The School for Good Mothers is the debut novel by Jessamine Chan, published in 2022. To say it was a big hit is a massive understatement! It was nominated for numerous literary awards, including:
Longlisted for the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel
Longlisted for the 2023 Carnegie Medal for Excellence
Shortlisted for The Center for Fiction 2022 First Novel Prize
Selected as One of Barack Obama’s Favourite Books of 2022
Meredith Alone is the debut novel by British author Claire Alexander. It was a big hit when it was released in 2022 and was named ‘one to watch’ in Grazia, The Bookseller and by the BBC. It was also a Woman & Home Book Club award winner.
Memphis is the debut novel by American writer Tara Stringfellow, published in 2022. It was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize.
I always try and read as many Women’s Prize nominees as I can and Memphis appealed to me instantly.
Cleopatra and Frankenstein is a book written by debut novelist Coco Mellors.
Published in 2022, Cleopatra and Frankenstein was a Sunday Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Award finalist. It was also hailed as perfect for fans of Sally Rooney books, so Coco Mellors certainly had big boots to fill.
Really Good Actually is the debut novel by Canadian writer Monica Heisey, published in 2023.
Monica Heisey was a screenwriter for Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms and Really Good Actually is her first fiction novel.
Weyward is the debut novel by Emilia Hart. Released in 2023, it was instantly a great success. It was a an instant New York Times bestseller and was picked to be featured on BBC’s Between The Covers.
I love historical fiction and find stories about witch trials fascinating so I couldn’t wait to read this one.
Snowflake is the debut novel by Irish author Louise Nealon.
Released in 2021, Snowflake was winner of the Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year and was a Radio 4 Book at Bedtime pick.
Where The Crawdads Sing is the bestselling debut novel by Delia Owens, published in 2019.
As both a Richard and Judy Book List choice and a pick for Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, it seems to be universally adored. However, I was keen to find out for myself.
His Only Wife is the debut fiction novel by Peace Adzo Medie, published in 2020.
It was picked for the Reese Witherspoon book club and was an Observer, Time Magazine and New York Times Book of the Year in 2020.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is the debut novel by Shelby Van Pelt, published in 2022. To say it was an instant hit is a massive understatement!