Each week our wonderful staff share the books that they've been enjoying.
Bella is reading Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith
As someone who grew up with a fierce love for Tamora Pierce’s The Song of the Lioness series, a cover with a young red-head with a sword instantly drew me to Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston. But the appeal of this book isn’t pure nostalgia – this is an incredible adventure story about a young nonbinary kid fighting for justice and their chance at knighthood.
Throughout, the book deals with prejudice in a thoughtful and empathetic way; while Callie and their friends struggle to beat the hateful Lord Chancellor, Symes-Smith also acknowledges the nuances of privilege involved in fighting back – particularly for the Chancellor's children. I listened to this on audio and can't wait to keep going with the series!
Rosalind is reading After the Funeral by Agatha Christie
I do love an Agatha Christie novel, and I might have just found my favourite Poirot in After the Funeral. It has all the things you want from a Christie: a large estate, domestic drama, bucolic country side and slippery characters. Throw in just the right amount of Poirot, which for me is not too much, and you have a winner.
Christie is no doubt the master, and I don't want to give anything away, but if you haven't read this one, I highly recommend it.
