Ann Patchett

Author of Tom Lake (Bloomsbury)

I will be discussing The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store (Orion), a novel that centers around the convergence of the Black and Jewish communities, set in a grocery store. This book showcases James McBride’s exceptional writing. The second recommendation is Absolution (Bloomsbury) by Alice McDermott, a remarkable work that surpasses all expectations. It is one of the most exceptional modern novels I have encountered, a true moral masterpiece. For the holidays, I would love to receive The Magician’s Elephant (Walker) by Kate DiCamillo, a captivating read for readers of all ages with its compelling storyline, beautiful prose, and elements of suspense and magic, all contained in a book that can be finished in under two hours.

Mary Beard

The individual who created Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient World (Profile)

I will present Zadie Smith’s The Fraud (Hamish Hamilton), which marks her successful venture into historical novels. The audio version, narrated by Smith herself with the appropriate accents, is exceptional. Additionally, I cannot resist recommending Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer, Rule Breaker (National Gallery of Ireland), edited by Aoife Brady. This book showcases the remarkable work of Fontana, a female artist from Bologna in the 16th century, and is based on an exhibition held in Dublin earlier this year. It offers a fresh perspective and is truly enlightening. Lastly, for Christmas, I would love to receive a paperback copy of Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. I have read most of them, but never in its entirety. The holiday season may provide the perfect opportunity to do so.

Clive Myrie

The person who wrote Everything Is Everything: A Memoir of Love, Hate & Hope, published by Hodder & Stoughton.

I was impressed by Paul Murray’s novel, The Bee Sting, which follows the story of a wealthy Irish family facing financial struggles. Their wealth may have masked the inner turmoil and prevented them from truly understanding their own world and the larger one they live in. The book is both humorous and poignant, with elements of the past and future haunting the characters. In Politics on the Edge: A Memoir from Within (Vintage), Rory Stewart takes readers on a wild ride through the confusing recent history of British politics, which is likely to resonate with people of all political beliefs. While exploring larger questions about democracy, the book also includes juicy gossip and entertaining anecdotes. Personally, I would love to receive a bound copy of the evidence from the ongoing Covid inquiry. Just like the bestselling Starr report on President Clinton’s conduct, including his affair with Monica Lewinsky, it seems that the Covid inquiry is also set to become a bestseller based on what we’ve already heard.

Mick Herron

The individual who wrote The Secret Hours published by John Murray Press.

Some books that I plan to give as gifts this year are The Letters of Seamus Heaney, which has been edited by Christopher Reid and recently released by “Fabers”. Heaney often referred to this publisher as “Fabers” and the warmth and generosity of his spirit shines through in this volume, making it a delightful read. I also have Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford (also published by Fabers) on my list to give as a gift. It’s a fantastic alternative world noir that is well-developed and satisfying. And if Santa has been listening, I hope to receive The Mirror and the Road: Conversations With William Boyd (Penguin, edited by Alistair Owen) in my own stocking.

Deborah Levy

The individual who wrote August Blue (published by Hamish Hamilton)

I will wrap copies of Wish I Was Here (Profile) by M John Harrison. This brilliant non-memoir is a depiction of a writer with a brilliant mind. Harrison explores the balance between living in the present and having a vivid imagination. A work of art. I will also be gifting The Plague (Fitzcarraldo Editions) by Jacqueline Rose. These insightful essays on death, war, and Simone Weil continue to resonate long after finishing the book. A noteworthy present to receive, Irenosen Okojie’s daring and captivating collection of stories Nudibranch (Dialogue) is a thrilling combination of social surrealism and technical skill.

Craig Brown

The writer of “One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time” published by 4th Estate.

Rory Stewart’s book “Politics on the Edge” is a somber depiction of the state of Britain’s government, controlled by sensationalist radio hosts, and a civil service that has given up all hope. However, the sharp characterization and dynamic nature of the author, who alternates between self-absorption and self-deprecation, bring the book to life. “Art Exposed” by museum curator Julian Spalding is a refreshing call to action against the dull conventions of modern art, featuring clever portrayals of interactions with notable figures such as the late queen and Sir Roy Strong. Recently, I discovered the poetry of AE Stallings, which I find delightful in its simplicity, playfulness, and depth. I would be delighted to receive her verse translation of Lucretius’s “The Nature of Things” (Penguin Classics) as a gift in my Christmas stocking.

Jacqueline Crooks

The creator of Fire Rush (Vintage)

Radical: A Life of My Own by Xiaolu Guo (Vintage) is a book I will be giving to several friends. More than a memoir, it is as much about the skilful exploration of language as it is about a woman stepping outside her world, taking risks in a new territory. How toSay Babylon (4th Estate) by Safiya Sinclair is another memoir that delivers on many levels. I love her use of patois and Rastafarian vernacular, which together create a strong sense of Jamaica, its people and its past. I would love to receive Cane, Corn & Gully (Out-Spoken) by Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa. Experimental, brave, exciting.

Bret Easton Ellis

The writer of The Shards published by Swift Press.

Of the new novels I came across this year, The Bee Sting by Paul Murray (Hamish Hamilton) was the most enjoyable. A sprawling, Franzen-esque saga about the Barnes family in Ireland recovering from the 2008 financial crisis, it’s an amazing piece of realist fiction, full-bodied, multi-narrative; a huge swing by Murray. On the opposite side of the spectrum was The Guest by Emma Cline (Chatto & Windus), an eerie, miniaturist character study about a few days in the life of a female grifter drifting through the Hamptons – the simple power and pull of the novel lies in its ambiguity, its refusal to try to explain Alex – that’s the point: you can’t. The Custom of the Country (Penguin Classics) is the paperback I’d choose to receive and keep – I don’t know why I’d never read this Edith Wharton masterpiece, but it was the most satisfying reading experience of the year and made me question whether she was the greatest American novelist of the 20th century.

Claire Kilroy

The creator of Soldier Sailor (Faber)

In Canongate’s “This Plague of Souls,” a man comes back to his deserted house after being in jail. His family is nowhere to be found. What sets this novel apart from others about men in their mid-life crisis is Mike McCormack’s exceptional talent for delving into the protagonist’s inner thoughts. Anne Enright’s “The Wren, the Wren” from Jonathan Cape is so well-written that I couldn’t resist reading it twice – each time feeling like I was reading a completely different story. This is because Enrightville’s moral beliefs are diverse, just like the real world we live in. “The Colony” by Audrey Magee, published by Faber, has received numerous recommendations and is now at the top of my holiday wishlist.

Jyoti Patel

The individual who wrote The Things That We Lost under the name Merky.

Wandering Souls (4th Estate) by Cecile Pin is the book I’ve recommended most this year, so I’ll definitely be wrapping up a copy or two this Christmas. It follows a family of nine fleeing war-torn Vietnam, with only three surviving the journey. Finding themselves in Thatcher’s Britain, they attempt to build new lives around their grief. It’s tenderly woven and so beautifully assured. I’ll also be giving Jonathan Escoffery’s If I Survive You (4th Estate). I adored this collection of short stories following a Jamaican family in Miami for its honesty and how its prose brims with warmth and heart. I’d love to receive a paperback of Brown Girls (4th Estate) by Daphne Palasi Andreades in my stocking. I fell in love with it for many reasons, not least for the masterful use of first-person plural, which results in a joyful, almost choral narrative voice.

Mark O’Connell

The writer of A Thread of Violence published by Granta.

David Grann’s captivating book, The Wager (published by Simon & Schuster), is a surefire holiday gift for any reader who appreciates a well-crafted tale. I have been a longtime admirer of Rachel Connolly’s writing and her first novel, Lazy City (published by Canongate), did not disappoint. And for those considering purchasing a book as a Christmas gift for me, I kindly request Jeremy Lewis’s biography, Cyril Connolly: A Life (published by Pimlico). A friend of mine has been enthusiastically sharing quotes from this 1997 book in our WhatsApp group chat, creating a highly effective viral marketing campaign.

Peter Frankopan

The Earth Transformed: An Untold History was written by the author and published by Bloomsbury.

My top choice for gifts is Frank McDonough’s book, The Weimar Years: Rise and Fall 1918-1933 (Bloomsbury). It provides a fascinating and unsettling account of the aftermath of World War I, characterized by economic struggles and false hope before Hitler’s rise to power. I was excited to see that Penguin Classics released a new translation of Christopher P Atwood’s The Secret History of the Mongols this year. It is an exceptional text and the edition is beautifully done, so I plan on gifting multiple copies. I always hope to receive Wisden in my Christmas stocking. However, I was fortunate to receive mine early as I was asked to give a speech at Lord’s for its launch in April. Therefore, this year’s copy holds a special significance for me.

Megan Nolan

The author of the book Ordinary Human Failings, published by Jonathan Cape, is unknown.

Last Christmas, I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis, published by Swift Press. It was the perfect book to indulge in during the sacred week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when I could finally relax without any demands on my time. This novel is a bold and thought-provoking masterpiece, showcasing both a return to form and a new level of brilliance for Easton Ellis. As a fan of gifting poetry books, I have given away Maggie Millner’s Couplets from Faber multiple times this year. This novel, written in verse, follows a woman as she leaves her long-term boyfriend for another woman and explores the new worlds that open up to her. It’s a hilariously sexy and relatable story. I am eagerly looking forward to receiving Marie Darrieussecq’s Sleepless from Fitzcarraldo, a book about insomnia that I am certain will captivate my imagination just as her surreal novel Pig Tales has for many years.

Kevin Jared Hosein

The writer of Hungry Ghosts (published by Bloomsbury)

One thing that brings me joy in my reading is the process of becoming familiar with something that was once unfamiliar. I would like to share my experience with two books. The first is The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa by Stephen Buoro, a tragicomic story about a Nigerian teenage boy who is infatuated with white women. Through his interactions with one of them, we are able to understand his strange obsession. My second recommendation is Shy by Max Porter, which follows a delinquent character and uses various forms and techniques to convey a sense of despair that is both unique and enjoyable to read. And for a thought-provoking read, I recommend My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, a book that cleverly disguises societal commentary within the genre of fiction.

Anne Enright

The writer of The Wren, the Wren (published by Jonathan Cape)

The Norton centenary edition of Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet is a beautifully designed hardcover containing an essential text, making it a wonderful gift for any aspiring writer. It could be complemented by two remarkable debut novels, Nicole Flattery’s Nothing Special (Bloomsbury) or Michael Magee’s Close to Home (Hamish Hamilton). Additionally, the most comforting book I read this year was Naomi Klein’s Doppelganger (Allen Lane), in which she shares her slightly paranoid fascination with Naomi Wolf, her “double” as a conspiracy theorist. Klein captures the feeling that our world has become like a work of fiction, yet she remains rational, engaging, and politically astute throughout. In challenging times, this is truly empowering. Lastly, for a paperback book to add to my collection, there is one that I truly desire – How to Read in Your Sleep: The Ultimate Guide to Tackling Your Bookshelf.

Blake Morrison

The writer of the novel Two Sisters, published by Borough Press.

A decade after his passing, it is heartening to once again hear the words of the esteemed poet in The Letters of Seamus Heaney (Faber). Edited by Christopher Reid, it is a superbly crafted compilation and makes for a perfect gift. The letters were written hastily in airports or on airplanes as he traveled the world, showcasing his dutiful and generous nature, as well as his exceptional ability to form friendships without any blemishes. Additionally, Patrick Barkham’s The Swimmer: The Wild Life of Roger Deakin (Hamish Hamilton) is a biographical work that stands out for its creativity. It combines Deakin’s own writings with recollections from friends and improvisations to honor a remarkable and unexpected life. As a small addition to a gift, Jane Feaver’s Crazy (Corsair) is one of the most outstanding novels I have read in years. It is obsessive, intimate, and incredibly humorous.

Don Paterson

The writer of Toy Fights: A Boyhood (Faber) is unknown.

The book NB by JC (Carcanet) is a compilation of James Campbell’s candid, chatty, insightful, and hilariously witty columns from the TLS. It serves as a reminder of how enjoyable it would be to have book discussions without the influence of social media. It would make a wonderful gift. Another book I highly recommend is Kate Molleson’s Sound Within Sound (Faber). It offers a captivating and vivid account of “outsider” composers in the 20th century, many of whom were overlooked due to their intense and eccentric artistic visions or marginalized by patriarchal systems, like Ruth Crawford Seeger, Peggy’s mother. If Santa happens to be listening, I would love to receive Louise Glück’s Poems: 1962-2020 (Penguin Classics). This hefty volume would fill the gaps in my reading of one of the most essential poetic voices of the past half-century. If it doesn’t fit, I would gladly accept Fiona Hill’s memoir, There Is Nothing for You Here (Mariner), written by the accomplished Fiona Hill.

Yiyun Li

The writer of the book Wednesday’s Child, published by 4th Estate.

The two hardcover books I would purchase as gifts for my friends are The Wren, the Wren by Anne Enright (published by Jonathan Cape) and Take What You Need by Idra Novey (published by Daunt). These two novels feature strong and daring female characters and explore the complexities of family dynamics and boundaries. As for my own Christmas wishlist, I am hoping for Mantel Pieces by Hilary Mantel (published by HarperCollins), which I initially planned to read after finishing all of her fiction but I am now nearing that goal.

Richard Ford

The person who wrote “Be Mine” from Bloomsbury

I will be providing copies of Playhouse by Richard Bausch, published by Knopf. This novel is expansive and allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. Bausch is known for his realism and impeccable writing skills, making Playhouse a compelling read with vibrant characters, thought-provoking themes, and clever humor throughout. Another book worth mentioning is The Lock-Up by John Banville, published by Faber. This Booker prize winner delivers a captivating story with two seasoned police officers, a murdered professor from Trinity College, and settings ranging from the war-torn Bavarian Alps to the secretive streets of 1950s Dublin. It’s the perfect book to curl up with on a chilly winter evening. Lastly, I would love to receive The Moviegoer by Walker Percy in my stocking this year. This 1961 masterpiece won the American National Book Award and stands out among other great works such as Catch-22 and Revolutionary Road. Set in New Orleans during carnival season, it cleverly and humorously captures the decline of the southern white elite, breaking away from the traditional portrayal by Faulkner.

Monica Heisey

The writer of the book Really Good, Actually (published by 4th Estate).

I have already purchased multiple copies of Dolly Alderton’s Good Material (Fig Tree) for my loved ones, and I plan to continue this trend throughout the holiday season. It is the perfect combination of easy to read, humorous, and insightful. Short stories are a wonderful gift for the holidays – they are the ideal reading material during the relaxed time between Christmas and New Year’s, when most people are not doing much but their attention is divided between leftovers, television, and making vague plans for the upcoming year. For this reason and many others, Tessa Hadley’s After the Funeral (Jonathan Cape) would make an excellent gift. As for myself, I would greatly appreciate receiving a worn, vintage edition of a book I already adore – perhaps Lorrie Moore’s Birds of America (Faber) or Toni Morrison’s Beloved (Vintage Classics) with a beautiful vintage cover.

Tania Branigan

The writer of Red Memory: Living, Remembering and Forgetting China’s Cultural Revolution (Faber) is the author.

I will be gifting Shy by Max Porter, a captivating read that can be challenging at times for all the right reasons. It left me with a mix of hope and fear for the protagonist, a vulnerable boy in a dangerous situation. For a friend who typically does not enjoy fiction, I recommend All That She Carried by Tiya Miles. Despite its focus on the atrocities of slavery, the book is also filled with resilience and love, showcasing the deep bond between an enslaved mother and her stolen daughter. Lastly, I am eagerly anticipating the release of Half a Lifelong Romance by Eileen Chang, published by Penguin Modern Classics.

Michael Magee

and

The writer of Close to Home (published by Hamish Hamilton)

Anne Enright’s “The Wren, the Wren” from Jonathan Cape is one of my top reads of the year. It delves into themes of womanhood, youth, and the complex relationship between a mother and daughter as they navigate life’s ups and downs. Jamel Brinkley’s “Witness” from 4th Estate also left a strong impression on me with its beautifully written sentences and thought-provoking stories. I can’t seem to get them out of my head. For Christmas, I would love to receive Ghassan Kanafani’s “Men in the Sun and Other Palestinian Stories” from Lynne Rienner. Though I have read some of the stories online, I am eager to have a physical copy in my hands.

Colin Grant

The writer of the book “I’m Black So You Don’t Have to Be” (published by Vintage)

Emily Wilson’s translation of The Iliad by WW Norton & Co and Nicholas Rankin’s book Trapped in History by Faber both demonstrate the dedication of writers to break us free from our passive connection with the past. Wilson’s graceful rendition of Homer’s tragic epic enriches our comprehension of this powerful tale of love and death. Meanwhile, Rankin fearlessly delves into the haunting history of Britain’s suppression of the 1950s Mau Mau rebellion. In Yomi Sode’s Manorism, published by Penguin, the poet presents a poignant and innovative collection that tackles themes of parenthood, childhood, and the transformative nature of language. Despite being a paperback, this collection is far from lightweight and serves as a poignant reflection on these topics.

Paul Harding

The person responsible for writing This Other Eden, which was published by Hutchinson Heinemann.

Innards (Atlantic) is the debut work of Magogodi oaMphela Makhene, filled with impressive and awe-inspiring stories that seem to have been delivered by lightning from Soweto. In terms of vision, range, depth, and voice, I cannot think of another collection that has had such a profound impact on me, story after story, all the way through. By the end, your eyebrows will be singed and smoke will be coming out of your ears.

I often come across Ayana Mathis and we have commiserated over the past decade about how slowly and painstakingly our writing seems to progress. Now, her new novel, The Unsettled (Hutchinson Heinemann), is available to the world – already published in the US and coming out in the UK next spring. I would have gladly waited 20 years for a book as rich, deep, and spirited as this one.

I would love to receive a paperback copy of John Cheever’s Collected Stories (Vintage Classics) in my holiday stocking, replacing the one I received for Christmas years ago. While many of Cheever’s peers have become outdated, I am still haunted and thrilled by the best pieces in this book.

Nathan Thrall

The writer of A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: A Palestine Story (published by Allen Lane)

It is crucial to gain insight into the experiences of Palestinians, which are portrayed with emotion and elegance in Isabella Hammad’s novel Enter Ghost (Jonathan Cape). I will be pairing it with a remarkable compilation of political essays by insightful literary journalist Adam Shatz, who takes us on a journey from Palestine to Paris in Writers and Missionaries: Essays on the Radical Imagination (Verso). As I completed writing A Day in the Life of Abed Salama, a dear friend inquired if I had read Russell Banks’s The Sweet Hereafter, another book about a school bus accident. Although I had not, I now consider Banks to be one of my favorite authors. It would bring me great joy to receive any of his books as a gift. What a tragedy that he passed away earlier this year.

Yomi Adegoke

The List (4th Estate) was written by the author.

I will be gifting individuals with copies of The Black British Quiz Book, written by Sanae Elmed and Shay Loko from Prtyhere, published by HarperCollins. This book puts a unique twist on the traditional quiz game by testing general knowledge on various topics such as food, history, music, and even lesser-known trivia from Black Twitter. It also contains interesting facts for those who are eager to learn something new. Another great gift option is The Pepperpot Diaries, written by Andi Oliver, published by Dorling Kindersley. While I am not known for my cooking abilities, I did attempt her shrimp curry and syrup-drenched chicken wings recipes (with some assistance, thankfully) and they were delicious. I admire Andi Oliver and aspire to be like her one day. If I were to receive a paperback in my stocking, my top choice would be Boy Parts by Eliza Clark, published by Faber. This book was recently adapted for the stage at the Soho theatre and I am drawn to stories with flawed and challenging characters. I have been warned that the protagonist in this book is quite difficult, making it a perfect fit for my reading preferences.

Ian Penman

The creator of Fassbinder: Thousands of Mirrors (Fitzcarraldo) is unknown.

Roger Lewis is the author of two biographies that I particularly enjoy, one about Anthony Burgess and another about Charles Hawtrey. His book, “Erotic Vagrancy: Everything About Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor” from Riverrun, falls somewhere in between these two subjects. It is filled with crude content, reminiscent of Walter Benjamin’s Arcades Project as imagined by a 1960s gossip columnist. The book features a wide range of individuals, including Roland Barthes, Benny Hill, Rachel Roberts, George Sanders, Muriel Spark, Andy Warhol and Kingsley Amis. It seems as though it was written specifically for me. Anything written by John Szwed or about Harry Smith is a must-read, including Szwed’s biography, “Cosmic Scholar: The Life and Times of Harry Smith” from Farrar, Straus & Giroux. It covers topics such as alchemy, magic, alcohol and drugs, Brecht and bebop, and obsessive collecting of vinyl records and books. It also touches on animated film and paper planes, making it a great read for the whole family. For Christmas, I would love to receive anything written by Fernanda Melchor and/or Gary Indiana.

• To view all the books featured in Observer and Guardian’s top books of 2023, please visit guardianbookshop.com. Additional fees may be incurred for delivery.

Source: theguardian.com