Welcome to ABC Arts’ much-anticipated wrap of the best books of 2025. Our literary critics have undertaken the formidable task of selecting their favorite reads of the year, and they are eager to share their insights with you. This year’s list features a diverse array of works, from a Booker Prize-shortlisted novel to an inventive time-loop narrative, and deeply personal memoirs that resonate with universal themes.
Among the highlights is a much-vaunted novel that made it to the Booker Prize shortlist, an inventive Groundhog Day-esque narrative by Danish writer Solvej Balle, and a raw and generous memoir by literary heavyweight Arundhati Roy, who explores her complex relationship with her formidable mother. Also featured is a memoir by Australian author Hannah Kent, which offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Iceland and the story behind her acclaimed debut novel, “Burial Rites”. Additionally, a subversive collection of very short fiction by an emerging Melbourne wordsmith rounds out this eclectic list.
Exploring Complex Relationships and Personal 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 mother. Known for her dramatic declarations and grand gestures, Roy’s mother was a formidable figure who both shaped and repelled her daughter. Despite the years of estrangement and admonitions to “Get out of my life”, Roy, who won the Booker Prize in 1997 for “The God of Small Things”, did not dare to write about her mother until after her passing. This beautifully written memoir is more than a mother-daughter story; it is an exploration of a woman’s journey to find her voice and resistance, her career as an architect, scriptwriter, novelist, and activist.
“It’s exhilarating and warm, full of passion and mistakes, generosity and insight, with plenty of inward swerves into her own ‘nonsense’ as she calls it.” — Kate Evans
Always Home, Always Homesick: A Memoir by Hannah Kent
Hannah Kent’s memoir, “Always Home, Always Homesick”, takes readers on a reflective journey through her experiences in Iceland and the creation of her internationally acclaimed novel “Burial Rites”. Kent’s narrative weaves together themes of belonging, friendship, place, love, family, and exhaustion. Her descriptions of her time in Iceland are a mix of challenges, loneliness, and resilience, offering a poignant exploration of what it means to find a sense of home.
“This memoir is not a simple travelogue. It moves in and out of memory and the present, grappling with research and history, creativity and writing.” — Kate Evans
Inventive Narratives and Thrilling Mysteries
On the Calculation of Volume l by Solvej Balle
Danish writer Solvej Balle’s “On the Calculation of Volume l” presents a unique take on the time-loop narrative. The protagonist, Tara, wakes up to find it’s always November 18th. Unlike the film “Groundhog Day”, Tara can leave her immediate surroundings, but must navigate the complexities of this new existence. The novel explores themes of time, love, and existence, presenting a fresh and inventive narrative that captivates readers.
“This delicious, small novel is utterly absorbing, clever, fresh, inventive and endlessly surprising.” — Kate Evans
Flashlight by Susan Choi
Shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize, Susan Choi’s “Flashlight” is a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of North Korean history. The story begins with a young girl, Louisa, who washes up on a Japanese beach with no memory of the events leading to her father’s disappearance. The novel intricately weaves together themes of memory, loss, and the search for identity, creating an unforgettable ensemble of characters.
“The narrative that unfurls is a slow-burn unravelling of the central mystery: the fate of Serk, who is always present in his absence.” — Sarah L’Estrange
Debut Novels and Emerging Voices
Plastic Budgie by Olivia De Zilva
Olivia De Zilva’s debut novel, “Plastic Budgie”, offers a series of family vignettes that evolve into a haunting meditation on the impossibility of connection. De Zilva’s narrative is both funny and disquieting, blending humor with a sardonic tone reminiscent of Nora Ephron and Lynne Tillman. Published by Pink Shorts Press, this novel marks an exciting new voice in literature.
“De Zilva has the native talent of the true writer: an eye for when the comedy writes itself.” — Declan Fry
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Charlotte McConaghy’s “Wild Dark Shore” is a gripping tale set on a remote sub-Antarctic island. The novel explores themes of grief, love, and environmental change, as the protagonist Rowan is drawn into the lives of a family living on the island. McConaghy’s vivid descriptions of the island and its wildlife create a deeply atmospheric and affecting narrative.
“It’s also a clarion call warning us of what we stand to lose in the climate catastrophe.” — Nicola Heath
As we reflect on the literary landscape of 2025, these books stand out not only for their storytelling but for their ability to capture the complexities of human experience. From exploring personal histories and relationships to inventive narratives and debut voices, this year’s selection offers something for every reader. As you add these titles to your reading list, prepare to be transported into new worlds and perspectives.
