Book clubs in Northamptonshire

It covers important (and increasingly more relevant) issues and explores Afghanistan culture.

It's veeery long - over 750 pages - which is obviously not for everyone, but it's written in a very accessible and immersive style. A teenage boy growing up in New York City in the early 2000s is the victim of a museum bombing, and while concussed steals a priceless painting (The Goldfinch), believing that he's protecting it. Since his only close relative - his mother - is killed in the attack, he then drifts from home to home, trying to keep his possession of the painting a secret. Great for people who enjoy more "literary" stories, as it's reminiscent of Dickens and other Victorian novels, but also a brilliant coming-of-age story. I first read it when I was nineteen and have been obsessed ever since.

It's veeery long - over 750 pages - which is obviously not for everyone, but it's written in a very accessible and immersive style. A teenage boy growing up in New York City in the early 2000s is the victim of a museum bombing, and while concussed steals a priceless painting (The Goldfinch), believing that he's protecting it. Since his only close relative - his mother - is killed in the attack, he then drifts from home to home, trying to keep his possession of the painting a secret. Great for people who enjoy more "literary" stories, as it's reminiscent of Dickens and other Victorian novels, but also a brilliant coming-of-age story. I first read it when I was nineteen and have been obsessed ever since.

Beautifully written epic story about childhood trauma, deep friendship, love, loss and survival, wrapped in a small-town mystery thriller. One of those books you are sad to see end.

OMG everything! Fantastic writing and a superb storyline, think Game of Thrones meets Harry Potter! Spoiler, the final book isn't out yet so start reading this series forewarned!

For those who have read 1984 this is a must! Told from the perspective of Julia and offers a deeper look into the world they live in

An emotional story set around WW2 with characters that stay with you for days afterwards

An impossible situation around every corner that the ex intelligence officer manages to overcome. Set in Afghanistan and can be brutal.

It's my favourite of Hardy's novels