There were three novels which really stood out for me in 2022. Case Study by Graeme Macrae Burnet was longlisted for the Booker Prize last year and skilfully presents the fictional biography of psychoanalyst Arthur Collins Braithwaite as authentic source material.
Careless by Kirsty Capes is an excellent debut novel which was longlisted for this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction. It is about a 15-year-old girl in care who discovers that she is pregnant and Capes handles the narrative very convincingly.
I’m Sorry You Feel That Way by Rebecca Wait is a memorable novel about the impact of mental health and dysfunctional family dynamics, which sounds depressing but is written with very dry humour.
Among non-fiction titles, Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe is a brilliant account of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. I also read and very much enjoyed Empire of Pain and Rogues this year, but I think ‘Say Nothing’ is the book Keefe will be remembered for.
About a Son by David Whitehouse is told in the second person from the perspective of Morgan Hehir’s father. Morgan was murdered on a night out in Nuneaton in 2015 at the age of 20 and the book recounts the aftermath including the trial of his killers. It’s an exceptional and original piece of creative non-fiction.
You’ve Got Red on You by Clark Collis is an entertaining look at the making of the 2004 romantic zombie comedy film Shaun of the Dead. It’s perfect for fans who can recite the script by heart, and also sheds light on the challenging process of making and distributing a low-budget film.
I also really enjoyed Remainders of the Day by Shaun Bythell which is the third instalment of the Wigtown bookshop owner’s diaries which document the fascinating world of second-hand book dealing and the odd behaviour of his customers.
Which books did you enjoy reading in 2022?
