Every couple of months we plan to highlight books we have loved reading! We read a LOT of books Most are from Maurice, but Laura, other team members and customers will contribute too. All the books we share here are available in the store, either new or used, and from our online store.
Nesting
By Roisin O’Donnell
Of the 100+ books I read in 2025 this was my number one!
What a debut novel this is. Experiencing and surviving an abusive relationship, battling the broken housing system in Dublin sounds a bit depressing but by the end of this book I felt challenged but also uplifted. Having spent most of my working life addressing issues of urban deprivation it was only after reading this that I really understood something of what it felt like to be in this situation
Very powerful writing - I’m so glad I found and read this book Highly recommended!
Maurice
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Olive Kitteridge
By Elizabeth Strout
My favourite book by one of my favourite American authors. Each chapter is in effect a short story, all adding something to the character of Olive, a fictional character I would so like to meet!
A retired school teacher, struggling to understand her changing world, somewhat ‘difficult’ on the surface yet as the story unfurls we warm to her honesty, compassion and humour as she surveys her surroundings and engages with others in her community, a small town in Maine.
Maurice
Seascraper
Benjamin Wood
My favourite of the recent Booker longlist this evocative and somewhat unsettling novel explores identity, ambition, and the fragile boundaries between reality and desire.
Thomas has inherited his ‘seascraping’ from his grandfather but dreams of another life, dreams that appear out of reach until an encounter with a charismatic American visitor.
Beautifully written, I found myself immersed in the seaside village setting, watching the story unfold and empathising with Thomas throughout. A warm and uplifting read.
Maurice
Departure(s)
Julian Barnes
Julian Barnes last novel, written as the 80 yr old Booker winning author contemplates his own departure
Something of a hybrid: part novel, part memoir and part essay, I found this a thought provoking and fascinating read.
I enjoyed the contemplative and reflective style, almost conversational, and found the merging of the fictional story, albeit of real people, with his own life reflections, to work seamlessly.
Although I am not far behind Barnes in age terms, I think this will be an interesting and enjoyable read for readers of all ages.
Maurice
The Boy From The Sea
Garrett Carr
I loved this atmospheric read! While the focus in on the boy found floating in the sea, the village itself is the real star for me alongside the myriad of interesting characters throughout
There is a deep sense of the danger of the sea for those who derive their livelihood from it and the uncertainty and opportunity thrust upon the community as the industry changes
Its a great story well told, perhaps my favourite read this month so far
Award winning author Lucy Caldwell visits Chapters!
Pre-order Lucy’s new book Devotions, and have it personally signed
In place of our usual book club in February we had a visit from the author of our book club choice These Days, Lucy Caldwell.
Laura chatted to Lucy about the book and opened the discussion to lots of interesting questions from book club members. Then, as well as reading from These Days, Lucy gave us a preview reading from her forthcoming collection Devotions, and promised to return to pre-sign those pre-ordered from Chapters.
Signed copies of Lucy’s existing novels and short story collections are available now in Chapters.
Did you know? We have an online Bookstore!
Check it out here: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/chaptersofsturry
There are literally thousands of books available to order but we have also highlighted a number of books we recommend, including all those mentioned above - check them out here.
