is a riveting blend of fact and fiction that explores the life of John von Neumann, a pioneering scientist whose work laid the foundations for modern computing and AI. Labatut intertwines von Neumann’s story with larger crises in 20th-century physics, raising profound questions about the limits of human knowledge and the potential for chaos in our technological advancements.
This month’s selection offers something for every reader, whether you're drawn to historical intrigue, personal memoirs, or speculative fiction. Each book provides a unique window into different worlds, making July a perfect month for literary exploration. Happy reading!
