“Viper Wine”
by Hermione Eyre
It’s 17th-century London with a twist of the 21st century in Eyre’s postmodern tale about beauty and aging. The ladies of the city are desperate for something to stop the aging process, so when an apothecary offers “viper wine,” they give it a try — and the results are beautiful and addictive. Soon the whole court is engaging in the magical tonic, with disastrous consequences. Eyre takes history and turns it on its head with her own dashes of the modern era. More historical fiction should be this fun. Also, I think Hermione Eyre wins the Most Literary Name Ever prize.
“The Turner House”
by Angela Flournoy
In this wonderful family saga, we meet the Turners: Francis and Viola and their 13 children. The family started their modest lives in a big house in the east side of Detroit. Now, 50 years later, with Francis gone and Viola unable to care for herself, the children return to the home where they’ll confront ghosts — both literal and figurative — and decide the fate of their home, all while trying to keep their lives from going off the rails. “The Turner House” is a heartfelt story about aging, loss, and making peace with the past.
“Orhan’s Inheritance”
by Aline Ohanesian
Ohanesian’s own great-grandfather was the inspiration for her story about family secrets and sacrifice. When Orhan’s grandfather dies, he leaves his rug business to Orhan, but bequeaths his legacy and estate to an elderly stranger in a Los Angeles retirement home. Orhan travels to meet the woman and discover her secret tie to his grandfather. What he learns could irreparably alter his future. A mystery, a love story, and a tale of the horrors of war, “Orhan’s Inheritence” is a remarkable debut.
“The Dead Lands”
by Benjamin Percy
It’s the not-so-distant future and a super flu has wiped out much of the country. Surviving citizens hole up in what becomes the Sanctuary, a walled-in city not much better than a slum — except for the few in power. Tired of the horrible conditions and oppressive rule, a band of citizens form a rebellious group. Their plan? To escape the Sanctuary and prove that rumors of civilization beyond the walls are true. Led by Lewis and Clark — yes, Lewis and Clark — they head out into the great unknown as tensions in the city build. Everything Percy writes is great fun, and post-apocalyptic novels will never get old if they continue to be as fantastic as this one.
“I Refuse”
by Per Petterson
I started this novel without reading a single description — just knowing it was the new Petterson was all I needed. He’s the author of many wonderful books, including “Out Stealing Horses.” And, oh, it’s so lovely! It’s the story of two childhood friends reunited after decades apart, and the events that led up to their break. “I Refuse” reads like a favorite tale, as if you’ve known Jim and Tommy your whole life. Watching them grow up is beautiful and heart wrenching.