Reading lists

What I’m reading: Claire Fuller

The author of the new, Women’s Prize for Fiction-longlisted novel Unsettled Ground on the books that have moved her lately, from novels by Tove Ditlevsen and Sam Selvon to engrossing memoirs.

Claire Fuller
Author Claire Fuller leans on a sofa in front of a window.

Claire Fuller is the type of author you’d swear was simply born an author: such is her way with words that all of her first three novels – 2015’s Our Endless Numbered Days, 2017’s Swimming Lessons and 2018’s Bitter Orange – won notable book awards. It’s shocking then, to learn that Fuller actually began her career as a sculptor.

Yet, since she began writing at 40, she’s established herself as a dependably incredible novelist, and her latest keeps up the streak: Unsettled Ground tells the story of unusual 51-year-old twins Jeanie and Julius, who live a peaceful, rural life still living with their mother – until her death reveals a series of secrets and betrayals that threaten their existence. And now, just a fortnight ahead of its release, it has already been longlisted for the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction.

To celebrate the occasion, we asked Fuller to pick a handful of must-read books she’s devoured recently. Delve into her thoughtful picks below.

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more