Five new books to read this weekBy Ella Walker, PAJulian Barnes blurs the lines between fact and fiction in his latest novel…Departure(s) by Julian Barnes is published in hardback by Jonathan Cape. Available January 22ndMortality has been a theme in Julian Barnes’ work since he lost his wife, the literary agent Pat Kavanagh, in 2008. In Evil Bones, forensic anthropologist Brennan and her niece team up with a retired detective to track down a killer. There is no shortage of twists and turns to keep readers guessing.8/10Review by Kerri-Ann RoperArborescence by Rhett Davis is published in hardback by Fleet. An excellent choice for an entertaining, meaningful bedtime read that packs in themes of fear, difference and kindness in an accessible, age-appropriate way.8/10Review by Joanne BrennanBOOK CHARTS FOR THE WEEK ENDINGHARDBACK (FICTION)1.

Source: Irish Independent January 15, 2026 14:56 UTC