Holiday reads might feel different this summer. We’re more likely to be holidaying at home than poolside, but escapism in the form of a brilliant story is something we need more than ever. Reading is transformative at the best of times, but during the pandemic, I came to truly appreciate the art of going to another place via their pages when we were confined to our homes. When compiling a list for the new season, I chose thrillers with twists, turns, a feminist dystopia set in 1950s Nazi-ruled Britain, and lighter stories that would flow as easy as the tide. Below are the new books that are atop our escapism reading lists this season…

widowland

Here, author C.J. Carey asks the question, “what if a place existed where older women, already marginalised by society, were banished?” Drawing upon her experience of widowhood, and research into the treatment of older German women during WWII, thirteen years have passed since a Grand Alliance between Great Britain and Germany. The story is seen through the eyes of Rose, who, being young and attractive to men, has the highest status permitted to women under the caste system designed in 1953. She is assigned to rewrite classic works of literature to ensure they align with Nazi ideals – mainly subversive women – before she comes into contact with inhabitants of “widowland” – childless women over 50 who are treated with contempt and kept on short rations. A fresh, insightful look at history re-written.

Out now

when the apricots bloom

Three women confront the complexities of trust, friendship, and motherhood under the rule of a dictator set in early 2000s Bagdad. Huda, secretary to the Australian deputy ambassador to Iraq has been ordered and has no choice but to befriend and spy upon the Deputy Ambassador's wife, Ally Wilson, who is keeping secrets of her own. Meanwhile, Huda's estranged friend Rania is battling to keep her own daughter safe from the dictator's men. All three women find themselves brought together and risking everything to save those they love. An evocative debut with three extraordinary female characters.

Out now

the first day of spring

This one is chilling from the get-go. Neglected eight-year-old Chrissie kills a young boy. An unspeakable crime. Yet the reader still empathises. She’s lonely, often starving, her life full of empty promises. Some years later, she’s an adult, now Julia, with a daughter of her own. She fears her daughter will be taken away. The plot jumps from two timelines, a child killer and the adult wracked with guilt, the novel asks big questions as Chrissie gets pulled back to the scene of the crime. A gripping read.

June 24th

the therapist

This story starts with a lie. A voicemail from her husband Sigurd telling Sara he's arrived at the holiday cabin. Then a call from his friend confirms he never did. When the police finally take an interest, Sara won’t tell them why she deleted the voicemail. A psychiatrist, her mind begins to play tricks on her… Or is it really in her head? Rights have now been sold for this one in more than 28 languages and it was the most atmospheric noir I’d read in months. Thrilling escapism at its best.

July 8th

the black dress

The author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel knows how to delight, and her latest is no exception. Pru's husband has unexpectedly walked out, leaving her alone. She's missing the life they had. Low and in a daze, she goes off to a friend's funeral. Only she somehow ends up at the wrong funeral. Everyone was very welcoming, it was - oddly - a laugh, and more excitement than she's had for ages. So she buys a little black dress in a charity shop and plans her next one. What harm can it do? And surely there’ll be a few men who need a shoulder to cry on? I read this in a single sitting.