Do you remember that time when, as a 16-year-old teenager, you went on holiday with your parents to the beach and there was this one pretty boy every girl was swooning over and then your best friend ended up stealing him away from you and you were all upset? On the surface, that’s pretty much the plot of The Story of a New Name, except Elena Ferrante takes it one step further, weaving in a story of abuse, depression, and class. Join us as we dig into what makes this book so compelling, why we hate Nino Sarratore, and what dissolving margins might really mean. As always, spoilers ahead.

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Artwork by @yami_illustrated

Music by Nick van Rijn

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Istanbul is not just a backdrop but a character on its own in this powerful novel by Elif Shafak. She gives us an intimate and tender portrayal of a city that literally bridges the European and Asian continents, seen through the eyes of the marginalised. Nor does she shy away from being critical (and the people of Turkey have not let that go unnoticed). Join us as we discuss gender, politics and the ways in which we might think differently about family. As always, spoilers ahead.

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Artwork by @yami_Illustrated

Music by Nick van Rijn

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Do you really form an intimate relationship if you only connect through gaming? Can it be, as Sam Mazer says, more intimate than sex? Here's what we think this book gets right (and wrong) about platonic relationships. Get ready for Nick going on a philosophical tangent about play, life and death. As always, spoilers ahead.

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Artwork by @yami_Illustrated

Music by Nick van Rijn

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Join us as we follow one day in the lives of Ruth and Pen, two women navigating a rocky patch. We dig into themes of infertility, relationships (romantic and otherwise!), neurodivergence, and how fiction lets us empathetically imagine the lives of others. Spoilers ahead as always.

If you'd like to get in touch, follow us on instagram @simayandnicksbookdate or e-mail us at thebookdate@proton.me

Artwork by @yami_Illustrated

Music by Nick van Rijn

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The Ferrante fever is real! We went in curious yet skeptical, and came out completely swept away. Join us as we dive into the gorgeous, unsparing prose of the Neapolitan Novels and the dark, richly drawn world of two girls coming of age in post-war Naples. As usual, spoilers ahead!

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Artwork by @yami_Illustrated

Music by Nick van Rijn

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Who would have known that Mr. Stevens, stiff English butler of Darlington Hall, turns out to be one of the most memorable and endearing characters ever put to page. Join us in our discussion on Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day where we talk about dignity, memory, and missed opportunities. Spoilers ahead!

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Artwork by @yami_Illustrated

Music by Nick van Rijn

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Spoilers ahead!

Join us for our very first episode as we discuss My Friends by Hisham Matar, a beautifully told, heartbreaking story about three Libyan friends as they navigate life in exile. In this episode, we talk about political violence, male friendships, bonding after a traumatic event, and many more.

If you'd like to get in touch, follow us on Instagram @simayandnicksbookdate or email us at thebookdate@proton.me.

Artwork by @yami_Illustrated

Music by Nick van Rijn

Let us know if you liked this book as much as we did in the comments!