Welcome to ABC Arts’ much-anticipated wrap of the best books of 2025. Our literary critics have undertaken the challenging task of selecting their favorite books of the year, and they are eager to share their insights with you. This year’s selection is a tapestry of diverse narratives, ranging from a Booker Prize-shortlisted novel to an inventive work by Danish writer Solvej Balle, and a raw memoir by literary heavyweight Arundhati Roy.
Among the highlights are Hannah Kent’s memoir, which offers a detailed glimpse into daily life in Iceland, and a subversive collection of short fiction by an emerging Melbourne author. Prepare for your reading list to expand significantly.
Exploring Complex Relationships and Histories
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy’s memoir, Mother Mary Comes to Me, delves into her tumultuous relationship with her formidable mother. Known for her Booker Prize-winning debut, The God of Small Things, Roy offers an unflinching exploration of love, fear, and resistance. The memoir is not just about a mother and daughter but also about a woman finding her voice and independence.
“Get out of my house. Get out of my car. Get out of my life,” Roy’s mother would often say, a refrain that haunted and shaped the author.
Roy’s narrative is both exhilarating and introspective, filled with passion, mistakes, and insights, making it a compelling read.
Tenderfoot by Toni Jordan
Tenderfoot by Toni Jordan is a deeply personal novel set in 1970s Brisbane. It follows 12-year-old Andie Tanner, who dreams of being a greyhound trainer like her father. The story captures the harsh realities of childhood and the emotional truths that define our relationships. Jordan’s unsentimental portrayal of Andie’s struggles and resilience is both heartbreaking and authentic.
“You realise that inside you and everyone you know is a child — fallible and wounded, and wrong about so many things,” Jordan writes, capturing the essence of her narrative.
Unraveling Mysteries and Human Frailty
Flashlight by Susan Choi
Susan Choi’s Flashlight, a Booker Prize shortlistee, captivates with its intricate characters and geopolitical backdrop. The novel opens with Louisa, a young girl washed ashore in Japan, setting off a narrative that explores memory, loss, and identity. Choi’s work is a slow-burn thriller that examines human frailty and the complexities of familial relationships.
Choi’s narrative is “an unforgettable ensemble of characters whose loneliness and outsider status are contrasted by moments of love and affection.”
Plastic Budgie by Olivia De Zilva
Olivia De Zilva’s debut novel, Plastic Budgie, presents a series of family vignettes that evolve into a profound meditation on connection and self-discovery. De Zilva’s narrative is both humorous and disquieting, weaving familial and cultural entanglements into a rich tapestry of emotion and insight.
De Zilva’s work is described as “funny, mordant and deeply attuned to the disquieting aspects of the contemporary world.”
Climate and Human Connection
Elegy, Southwest by Madeleine Watts
In Elegy, Southwest, Madeleine Watts explores the intersection of climate change and personal introspection. The novel follows Eloise and her husband Lewis as they traverse the Colorado River, grappling with environmental and personal loss. Watts’s lyrical prose offers a meditation on love and loneliness amidst impending ecological collapse.
“[I was] a ghost watching myself walk through the motions of marriage,” Eloise reflects, capturing the novel’s introspective tone.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Charlotte McConaghy’s Wild Dark Shore is a gripping tale set on a sub-Antarctic island. The novel combines elements of mystery, family dynamics, and environmental themes, creating a deeply atmospheric narrative. McConaghy’s vivid descriptions and emotional depth make this a standout novel of the year.
“A deeply atmospheric and affecting novel that will have your heart thumping at the end,” McConaghy’s work is both a story of survival and a call to action against climate change.
Innovative Narratives and Cultural Reflections
On the Calculation of Volume l by Solvej Balle
Solvej Balle’s On the Calculation of Volume l presents a unique take on the time-loop narrative. The protagonist, Tara, relives the same day repeatedly, exploring themes of existence and identity. Balle’s inventive storytelling challenges conventional narrative structures, offering a fresh perspective on time and memory.
“This delicious, small novel is utterly absorbing, clever, fresh, inventive and endlessly surprising,” capturing the essence of Balle’s work.
Fire Exit by Morgan Talty
Morgan Talty’s Fire Exit explores themes of identity and belonging through the lens of Charles, a white man raised on a Penobscot reservation. The novel examines familial ties and cultural identity, offering a poignant reflection on what constitutes a family.
“Fire Exit asks big questions about blood, loyalty and what makes a family,” Talty’s narrative is both bold and moving.
As 2025 draws to a close, these books offer a rich tapestry of narratives that challenge, inspire, and resonate with readers. From exploring complex relationships to addressing pressing global issues, this year’s literary offerings are a testament to the power of storytelling in reflecting and shaping our world.
