STARRED REVIEW
July 31, 2023

The 23 best debut novels of 2023 (so far)

Discover the debuts that have captured our attention with their sharp, fresh stories and bold truths.
Share this Article:
ikeepmyexoskeletonstomyself

I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself

Some books have the power to wake you up, shake you out of the old and push you toward something new and exciting and a ...
Read more
essexdogs

Essex Dogs

Rich in historical detail and told in tight, endearing prose, Essex Dogs is a historical fiction triumph for both longtime Jones fans and newcomers, and ...
Read more
Book jacket image for Monstrilio by Gerardo Samano Cordova

Monstrilio

In his debut novel, Gerardo S&aacutemano Cordova attempts to describe the nameless grief of losing a child by showing how resisting it can destroy us.
Read more
Book jacket image for A Country You Can Leave by Asale Angel-Ajani

A Country You Can Leave

Asale Angel-Ajani’s unflinching portrait of a hypernuclear family is captivating and complex, with a richly drawn supporting cast and occasional arch humor that leavens the ...
Read more
Book jacket image for Scorched Grace by Margot Douaihy

Scorched Grace

Scorched Grace is an entertaining and devastating mystery that introduces Sister Holiday, a queer nun with a clever, curious mind and a fatalistic yet somehow ...
Read more

BookPage enewsletter

Sign up to receive reading recommendations in your favorite genres every Tuesday.

Recent Features