I read 80 books in 2024, which is a decent number, if a bit smaller than what I managed in the last few years. Here is a summary of my reading year:
The Vorkosigan Saga
I managed to read the entirety of the Vorkosigan Saga in 2024, except for one novella. I've heard some rave reviews about the series, and I can see why. Although sci-fi isn't quite my thing, I was completely immersed in most of the stories. The characterisation is superb. A masterclass in creating rounded characters that create the plot with their flaws and decisions. I enjoyed some books more than others, naturally; my fave ones was the stretch of books from Brothers in Arms to A Civil Campaign. Magnificent.
10 other books that stood out:
1. Vita Nostra by Marina and Sergey Dyachenko. An absolutely mindfuck of a novel. Trippy magic, body horror, dark academia: I found it incomprehensible at times, but it was a very compelling read.
2. The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera. Mesmerising fantasy from Sri Lanka, lush prose, incredible world-building.
3. Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski. Atmospheric, lyrical, a story of young queer love as well as a portrait of Poland in the 70s-80s. I love some history with my romances.
4. The Will of the Many by James Islington. Fascinating world-building and an immersive story that ends on a very intriguing cliffhanger. Can't wait for the rest.
5. The Vegetarian by Han Kang. A layered, deep novel with an ambiguous ending. An unusual story that has stayed with me.
6. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. Finally caught up with this classic. I struggled while reading it--possibly because I had different expectations of the plot?--but it was a memorable read for sure.
7. Faithful Place and the Secret Place by Tana French. I adore French's writing and, once again, she didn't disappoint. Gorgeous prose, a deep dive into characters, and a sharp portrait of modern Ireland.
8. Dark Heir by CS Pacat. This one got under my skin. I had to go back and reread the first installment and then immediately reread this one. I am SO excited for the rest.
9. The Miracles of the Namiya General Story by Keigo Higashino. Higashino writes fantastic murder mysteries, always superbly plotted and unusually structured (for example, often the reader knows the murderer from the start. The question is how the murder happened or how the alibi works etc.). This one, however, isn't a murder mystery, but a touching tale about people figuring out their dreams and hopes for the future, with some supernatural elements. It's a really heartwarming story but it also touches on some Japan issues, esp from the 80s, like sexism and capitalism. There is darkness; but a strong love of humanity permeats the pages, and I found that very comforting.
Here's to a great 2025!
