New & Recommended Fiction

An ménage of famous authors retell different fairy tales, from the classics by Grimm to the lesser known by Goethe, in this new collection edited by Bernheimer. These 40 different tales will have you appreciating these stories in whole new ways as the authors stretch our understanding of the tales and reality. Fairy tales for a completely new generation, this book will not disappoint the child’s imagination lingering inside of you. —Saraphine

Michael Cunningham’s (The Hours) new novel is a taut and intimate story of a marriage in its later phase. With their only child now grown and out of the house, Rebecca and Peter Harris are finally established in their careers and seemingly settled in their commitment to each other. But when Rebecca’s much younger brother unexpectedly arrives to stay with them, his presence reveals the cracks in what seemed a solid partnership. In beautiful prose and stark description, Cunningham has written a stunning tale of the importance of honesty, growth, acknowledging the imperfections that lie in each of us, and the importance of seeking and stating our intentions to ourselves anew again and again. —S.M.C.

I am now convinced that there is nothing Steve Martin cannot write about. His latest novel is the story of Lacey, an irresistible up-and-comer in the world of fine art (in New York City, where else?) and if you read it, you are guaranteed to learn and thing or two about art. In a lovely touch, the book features color reproductions of the paintings described. —Kat