Struggling with what to read this year? Look no further! We’ve curated a list of the best debut novels hitting the shelves in the first half of 2024.
And there’s a stellar line-up of fresh talent writing their way onto our bookshelves and hearts, from debut novels featuring time-travel and time-bending rom-coms, to books about love, loss and navigating all that life has to throw at us.
So settle in and prepare to discover your new favourite author from our reading list!
BEST DEBUT NOVELS
01
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
from $34.99 at Dymocks
Best for: time-bending rom-com
Author Holly created a video game The Husbands Generator to help her create the characters for her debut novel which explores the pitfalls of modern dating and the paradox of choice! Lauren discovers her attic is creating an endless supply of husbands – 203 of them – and any one of them could be the perfect man for her, she just has to figure out which one!
02
First Year by Kristina Ross
from $32.99 at Amazon
Best for: lovers of Sally Rooney-style reads.
With shades of Sally Rooney and Coco Mellors in her writing style, it’s no surprise Kristina won The Australian/Vogel’s Award for Young Writers for her first novel. Inspired by her own experiences of being a professional actress, First Year follows Maeve as she secures a place at one of the country’s most prestigious drama schools – and the risks she’s willing to take in the name of art.
03
Manny and the Baby by Varaudzo
from $26.26 at Amazon
Best for: an emotional tale of loss
A dreamy debut about loss and unrequited love, Manny And The Baby sees grieving son Itali try to connect to his late father through the pile of cassette tapes he left behind. The journey leads him to discover two sisters he knew nothing about.
04
Jaded by Ela Lee
from $34.99 at Dymocks
Best for: delving into race and class
A tightly-wound tale of one woman’s seemingly perfect life unravelling, Jaded is an exploration of race, identity and the ripple effect of sexual assaults that has shades of hit TV series I May Destroy You. The life of a young London lawyer falls apart when she is sexually assaulted by a work partner.
05
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
from $32.99 at Dymocks
Best for: time travelling romance
Joyfully written, this fun novel is both a time travel romance and a spy thriller! A polar explorer from the 1800s is kidnapped by a near-future UK government and falls in love with his roommate – it’s both hilariously funny and heartbreakingly moving.
06
I Hope This Finds You Well
from $34.99 at Dymocks
Best for: exploring co-worker relationships
Unhappy office worker Joelene is lonely, depressed, and hates her co-workers. But when an unfortunate IT fail suddenly gives her access to all her colleagues’ private messages, her surprising discoveries change her life for the better.
07
Even-ings and Week-ends by Oisin McKenna
from $32.99 at Dymocks
Best for: re-living the hedonism of your youth
Lovers of London will be moved by this novel’s tender portrayal of the city and queer culture. It’s the hottest summer on record and a group of 30-ish Londoners are at a crossroads in their lives. As they struggle with their own identities, financial instability, and their love-lives, they head to yet another wild party…
