The debut from New Zealand author Jennifer Trevelyan was, according to publishers A&U, “the subject of a massive international bidding war”. The story takes place over one summer holiday on the coast of New Zealand and is narrated by a 10-year-old girl who stumbles upon long-buried family secrets in her innocent quest to solve a local mystery. “This exquisite debut is storytelling at its best, a true delight,” publishing director Cate Patterson says.
Hope: The Autobiography by Pope Francis (January 14)
Hope was due to be published posthumously but will become the first autobiography to be released by a sitting Pope. Pope Francis, 88, is set to take us on a journey from his humble beginnings in Buenos Aires to his appointment as the head of the Catholic Church. It won’t be all theology; we’re told to expect his take on global conflicts, the future of the church and surprises such as his love for football and tango. Yes, the Pope dances.
Dare I Say It by Naomi Watts (January 21)
Actress Naomi Watts, fresh off filming King Kong and hoping to start a family, learnt at 36 that she was on the brink of menopause. Since then, she has become a leading advocate for menopause awareness, striving to dismantle the stigma surrounding it. Drawing from personal experience, Watts offers a relatable and informative guide to navigating menopause, shedding light on its physical, emotional and societal impacts (and if you want a fictional accompaniment, try Miranda July’s All Fours).
