A new month brings with it a whole host of new books ready to be devoured, and February 2023 most certainly won’t disappoint. From the latest work by Me Before You author Jojo Moyes to political non-fiction from US senator Bernie Sanders, there is much to look forward to in the literary world this month. Here are 10 of the best books to read this February.
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
From the acclaimed author of international bestseller Me Before You (you likely saw the 2016 film starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin) comes a new witty and uplifting novel exploring the fragility of life. Released on 2 February, the novel follows Nisha and Sam, two women who meet at the gym and accidentally swap shoes. Moyes takes the paradigm ‘walking in someone else’s shoes’ quite literally, basing her central plot on how this seemingly innocuous event changes the women’s perspective on life. The result? A funny, heartwarming story reflecting the unpredictable nature of human existence and how anything can change for anyone at any moment.
What Napoleon Could Not Do by DK Nnuro
This gripping novel explores the diversity of the Black experience in America. Growing up in Ghana, siblings Jacob and Belinda couldn’t wait to discover the bright lights of Virginia but once their dream is realised, things aren’t quite what they had hoped. When Belinda marries Black native Texan Wilder, she sees first-hand just how deeply racism affects the African-American community. Published on 7 February, this insightful read depicts each character’s struggle to cope with the promise and disappointments their new lives brings, and how they can learn from it.
Free Love by Tessa Hadley
Tessa Hadley — bestselling author of The Past and Late In The Day — focuses on one woman’s sexual awakening in 1960s London in her new novel, Free Love. The plot follows Phyllis, the perfect dutiful homemaker whose life’s work is tending to her husband and two children. One evening, an unexpected romantic encounter leads Phyllis to turn away from everything she’s ever known and pushes her to make a choice which defies society’s expectations of a wife and mother. This daring exploration of romance and desire makes for a raw, honest and powerful account of finding liberation at all costs. Publishing on 9 February, we can’t wait to get our hands on this book.
Victory City by Salman Rushdie
From the author of The Satanic Verses comes a new, spell-binding book honing in on 14th-century India. After witnessing the death of her mother, a grief-stricken nine-year-old girl becomes a vessel for the goddess Parvati, who begins to speak out of the girl’s mouth. Granting her powers beyond comprehension, the goddess tells her that she will be instrumental in the rise of a great city called Bisnaga – literally ‘victory city’. Out on 9 February, this highly-anticipated new novel from the Booker Prize-winning, internationally bestselling author Salman Rushdie will be one you can’t put down.
Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Craft
An excellent debut thriller, Koller Craft’s story focuses on an ambitious woman who, after a lifetime as a con artist, wishes to put her dark past behind her and marry the heir to one of the country’s wealthiest families. After years living under her mother’s rule and learning the art of swindling men, protagonist Bea finally meets the man of her dreams but finds it hard to convince his family that she is actually a do-gooder. With everything on the line, Bea must finally decide who she really wants to be: her mother or her own person. Out 16 February.
It’s OK To Be Angry About Capitalism by Bernie Sanders
American senator Bernie Sanders calls for fundamental political change in his new book, which explores the social and economic turbulence of America over the past few years. Asking big questions surrounding democracy and human rights, Sanders’ powerful vision, published on 21 February, examines what life would look like if a political revolution took place.
Arch-Conspirator by Veronica Roth
On shelves on 21 February, this book for fantasy fans sees Divergent author Veronica Roth return with a sci-fi-inspired retelling of the Greek tragedy Antigone, filled with doom, heartbreak and courage. When orphan Antigone finds herself captive in her Uncle Kreon’s gilded mansion, she does everything in her power to escape and reclaim the throne that’s been stolen from her.
The Confidante by Christopher C Graham
Published on 23 February, The Confidante is the first biography of Anna Marie Rosenberg, a Hungarian Jewish immigrant who went on to become one of the most important women in the American government during the 1960s. It follows Rosenberg through her high school education, becoming friends with Eleanor Roosevelt, running for governor of New York and becoming assistant secretary of defence — the highest position ever held by a woman in the US military. From her work on racial integration to national healthcare, this celebratory story is a must-read for history buffs and feminists alike.
I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai
This unique mystery follows protagonist Bodie Kane, who returns to the New Hampshire boarding school where her classmate, Thalia Keith, was murdered nearly 30 years ago. Although someone was charged with the murder, Kane can’t seem to move on and goes back unexpectedly to try and unearth more details about what happened. But should she just let sleeping dogs lie? Out 23 February.
The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
The highlight of Lily Greene’s day is sitting down to correspond with her favorite fantasy author — until he ghosts her. Fast forward a few months and Lily is on a mission to find a date to her sister’s wedding. The perfect person to help her? Nick Brown, her attractive new neighbour. Little does she know that Nick is the author who let her down. If you’re a fan of romance fiction, The Neighbour Favor, publishing on 28 February, is one for you.
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