A dystopian epic of chaos and resistance
Darkmotherland by Samrat Upadhyay
Samrat Upadhyay’s Darkmotherland is set in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, referred to as the “Big Two,” which leaves the fictional Himalayan nation in political and social turmoil. Already fractured by caste, class and gender divides, the disaster propels Darkmotherland into chaos, with refugees in tent cities and the rise of an authoritarian leader, PM Papa.
The narrative weaves together a vibrant and diverse cast of characters. Central to the story are Rozy, Papa’s gender-transitioning lover, and Kranti, the troubled daughter of activist Madam Mao.
Their personal struggles and transformations intertwine with the broader political and societal breakdown, creating a story that is both intimate and epic.
Upadhyay’s language — a blend of English, Nepali and street slang — is evocative and playful. The novel reflects Nepal’s turbulent history but resonates globally, drawing parallels to authoritarian regimes, economic instability, and environmental crises worldwide. Papa’s saffron-clad enforcers evoke the spectre of right-wing nationalism, juxtaposed against the Ghimirey family’s sprawling empire, embodying the fusion of influence and economic power.
Despite its expansive scope and memorable characters, the novel’s progressive finale, where oppression sparks revolution, may divide readers. Is it a visionary conclusion or just wishful thinking? Regardless, Darkmotherland makes a strong case for stories centred on marginalised voices, and offers a profound study of identity, power and resistance.
A story of second chances
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong’s The Emperor of Gladness is a deeply moving novel that examines resilience, connection and second chances. Set in East Gladness, Connecticut, the story follows Hai, a 19-year-old grappling with despair, and Grazina, an elderly widow with dementia. Their unlikely bond unfolds over nine months, presenting a tender exploration of survival and self-discovery.
The novel begins with Hai contemplating suicide on King Phillip’s Bridge, only to be interrupted by Grazina, whose sharp wit and vulnerability provide him with a lifeline. Over time, Hai becomes Grazina’s caretaker, piecing together her fragmented memories and dealing with her fierce independence. Together, they confront their traumas, finding solace in their shared vulnerabilities.
Vuong’s prose glows with poetic precision, blending melancholic beauty with raw reality. The setting of East Gladness is a vivid, almost living character, mirroring the struggles of its inhabitants. Themes of love, loneliness and the search for meaning run deeply, with Grazina’s dementia signifying societal forgetting and Hai’s own story signalling the redemptive power of human connection. While the novel’s focus on character over plot may feel slow for some, the secondary characters and the broader community of East Gladness are absorbing. A reflection on the fragile yet transformative power of connection, The Emperor of Gladness is a story that lingers.
A haunting tale of choices and consequences
Flesh by David Szalay
David Szalay’s latest novel, Flesh, is a gripping look at the forces that shape a life — chance, love, power and the pursuit of meaning. The story follows István, a Hungarian teenager who finds himself in a new town, lonely and isolated. His life takes a dark turn when a secret relationship with his neighbour, an older married woman, ends in tragedy.
As István gets older, his life reflects the turbulence of a rapidly changing world. After moving from Hungary to London, he shifts from being a soldier to working as a driver for the city’s elite. In his quest for connection, status and wealth, he achieves remarkable success but finds himself teetering on the edge of collapse.
Szalay’s hallmark realism brings István’s world to life with precision and emotional depth. His prose is spare yet impactful, capturing the delicate balance between human fragility and resilience. The novel delves into profound questions about what makes life meaningful and examines the hidden impact of unresolved trauma.
Praised by critics, Flesh has earned a place as one of 2025’s most anticipated reads. While its intimate focus may not appeal to everyone, those who engage with the storytelling will find a deeply thought-provoking modern narrative that echoes the existential themes of Camus and Dostoevsky. Szalay’s contemplation of the uncertainties of contemporary life and the enduring search for meaning is both unsettling and enlightening.
Ordinary lives, extraordinary stories
The Boy from the Sea by Garrett Carr
Garrett Carr’s The Boy from the Sea is a captivating debut novel set in a close-knit fishing village on Ireland’s west coast during the 1970s and 1980s. The story begins when a baby boy is discovered on the beach and adopted by fisherman Ambrose Bonnar. Named Brendan, the boy grows up as a fascinating yet enigmatic figure who reshapes the fortunes of the Bonnar family and the wider community.
Told over two decades, the novel explores the complexities of family, identity and belonging. Brendan’s arrival stirs a lifelong rivalry with his adoptive brother, Declan, and tension in the Bonnar household. Meanwhile, the fishing village grapples with sweeping economic changes and the pressures of a globalised world. Through Brendan’s mysterious origins and the town’s struggles, Carr examines themes of connection, resilience and adaptation.
Praised for its lyrical prose and vivid characterisation, The Boy from the Sea blends modern folklore with wry humour and poignant storytelling. Critics have highlighted its communal narrative voice, which captures the spirit of the village and the bonds that tie its people together.
This is a story of ordinary lives made extraordinary, where the trials of one family mirror the upheavals of a changing world. With its rich narrative and emotional depth, The Boy from the Sea is a compelling exploration of identity and community. It will no doubt establish Carr as yet another significant new voice in Irish literature.
A long-awaited tale love, identity and transformation
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
After a 12-year break from long-form fiction, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is set to release her highly anticipated novel Dream Count in March 2025. The book delves into the intertwined lives of four Nigerian women during the pandemic, focusing on love, loss, and self-discovery.
At the centre of the story is Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer living in the US, who reflects on her past relationships while grappling with feelings of isolation. The ensemble cast also includes Zikora, a successful lawyer confronting betrayal; Omelogor, Chiamaka’s outspoken cousin questioning her identity; and Kadiatou, a housekeeper striving to overcome challenges while raising her daughter in America.
In signature Adichie style, Dream Count’s nuanced, relatable female characters and gripping narratives explore the complex choices women face. Notably, this novel marks a shift, placing love as a central theme rather than a backdrop to larger issues like identity or race.
Fans of Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun will find familiar territory in Adichie’s transnational storytelling, set in Nigeria and the US. Set against the backdrop of the pandemic, the novel takes on a darker tone as the characters confront deep desires and lingering regrets.
With its rich character dynamics, Dream Count is set to trigger some fresh conversations and debates. For readers awaiting Adichie’s return to fiction, this promises to be a thought-provoking journey. The book is already on its way to becoming one of 2025’s most talked-about novels.
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