My favourite book of 2017 was the fabulously clever, quirky and addictive Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. In fact many of my favourite books feature eccentric characters – sympathetically created and directed, and beautifully written.

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood came as a complete surprise as I’d heard nothing about it but found the lead character, Susan Green almost as prickly-ly loveable as Eleanor. In that – god they’re annoying but endearing – kind of way!