Here is a list of some of the most anticipated debut novels of 2023. These writers try their hands at humor, thriller, sci-fi, and literary fiction, bound to sweep you off your feet!
2023 is turning out to be a promising year of book releases, especially with a new Salman Rushdie novel, a Margaret Atwood short story collection, etc. Not to forget, hidden among these popular 2023 releases are stellar debut novels that deserve your attention and money. We have listed the 10 must-read debut novels of 2023 below so that you don’t skip these names at the bookshop just because they are new to the literary scene.
- 1. Maame by Jessica George
- 2. The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
- 3. The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts by Soraya Palmer
- 4. Small Joys by Elvin James Mensah
- 5. The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
- 6. The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei
- 7. A History of Burning by Janika Oza
- 8. Weyward by Emilia Hart
- 9. The Dream Builders by Oindrila Mukherjee
- 10. Ghost Season by Fatin Abbas
1. Maame by Jessica George
Step into the vibrant world of Maame, where Twi words and London life collide in a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, family, and finding your place in the world!
Meet Maddie, a dynamic Londoner juggling the chaos of life with a mother who jets off to Ghana, leaving her to take care of her father struggling with Parkinson’s. Tired of being the only Black face in every meeting at work, Maddie is ready to break free and dive headfirst into a life filled with adventure and “firsts.” But as fate would have it, tragedy strikes, forcing Maddie to confront her unconventional family and face the complexities of love. Amidst the heartaches, she discovers the true power of friendship and the beauty of embracing both her British and Ghanaian roots.
From the struggles of familial duty and racism to the exploration of female pleasure and finding one’s true home, George crafts a witty and touching story that tackles these themes with humor. If you’re craving a delightful read that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the triumph of the human spirit, Maame is the book for you.
2. The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
Bartz creates a world of tantalizing suspense, spine-chilling horror, and a dash of wickedly dark humour in this novel, where dreams can get so wild that they practically sprout fangs!
A prestigious writing retreat at the remote estate of Blackbriar is hosted by the enigmatic and oh-so-controversial Roza Vallo, the high priestess of feminist horror, and our protagonist Alex is excited to be one of the lucky five attendees. These five writers aren’t just competing for a book deal, but they’re writing for their lives, racing against time to craft the most spine-tingling novel ever conceived for a seven-figure publishing deal. Suddenly, a mysterious force starts knocking the contestants off one by one! This story is about the survival of the cleverest.
The Writing Retreat is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep your eyes glued to the page as you join Alex in her desperate race to escape the eerie clutches of Blackbriar Estate. Trust us, the suspense will keep you up all night, just like that extra cup of coffee you should have skipped!
Also Read: The 15 Best Horror Books of the Last Decade (2010-2020)
3. The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts by Soraya Palmer
Soraya Palmer’s debut novel is a vibrant and spirited coming-of-age tale that will have you laughing, crying, and clinging to the edge of your seat!
The Porter sisters, Zora and Sasha, two fiery Jamaican-Trinidadian gems, are growing up in the bustling heart of Brooklyn. They’re dealing with their mother’s illness, their father’s infidelity and a family history shrouded in mystery. Zora, the dreamer, prefers to escape the harsh realities of life by pouring her heart and soul into her journal, while Sasha, the bold and curious one, discovers the thrilling world of sex and spends more time with her new girlfriend than at home. As the story comes alive with folklore and magic (like nothing you’ve ever seen before), the Porter family must come together to confront forces greater than themselves and unearth a long-buried family secret.
The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter & Other Essential Ghosts celebrates the unbreakable bond between sisters. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the burning question of what happens when our stories are erased – do we vanish into thin air? Or do we return, haunting and persistent? This is one literary thrill you won’t want to miss!
4. Small Joys by Elvin James Mensah
In Elvin James Mensah’s debut novel, our hero, Harley, is about to discover that sometimes, the most unexpected friendships can be a lifeline to happiness!
It is 2005, and Harley’s life has hit rock bottom. College dropout? Check! Dead-end job? Check! Feeling like happiness is nothing but a distant dream? Check! But just when he’s on the brink of giving up, destiny steps in, and cue the entrance of our charming, freewheeling, and confident-in-his-masculinity knight in shining armor: Muddy! Harley’s life takes a thrilling turn as Muddy takes him under his wing and shows him the secret ingredients that make life worth living: bird-watching, karaoke, rugby, and yes, the iconic band Oasis! This newfound camaraderie isn’t all rainbows and butterflies as intrigue, secrets, and jealousy explode, finding Harley faltering again. Only this time, he has a reason to live.
Small Joys is a soul-stirring masterpiece that will leave you smiling and believing in the magic of human connections. These characters will become your close friends, and their journey will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
5. The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
Mikki Brammer’s sensational debut is your golden ticket to join Clover Brooks, a sassy and unconventional death doula, on her unforgettable journey to rediscovering life!
Clover’s connection with death began with a dramatic kindergarten incident. Since then, she’s had a stronger bond with the dying than the living. When her grandfather passes away, Clover decides to become a death doula in the bustling heart of New York City, guiding souls through their final moments with grace and compassion. However, Clover is required to take a cross-country trip in pursuit of a love story at the request of an old woman. This trip will make her look within and seek to understand what it is that she really wants and whether she can muster up the courage to opt for it.
Mikki Brammer masterfully turns the topic of death into a reason to celebrate life! With her sharp wit and clever insights, she dives deep into the human experience, exploring love, loss, and the quest for happiness. You’ll find yourself cheering for Clover, feeling her struggles as your own, and revelling in the moments that redefine the meaning of living in The Collected Regrets of Clover.
6. The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei
Yume Kitasei’s electrifying sci-fi thriller debut talks about a future where Earth is on the brink of an environmental disaster, and humanity’s only hope lies with the courageous crew of “The Phoenix.” These eighty elite graduates, handpicked from a cutthroat program, hold the key to the survival of our species, giving birth to the next generation on a distant, habitable planet. However, a deadly explosion shatters the peace aboard the ship, leaving the survivors questioning everything, including their loyalty to one another. The only witness to the horrifying event, Asuka, finds herself at the center of suspicion.
As the tension mounts and trust among the crew start to crumble, Asuka takes it upon herself to unravel the truth before it’s too late. Will she expose the culprit and save the mission from spiraling into chaos? Or will the bomber strike again, leaving them adrift in the vastness of space?
The Deep Sky explores not only the wonders of space but also the complexity of human emotions, the power of resilience, and the strength of unity in the face of adversity.
Also Read: Eco-Literature: 5 Books That Will Help You Get Started With Reading on the Environment
7. A History of Burning by Janika Oza
Janika Oza’s spectacular debut novel promises to enchant readers with a tale of survival, resilience, and the powerful echoes of one brave act.
At the turn of the twentieth century, in a faraway Indian village, Pirbhai, a teenager searching for a better life, was whisked away to labour on the East African Railway for the British. Little does he know that one fateful decision to secure his own survival will set in motion a chain of events that will ripple through generations of his family! Pirbhai’s children grow up in Kampala, but with the changing socio-political scenario in Uganda, his grandchildren – Latika, Mayuri and Kiya – flee leaving behind a heart-wrenching secret. As the grandchildren find themselves scattered across the globe, destiny calls them back together in exile in the vibrant city of Toronto.
A History of Burning is an unputdownable rollercoaster of emotions. It uncovers the tales we share, the ones we dare not speak of, and the eternal quest for that special place called home.
8. Weyward by Emilia Hart
Weyward is a gripping novel by Emilia Hart that dances between centuries, unveiling secrets buried deep within the bones of an old cottage.
We meet three women across three different times – 2019, where our brave protagonist, Kate, escapes the clutches of her abusive partner and finds solace in the charmingly rustic Weyward Cottage that holds a secret that once led to witch-hunts in the 17th century; 1619, where we meet Altha, a young woman accused of a farmer’s murder. But Altha’s no ordinary girl; she possesses a unique kind of magic rooted in her deep connection to nature; and 1942, where we meet Violet, a young lady yearning for an education denied to her by societal norms. Amidst the turmoil of war, she is trapped in a crumbling estate, haunted by the rumors of her mother’s mysterious madness before her death. Hart ingeniously weaves the tales of these three extraordinary women from different eras.
If you’re in the mood for a historical page-turner, Weyward is the book for you!
Also, Read: The 20 Best Books of 2023 (So Far)
9. The Dream Builders by Oindrila Mukherjee
Oindrila Mukherjee’s debut novel takes us through the bustling city of Hrishipur in India, a place where Maneka Roy returns after years of living in the US. However, her homecoming is no ordinary affair!
It begins with the heart-wrenching loss of Maneka’s mother and gives us a story narrated from the perspective of 10 characters to paint the picture of Hrishipur that it is today, a far cry from the place she grew up in. As Maneka sets out to explore its glittering streets, she will realize that everything here is a facade. Through Mukherjee’s vivid storytelling, you’ll experience the whirlwind of India today, a nation caught between tradition and globalization. Her prose takes you deep into the hearts and minds of people impacted by the winds of change, and you’ll find yourself pondering the price of chasing dreams amidst this cultural fusion.
Mukherjee has crafted a story that transcends borders and brings to life the challenges and triumphs of a country in flux. Don’t miss out on this riveting exploration of life in The Dream Builders!
10. Ghost Season by Fatin Abbas
Fatin Abbas’ debut novel promises to be an electrifying rollercoaster ride that’ll take you to the heart of a border town filled with mystery, romance, and…danger!
In Saraaya, where northern and southern Sudan meet, a burnt corpse suddenly materializes one fateful morning, signaling the start of an epic adventure. The South Sudanese translator, William, believes it is the corpse of the cook, Layla. On the other hand, there’s Dena, a Sudanese American filmmaker, on a quest to reconnect with her roots in an unfamiliar land; a white midwestern aid worker, Alex, whose plans are challenged by a changing climate and an impending civil war; and Mustafa, a clever and endearing twelve-year-old, whose ambitious plans to escape poverty set off a chain of events that will rock the very foundation of the NGO compound where these five strangers find themselves entangled.
Ghost Season explores the incredible paradoxes of identity, art, and humanitarian aid in a land torn by conflict, and it forces you to question the nature of borders – national, ethnic, and religious – and the life-changing consequences of crossing them.
