New Book Review
- Solana
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
Here are five books to consider reading in June 2025, drawing on suggestions from multiple sources. These selections represent a mix of fiction genres, including some that explore themes of family, societal expectations, and the human condition.
1
"Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" by V.E. Schwab
This book was a #1 pick on the June 2025 Indie Next List and is praised for its intricate backstories and exploration of humanity and monstrosity. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab, absolutely lived up to its #1 spot. Schwab masterfully weaves together three gripping narratives; María in 16th‑century Spain, Charlotte in Victorian London, and Alice in modern Boston, anchored by a haunting queer vampiric mythology.
What I loved most was how each woman’s backstory felt fully realised: their hopes, betrayals, and quiet resilience breathe life into what could’ve been a straightforward supernatural tale. The alternating timelines create this slow-building emotional resonance that just pulls you deeper in. And the way Schwab explores themes of identity, desire, and monstrosity is both elegiac and visceral. On the flip side, the pacing occasionally dips in the middle sections, some chapters lingered a bit too long in reflective territory. Still, the payoff is richly atmospheric, emotionally nuanced, and deeply satisfying. Overall, this is a beautifully haunting read and perfect for anyone who loves character-driven historical fantasy with a modern heart. Highly recommend.
2
"The Persians" by Sanam Mahloudji
Five Books and Women's Prize included this book in their shortlists for the 2025 Women's Prize for Fiction. A beautifully layered debut that felt like sliding into a family photo album filled with secrets. With humour and heart, Mahloudji tells the story of the Valiat women, especially Shirin, whose arrest in Aspen triggers rich flashbacks to her mother Elizabeth’s life during the 1940s and the upheaval of the Iranian Revolution.
What really hooked me was how the novel shifts between timelines so effortlessly, giving each character depth and nuance. The juxtaposition of Elizabeth’s lost dreams and Shirin’s reinvention made the theme of exile feel deeply personal. If I had one wish, it’s that some of the secondary characters got a bit more screen time. Still, this is a compelling, emotionally resonant family saga, definitely worth the read!
3
"The Safekeep" by Yael van der Wouden
I dove into the novel with genuine curiosity and it did not disappoint. Set in early 1960s Netherlands, it follows Isa, a meticulous loner whose world is quietly upended when her brother’s girlfriend, Eva, arrives. The slow-burning romantic tension and rich character development, especially Isa’s emotional thaw, make the story feel deeply intimate and beautifully observed.
Van der Wouden masterfully weaves personal desire with collective history, probing guilt and privilege rooted in post‑WWII realities. The prose is elegant and atmospheric, capturing claustrophobic Dutch countryside and Isa’s internal conflict. While some readers may find the sensual passages a bit lengthy, they contribute to the novel’s emotional depth and authenticity. The final act hits with emotional resonance, balancing romance and reckoning in a way that lingers long after closing the book. For a moving debut rooted in historical nuance, this one’s a keeper.
4
"Goddess Complex" by Sanjena Sathian
This novel is described as a darkly funny and psychological thriller about procreation, pregnancy, and parenting. Sanjena Sathian’s twisty, darkly funny novel about identity, motherhood, and the choices no one asks us to make. I loved Sanjana’s messy, candid voice, it made me laugh but also sit with that uncomfortable hum of life veering off‑script. As critics from Library Journal note, it’s “well‑crafted… with dystopian twists.” And yes, the second act’s surreal fertility‑cult detour can feel wild, even disjointed. Still, that raw emotional honesty hits hard. I recommend it for anyone who’s ever wondered, “What if I made a different choice?” Just be ready for the ride, it’s not a straightforward one, but it’s unforgettable.
5
"Good Girl" by Aria Aber
Good Girl grabbed me from the first page. This debut by Aria Aber is like nothing I’ve read lately. Nila, a 19‑year‑old Afghan‑German in Berlin, navigates raves, romance, and identity with raw honesty. Aber’s prose is poetic yet punchy, painting gritty club scenes alongside intimate family moments with equal care. I was especially moved by the emotional depth, Nila’s struggle with her refugee roots, grief, and desire for escape hits hard. But fair heads up: some sections linger too long in club vibes and inner monologues. It felt a bit repetitive at times. Still, its lyrical rhythm and political resonance make this debut a standout. A powerful, thoughtful read, for those who crave honesty wrapped in poetic energy.