Freshly arrived at the bookseller

Among all the books that have recently arrived in bookstores, here are a few that caught our attention.

The Bastion of TearsAbdellah Taïa

Awarded the December Prize for this novel, the Moroccan writer Abdellah Taïa also found himself in the lists of the most prestigious literary prizes this fall, from Goncourt to the Médicis. It tells the story of the return to Morocco of a writer exiled in France. In his hometown, where he returns after the death of his mother, the past resurfaces, from memories of his youthful lover to more painful reminiscences.

The rule of crimeColson Whitehead

It is the continuation of the tribulations of the character of The Harlem Shuffle, Ray Carney, who this time takes us to New York in the 1970s. Garbage accumulating in Harlem, crime reaching a record level and gun wars between the police and the Black Liberation Army, all sprinkled in this same grating tone, while our hero tries to stay on the right path without ever completely succeeding.

The library of banned booksMarc Levy

In this new novel by Marc Levy, a passionate bookseller is arrested for selling banned books and sentenced to five years in prison. When he leaves, torn, he must choose between returning to a normal life in his beloved bookstore and… taking revenge.

Under the plane trees of ManhattanKatherine Pancol

The French writer transports us here in her wanderings in the heart of the Big Apple. Through short texts inspired by her publications on social networks, during a long stay in New York, she takes us to her favorite places and the encounters that marked her. A book that is a bit like a vicarious journey into the city that never sleeps.

The flickering lightNino Haratischwili

The Georgian writer tells the story of four girls growing up in Tbilisi, Georgia. When the Soviet Union collapses, their adult paths will take different trajectories, making them experience both great loves and moments of hope as well as deep disappointments and betrayals.

The past is my favorite seasonJulia Kerninon

In this partially autobiographical essay, the French author uses the journey of the American writer and feminist Gertrude Stein as a starting point to reflect on the place of women in literature at different times, as well as on writing and its own fascination with the past.

It’s your serviceJonathan Escoffery

Constructed as a collection of short stories, this first novel was a finalist for the coveted National Book Award and Booker Prize. The author takes us through the quest for identity of his alter ego, a young mixed-race American, of Jamaican origin, who is rejected from all sides – by the black community, by the Latinos of Miami and even by his father. Between loneliness and racism, he must learn to survive and succeed in finding his place.

The ephemeraAndrew O’Hagan

In Scotland, in the 1980s, young people decide to follow one of their friends to Manchester for a music festival. This journey full of promises marks the beginning of their adult life. A novel about friendship that promises to be both funny and moving.