Every good book deserves a good first page.

Marpa Books is a small, hand-picked library. For every book we write a short, spoiler-free recap, together with the stories behind it and a few lines on who will love it.

Every recap is written in our own words, drawing on published reviews, author interviews, award records and reference works. Sources are listed on each book page. We don't do star ratings: a recap and a reason to read tell you more than a number.

Book covers are provided by Open Library.