Summary of books read in May


 May was an interesting month and I got to read different genres.  

The Fifth Season is the first book of the Broken Earth trilogy series. It chronicles the story of three Ore-genes women at different stages in their lives, the tragedy and hardships endured by them and how their purpose is directed towards a certain mission. The world building,its complex layers to the characters and plot made it an immersive read. 

The Elephant of Belfast: This Historical fiction novel is set in the city of Belfast against the backdrop of World War II. It captures the bond between a twenty year old woman zoo keeper and a three year old elephant. It explores the political turmoil, implication of war on people and also the complexity of relationships. 

My mother's secret is based on a true story set during World War II. Its an uplifting tale of a mother-daughter who shelter jewish families in their home. Interestingly these jewish families are unaware of one another's existence and their lives are intertwined in some manner. Its a beautiful read that depicts kindness and the theme of motherhood. 

Quiet Girl in the noisy world is a graphic novel that traces a coming of age story of an introverted girl. Its spread over a span of three years, tracing her love for solitude and struggles of coping up in a world of extroverts. Its an interesting read, giving a glimpse into the mind of an introvert who unfortunately are a misunderstood lot. 

Infinite Country is a heartrending story of a family that faces issues of deportation and hardships endured by them.  An intense and emotional read that takes you through the helplessness of the characters and how they are exploited in a cruel world. 

The Push is a psychological thriller that captures a woman's experience with motherhood and implications on her family. Its a story of how a mother discovers something wrong with her daughter while her family blames it on her mind. A complex read with several layers to the multigenerational characters that depicts issues of mental health and post-partum depression. 

The Ocean at the end of the lane is a horror fantasy novel that chronicles the story of a middle aged man who returns to his childhood home. As he sits by the pond which his friend Lennie used to call the ocean, he takes a walk down memory lane to an eerie world with outlandish occurrences. 

This close to okay is an endearing story of how two strangers come together in the most unexpected manner and change  each other's lives. It touches upon elements of suicide, mental health, grief and loneliness. Amidst this the author has inserted some doses of humor and uplifting moments. 

The Last Thing He Told Me is a suspense thriller and chronicles the story of a woman whose husband disappears suddenly and leaves her a note. As she and her step daughter try to track down things, they unravel his past and tumble upon buried secrets. Set in Sausalito and Austin, this is one page turner and an engaging read. 

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