Our top book picks this week: a ‘Fight Club’ for women that takes revenge on the fat shamers

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Dietland by Sarai Walker

Plum Kettle works as an email agony aunt. She feels she is overweight and at work, Plum is passive, apologetic and keeps her head down. But all this is about to change, thanks to Jennifer, a guerrilla group that takes revenge on those who abuse women. This has been described as part Fight Club, part Bridget Jones's Diary. (Atlantic Books, May 5)

The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain

In serene Switzerland, the brutality of the Second World War seems a long way off. Here Gustav Perle lives with his widowed mother. His father died in mysterious circumstances. Gustav makes a friend in school and as this relationship develops, Gustav finds out the truth about his dad and the war. (Chatto and Windus, May 19)

The Bickford Fuse by Andrey Kurkov

The Second World War has ended but a new shadow is falling over Russia. This follows the journeys of four people, including a monk and a seaman, who are searching for meaning in a world gone mad. Satirical tale of the Soviet Union from the end of the Great Patriotic War to the final years of its brand of Communism. (MacLehose Press,May 5)

Street of Eternal Happiness by Rob Schmitz

Shanghai attracts people from all over China and the world. Journalist Rob Schmitz is one and here he offers an intimate portrait of the sprawling metropolis that looks at China’s rise through the stories of regular people. (John Murray, May 5)

In the Bonesetter’s Waiting Room by Aarathi Prasad

From the bonesetter clinics of Jaipur to the waiting rooms of Bollywood’s plastic surgeons, this is a comprehensive history of medicine in India. It also looks at the mental health initiatives in Mumbai’s Dharavi mega-slum. (Profile Books, May 26)

The Artist by Andrés Iniesta

When Iniesta joined Barcelona, club legend Pep Guardiola is reported to have said: “This lad is going to retire us all.” Here, the Spanish midfield maestro offers an analytical look at soccer and examines how Barcelona became so successful. (Headline, May 19)