On the shelf – February & March 2025
Known to read well into the night, our editorial team Lucinda Diack and Belinda O’Keefe have uncovered some fabulous new books this month. Happy reading.
If you have a great book you think we should know about, make sure you get in touch!
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife
Anna Johnston
Michael Joseph
Frederick, at 82, is lonely, broke and facing eviction. When an unusual incident involving mistaken identity occurs, Fred finds himself taking the place of grumpy Bernard at the local rest home. With hearty meals, company and a warm bed, it seems Fred’s life has turned around.
The residents and staff are delighted that ‘Bernard’ has turned over a new leaf. He is surprisingly charming, cheeky and kind, and brings joy to all. But when gruff caregiver Denise suspects something is amiss, Fred’s new-found haven is compromised.
With loveable characters and a fantastic sprinkling of humour, this is a heartwarming story of heartbreak, hope and second chances. A brilliant, laugh-out-loud debut novel! BO
By Any Other Name
Jodi Picoult
Allen & Unwin
I am a bit late to the party on this one, but can assure you it doesn’t disappoint, and true to form Jodi Picoult has written a sweeping tale of ambition and courage.
The story follows two women, centuries apart, who are forced to hide behind another name to make their voices heard – Emilia Bassano in 1581 and present-day playwright Melina Green.
Melina has written a new work inspired by the life of her ancestor Emilia Bassano, who was the Lord Chamberlain’s mistress and believed to have created some of the world’s greatest dramatic masterpieces by paying a man for the use of his name – William Shakespeare.
While the challenges are different 400 years later, the playing field is still not level for women in theatre. Will Melina forfeit her credit as an author to see her work performed? LD
The Mess of Our Lives
Mary-anne Scott
One Tree House
Seventeen-year-old Jordan Baxter has big dreams for a future as a songwriter, but his home life is standing in the way. His mother Susan is a hoarder, and his young sister Tabitha is unwell due to the filthy environment in which they live. Jordan is desperate to hide this from the world, but when an accident brings everything into the spotlight, he’s forced to make a tough decision – stay trapped, or take a chance at freedom.
This is a beautifully crafted story of heartache, neglect and survival. The authenticity of Jordan’s teenaged voice is captured so perfectly, I couldn’t help but get caught up in his emotions – frustration, anger and despair, peppered with glimmers of joy and hope.
An utterly compelling novel by a talented Kiwi author. BO
Nesting
Roisin O’Donnell
Simon & Schuster
There has been much anticipation about this debut novel, with nine publishers reportedly bidding for the rights – and I can see why.
It is 2018 and for Ciara Fay, home is no longer safe. Eight weeks pregnant with a third child, she knows she can’t stay in her marriage. Her family are in England but her daughters can’t leave Ireland without their father’s permission.
This is not the first time Ciara has tried to escape.
With no money and no job, emergency accommodation at a run-down hotel is the only option. But as summer passes and winter closes in, Ciara struggles with raising two children in a hotel room, while searching for a home and dealing with her husband’s relentless campaign to get her back.
This is a powerful portrait of a woman’s fight for freedom for herself and her children – leaving is one thing, but staying away is another. LD
