Flair Magazine Flair’s 10 Best Novels of 2024
By Menna saad El Din
The Flair team has been doing a lot of reading this year, and we’ve rounded up the 10 best novels and fictional books that we could not put down. From stories about love, to tales of second chances, you’re sure to find some heart-warming gems in our carefully curated list.
1. All Fours by Miranda July
This novel follows the life of its 45 year-old main character, who begins to question everything in her life after she decides to drive cross-country from New York to LA. In July’s second novel, readers are given a glimpse into the mind of a woman desperately seeking freedom, connection, and ultimately, the meaning of life.
2. The Coin by Yasmin Zaher
Yasmin Zaher’s debut novel follows the unraveling of a young Palestinian teacher living in Brooklyn, New York. Exploring themes such as poverty and wealth, cross-cultures, inherited trauma, and manifesting your dreams, Zaher has certainly established herself as a literary voice to watch out for.
3. In A Parallel Universe by Samar Saadallah
An intensely moving account of the lives of eleven Egyptian women, who in spite of their completely different circumstances and backgrounds, have one thing in common that unites them all. We dare readers not to shed a tear while reading this book. Get ready to have your jaw drop to the floor at the final plot twist.
4. Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
“Martyr!” tells the story of Cyrus Sham, a former addict and aspiring writer, who is obsessed with his parents death, understanding more about his Iranian heritage, making art that matters, and how to know what;s worth dying (or living) for. If you’re more into listening rather than reading, the audiobook version is narrated by “Succession’s” Arian Moayed, and it’s brilliant.
5. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
Deeply moving, Sally Rooney’s fourth novel is a quiet tale about love and loss. Set against the backdrop of Ireland, the story explores the themes of grief, love and the relationship between two brothers.
6. Tales of Maadi by Kathrin Sombold
A composition of stories, photographs, interviews, maps, poems, and paintings – all collected by some of Maadi’s residents, local personalities, expatriates, and visionaries. This collective celebrates one of Cairo’s most unique neighbourhoods – giving readers insight into its history, while setting the stage for its future.
7. Funny Story by Emily Henry
A cozy, warm-hearted tale about Daphne and Miles, whose exes are dating each other. Full of witty banter, amazing conversations, and that cute rom-com feeling you can’t help but love.
8. You Are Here by David Nicholls
After both their marriages fail – Michael and Marnie find themselves pulled into a long-distance walking group organised by a friend. Exploring the themes surrounding love, the need for human connection, second chances, and loneliness, Nicholls’ continues to capture these very real stories and put them into writing.
9. The Life Impossible by Matt Haig
After retired math teacher Grace begins to feel bored of life, she is given a strange second chance at an adventure, when an estranged friend leaves her rundown Ibiza house in her name. Touching on themes of second chances, the second half of one’s life, and finding joy again, Matt Haig’s latest novel is sure to warm your heart.
10. My Favourite Mistake by Marliyn Keys
After 20 years living in New York, PR girl Anna Walsh no longer has a soft spot for the Big Apple. She decides to return to her homeland of Ireland where she wants to start anew, but soon realises that no matter how far you go, you can’t run from your mistakes.
