Clemo Club has a lot of opinionated people in it and we think you should hear what they think.
Each new year we recap the previous year’s book club picks. 2025 already seems like eons ago – perhaps thanks to the 40 days of rain we’ve had here in Cornwall. But let’s look back at last year’s Clemo Club picks. If you’ve been thinking about joining our book club perhaps these books will give you a feel for what we read together.
Spoilers ahead! If you like the look of the books we read find out more about our book club Clemo Club and come along.
January
Untold Lessons, Maddalena Vaglio Tanet
Set in the foothills of an Italian mountain town this novel, created using archival information from local newspapers and the author’s own family history, was a cold and atmospheric retelling of a small town scandal. The isolation of the protagonist and the town itself was felt by book club members and was a timely read during January’s storms.
February
The Lamb, Lucy Rose
The first sentence set the tone for this book. Gross, but emotional, compelling but gag-worthy. Some members struggled with the themes of child abuse, but we all rooted for eleven-year-old Margot the narrator of the book right until the end. Lots of Clemo Club members adopted a vegetarian diet while reading The Lamb.
March
The Boy From The Sea, Garret Carr
An omniscient character or collective of residents tells the story of the small Irish fishing town where this book is set. Book club members loved the religious and superstitious elements of this book but we wanted more of it, as well as the character Phyllis who was simmering with anger after caring for others her whole life. A poignant ending, many tears were shed.
April
Stag Dance, Torrey Peters
Just fabulous, a book that makes you feel grateful to be a reader. Four short stories were enclosed in this eye-catching book which explored the trans experience in historical, contemporary and future/dystopian settings. We all had a different favourite story and it made for a fantastic discussion at the monthly meet up.
May
Vanishing World, Sayaka Murata
Going into this many of us were fans of Sayaka Murata after reading Convenience Store Woman and whilst some members are still fans, many are not. A dystopian town was the setting for a book about the gender reversal of reproduction where men carry children to term and residents raise the babies collectively. Good art is meant to create a reaction in you and I guess this book did that – but I won’t stock it in Clemo Books when the paperback is released…!
June
Muckle Flugga, Michael Pederson
A firm favourite amongst lots of Clemo Club members in 2025. Poet and now novelist Michael Pederson has created a joyous book in Muckle Flugga where the island and its inhabitants felt like friends. Get a dictionary ready to read this one, lots of beautiful and melodic new words learnt – thank you Michael!
July
The Book Game, Francis Wise
Hot, sweaty and sultry The Book Game was a surprising page turner which set off summer brilliantly. A group of university alumni join together for a writing retreat and drama ensues. We enjoyed the writing and then at the meet up an astute member revealed their research that the author is actually a pseudonym and 2 people co-wrote the book. A very fun holiday read.
August
Love Forms, Claire Adam
Longlisted for the Booker Prize Love Forms followed a woman’s search for a daughter she was forced to give up. Devastating and beautiful lots of Clemo Club members felt the book was a subtle one that by the end of it had become a story that will stay with them.
September
Six Weeks by the Sea, Paula Bynre
Written by a world-renown expert on Jane Austen, this biographical retelling of a formative holiday taken by Jane Austen and her family. During the holiday it’s suspected Austen experienced her own love affair which inspired some of her literary creations. Lots of members found this book a bit slow but those who did finish it enjoyed the drama and love affair.
October
Buckeye, Patrick Ryan
Another favourite in the Clemo Club 2025 line up, and bookseller Jaimie’s top 2 books of the year, Buckeye was a generational saga spanning 40 years exploring how America’s 20th century wars affected a small town in Ohio. We felt it was undersold in the media with a spiritual element not noted in the blurb which made it even more perfect for our October read. We wanted more from one of the female characters – but Clemo Club is never truly satisfied! Of all our 2025 books this is one we’ve recommended most in Clemo Books.
November
The Murder at World’s End, Ross Montgomery
We enjoyed this one too! A murder mystery set in Cornwall 1910 saw a newly appointed under-butler and octogenarian genius work together to solve a murder to clear their names. We thought perhaps the setting could be inspired by St Michaels Mount and some themes in the novel inspired by historical murder mystery’s which we liked. Perhaps there will be another instalment of this duo?
December
Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop, Mai Mochizuki
Japanese bestseller translated into English; this book is the second book in the Full Moon Coffee Shop series. Talking cats, horoscopes and a magically appearing coffee shop on Christmas Eve – totally random but it made for cosy reading for the festive season.
You can order any of the books mentioned to purchase from Clemo Books – just pop in or send us a message. If you’d like to join Clemo Club you can read more about it here and sign up online, or pop into Clemo Books on Bank Street and pick up the book of the month and try out Clemo Club.
Clemo Club members did I recap correctly, are there any glaring opinions missed!?
