With Christmas around the corner we asked the team what their favourite books to gift are and this is what they said…
Giles Milburn, Director
Though it’s been around for a number of years, Goodnight Mister Tom remains one of my most cherished books. I read it with my daughter recently, the well-thumbed edition slightly falling apart as we immersed ourselves in the unlikely friendship between Tom and Will. Far from an easy read, it doesn’t patronise its readers by shying away from the darker side of life either. My copy definitely isn’t for sale, but there is a 40th anniversary edition and I wouldn’t hesitate to gift it to anyone of any age.
Olivia Maidment, Head of Books and Literary Agent
I’d like to recommend The Hypocrite by Jo Hamya. I was a bit late to the party on this book, but it is such an incredibly smart, cutting, and stylish novel, so original and adept in it’s exploration of dysfunctional familial relationships – perfect for the festive season as we all spend time with our own interesting families!
Rachel Yeoh, Literary Agent
I recently loved Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico, which was translated from Italian to English and shortlisted for the International Booker. It follows a discontented millennial expat couple in Berlin as they struggle to find meaning and authenticity in their lives. It is a compact little book, hugely compelling, and perfect as a Christmas gift!
Shanika Hyslop, Literary Agent
I rarely find retellings more noteworthy than their original, but James by Percival Everett is the exception. It’s a brilliant, code-switching satire that follows a measured protagonist whose circumstances drive him to justified violence as he embarks on an action-packed quest to rescue his enslaved family.
Phoebe Fawcett, Non-Fiction Assistant
For a non-fiction pick I’d really recommend The Haunted Wood: A History of Childhood Reading by Sam Leith. It’s very Christmassy and cosy, but also the literary history/biographies are so beautiful and nostalgic and fascinating.
Virginia Ivaldi, Literary Assistant
Every Christmas, I gift at least one copy of Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession. It’s the most heart-warming, tender, and curious book I’ve ever read. A witty, tranquil celebration of everyday life, friendship, and family, it makes you appreciate all the small, unappreciated things, and will leave you longing for a cosy board game night with your relatives.
Ella Welch, Office Assistant
The book I recommend and gift to everyone is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E Schwab. It’s just my absolute favourite, there’s something in it for everyone. I own multiple editions of it but one of my favourites is the illustrated edition, it would make a gorgeous gift. I’d also recommend a recent festive romance read – Good Spirits by B.K Borison. The cover is gorgeous on the standard edition but the TikTok special edition is so pretty, it would make the perfect Christmas gift.
Sinead Cox, Intern
R. F. Kuang’s Katabasis is the perfect read for any student coming home for Christmas. The book is a beautiful exploration of the perils and pressures of academia within an intricate world informed by philosophy and classic literature. Sometimes, hell really is just your university campus.
