When it comes to contemporary fiction, I’ll admit that my reading list hasn’t been as long as I’d like this year. But what I lacked in quantity, I certainly made up for in quality! Contemporary books are all about capturing the essence of modern life—whether through love, relationships, personal growth, or thrilling real-world events. And while I’ve only read two contemporary novels over the past year, both have left a lasting impression. So here is the start of the best contemporary books I have read so far...
First up is Second Chance in The Hague by David Kintore. This gripping international thriller blends legal drama with personal redemption, making for an exciting and thought-provoking read. Set against the backdrop of The Hague, it follows a journey of justice and second chances, keeping me hooked from start to finish. If you love contemporary thrillers with depth and intrigue, this one is worth picking up!
Title: Second Chance in the Hague
Author: David Kintore
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Dalmerino Press
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 327
Format: E book supplied by love books tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it and recommend
About Book: ‘Three miles away at Scheveningen the grey beach was bleak, unvisited, the daylight fading. It was getting colder. Why linger? There was nothing out there but the cold North Sea stroking the land. In the town there would be bustle, conversation, connections, chances to not be alone.’ Stefan owns a moderately successful art gallery in The Hague, passing his days in a comfortable but spiritless rut. Freelance journalist Anna has quit her corporate job in search of something more fulfilling. Art school student Nikki works part-time at Stefan’s gallery and hopes for a breakthrough exhibition; her student friends Petra and Suzanna have the same hope but things are not going their way. Established local artist Matthijs reaches a turning point in his fifties. Second chances come and go, but will they be taken?
My Thoughts: Second Chance in the Hague by David Kintore is a debut novel set in the art world, and as someone who loves art, I was naturally drawn to it. The mix of characters was enjoyable, although at times, their interactions felt a bit simplistic. That being said, this is a contemporary novel, and part of its charm lies in its simplicity and relatable nature. The informal, conversational dialogue felt authentic, which worked well for the tone of the book.
I especially appreciated the discussions around the art scene, which were one of the highlights for me. As someone who spends a lot of time in galleries and museums, if not reading, I found these moments particularly engaging. However, there were several day-to-day details that felt somewhat unnecessary. They didn’t add much to the story or help develop the characters, and at times, I found myself wishing the plot would move forward a little faster.
Overall, I found Second Chance in the Hague an enjoyable read, especially for those who share a love of art. While there were some minor shortcomings in terms of depth and pacing, it was an easy and entertaining book to get lost in. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light, art-inspired novel, and I’m curious to see what David Kintore will write next.
Next, I read The Physics of Relationships by Chas Halpern, a fascinating exploration of love, attraction, and human connection. This book takes a fresh and insightful look at relationships through the lens of physics and science, making it both an intellectual and emotional read. It’s a must for anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction with a deep, thought-provoking twist.
Title: The Physics of Relationships
Author: Chas Halpern
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Guernica Editions
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 250
Format: E book supplied by the publishers in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Lexi, sixty-three and recently widowed, is facing the inevitable vicissitudes of life. After passing through a phase of numb immobility, Lexi makes a half-hearted attempt to meet some older men, but the experiences are disappointing.
Undaunted, Lexi begins to accept the idea of being alone. Then circumstances disrupt her quiet routine – in the form of two house guests. In the physics of relationships, Lexi observes that nature abhors a vacuum. But she wonders if she herself has manipulated her circumstances to fill that vacuum. Eventually, Lexi encourages both house guests to move on. Ironically, her unselfish kindness leaves her once again alone.
Through some strange physics of attraction and repulsion, however, her ex-husband reappears. Is he a changed man … or just acting like one? In the end, Lexi learns how to come to terms with her solitude, to resist entropy, and to fill the "vacuum" in her own way.
My Thoughts: The Physics of Relationships by Chas Halpern was a contemporary novel that immediately felt familiar as I began reading, which drew me in. I was surprised to find myself laughing in places early on, which I hadn’t expected. The way different personalities interacted throughout the story was fascinating, even though I sometimes found myself irritated by the main character, Lexi. That frustration was likely because I was invested in the story, and Lexi had such a different personality from my own.
The book explored thoughts and actions in a compelling way, and I found myself rooting for everyone to end up happy by the conclusion. The dynamics between the characters were interesting and made me reflect on the nature of relationships, choices, and their consequences.
In conclusion, The Physics of Relationships was both uplifting and thought-provoking. It offered insightful reflections on human relationships and their complexities. A great read!
Although my contemporary reading list has been short this year, I’m excited to read more books in the genre. I’ll be adding further contemporary reads to my list as the year goes on, so keep an eye out for future recommendations! If you have any must-read contemporary books, drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear your suggestions!
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