Book Reviews 2023

The year 2023 was marked by a mix of global events, some more positive than others. On the one hand, we witnessed the continued fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, with developing countries still grappling with its impact. The war in Ukraine raged on, causing immense humanitarian suffering and geopolitical tensions. Economic woes, such as high inflation and slowing growth, plagued many nations. However, there were also glimmers of hope amidst the challenges. The pandemic improved in several regions, allowing for a gradual return to normalcy. Important global sporting events, such as the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, brought unity and celebration.

Geopolitically, the world saw a shift in power dynamics, with India surpassing China as the world's most populous country and the BRICS bloc expanding to include new members. Tensions between the US and China remained high, though they improved towards the end of the year with a meeting between President Biden and President Xi.

Humanitarian crises continued to unfold, with the Israel-Hamas conflict escalating in October and the devastating drought in Somalia claiming thousands of lives. Sri Lanka received a much-needed bailout from the IMF as it grappled with its worst financial crisis since independence.

In the realm of technology and science, quantum dots were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and the resurgence of vinyl records reflected a growing appreciation for physical music formats. However, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a stark warning, urging the world to halve greenhouse gas emissions within the decade to avoid catastrophic warming.

Against this backdrop of global events, I had the opportunity to delve only into a few books that enriched my knowledge and perspectives. The main books I read in 2023 were:

•  An Immense World by Ed Yong ★★★★★
• The Other Name, Septology |-|| by Jon Fosse ★★