As a history student, I spend a considerable amount of time examining and interpreting documents and scholarly articles, which is why it should come as no surprise that I value my leisurely reading time. Henceforth, when it comes to choosing something to read I am fairly unadventurous in the sense that I will only dip into a book I am nearly certain I am going to enjoy. If you are similar to me, whether that be as a result of also studying a BA or on the grounds that you are simply a fussy reader, I hope these recommendations (in no particular order) offer some inspiration for your next read.
1. ‘The Snow Child’ by Eowyn Ivey – Both heartwarming and heartbreaking,‘The Snow Child’ is a beautifully written adaptation of the Russian fairytale, “Snegurochka”, about a girl who is believed to be partially human and partially made out of snow and is the perfect read as we come into Winter. A couple who suffered a miscarriage and move to Alaska in order to detach themselves from constant reminders of their loss build a snow child which ends up coming to life. Whilst this may sound childlike, the book deals with themes of grief, isolation and longing, which are intensified by Ivey’s vivid writing style that has the reader questioning what is reality and what is fantasy.
2. ‘Any Human Heart’ by William Boyd – If alternatively, you are longing to be transported back to summer, William Boyd’s novel is a diary of the fictional Logan Mountstart and covers all parts of his life from 1923, including his school years, his successes and his failures, his great happiness and his pain, and his death in France in 1991. Mountstuart’s life is adventurous and abundant; in like manner he is involved with many real-life people and events of significance which makes the book rich in history, culture and art. For this reason, it is worth noting that Boyd’s novel is not for one sitting.
3. ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr – Not just another book about the Second World War, ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ can only be described as an absolute must-read, classic. It follows and brings together the lives of both an orphan boy in Germany and a blind girl living in Paris during the war; whilst it provides a unique perspective on historic events, it also focuses on the significance of early impressions in building one’s sense of self. Moreover, I can guarantee that you will cry at least once when you read this book.
4.‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens – Perhaps I’m biased because I read it beforehand, but Delia Owen’s novel is remarkably better than its Hollywood screenplay adaptation. This story goes back and forth in time in order to narrate a tale of possible murder, resiliency, love, solitude, prejudice and strength. My favourite thing about the book is the fact it has a main character who is charming to the reader and who is able to provide for one becoming so affected by the plot and all its twists. Additionally, the inclusion of poetry and striking descriptions of the land transports the reader back to the marshes of North Carolina in the 1960s.
5. ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus – Set in the 1950s and 1960s, ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ is a funny, feminist, thought-provoking read which follows the life of a single mother and research scientist who is wired in a way which disconcerts the status quo. Similarly to ‘Where the Crawdad’s Sing’, the characters’ charisma – including the anthropomorphised dog – are what make this book alongside its emotion, humour and concern with socially relevant topics. In my opinion, it would be difficult to fathom anyone disliking this book!
For reasons I pointed out earlier, momentarily I am particular with what I read which means I always have a new book lined up waiting for me. Next to check off my list is Rose Tremain’s novel about murder and revenge in Victorian England, ‘Lily: A Tale of Revenge’, but partly for the reason being my name is in the title…