Siobhan Harvey reviews Isabel Allende s new memoir, The Soul of a Woman
12 Mar, 2021 07:00 PM
3 minutes to read
Isabel Allende. Photo / Lori Barra
By: Siobhan Harvey And what is my definition of feminism? Chilean author Isabel Allende writes in her new memoir, The Soul of a Woman. It is not what we have between our legs but what we have between our ears. Laconic and astute, this quote illustrates the wider work, which is a bricolage of intimate reflections, family histories and feminist discourses. It s a powerful offering, one made more impactful by Allende s ability to condense her rich personal stories and philosophies into a very readable 140 pages.
Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth by Wole Soyinka (Bloomsbury)
The Nobel laureate’s first novel in almost 50 years promises “murder, mayhem and no shortage of drama” in contemporary Nigeria.
The Thursday Murder Club 2 by Richard Osman (Viking)
Last year the
Pointless co-host’s cosy crime debut set in a retirement home broke sales records; here comes the sequel.
Waters of Salvation by Richard Coles (W&N)
A new crime series from everyone’s favourite vicar begins as a proposal to refurbish a village church ends in murder; Canon Daniel Clement must investigate.
Oh, William! by Elizabeth Strout (Viking)
Books to look out for in 2021
Irish fiction
New work that has been a long time coming generates a particular shiver of anticipation.
Small Things Like These (Faber, October) will be Claire Keegan’s first new work since her novella Foster, still a bestseller 10 years on. Her publisher says: “An exquisite wintery parable, Claire Keegan’s long-awaited return tells the story of a simple act of courage and tenderness, in the face of conformity, fear and judgment.” Small Things Like These (Faber, October) will be Claire Keegan’s first new work since her novella Foster, still a bestseller 10 years on. Photograph: Alan Betson