It’s that time of the year when we ask our friends at Expat Bookshop to share their top 10 books by, for and/or about expats. We really appreciate the wonderful work of these authors, who do so increase awareness about expat-related matters. 

Here they are: the top 10 expat books for 2024 (in no particular order)…

#1 Uncaged: A Good Girl’s Journey to Reinvention

Katia Vlachos (Amplify Publishing)

Katia is a “good girl” with a perfect life that ticks all the boxes for societal approval. Yet when things fall apart, she is inspired to begin to understand and express who she really is. This memoir is about the choices we make, the cages we build for ourselves, and how we can break free. Vulnerable, brave and inspiring.

#2 Thongs or Flip Flops? Australian Kids Overseas and What Comes Next

Tanya Crossman & Kath Williams (Summertime Publishing)

Provides Australian kids and families living overseas with deep insights and helpful advice to thrive long term. This book unpacks the complexities and blessings of being a TCK (third culture kid) and also offers guidance for those who return to Australia. Compassionate and highly informative.

#3 The Guilty Can’t Say Goodbye: Three Women. Three Secrets. Three Broken Lives

Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore (Springtime Books)

Three women – Fatima, a Pakistani writer; Kate, an American diplomat; and Abena, a Ghanaian entrepreneur – move to Portugal. Thrown together, each living with a secret and an overwhelming burden of guilt, they are forced to reckon with their past. Compelling and culturally evocative.

#4 Object: A Memoir of Childhood Abuse and a Shocking Cover-Up at the Highest Ranks of Government

Kristin Louise Duncombe (Transformation Press)

When an American diplomat in West Africa is exposed for sexually abusing young girls, it comes as a shock to the close-knit US embassy community there. Duncombe shares her story as she begins to understand and heal from this childhood trauma that has affected her in myriad ways. This important book looks at how abuse happens and gets covered up, and how to move forward even when justice hasn’t been served. A story of survival and hope.

#5 The Charge of the Brit Brigade: Tales from Post-Socialist Prague

Jo Weaver (JWA Press)

When Jo lands in Prague in the 1990s to open a branch for her employer, she has no idea that she’ll stay and build a life there. In this memoir, she shares the highs and the lows as she navigates a new country navigating its own highs and lows. An unusual insight into forging a life in a country in transition.

#6 The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree

Lucille Abendanon (North Star Editions)

Set in 1940s Batavia (now Jakarta) as the Japanese invade, this is a story of war – and confinement in a prisoner-of-war camp – through the eyes of a child. Concludes with a moving revelation from the author. For young readers but adults will love it too.

#7 The Engraver’s Secret 

Lisa Medved (–)

#8 The Godfather of Dance (The Jade Riley Mysteries Book 1)

Andrea Barton (–)

In this thriller by expat author/editor Andrea Barton, the glamour of ballroom dance meets the underbelly of a notorious crime family. The unsolved murder of a ballroom dancer sets rookie journalist Jade Riley on a hunt for the killer – but someone wants to put a stop to her investigation.  Sizzling dance scenes and plot twists. 

#9 The Empowered Expat Woman: Your A–Z Guide to Thriving Wherever You Are  

Camilla Quintana (HMDPublishing)

A guide to finding your way abroad with more confidence and ease. This book covers essential topics like culture shock and adaptation, career advancement and relationships, offering powerful tools and techniques to empower women leading an international life. Perfect whether you’re a new expat or a seasoned one.

#10 The Guncle Abroad  

Steven Rowley (Penguin LLC US)

This sequel comes five years after smash hit The Guncle followed Patrick O’Hara as he spent a summer as caretaker to his niece and nephew after their mother’s passing. This time the trio are heading to Italy and, as they travel across Europe, Patrick attempts to teach them about love – but can he repair his own love life? Warm and entertaining.  

Which is your favourite? We’d love to know! Simply leave a comment below.

P.S. A huge thank you to Jo Parfitt in particular from Expat Books for these book recommendations.