A tantalising work of speculative fiction, Nonesuch is the latest novel from award-winning British author Francis Spufford. Set in London during the Blitz, protagonist Iris Hawkins is young, confident and ambitious, working at a brokerage in the city when she meets Geoff on an unexpected night out.
As she attempts to depart his home during the early hours she encounters an unexpected creature. This leads to a mystical adventure, drawing the couple through the changing landscape of the city on a spiritual trail.
Full of tension and suspense, the story deals with multi-layered themes of love, war and ideology. The supernatural aspects may not appeal to all readers but the intriguing premise combined with the adventurous plot offers a rich backdrop. It’s difficult to explain the power of the prose, but the flowing style of writing provides a vivid and evocative scene setting that instantly hooked me in.
A spectacular work of fiction, Nonesuch is a thoroughly thrilling and compelling read which manages to be both unique and unworldly. Without giving too much of the plot away, it’s a must-read for 2026 – and I’m predicting much success for the novel during award season.
