Every month we take a flashback look over the previous 50 years in literature, looking at the new releases of each month from five decades! One thing that hasn’t changed is that the best books get released just before the festive season, which makes October generally a hot month for new releases, and our chosen years certainly reflect that with some iconic books.
So it’s time to take a wander through history, maybe you awaited these releases patiently, or maybe they’re books you’ve never heard of. It’s a great way to meet some new authors, so let’s go.
October 2006
Ophelia – Lisa M Klein
October 2006 saw the release of Ophelia, a young adult novel spinning off Ophelia’s story in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The novel started a series of similar novels, introducing a new generation to Shakespeare’s works.
October 1996
The Notebook – Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks is a household name now, but in 1996 he was releasing his debut romance novel, The Notebook. Based on a true story, the book went on to become a movie, and set Sparks up in the official role of ‘professional author’.
October 1986
Foundation and Earth – Isaac Asimov
October 1986 saw the release of the fifth and final book in the Foundation and Earth series from genius, Asimov. Released to mixed reviews, the series remains popular today.
October 1976
Slapstick, or Lonesome No More! – Kurt Vonnegut
Written in true Vonnegut style, this is an apocalyptic vision, seen through the eyes of the current King of Manhattan, and it’s both scathing and bizarre. Released in early October 1976, fans of the author keep his works in the classic section even today.
Slapstick, or Lonesome No More! US
Slapstick, or Lonesome No More! UK
October 1966
The Wide Sargasso Sea – Jean Rhys
The most successful novel from Jean Rhys, the post-colonial The Wide Sargasso Sea is a prequel, and response to Jane Eyre. It was published in October 1966, and remains popular today.
So that’s it, another flashback across five decades of literature. See you again next month.
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