Best Summer Fiction of 2023

In part two of this top 10 summer fiction article, contributing writer Vivian Adeyemo reveals her next top 5 books to read this summer.

If you are looking for ideas on what to read during the summer holidays- here at NRTC we’ve got you covered. In part two of my top 10 books to read; I run through the remaining top 5 books to check out this summer. 

1. The Perfect Find

The Perfect Find by Tia Williams is a masterfully told story of romance, career challenges, and self-discovery. The main character, Jenna Jones, is facing a mid-life crisis with her high-stakes career, ticking biological clock, and financial struggles. After being dumped by her fiancé and losing her job; she takes a chance by working for her arch nemesis.

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Jenna’s situation puts her in a tough spot as she navigates the digital world of fashion with younger, tech-savvy colleagues. Despite her experience, she feels out of place in the fast-paced world of social media and online content creation. The addition of a forbidden romance with Eric Combs, the twenty-two-year-old videographer, adds further complexity to Jenna’s life and decisions.

Netflix adaptation

The story blends themes of ambition, personal growth, and the challenges of age and experience in a youth-driven industry. Actress Gabrielle Union starred in the Netflix adaptation. The film provided a compelling portrayal of Jenna Jones; her journey to find herself amidst career setbacks and romantic entanglements.

2. Memphis

Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow is a powerful and poignant debut novel. It explores the inter-generational journey of a Southern Black family. The impact of violence, secrets, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The story is set in two different time periods, Summer 1995 and half a century earlier. Shedding light on the lives of three generations of the family. The narrative centre’s around ten-year-old Joan, her mother, and her younger sister. Joan seeks refuge in her mother’s ancestral home in Memphis to escape her father’s violent temper. The family’s history is marked by tragedy. Joan’s grandfather faced racial prejudice and violence. Shortly after becoming the first Black detective in the city – he was lynched.

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As Joan grows up, she finds solace in her artwork, particularly in painting portraits of the community in Memphis. During this process, she connects with her enigmatic neighbour, Miss Dawn. Who consequently imparts knowledge about curses and shares stories from the past. Through these stories, Joan begins to realise the strength and resilience passed down through her matrimonial line. She understands the sacrifices made by the women before her.

The complexity of family history

The novel’s narrative unfolds over seventy years. It is presented through a chorus of voices that move back and forth in time. This allows the reader to experience the full complexity of the family’s history. In doing so, the broader context of the country’s struggles with brutality, justice, faith, forgiveness, sacrifice, and love.

Memphis is a compelling and beautifully written exploration of heritage. The weight of history and the ways in which individuals can shape their own destinies. This despite, the challenges they face. The novel delves into themes of family, identity and the enduring power of hope. Thereby, making it a thought-provoking and deeply moving read.

3. The Attic Child

The Attic Child by Lola Jaye is a captivating and emotionally charged novel. It weaves together the stories of two children separated by time but connected by a shared secret. The narrative explores themes of family secrets, love, loss, identity, and the search for belonging.

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In the early 1900s, the protagonist, Celestine, a twelve-year-old boy, is taken from his homeland. He is confined to the attic of a large house by the sea. His only interaction is as an unpaid servant to English explorer Sir Richard Babbington. Despite the confinement, Celestine holds onto memories of his family in Africa.

In 1974, Lowra, a young orphan girl born into wealth and privilege; finds herself trapped in the same attic. As she searches for hope in the darkness, Lowra discovers various clues hidden under the floorboards. The clues serve as a source of comfort and lead her to uncover the secrets of the attic.

Mystery, discovery and personal growth

The novel beautifully intertwines the experiences of Celestine and Lowra. Exploring their shared connection despite the vast difference in time periods. Their respective journeys through the confines of the attic delve into the complexities of their identities and histories. In addition, the hidden truths that bind them together.

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With themes of mystery, discovery, and personal growth. Lola Jaye’s novel is a compelling exploration of the impact of hidden histories. The strength found in uncovering the truth. You can expect a haunting and emotionally charged narrative that captivates and resonates long after the final page is turned.

4. In Every Mirror She is Black

The novel In Every Mirror She’s Black; is a compelling and thought-provoking debut by Lola Akinmade Åkerström. It offers insight into the experiences of Black women in a predominantly white society. The story follows the lives of three Black women. Connected to an influential white man in Stockholm, Sweden, each facing their own unique challenges and opportunities.

Kemi Adeyemi, a successful marketing executive. Brought to Sweden from the U.S. by Jonny von Lundin, the CEO of a major marketing firm. She must navigate racial tensions and a socially unfulfilled life. This, as she tries to fix a PR crisis related to a racially insensitive campaign.

Brittany-Rae Johnson, a former model turned flight attendant, unexpectedly meets Jonny during a flight. This leads her into a life of luxury and privilege. However, she becomes unsure if this is the life she truly desires, especially considering Jonny’s unhealthy obsession with her.

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Exploration of important social issues

Muna Saheed, a refugee who has lost her entire family. She finds herself cleaning toilets at Jonny’s office while trying to establish her residency in Sweden. Amidst her struggles, she seeks connection and a place to call home.

The novel skillfully tells the stories of these three women from their unique perspectives. Highlighting the complexities of racism, classism, fetishism, and tokenism that Black women often encounter in a white-dominated society.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström’s background as an African-American (Nigerian-American) author, speaker, and photographer; based in Sweden brings a distinct and insightful perspective to the novel. The book is a timely exploration of important social issues, making it a relevant and engaging read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the experiences of Black women in today’s world.

5. A Spell of Good Things

A Spell of Good Things by Ayobami Adebayo paints a vivid picture of a compelling and multi-layered story. Set in modern Nigeria, the narrative revolves around two families, each representing different aspects of Nigerian society. Their entanglement in a web of wealth, power, romantic obsession, and political corruption.

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Eniola, a young boy with big dreams, finds himself navigating the challenges of his father’s job loss. Running errands and facing the harsh realities of life in a divided society. Wuraola, on the other hand, comes from a wealthy family. She pursues a career as a doctor. But the pressures of her profession and her relationship with Kunle – a politically connected and volatile young man; weigh heavily on her.

The story takes a dramatic turn when a local politician takes an interest in Eniola. Leading to unforeseen consequences that disrupt a family party. This event connects the lives of Eniola and Wuraola. Thus highlighting the stark contrast between the privileged and the underprivileged in Nigerian society.

Socio-economic disparities in Nigeria

Through her writing, Ayobami Adebayo sheds light on the socio-economic disparities present in Nigeria. She explores the shared humanity that binds people across different backgrounds. The novel offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals and families in contemporary Nigeria. Touching on themes of ambition, inequality, and the universal desire for a better future.

Following the success of Ayobami Adebayo’s celebrated debut Stay with me; you can expect a masterful and captivating storytelling experience that delves deep into the hearts and minds of its characters while providing valuable insights into the modern Nigerian landscape.

Vivian Adeyemo is a freelance contributory writer for NRTC. She is based in the United Kingdom and has over twenty years experience in corporate leadership roles working with senior executives and non executives.