Featuring my top ten reads!
Every year, I spend weeks contemplating the most exceptional stories that changed my reading; the characters who made my world stand still, rooting for them and the storylines that carried me away from dreary reality. I read 52 books this year- 23 books less than my reading goal- and it is always tough, choosing which books make top ten. My selection criteria is based on the stories that swept me away, which I recommended to every living soul, and stories I would reread over again.
Before we begin, here are this year’s reading stats:
52 completed novels: 21 ebooks, 21 physical books, and 2 audiobooks.
- Longest book- “The Final Strife” by Saara El-Arifi (640 pages)
- Shortest book- “Woman At Point Zero” by Nasal El Saadawi (114 pages)
- Most Read genre- Contemporary Fiction
Midway through 2023, I uploaded my list of 5 books I particularly enjoyed from January to June. Thus, this list will be a compilation of 5 unputdownable novels from July to December 2023.
Related: Here’s Everything I Read in The First Half of 2023
In no particular order:
“As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow” by Zoulfa Katouh
Set in war-torn Syria, “As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow” is a sweeping story of love, and bravery. Syrians are rebelling a tyrannous government and in the midst of so much hopelessness is Salma and Kenan. They fall in love, and even as they plan to escape the war, their heart cries for their beloved nation.
Making this recommendation is particularly relevant now, considering the ongoing occupation of Palestine. The characters in this story are incredibly human, with all the shortcomings and beauty that come with being alive. I learnt from their courage and their bravery, and I was moved to tears at multiple points. I highly recommend this novel. Check out my review down below!
Review: As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow
“Kaikeyi” by Vaishanyi Patel
“Kaikeyi” is a fiercely feminist retelling of the Indian epic, the Ramayana. A wonderful, fantastical world of gods, scheming queens, warfare, and misogyny. Fans of “Circe” by Madeline Miller will identify strongly with the story of “Kaikeyi”. The original epic paints Queen Kaikeyi as an evil, jealous stepmother who had her stepson banished because she desired power.
However, the author crafts a compelling story that redefines this maligned character and reveals the strength that shaped her in a patriarchal society. “Kaikeyi” is not just another mythological retelling- it is the story of an extraordinary warrior queen, who held the kingdom down in times of chaos. It stands firm as one of my all-time favourite novels about a woman determined to shape her destiny in a world controlled by gods and men.
“Small Worlds” by Caleb Azumah Nelson
Caleb Azumah Nelson is one out of three male authors I read this year, and quite simply a shining star in modern literature. I wasn’t a huge fan of his debut “Open Water” but “Small Worlds” knocked my world off kilter.
I absolutely adored this book- the power of his writing, the simplicity yet complexity of the storyline. One thing about Caleb is he knows how to make readers feel. I was so deeply engrossed in our protagonist, Stephen. I cheered for him, wept when he wept, and at the end of all 256 pages, I was broken in a good way. 10 out of 10, no notes.
Review: Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
“Yellowface” by R.F. Kuang
One thing about R.F. Kuang- she is going to write an absolutely sickening novel that will haunt you for years. I started my love journey with her writing when I first read her genre-bending, mindblowing fantasy novel, “The Poppy War”. Since then, every work of hers has moved me in a way I can’t explain. It is no different with “Yellowface“.
“Yellowface” is the story of June Hayward who steals the manuscript of her Asian literary genius friend after her death. June sells this story as hers and it opens a conversation on the kind of stories we are allowed to tell. The story in “Yellowface” is madly wicked, and makes you question reality. This is the only book all year I read in one sitting- it is that delicious.
Review: “Yellowface” on Cultural Appropriation and White Privilege
“Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See
“Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” takes us through 15th century China, based off the true life story of Yunxian Tan, one of China’s first female physicians. Born into an aristocratic family, her fate was defined by the rules of society- learn how to be a proper wife, marry, and live within the bounds of her compound.
As a woman, and a future physician, I was completely immersed in the story of this incredible, brave woman who rose against the constraints of society to lead a life most women were discouraged from. Beyond the fictional background, this story transports you to ancient Chinese culture with vivid descriptions and accurate history that takes you back in time. This is a wonderful piece of historical fiction I highly recommend.
Honourable mention: “Aftershocks” by Nadia Owusu
This novel was the only nonfiction/ memoir I read in the second half of the year. At no point reading this was I bored, or want to call quits. I was engaged all through. It is a deeply insightful recollection of home, and all the lives lived. The author’s memories are interspersed with social commentary on the events of the cities she lived in. It is thoughtful, and offers a seasoned opinion without being demeaning. I thoroughly enjoyed this.