These are the books our books editor, Meneesha Govender, received recently. They may be reviewed later
My Name is Mahtob
by Mahtob Mahmoody (Sphere)
Not Without My Daughter captured the hearts of many readers when it hit bookshelves some 30 years ago.
It was subsequently made into a film starring Sally Field – cementing its popularity and world acclaim.
Now, My Name is Mahtob is the story told from the perspective of the daughter in the original story.
Beginning with their imprisonment and escape from Tehran, Mahtob goes on to narrate a story of life in the US – living in fear of being abducted by her father, never-ending nightmares and panic attacks, and battling a life-threatening illness.
This is the story of a young woman learning to overcome the odds and building a new life where she lives without fear. More than that, it's her story of learning to forgive.
The Astonishing Return of Norah Wells
by Virginia Macgregor (sphere)
What happens to the mother who stayed when the mother who left comes back? This is essentially the question behind this book.
Norah leaves her home and family one day and disappears for six years.
Now she's back – to find Fay has replaced her in her home.
Fay held Norah’s family together after she disappeared, Fay shares a bed with Norah’s husband, and Norah’s youngest daughter calls Fay “Mummy”.
As each member of the family tries to find answers to the many questions they have, they also have to confront matters of what it takes to hold a family together and what they're willing to sacrifice for the ones they love.
The Chimes
by Anna Smaill (Sceptre)
London is being orchestrated by a vast musical instrument that destroys memory.
Every object in the city has its own melody and song permeates every facet of life.
But each day feels the same as the last, and the past is a mystery.
Simon, however, is different – he wakes every morning with a sense that there is something he has to do urgently.
Then he meets Lucien, who knows more about the dangers of Simon’s past.
Slowly Simon begins to remember…
The Chimes promises to be a gripping, tension filled thriller.