Top International Reads of 2017

I read 54 titles this year — 20 books by Aussie Authors and the remainder we’ll term ‘International Reads’.

Top International Reads of 2017

Of the 34 international reads, we awarded two titles our highest rating:

Montpelier Parade by Karl Geary — ★★★★★

“The prose within Montpelier Parade is itself a thing of beauty – and for that alone I would recommend this novel. But it is Geary’s characters’ capacity to be buoyed by glints in darkness and this story’s moving denouement that elevate it to the truly memorable.”

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman — ★★★★★

“Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant, the narrator of her debut novel is more than fine, she is wonderful! … One of the most genuine and deeply moving character journeys I’ve read in a very long time – powerful enough to evoke tears of laughter and sadness.”

Also amongst our favourites reads this year…

Fatal Crossing by Lone Theils — The Story ★★★★½ The Writing ★★★★½

“A page-turner with real grit and substance. Sign me up to the Nora Sands fan club.”

An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde — The Story ★★★★ The Writing ★★★★½

“I have a soft spot for comedies-of-manners, and few are quite so cutting as Oscar Wilde’s.”

Please Do Not Disturb by Robert Glancy — The Story ★★★★ The Writing ★★★★½

“How can a tale of such dire circumstances can be so entertaining? It humanizes the various players and focuses on the commonalities – the arrogance and folly of man.”

Betrayal at Iga by Susan Spann — The Story ★★★★½ The Writing ★★★★

“I’ve long had a soft spot for Susan Spann’s Hiro Hattori Novels (Shinobi Mysteries)… and this is the most moving and compelling novel yet.”

Look for Her by Emily Winslow — The Story ★★★★ The Writing ★★★★½

“If you enjoy gritty drama, literary thrillers and compelling crime puzzles, I wholeheartedly recommend this novel.”