A year in books with Chronicle Book Club
Join us as we take a look at the novels we've read this year.
As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome in 2025, it feels like the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the literary journey we’ve shared this year at Chronicle Book Club. Can you believe it’s been nearly a year? What began as a spontaneous idea last February - dreamed up from my sofa while watching Bridgerton - has blossomed into something truly special. Thank you for being part of this adventure!
Sharing my love for reading with all of you has been truly special. From designing our newsletters to crafting monthly read-along themes, each step has been a labor of love. It’s been a joy to create this cosy space for us book lovers!
Together, we’ve wandered through worlds shaped by writers from across the globe, from the poetic landscapes of Japanese fiction to the dark and macabre Persian classics. My hope is that, through these books, you’ve been swept away - across continents, through the ages, and into realms both familiar and fantastical.
The magic of reading lies in its transformative power: to slip into another’s shoes, to see through their eyes, to walk their path. For a little while, we escape the ordinary and embark on armchair adventures from the comfort of our favourite reading nooks. We’ve battled dragons, traveled through time, unraveled labyrinthine mysteries, and discovered hidden bookshops in rainy Dublin. Each page has been a passport to a new and wondrous experience.
This year’s reading list has been a delight! Together, we’ve explored gentle slice-of-life tales, introspective fantasy, mythological retellings, and even murder mysteries set in ancient Japan. And yes, we even indulged in some spicy romantasy along the way!
Over the course of the year we’ve read 12 books and turned 3,337 pages together. Thank you for choosing to spend your time with me and our wonderful community of readers. I hope you’ve discovered a book that has stayed with you, sparked your imagination, or simply brought you joy. If nothing else, I hope our shared reads have added a little magic to your year.
Take a moment to revisit the novels we’ve read together this year, along with my personal reviews. If you’d like to join Chronicle Book Club, message me on Instagram or email me at hiya@chroniclebookclub.com. Our monthly online meetups await - here’s to more adventures in 2025!
Hanni x
Piranesi By Susanna Clarke
February 2024 - Theme: Award Winning Fiction
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is a breathtakingly unique masterpiece that blurs the boundaries between fantasy, mystery, and philosophy. The titular character lives in a labyrinthine House filled with endless halls, statues, and the surging tides of a mysterious sea. Clarke's prose is luminous and lyrical, drawing readers into a world both wondrous and haunting.
As Piranesi uncovers the secrets of the House - and his own past - the narrative unfolds with a sense of discovery and quiet awe. This is a novel that rewards patience, reflection, and an appreciation for the strange beauty of its setting. Both profoundly intimate and epic in scope, Piranesi is a meditation on solitude, memory, and the nature of reality. Exploring themes of identity, solitude, the pursuit of knowledge, and the beauty of an enigmatic world.
It is a story of discovery and transformation - a personal must-read!
Read-a-long with us and purchase Piranesi By Susanna Clarke here.
Welcome To The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop By Hwang Bo-Reum
March 2024 - Theme: Slice of Life
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is a charming, heartfelt story about finding solace and connection through books and community. The novel follows the protagonist, a young woman named Yeongju, as she moves to a quiet neighbourhood to escape the pressures of her fast-paced life in Seoul. There, she opens a quaint bookshop and over time, she finds healing, friendship, and a renewed sense of purpose.
While the book shines in its tender portrayal of self-discovery and its evocative descriptions of the bookshop's cosy atmosphere, the pacing feels uneven at times. Some sections drag with overly introspective moments, and the supporting characters, though endearing, lack the depth to make them truly memorable.
Still, the novel’s gentle tone and relatable themes of burnout and rediscovery make it a pleasant read for fans of quiet, character-driven stories. It’s not groundbreaking, but it has a soothing charm that will resonate with readers seeking comfort and a sense of belonging.
Read-a-long with us and purchase Welcome To The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop By Hwang Bo-Reum here.
Atalanta By Jennifer Saint
April 2024 - Theme: Mythical Retellings
Atalanta by Jennifer Saint is a dazzling reimagining of Greek mythology, bringing the legendary heroine to life with grace, power, and depth. Saint masterfully weaves Atalanta’s story, from her abandonment as an infant to her rise as a fierce warrior among the Argonauts, capturing her unyielding spirit and her struggle to forge her own path in a world dominated by men and gods.
The prose is lush and poetic, painting vivid scenes of ancient Greece while delving into Atalanta’s inner world - her yearning for freedom, her complex relationships, and her desire to define her destiny. Saint doesn’t shy away from the challenges Atalanta faces, highlighting themes of identity, independence, and the sacrifices required to stay true to oneself.
This is a triumphant tale of bravery and defiance, breathing new life into one of mythology’s most fascinating figures. For fans of feminist retellings like Circe and Ariadne, Atalanta is a must-read - a poignant and inspiring epic that will linger in your mind long after the final page.
Read-a-long with us and purchase Atalanta By Jennifer Saint here.
Convenience Store Woman By Sayaka Murata
May 2024 - Theme: Japanese Fiction
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata is a sharp, quirky, and thought-provoking novel that examines societal norms and the pressures of conformity through the eyes of an unforgettable protagonist. Keiko Furukura is a 36-year-old woman who has spent her adult life working at a convenience store, finding solace in its structured routines and clear expectations. However, her unconventional lifestyle draws criticism from those around her, leading her to question her place in the world.
Murata’s writing is crisp and understated, capturing Keiko’s unique perspective with humour and poignancy. The novel is a compelling exploration of what it means to live authentically versus adhering to societal expectations. Keiko’s unapologetic embrace of her life is both relatable and deeply inspiring.
While the book’s brevity enhances its sharpness, some readers might find the secondary characters less developed, and the story’s resolution leaves certain questions lingering. Still, Convenience Store Woman is a refreshing and quietly radical tale, perfect for readers who enjoy stories that challenge conventional ideas of happiness and success.
Read-a-long with us and purchase Connivence Store Woman By Sayaka Murata here.
The Lost Bookshop By Evie Woods
June 2024 - Theme: Magical Realism
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a charming and whimsical story about the magic of books and the connections they create. Set between past and present, the novel follows a three characters and a duel timeline: one that centers on a mysterious, forgotten bookshop and its secrets, while the other traces the contemporary characters journeys to uncover the story behind the lost bookshop and find themselves in the process.
The premise is enchanting, and Woods excels at evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia for book lovers. The descriptions of the shop and its treasures are vivid and transportive, making the setting the true highlight of the novel. However, the plot can feel predictable at times, with emotional beats that don't always land as deeply as intended. The dual timelines, while intriguing, occasionally feel uneven, with one story line overshadowing the other.
Despite its flaws, The Lost Bookshop is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of stories and community. While it doesn’t fully reach its potential, it’s a pleasant read for those who enjoy light, cosy novels with a touch of mystery and magic.
Read-a-long with us and purchase The Lost Bookshop By Evie Woods here.
The Lady And The Orc By Finley Fenn
July 2024 - Theme: Red, Hot, Spicy Summer
The Lady and the Orc by Finley Fenn is a bold attempt at blending romance and fantasy, but it struggles to deliver a satisfying experience - for me at least. The story follows a human woman and an orc as they navigate a forbidden romance in a world of war and tension between their species. While the premise is intriguing and offers potential for an unconventional love story, the execution falls flat.
The characters lack depth, with their motivations and development feeling rushed or inconsistent. The romance, which should have been the heart of the story, leans heavily on tropes and often feels more forced than genuine. The world-building, while imaginative, is under-explored, leaving the setting feeling incomplete and underwhelming.
For readers who enjoy steamy, high-stakes fantasy romance, this book might hold some appeal, but its lack of nuance and emotional resonance makes it hard to fully invest in the characters or their journey. Unfortunately, The Lady and the Orc falls short of its potential, making it a forgettable read in an otherwise promising sub genre.
Read-a-long with us and purchase The Lady And The Orc By Finley Fenn here.
The Magic Toyshop By Angela Carter
July 2024 - Theme: Red, Hot, Spicy Summer
The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter is a dark, lyrical, and unsettling tale that combines Gothic elements with a coming-of-age story. It follows Melanie, a teenage girl who is thrust into a strange and oppressive new life after her parents’ sudden deaths. Forced to live with her tyrannical uncle Philip, a toymaker, and his eccentric household, Melanie begins to uncover the complexities of adulthood, desire, and power.
Carter’s prose is exquisite - lush, vivid, and deeply symbolic, creating a dreamlike yet claustrophobic atmosphere. The toyshop itself becomes a character, a haunting and grotesque symbol of control and suppressed emotion. Melanie’s journey is both captivating and unnerving, as Carter expertly explores themes of gender, innocence, and the constraints of societal expectations.
While the novel’s rich imagery and allegorical depth make it a literary gem, some readers might find the pacing uneven or the characters difficult to connect with on an emotional level. Nevertheless, The Magic Toyshop is a brilliant, thought-provoking work, a must-read for fans of Gothic fiction and feminist literature.
Read-a-long with us and purchase The Magic Toyshop By Angela Carter here.
Sea Of Tranquility By Emily St. John Mandel
August 2024 - Theme: Literary Expeditions
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel is an ambitious novel that blends time travel, speculative fiction, and philosophical musings on existence. While the premise holds promise, the execution feels disjointed and underwhelming. The story weaves together multiple timelines and characters, including a 22nd-century author on a book tour, a time traveler investigating a cosmic anomaly, and a young man in 1912 experiencing something inexplicable in the Canadian wilderness.
Mandel’s prose is elegant and introspective, as always, but the novel lacks the emotional depth and narrative cohesion of her previous works like Station Eleven. The characters feel distant, and their arcs are often overshadowed by the novel’s conceptual ambitions. While the themes of isolation and interconnectedness are intriguing, they are not fully explored, leaving the story feeling incomplete.
For fans of Mandel’s writing, Sea of Tranquility may still hold some appeal, but it ultimately falls short of its potential. It’s an interesting experiment in structure and ideas, but it doesn’t quite deliver the immersive or impactful experience one might hope for. The novel feels very much a product of covid and it’s a skip from me.
Read-a-long with us and purchase Sea Of Tranquility By Emily St. John Mandel here.
Gold Mask By Edogawa Rampo
September 2024 - Theme: Murder Most Mysterious
Gold Mask by Edogawa Rampo is a classic Japanese mystery that blends intrigue, suspense, and a touch of the macabre. The story features the brilliant detective Akechi Kogoro as he faces off against the enigmatic and flamboyant criminal - Gold Mask - who commits a string of audacious crimes. With its blend of elaborate schemes, disguises, and psychological tension, the novel is a fascinating entry in Rampo’s oeuvre.
The novel shines in its imaginative scenarios and vivid descriptions, capturing the theatrical flair of the era's pulp mysteries. Rampo’s ability to craft twists and turns keeps the reader engaged, and Akechi’s cat-and-mouse game with Gold Mask is compelling - if not a little Scooby Doo.
However, the book feels dated in certain aspects, particularly in its pacing and character development. The narrative relies heavily on coincidence and implausible deductions, which may strain modern readers’ suspension of disbelief. The characters, including Gold Mask himself, sometimes come across as more archetypal than fully realised.
Overall, Gold Mask is an enjoyable read for fans of vintage mysteries and those interested in exploring the roots of Japanese crime fiction. While it may not resonate as strongly with contemporary audiences, its ingenuity and charm make it worth a read.
Read-a-long with us and purchase Gold Mask By Edogawa Rampo here.
Strange Weather In Tokyo & Parade By Hiromi Kawakami
October 2024 - Theme: All Hallows Eve
Strange Weather in Tokyo and Parade by Hiromi Kawakami are two captivating, beautifully written novels that offer intimate and reflective glimpses into human connection, loneliness, and the intricacies of everyday life. Both books showcase Kawakami’s remarkable talent for crafting quiet, poignant stories that linger in the heart.
Strange Weather in Tokyo is a tender, unconventional romance between Tsukiko, a solitary woman in her thirties, and her former teacher, Mr. Harutsuna also known as Sensei. The story unfolds with a slow, deliberate rhythm, capturing the nuances of their developing relationship. Kawakami’s prose is understated yet emotionally resonant, evoking a gentle, almost dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors the subtleties of human emotions and the beauty of ordinary moments. The novel’s themes of age, love, and loneliness are explored with a delicate touch, creating a deeply affecting reading experience.
In Parade, Kawakami shifts to a more folklorish, fantastical narrative. Here Tsukiko recounts a story from her past involving two mischievous Tengu, a type of Japanese Yokai (monster). This dreamlike tale blends realism with magical elements creating a poetic novella that will enchant readers.
Both novels shine with Kawakami’s keen insight into the intricacies of human nature. Her writing is beautiful, poetic, and emotionally profound, drawing readers into a world where small, seemingly insignificant moments carry great weight.
Strange Weather in Tokyo and Parade are masterpieces of subtlety and nuance, offering rich, unforgettable experiences for anyone who appreciates introspective and deeply humane storytelling.
Read-a-long with us and purchase Strange Weather In Tokyo & Parade By Hiromi Kawakami here.
Blind Owl By Sadeq Hedayat
November 2024 - Translated Tales
Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat is a haunting, deeply psychological novel that explores themes of isolation, madness, and despair. Written in 1937, this Persian classic delves into the fragmented consciousness of its unnamed narrator, a man trapped in a spiral of self-loathing and existential dread. His descent into madness is depicted with a visceral intensity that is both disturbing and compelling.
Hedayat’s prose is dark and atmospheric, painting a vivid picture of a suffocating, nightmarish world where reality and hallucination blur. The narrator’s obsession with death, his sense of alienation, and his troubled relationships are conveyed with a stark, almost surreal quality, creating a deeply unsettling reading experience.
While the novel’s dark themes and philosophical musings are thought-provoking, Blind Owl can feel overwhelming and at times opaque, making it a challenging read for some. The structure is fragmented and nonlinear, reflecting the narrator’s disintegrating mental state, which may leave some readers feeling disoriented.
Nevertheless, Blind Owl is a powerful work that resonates long after reading. Its exploration of existential isolation and the human psyche is profound, and its dark, dreamlike atmosphere makes it a standout in modern literature. A must-read for those who appreciate psychologically complex, introspective narratives, though not for the faint of heart.
Read-a-long with us and purchase Blind Owl By Sadeq Hedayat here.
Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales For Frosty Nights
December 2024 - Theme: Festive frolics
Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights is a delightful collection of eerie, atmospheric stories perfect for cosying up with on a chilly evening. The anthology brings together a range of ghostly tales, blending classic supernatural elements with unique twists that evoke the magic and mystery of winter nights.
Each story is rich with atmosphere, from hauntingly desolate landscapes to the chilling, almost tactile presence of the spirits within. The authors’ ability to build suspense and create tension through vivid descriptions and unsettling events makes each tale a page-turner. The winter setting adds an extra layer of isolation and eerie beauty, with snow-covered forests, frosty windows, and the long, dark nights amplifying the supernatural encounters.
Though most of the stories are engrossing and well-crafted, a few feel a bit predictable, relying on familiar ghost story tropes without offering much new. Nevertheless, the collection as a whole is enjoyable, and it’s easy to get swept away by its chilling yet captivating atmosphere.
Winter Spirits is an ideal read for fans of spooky stories with a wintry backdrop, offering both the warmth of nostalgia and the thrill of a good scare. A perfect companion for those who love their ghostly tales with a touch of winter magic.
Read-a-long with us and purchase Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales For Frosty Nights here.
