English Novels

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak is a poignant novel that explores love, identity, and intergenerational trauma through the lens of Cyprus’s turbulent history. The story follows two star-crossed lovers—one Greek Cypriot and one Turkish Cypriot—whose forbidden romance unfolds amidst the island’s conflict. Decades later, their daughter in London seeks to uncover her heritage, with an unexpected narrator—a fig tree—offering wisdom and memories of the past. Blending history, nature, and magical realism, Shafak crafts a deeply moving tale about roots, belonging, and the power of storytelling.

The Ivies by Alexa Donne is a young adult thriller set in the highly competitive world of elite prep schools and Ivy League college admissions. The story follows a group of ambitious, academically driven high school seniors—known as The Ivies—who are vying for spots at prestigious universities. The protagonist, Ruby, is determined to get into her dream school, but things take a dark turn when a fellow Ivy member is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, Ruby becomes entangled in a web of deceit, manipulation, and even murder, all while trying to maintain her position among the top students. The Ivies is a fast-paced, suspenseful story that blends mystery with a sharp critique of the pressures and cutthroat nature of the college admissions process, with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai is a charming and unique mystery novel that blends the elements of food, detective work, and Japanese culture. The story follows a team of food detectives who solve mysteries and crimes related to food, offering a flavorful mix of culinary expertise and investigative skills. Set in a small, bustling neighborhood in Kyoto, the detectives are called upon to investigate various incidents involving food—whether it’s a suspicious dish at a restaurant, a poisoned meal, or a food-related theft. The book not only features intriguing mysteries but also showcases the rich world of Japanese cuisine, with detailed descriptions of dishes and cooking techniques. With its light-hearted yet suspenseful tone, The Kamogawa Food Detectives offers a refreshing and appetizing twist on the mystery genre.

The Kill Order by James Dashner is a prequel to The Maze Runner series, set in the same dystopian world but years before the events of the original trilogy. The story takes place during the early days of a global catastrophe caused by a deadly virus called the Flare, which has ravaged humanity and turned much of the population into violent, zombie-like creatures. The novel follows a group of survivors, including Mark and his friends, who must navigate this dangerous new world as they try to make sense of the virus and the sinister organization behind it, WICKED. As the characters fight to survive in a chaotic and desolate world, they uncover shocking truths about the origins of the Flare and the role they may play in a larger, more terrifying plan. The Kill Order is a fast-paced, action-packed novel that expands the Maze Runner universe and explores themes of survival, betrayal, and the consequences of scientific experimentation.

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold is a heartwarming and environmentally conscious children's novel that tells the story of a young girl named April, who embarks on a journey to a remote Arctic island. There, she discovers the last polar bear, a solitary creature struggling to survive as its habitat melts due to climate change. April forms a deep bond with the bear and is determined to protect it, despite the challenges they face. Through April's eyes, the book highlights themes of conservation, the fragility of nature, and the power of hope and action. The Last Bear is an emotional and thought-provoking story that encourages young readers to care for the planet and its endangered creatures.

The Last Children of Tokyo by Yōko Tawada is a thought-provoking novel set in a dystopian future where Japan faces environmental collapse, aging populations, and the consequences of technological advancements. The story follows the life of Yoshiro, an elderly man, and his granddaughter, Mumei, who suffers from a mysterious condition that makes her age rapidly. As the world around them becomes increasingly bleak, the novel explores themes of memory, identity, and the generational divide. With a surreal and poetic writing style, Tawada reflects on the complexities of living in a world shaped by past mistakes while also imagining a future where survival and human connection remain central to navigating a changing environment.