Messy, magnetic, flawed and fascinating – complicated women make for some of the most unforgettable characters in fiction.
The GH VIP panel read the latest paperbacks out this month and the books here are their favourites, all featuring female characters wrestling with love, motherhood, ambition or the expectations placed on them – and all deeply relatable.
"These are women worth reading about!" Editor-in-chief Jane Bruton
Buy your books from Bookshop.org (via your local bookshop) with a 10% discount using code LOVEBOOKSHOPS
Good Books October 26 Collection Winner
I Am You by Victoria Redel (Firefinch Publishing)
Our panel loved this immersive retelling of the life of Dutch artist Maria van Oosterwijck and her relationship with Gerta, her maid and later her assistant.
"The novel was beautifully written, with a distinctive voice that stayed with me," said one panel member.
Good Books October 26 Collection Reader Favourite
Wreck by Catherine Newman (Transworld)
Fiftysomething Rocky is the hero of Catherine Newman’s hilarious third novel, which panel members found relatable and insightful.
"I thoroughly enjoyed this and would read more by the author. It dealt with some difficult issues and added welcome humour," said one reader.
LA Women by Ella Berman (Aria)
The panel loved the glamorous setting of this compelling novel that explores the complexities of female friendship (loosely based on the turbulent relationship between Eve Babitz and Joan Didion).
"I think that Ella Berman is a very talented writer and is excellent at creating complicated women with interesting lives," said one.
The Ten Year Affair by Erin Somers (Canongate)
Described as ‘thought-provoking and funny’, this novel follows a married mother of two and the imaginary affair she has with new friend Sam.
"I loved the parallel timelines – who hasn’t had a fantasy about a different possible existence! They kept the book pacy," said one VIP.
How to buy the books
Look out for the Good Books logo in all good bookshops. All the books are available from Bookshop.org (via your local bookshop) with a 10% discount using the code LOVEBOOKSHOPS.
Join our VIP panel
VIP Members can sign up at ghmembers.co.uk to receive free books to review – and help us choose the next Good Books Collection.
![murder in a small town: l r: fiona vroom and kristin kreuk in the mother love episode of murder in a small town airing tuesday, oct. 7 (8:00 9:00pm et/pt) on fox. (photo by fox via getty images)](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/303b7f1f-128c-48d1-a467-e0aad05c04d3.jpg?crop=0.205xw:0.308xh;0.537xw,0.0554xh&resize=360:* "FOX's "Murder In A Small Town" - Season Two")