Lessons
Written by Ian McEwan
Published by Jonathan Cape 2022

Roland Baines could be a true person. But he’s not. Lessons could be a true account. But it’s not. This is a fictional story that spans decades, following a boy into adulthood. Roland is a product of a love affair between a young, mistreated mother and a hard army Major. At the age of eleven, he is cast away from the girlish bosom of his mother and repositioned in an English boarding school. It is here that he learns his first lesson in piano, and his first lesson in love.

A love affair between a teacher and a fourteen year old student will leave a mark. And that it does. Roland will never know what could have become of his piano career, or his ability to form intimate relationships with others. And perhaps he doesn’t want to. He only knows that his adult self has been directly impacted by the fateful years when he was seduced and controlled by his irresistible piano teacher.

When his own son is seven months old, Roland’s wife mysteriously disappears, leaving only a note ‘Don’t try to find me.’ and ‘I’ve been living the wrong life.’ So we learn about Roland’s life alongside colossal moments in history such as the fall of the Berlin Wall. The book jumps back and forth in time, giving us perspective and understanding for why the story-present must unfold the way it does.

Ian McEwan writes a captivating and at times, bizarre tale. Like his other novels, his ideas are unique yet believable, and he sweeps you up in saga of love, life and family.

Libby Lawrence is Good at Pretending
Written by Jodi McAlister
Published by Wakefield Press

Libby Lawrence has left home with her best friend Ella. Ella is escaping her country life and farm-loving boyfriend, Libby is escaping her shy reputation. In a new share house, they both delve into their creative university courses. Libby discovers Uni Rep, a not-for-profit theatre company, and with encouragement from Ella, builds up the courage to audition.

Despite being a performer, Libby doesn’t believe she is truly seen by others until the day her understudy role allows her to take centre stage. Although she appears cool, calm and collected, no one, not even Ella, knows about the negative internal monologue that is constantly holding Libby back.

Ella, meanwhile is battling her own demons. Libby and Ella are inseparable; however, Ella feels deep guilt that Libby is the one always propping her up, when life becomes too challenging. Together, the girls navigate love, friendship and self-esteem.

Libby Lawrence is Good at Pretending is Jodi McAlister’s first contemporary romance for young adults. She is a senior lecturer in Writing, Literature and Culture, and has written a broad range of non-fiction, adult rom-coms and YA paranormal books.

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key
By David Farr
Usborne
UK 2023

Rachel and Robert Klein have bravely defeated a dreadful dictator that reigned misery on the country of Krasnia, the people have been freed and children can once again play and enjoy their childhood. So, now what? Life is good for Rachel and Robert Klein, but it’s not great. Although they are celebrated for being heroes, their dad still suffers from immense grief at losing their mother. For in order to cast the terrible Charles Malstain into the Hinterland, Rachel needed to destroy The Book of Stolen Dreams and close all access to this afterlife.

This becomes a problem when Rachel discovers that a young girl, Elsa, has been tricked by some elderly aristocrats to enter the Hinterland. Without The Book of Stolen Dreams, there will be no way for Elsa to leave the Hinterland, and besides, why do these elderly people want an innocent, healthy child to enter the afterlife anyway? Rachel is given a Blood-Red Key which will grant her access to the Hinterland for twenty-four hours. She must find Elsa, understand what evil lies behind this nasty scheme, and rescue her before the gate closes on Rachel and Elsa for ever.

Through a series of quirky adventures and fabulous world building, David Farr creates an action-packed mystery that will keep a reader up all night wondering how the story will end. The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is the sequel to Farr’s debut novel The Book of Stolen Dreams. The backstory of Book 1 is so expertly summarised in Book 2 that it could be read as a stand-alone story with equal enjoyment.

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is a junior fantasy novel. Themes of death, grief and acceptance are gently explored. This is a book perfectly suited to a Year 5 or 6 student, but can also be enjoyed by brave younger readers and older readers alike. There is also a delightful interactive website that fans can explore: https://davidfarrbooks.com/#bookshop .