Best books 2020: The woman&home Book Club Award winners

In a year that was challenging to say the least, this is the book we all needed – one that questions what would happen if we all actually told the truth about our lives. The first novel from Clare Pooley, author of The Sober Diaries, in her effortless writing style, we meet a collection of very different and intriguing characters. Take Julian Jessop – a flamboyant artist who is actually a lonely widower. Wanting to share his truth, he writes it in a green notebook and leaves it for someone to find. Little does he know the impact it will have on the people it reaches. In a joyous read, we learn what it means to be real, to put aside the facade and reveal who we really are. A worthy winner.

There are many wonderful memoirs we have been honoured to read in 2020, but this one was certainly a standout. As a specialist in palliative care, Dr Rachel Clarke presents a touching, honest memoir that demystifies what is such a difficult subject for many of us to face. Doctors try to cure people’s illnesses, but when they can’t, many of them struggle to help patients with the approach of death. That’s why kind, compassionate, palliative care is so vital, and this astonishing book by Dr Clarke will make you re-evaluate your own life and priorities. This is a deeply moving read.

‘Coming-of-old’ stories were popular this year – and rightly so. There were some great contenders for this category, but the award has to go to prickly Millicent (Missy), who, at 79, is quite lost. Grieving for her husband, a son living in Australia and a daughter she hasn’t spoken to for a year, she is lonely. That is until she meets two very different women – along with Bobby the adoring dog – who help her realise it doesn’t have to be that way. This is a story of friendship and the importance of not giving up on a second chance. You will savour every moment of it, so if you haven’t already had the privilege, put it on your Christmas list, quick!

Another classic from a consummate storyteller, Allende’s latest novel is a gripping and moving read. Starting at the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939 and ending in 1994, we follow the lives of two remarkable characters – Roser and Victor – as they flee Franco’s dictatorship and board a ship commissioned by the poet Pablo Neruda to Chile. Weaving fact and fiction throughout complex family dramas, it’s a brilliant portrayal of the plight of refugees and testament to what they can achieve. Allende writes from the heart as much as the head in this stunning tribute to human courage, compassion and hope.

A timely story of moral dilemmas. When Becky catches her boss, Matthew, with a woman who isn’t his wife, she says nothing. She owes him so much. But when the woman accuses Matthew of rape, Becky questions what she saw. The lines become very blurred and no one is quite who they seem to be. Essentially about a woman taking back power, it’s perfectly executed and we loved it.

With his debut novel, Richard Osman not only kicks off a new mystery series with a bang, but places Christie-style sleuthing centre stage. In the peaceful retirement village of Coopers Chase, four friends meet every Thursday to investigate unsolved murders. Though things start quietly, the danger soon ramps up a notch when they find themselves in the middle of a live murder case. This intriguing tale has a brilliant blend of classic mystery elements with a distinctly original premise that won’t fail to charm you.

Based on a true story from his childhood, Michael Morpurgo remembers a wonderful time when he landed the starring role of Owl in the school Christmas play. One of the sweetest stories we’ve read in a long time, we see a young Michael cope with first-night nerves. Adults will love this too.

Kids love adventure stories, and what an adventure this is! As a young boy is caught up in an investigation on a train to Scotland, will the thief be caught before they reach the end of the line?

Patrice Lawrence is an award-winning author, whose book Orangeboy won the Bookseller YA Prize and the Waterstones Prize for Older Children’s Fiction. It’s no surprise her new novel caused much excitement. Becks is looking for her stepsister, Silva, who has gone missing. Venturing into her sister’s bedroom, she finds the first of eight clues that will help her discover her sister’s secret life. Enough mystery to keep any teen engaged

Fast becoming one of our favourite romcom writers, Mhairi works her magic again with this smart and witty novel. Lawyer Laurie is heartbroken when her partner of 18 years dumps her. Worse still, she has to work with him. So, when she finds herself stuck in a lift with handsome colleague Jamie, who suggests they ‘fake-date’ as a revenge plan, she agrees. Such likeable characters with all their flaws and insecurities, this is one funny, poignant and delicious page-turner.

This chilling, memorable story is our sinister standout for this category. Marie has always envied her best friend Nina’s perfect life – a life that could have been hers. Now, following Nina’s death, Marie might just have her chance again, and she’ll do anything to get what she wants. But as Marie becomes entangled with Nina’s family, it becomes apparent her friend was keeping plenty of her own secrets. This intense psychological read expertly negotiates jumps in time, and explores the concealed rivalries in a close female friendship to great effect.

This impressive compendium of 36 inspirational women is wonderfully diverse and thought-provoking. Spanning from Mary Wollstonecraft in the 1700s, through to contemporary heroines like Baroness Helena Kennedy QC and actor Meera Syal, Alibhai-Brown looks at the obstacles they faced and their great strides forward for womankind. Some names will be unfamiliar – trailblazing female abolitionists Elizabeth Heyrick and Lucy Townsend – while others such as Princess Diana and Joan Collins you will know. Alibhai-Brown pays tribute beautifully, recalling their grit, determination and legacy in a world that, to this day, calls for more ladies who punch.

In this outrageous spoof – a filth-strewn look at sex, relationships and why women are always in the wrong when marriages crumble – brilliant comedians Vicki Pepperdine and Julia Davis have excelled themselves in their roles as the chillingly convincing agony aunts Joan and Jericha. Their award-winning podcast now runs to two series, and if you’re already a fan, the advice offered in this book, from dating to death, will come as no surprise. Brace yourself for a bumpy ride. The darkest and dirtiest of humour – not for the faint-hearted!

This comic novel brought some much-needed laughs – and as it’s written by an actress who appeared in BBC’s Motherland, we’re in safe hands. As Clara navigates life as a mother of three teenage children, you’ll find yourself not only laughing out loud, but nodding your head furiously in recognition. But as Clara also comes to terms with her mother’s death, there are poignant moments too. When she visits the Empire State Building to scatter her mum’s ashes, might she also discover herself? Honest and hilarious.

Maggie O’Farrell deservedly won the Women’s Prize for Fiction with this compelling and multilayered story of Hamnet, twin of sister Judith, and the son of William Shakespeare – although the ‘S’ word is never mentioned throughout. Reimagining the life and almost otherworldly skills of herbalist Agnes, 
who marries William when disgracefully pregnant with their first child, the story jumps across time to cover their love and courtship, along with the tragedy that leads to the loss of their beloved boy to a pandemic. Agnes is usually known to us as Anne Hathaway, but she was called Agnes by her own father, so her name, as well as her status as a remarkable woman of her time, is reclaimed in this riveting novel. Unmissable.

It was so comforting to return to the iconic white tent this year, and this book was a summary of this series’ highlights. From Chai Crackle Cookies to Paul’s Rainbow-coloured bagels and a towering croquembouche, it also delivered inside info on the contestants and why they love to bake. A very tasty treat.

It’s always an exciting moment when Matt Haig announces a new book because you know you’re
in very safe hands. And so it begins – a novel that asks the very big question: ‘What if you had the chance to open a book and try another life you might have lived had you just made a few small changes?’ In this life-affirming new read, Nora Seed does just that. With so many regrets in life, she gets to see what could have been if she’d taken that job, joined her brother’s band or stayed with that man by selecting one of the many books from the Midnight Library – a chance to start again. Posing some of life’s biggest questions, few writers get you thinking like Matt Haig, and this one’s most definitely a keeper for the bookshelf.

As huge fans of Rachel Joyce, we eagerly anticipated this offbeat adventure about a middle-aged woman who thinks herself rather ordinary. We were right to do so. For this wonderful story of an unlikely friendship that forms when Enid Pretty accompanies Margery Benson, in search of a rare golden beetle that may or may not exist, is inspired. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, we encounter friendship, humour and thrilling adventures, The perfect escape for such times, it’s another brilliant novel.

There was a huge buzz around this novel at the beginning of the year, the first to explore what it must be like to illegally cross the US-Mexico border. As a mother and her son flee their middle-class home, they instantly become migrants on the run – and their journey is every bit as emotional and harrowing as you would expect. As they ride La Bestia – the trains that head el norte to the US – and come into contact with members of the drug cartels, the heart-stopping moments keep coming. This outstanding book of loss and hope deserves to be read, and was a firm favourite in this year’s fantastic line-up of exciting novels.

After running away from their small, southern black community, the Vignes twins’ paths diverge. Ten years later, one sister lives in the town they left, while the other passes secretly for a white woman. A thought-provoking read that reflects American history and society.

Ruby Wax couldn’t have timed it better to offer us some green shoots of hope. In her funny, super-smart style, she takes her readers on fascinating journeys of discovery. You’ll find out about incredible projects to create sustainable businesses and lifestyles, and meet truly impressive people who show the world can be a better place. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn – and hopefully you’ll feel a lot more optimistic about the world.

Captain Tom Moore has penned a charming autobiography that’s an inspiration to all of 
us. Charting his humble beginnings in Yorkshire, joining the Army in World War Two and serving in Burma, India and the Far East, we discover the upbeat attitude that made him the nation’s hero of 2020. A great personal history of the past century, this would be a very welcome gift.

It wasn’t difficult to fall for the charms of ‘girl next door’ Bake-Off winner Nadiya Hussain, whose bakes had us all reaching for the mixing bowl. So we rejoiced when she created a wonderful new book of cakes, pastries and bakes. From biscuits with a twist to standout showstoppers plus clever ‘no-bake’ bakes, there’s something for the whole family. It’s the cookbook we all needed this year.

A treasure chest of a book, this is a must for Corrie fans. Charting the history of the show, the actors, characters, storylines, behind-the-scenes writers, editors and make-up artists, its scope is encyclopedic. It’s packed with wonderful pictures that reveal how the Street has evolved; fascinating facts (they get through 10 lipsticks in one month) and classic lines. Remember this from ditsy Raquel? ‘I were always led to believe I were equally good at most things. I were told that when I were at school. They said – “Raquel, you have no particular talents”.’

Even the smallest outdoor area has been a special blessing this year. Isabelle Palmer’s book is packed with advice on how to enjoy beautiful displays of flowers in containers – perfect for balconies, patios or small gardens. It’s also great for experienced gardeners looking to lift their space with beautiful plant displays, such as ‘suspended spheres’ hanging baskets, and one-day projects like spring planters. With stunning photography and a great mix of practical plant knowledge and lush container recipes, Isabelle brings beauty into your garden with this wonderful resource.

Fans of the Washington Poe series were thrilled to see it return with a third instalment, and so were we. A truly chilling thriller set against a dramatic Cumbrian backdrop focuses on two National Crime Agency investigators racing to apprehend a serial killer displaying body parts across the county. The only thing linking the victims is the fact that they all took the same two weeks off three years earlier. But why? And how does this affect the case? The sinister storyline and expert pacing instantly draw you in and you’ll be aghast at the dark depths to which people can sink. Best of the series so far!

The award-winning author of the Chocolat series returned this year with a folklore-inspired novella
that’s as enchanting as it sounds. When heartbroken mother Fay sets out to save her lost daughter through the realms of the real, of dream and into the underworld, she soon realises that to save something, she must give up something. A retelling of the Orpheus myth, Harris paints a picture you can see unfolding in front of you like a great work of art. Plus with stunning illustrations by Bonnie Helen Hawkins, you’ll be hard-pushed not to get swept away by its beauty.

This stunning new book celebrates the world’s best adventures, from cruising around Alaska and Antarctica to train journeys in Zambia and Zimbabwe. As well as interrailing through Europe, driving Route 66 and walking the Camino de Santiago, there are also some off-the-beaten-path highlights –cycling around the Loire Valley, kayaking through the Finnish Lakelands and trekking through Australia’s stunning Blue Mountains. Proving the journey is as important as the destination, this is packed with practical information and DK Eyewitness’ trademark stunning imagery. It’s all you need to start planning.