Lessons in Chemistry – Bonnie Garmus

Set in the early 1960s, this novel follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist whose career is derailed by prejudice and narrow expectations. When she unexpectedly becomes the host of a TV cooking show, she uses it to teach science, challenge norms, and inspire women. It’s witty, sharp, and full of heart.

The Monk of Mokha – Dave Eggers

This true story follows Mokhtar Alkhanshali, a young Yemeni-American who becomes determined to revive Yemen’s historic coffee industry. His mission takes him into war zones, across continents, and deep into his own heritage. A gripping blend of adventure, history, and personal resilience.

The Reader – Bernhard Schlink

A teenager’s brief, intense relationship with an older woman leaves a lasting mark, but years later he discovers her hiding a secret tied to the war. The story unfolds with restraint and emotional depth, exploring guilt, memory, and moral complexity in post-war Germany.

The Enchanted April – Elizabeth von Arnim

Four women, each worn down by their own circumstances, escape to an Italian castle for a month in spring. Surrounded by beauty, they rediscover joy, companionship, and a sense of self. A warm, gently humorous novel about renewal and transformation.

The Women – Kristin Hannah

Set during the Vietnam War, this novel follows Frankie McGrath, a young nurse who volunteers for service. Faced with the brutal realities of war and the challenges of returning home, she discovers courage, loyalty, and the power of female friendship. A moving exploration of the women too often left out of history.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry – Rachel Joyce

Harold Fry sets out to post a letter but keeps walking, convinced that reaching an old friend on foot will save her life. His journey becomes both physical and deeply emotional, uncovering regrets, hope, and unexpected kindness. A gentle, poignant story of ordinary lives and extraordinary choices.

Still Life – Sarah Winman

Spanning decades and cities, this novel brings together an unlikely group of characters whose lives intertwine in post-war Florence. It’s a celebration of art, love in all its forms, and the beauty of found family. Lyrical, warm, and full of vivid detail.

Moby Dick – Herman Melville

This classic sea tale follows Ishmael as he joins Captain Ahab’s whaling voyage in pursuit of the great white whale. Blending adventure, philosophy, and obsession, the story dives deep into human nature and the vastness of the natural world. A bold, enduring masterpiece.

Go as a River – Shelley Read

Set in rural Colorado in the 1940s, this novel follows Victoria Nash, a young woman whose life changes after a chance encounter with a stranger passing through town. As she faces loss, secrets, and the pull of the natural landscape, she discovers her own strength and capacity for renewal. A tender, beautifully written story about resilience and the courage to choose your own path.

A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini

Set in Afghanistan across several decades, this novel follows Mariam and Laila, two women brought together by hardship and circumstance. Their bond becomes a lifeline through conflict, loss, and change. A powerful, emotionally rich story of endurance, love, and hope.

Weyward – Emilia Hart

Told through the stories of three women across five centuries, this novel explores inherited strength, the natural world, and the legacy of oppression. Each woman fights to claim her own life, linked by a hidden family history. Atmospheric and empowering.

Angela’s Ashes – Frank McCourt

This memoir recounts McCourt’s impoverished childhood in Limerick, marked by hardship, humour, and resilience. Despite bleak circumstances, his voice is vivid and full of wit. A moving and unforgettable portrait of survival and identity.