Author Nicola Barker: "we are all weirdos" | Culture with Tanjil Rashid

'Other People' is a psychological novel that explores identity and memory through the story of a man who wakes up with amnesia.

The novel tells the story of Francesca Johnson, a lonely Italian-American housewife living on a farm in Madison County, Iowa, and Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer. During a four-day period while her husband and children are away, Francesca and Robert develop a passionate love affair. Despite their deep feelings for each other, they understand that their love is impossible due to Francesca's responsibilities as a wife and mother and Robert's nomadic lifestyle. The story explores themes of love, duty, and the choices we make in life. After their affair, Francesca returns to her family, and Robert continues his travels. The novel concludes with Francesca's children discovering her journals years later, detailing her affair with Robert, and honoring her love by scattering her ashes at one of the covered bridges where they spent time together.

Dead Babies by Martin Amis is a satirical novel that follows a group of young adults at a debauched weekend party in rural England. The story combines dark humor with a critique of societal excesses, exploring themes of moral decay and the consequences of hedonistic lifestyles. The novel is known for its sharp wit and incendiary portrayal of privileged youth.

The novel follows Isabel Archer, a young American woman who inherits a fortune and travels to Europe. There, she rejects several marriage proposals, including those from Lord Warburton and Caspar Goodwood, in favor of maintaining her independence. However, she is manipulated by Madame Merle and Gilbert Osmond into a marriage that proves disastrous. Osmond, a collector of art objects, sees Isabel as another piece to add to his collection, and their marriage is marked by his cold and manipulative nature. The novel explores themes of personal freedom, responsibility, and the complexities of human relationships.

The Rachel Papers is Martin Amis's first novel, published in 1973. It follows Charles Highway, a bright and egotistical teenager, as he prepares for Oxford and becomes infatuated with Rachel Noyes. The novel explores themes of adolescence, love, and literary ambition, often blurring the lines between reality and Charles's elaborate schemes. Amis's work is known for its witty humor and satirical take on youthful pretensions.

London Fields is a complex novel that combines elements of comedy and mystery, set against the backdrop of late 20th-century London. The story revolves around Nicola Six, who foresees her own murder, and the characters entangled in her fate, including Keith Talent and Guy Clinch. The novel explores themes of predestination, class, and the devaluation of human life, all while maintaining a darkly comedic tone.

This book explores the realm of ghosts and haunted houses, offering insights into the paranormal world. It is part of The Spirit Guide series by Caroline Clark, who is known for her engaging narratives on haunted themes.