Plus: Paul M M Cooper’ s historical fantasy set in ancient Sri Lanka and something new from Fuminori Nakamura.
Fiction
16mm of Innocence
Quentin Smith,
Matador, January 28
It’s 1985 in South-West Africa. Three estranged siblings have returned home for a funeral and find disturbing old home movies locked away in the family house. They reveal a twisted past of Nazi refugees, German colonialism and the harbouring of war criminals.
River of Ink
Paul M M Cooper,
Bloomsbury Circus, January 28
A humble poet secures a coveted position at the king’s court and a life of ease is seemingly his. But when a ruthless warlord arrives in the country intent on conflict, his world and loyalties are put to the test. Historical fantasy set in ancient Sri Lanka that also takes inspiration from the court of Henry VIII.
The Gun
Fuminori Nakamura,
Soho Press, January 5
A man finds a gun lying by a body in Tokyo. As his personal life unravels – through several romantic entanglements and a father who is about to die – Nishikawa becomes obsessed with the four bullets preloaded in its chamber. Nakamura is a previous winner of the Kenzaburo Oe Prize, Japan’s largest literary award.
Non fiction
1956: The World in Revolt
Simon Hall,
Faber and Faber, January 7
From popular uprisings in Poland, Hungary and South Africa, to Fidel Castro’s drive for power in Cuba to the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, this book charts the history of one remarkable year. Time capsule history at its most expansive.
Why Muslim Integration Fails in Christian-Heritage Societies
Claire Adida, David Laitin and Marie-Anne Valfort
Harvard University Press, February 1
After the Paris attacks, many ask if multiculturalism has failed. This book looks at why both non-Muslims and Muslims must share responsibility for integration problems.
When Breath Becomes Air
Paul Kalanithi,
Reaktion Books, February 4
On the verge of completing 10 years’ training to become a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. He was just 36. This memoir chronicles his transformation from doctor to patient.
