Ten Books to Add to Your Reading List in 2026

"If you are the kind of person who makes a 'to do' list but for reading, then here are ten books to add to it. Published throughout next year, this roundup includes Deborah Levy's latest work of fiction, centred on the life and influence of Gertrude Stein, and a forensic deep dive into the cult TV show Twin Peaks by entertainment journalist Scott Meslow. In What Am I, A Deer? Polly Barton renders a droll portrait of a skittish young woman in the clutches of limerence, while Ben Lerner's new novel Transcription asks discomforting questions about society's dependence on technology. From art history to sociology, 1940s wartime Italy to 90s Tokyo - there are places to go within these volumes and plenty to keep you turning pages in 2026."

"From 29 January An embittered professor - reputation and marriage in tatters - views a beautiful, rural house: somewhere he can reconnect with nature and escape from the women who he believes ruined his life. The house, explains the realtor, was once home to the enigmatic, artistic Helen. Seduced by the sound of a woman who lived life so fearlessly on her own terms, the professor is keen to find out more, not least when it becomes clear that he could easily access some of Helen's wisdom. The price he will pay, however, is more than he could ever imagine. Set out in acts, but very much written as prose, Helen of Nowhere is unlike any other fiction - unique in its blend of surrealism, philosophy and satire - while also raising questions about feminism, success, marriage and sacrifice. Every single sentence works hard and yet reads effortlessly. Brilliant."

"From 24 February Hailed as a forgotten classic, Lee and Elaine was first published in 2002 before all but disappearing. New audiences, especially those with a penchant for autofiction or interested in the lives of great artists will be quickly seduced by the premise of Rower's fiction. Recently separated from her long-term partner and at the start of an affair with a much younger wom"

Ten books publishing across 2026 include both fiction and nonfiction that traverse diverse subjects and eras. Titles range from Deborah Levy's fictional engagement with Gertrude Stein to Scott Meslow's forensic examination of Twin Peaks. Polly Barton depicts a skittish young woman gripped by limerence in What Am I, A Deer?, while Ben Lerner's Transcription interrogates societal dependence on technology. Helen of Nowhere, released 29 January, follows an embittered professor who encounters the enigmatic Helen and faces unexpected costs for accessing her legacy. Lee and Elaine, reissued 24 February, returns a once-forgotten autofiction exploring separation and an affair.

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