Top Summer Reads: A Curated Book List for Your Vacation

Introduction

When you need a break from the world around you, a good book always comes to the rescue. Maria Stolyarova has curated a list of books worth your attention this summer, specially for the readers of “City of Women”.

Reflect on the Important: “The Things We Cannot Say” by Kelly Rimmer

“The Things We Cannot Say” is a touching novel by Kelly Rimmer, exploring family secrets and past events. The story unfolds in two timelines: Nazi-occupied Poland in 1942 and contemporary America.

Alice, the main character in the American storyline, visits her grandmother in the hospital. After a series of strokes, her grandmother can barely speak and uses an app designed for children with autism to communicate. She asks Alice to go to Poland, her homeland, but for what purpose? Alice will only find out by embarking on this journey.

We highly recommend this book. You will love it!

Unveil the Mystery: “The Marriage Portrait” by Maggie O’Farrell

“The Marriage Portrait” is a historical novel by Maggie O’Farrell, telling the story of Lucrezia Medici, whose life was a brief, bright flash. Tragedy and mystery surround her fate. What really happened to the young wife of Alfonso II d’Este, Duke of Ferrara? Initially, his bride was supposed to be Lucrezia’s elder sister, Maria Medici. But she dies on the eve of the wedding, and the Duke asks for the younger daughter’s hand.

The portrait of Lucrezia Medici, painted in 1560 by Agnolo Bronzino, is the only visual reminder of this woman. Both the portrait and the fate of its heroine continue to inspire writers and artists.

Get Energized: “Violetta” by Isabel Allende

“Violetta” is a new novel by the renowned Chilean writer Isabel Allende, author of “The House of the Spirits”, “Eva Luna”, and “The Japanese Lover”. This dynamic, passionate, and vibrant story spans a century, following the life of Violetta, who witnessed all the major historical events in 20th century Chile. Her own life was no less exciting and often incredibly eventful. A destiny full of sharp turns! If you want a boost of energy, you will definitely enjoy this book.

Forget Everything: “The Susan Effect” by Peter Høeg

“The Susan Effect” is a recent novel by Danish writer Peter Høeg, whose characters often possess special abilities. This time, Høeg presents the story of a woman from whom no one can hide anything. Her ability to make people open up reveals their strangest intentions. It’s darkly Scandinavian but captivating.

Reflect on the Role of Women: “The Penelopiad” by Margaret Atwood

“The Penelopiad” is a retelling of the myth of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, by the acclaimed dystopian author Margaret Atwood, known for “The Handmaid’s Tale”. It’s a new take on an old story, a literary experiment, and a feminist reinterpretation of the myth told by Homer. For thousands of years, we have only known the male perspective on this ambiguous situation, with Penelope waiting for Odysseus for twenty years after the Trojan War and the endless suitors vying for her hand. What was life like for Penelope during all those years? Atwood offers her version of events in Ithaca.

Witness the Strength of Women: “The Wolf Den” by Elodie Harper

“The Wolf Den” is another attempt to give voice to women from distant patriarchal times. Elodie Harper’s novel tells the story of the “she-wolves,” women from a brothel. The lupanar in Pompeii is a well-known place where girls from different countries end up, stolen from their families by raiders. There are Doric girls, wild northerners, and local Pompeian beauties from poor families.

All of them are servants of Venus against their will, and their lives are not easy. To survive in this harsh place, they need not only beauty and compliance but also intelligence and a heart of stone. The main character, Amara, is ready to seize any opportunity to change her life.

Remember Forgotten Dreams: “The Tea Rose” by Jennifer Donnelly

“The Tea Rose” is a large and quite beautiful novel by Jennifer Donnelly about life not being a bed of roses, but with hard work and relentless dreaming, anything is possible. Young Fiona, beautiful and poor, works at a tea factory in South London. It’s the 19th century, and the technical revolution is changing people’s lives. Everyone around her is bustling and striving for a better life.

Fiona is in love and happy, dreaming of marrying Joe, saving money, and opening her own tea shop. But life has other plans: Joe has to move for work, they break up, and soon misfortune strikes Fiona’s parents. She decides to try her luck in New York. With seven hundred pages, this book will keep you engrossed throughout your vacation.

Reunite with an Old Friend: “The Diamond Chariot” by Boris Akunin

“The Diamond Chariot” is an unexpected but long-awaited novel about the famous detective Erast Fandorin and his servant Masa. Unexpected because Boris Akunin had concluded the series of novels about Fandorin, but this year he wrote another one, much to the delight of his readers. It’s like meeting an old dear friend twenty years later: everything is familiar, yet the story is entirely new.

This time, Masa takes on the role of Dr. Watson and starts writing his memoirs. He recalls an adventure that began on the first day of the new century, in 1900, where Erast Petrovich Fandorin, as always, brilliantly deals with all the villains and secret clans.

Find Hope: “Our Missing Hearts” by Celeste Ng

“Our Missing Hearts” is Celeste Ng’s third novel in Russian and the first to delicately and honestly explore the theme of regaining self-awareness in a totalitarian society. Banned poets, destroyed archives, life under surveillance, a world entirely reshaped by uniform patterns.

Twelve-year-old Bird lives with his father, who works in a library. He knows he must not ask questions, stand out, or go far from home. It’s always better to stay silent, as the new laws allow authorities to take children from opposition-minded parents.

Many books are banned, including a book of poems by Bird’s mother. When he was nine, his mother disappeared. But one day, Bird receives a surprising letter that sets him on a quest for answers. This novel is about great maternal love and hope, about how love always finds its way into the heart.

Get Inspired: “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus

“Lessons in Chemistry” is Amazon’s best novel, a bestseller, and the impressive debut of writer Bonnie Garmus. A film adaptation is already in the works, so read the book before the movie comes out, because the book is always better, and this one is definitely worth your time.

This inspiring story is about a female scientist who must navigate the world of chemistry through favoritism, chauvinism, and harassment. By a twist of fate, she becomes the host of a cooking show on television, a role she never imagined for herself. The show captures the hearts of millions of women, but her dream is to be a chemist, not a cook. What will she do next? Find out by reading this wonderful book.

Author: Maria Stolyarova

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