We're all looking forward to 2021, not least because of the amazing year of books it has in store. We've spent the last few weeks reading ahead, and here's a thread of our most anticipated, all available to pre-order on our website. 1/

http://www.bookbaruk.com/the-booklist 

With shades of William Boyd & Life After Life, #LightPerpetual is the most exquisite book. In 1944, a bomb kills 5 children in a department store. The novel explores what may have happened if the bomb hadn't exploded, and the children lived the lives destined for them. 2/

In #Memorial by Bryan Washington Benson and Mike's 4 year relationship is unravelling when news of Mike's estranged father's illness sends him back to Japan, leaving Benson with Mike's mother. A beautiful book about interiority, the intangibility of 'home' and modern America. 3/

Say hello to 2021's #GoneGirl. When her abusive mother dies in prison, Lex must once again confront her childhood spent in the infamous 'House of Horrors'. #GirlA is a gripping thriller and a harrowing story about trauma and grief. 4/

A gripping depiction of the tumultuous workings of James I's court, based on real events. When Anne Turner meets Lady Frances Howard the two form a firm friendship across the class divide. As their fortunes turn, their friendship is knotted together by a dangerous plot. 5/

Three lighthouse keepers vanish from the remote lighthouse in the middle of the ocean. The door of the tower is bolted from the inside and the clocks have stopped at the same time. Reminiscent of Michelle Paver's Dark Matter, #TheLamplighters is a chilling literary mystery. 6/

#Nightshift is a sharp coming-of-age story about sexual and self-discovery with a side of self-abandon. Meggie is bored with her job and her long-term boyfriend when she meets the enigmatic, freespirited Sabine at work. So good, we've already read it twice. 7/

When Durga returns to Malaysia to care for her grandmother, she begins to uncover family secrets. Set in present day & 20th Century Malaysia, #FragileMonsters is a richly textured story about the divides between generations, homecoming & the traumatic imprint of the past. 8/

One of the most anticipated debuts of the year, #Luster is a book that is powerful in the unsaid. It's both funny and brutal, shocking and tender. 9/

One I haven't yet read but am very excited to read: #SeaState. An explosive and candid memoir of masculinity, loneliness desire set on the North Sea oil rigs.

The author of #ThreeWomen returns with her debut novel #Animal from @BloomsburyBooks We've not read it yet but is sounds absolutely PHENOMENAL. 11/

Other books we can't wait to read include #MalibuRising the latest from @tjenkinsreid, @jon_mcgregor's #leanfallstand, #OnHampsteadHeath by @Marikacobbold from @ArcadiaBooks and a new novel from Richard Powers, author of #TheOverstory, which is due in Autumn. Bring on 2021! 12/12