Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Original poster

Quite specific recommendation wanted!

38 replies

Elbi · 26/02/2017 16:48

I've read a lot of very 'real' books lately and would like to read something more... magical. Not full-on Fantasy but the books I've really loved over the years have been atmospheric with a hint of magic or the supernatural. Often they've been set in buildings with secrets, buildings that are almost a character. Human characters that are emotionally well-drawn also a bonus... Historical fine. I don't ask for much! Wink Any suggestions?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Newyearnewbrain · 27/02/2017 11:58

I was pretty spooked by Bone Clocks, but also thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a total and I mean a total wuss though.

Keepkondoing · 27/02/2017 11:57

I've read a couple of Sarah Winman books, a year of marvellous ways and when god was a rabbit. Both have a hint of magic in them (think mermaids, talking rabbits, unexplainable things happening for a reason etc), not deep fantasy but sounds a bit like what you are asking for. They are what I would describe as "nice" books, enough going on to keep the page a turning but they don't require too much thinking!!

Foldedtshirt · 27/02/2017 11:53

😳 Pullman's Book of Dust is published this Autumn.

Foldedtshirt · 27/02/2017 11:51

Oo- and another one,The book of strange new things
Especially Girl with all he gifts and this one just jump in, don't read around even reviews because the 'reveal' is great.
Has anyone read the new Philip Pullman? It would also fit OP's brief I think.

Foldedtshirt · 27/02/2017 11:45

The Little Stranger fits your brief perfectly.
Girl with all the Gifts is fantastic but quite brutal- not a whimsical read at all.

DragonsToSlayAndWineToDrink · 27/02/2017 11:22

Have you read Wise Children by Angela Carter? That's my favourite, the protagonist Dora is much more LIKEABLE than Fevvers from Nights at the Circus!
Also, the Night Circus (totally different author, can't remember who though)

SatsukiKusakabe · 27/02/2017 11:20

Hmm. The things that happen in it are certainly not pleasant, and there is definitely a 'horror' element, but the plot was so far-fetched ifyswim and particular to the story that it didn't have any impact on me in real life. It was very page-turny and oh no don't do that...oh you did it, oh dear Smile

I'm not someone who can watch horror films, or read horror genre books generally any more and found it ok.

It is very short.

beth5657 · 27/02/2017 10:41

Not sure it is "magical" in the strictest sense but Life After Life by Kate Atkinson is fantastic!

It is about time-travel/history (don't want to spoil it too much).

bookbook · 27/02/2017 10:24

Scarlett Thomas - The End of Mr Y - my DH loved it - very quirky

Original poster
Elbi · 27/02/2017 10:13

SatsukiKusakabe I've not read any David Mitchell but Slade House sounds perfect. Can anyone tell me how scary it is? Realise this is subjective but I find there's a fine line between 'deliciously spooky' and 'I'll never sleep again'.

OP posts:
Singingforsanity · 26/02/2017 21:03

Definitely Snow Child! There is also a beautiful slipcased edition of Grimms fairy tales (isbn 9781937994310) which I'm loving too.

heymammy · 26/02/2017 19:59

The Solitaire Mystery by Jostein Gaarder
Mr Vertigo by Paul Auster

RemusLupinsChristmasMovie · 26/02/2017 19:30

Station 11 v Marmite. I loathed. MN seems to be split pretty much 50/50 on it.

If you go for Neil Gaiman, try to get American Gods as it was originally published, and not the bloated 'unedited' monstrosity that he later brought out. Anansi Boys is good fun.

Weebleswobbles · 26/02/2017 19:30

Placemarking

I came on to say how much I enjoyed the Wilbur Smith Egyptian series featuring Taita

exexpat · 26/02/2017 19:28

I'd second/third the recommendations for Phil Rickman and Ben Aaronovitch. Also Nick Harkaway.

Also, if you are open to translated fiction, then you might enjoy some Haruki Murakami (A Wild Sheep Chase, 1Q84, After Dark, Norwegian Wood etc) or Taiichi Yamada (Strangers, I Haven't Dreamed of Flying For a While).

Original poster
Elbi · 26/02/2017 19:23

I'm having a delightful evening looking up all these suggestions - thank you everyone! Thegiantofilllinois I nearly hyperventilated at the premise of Station 11 - sounds fab.

OP posts:
Maylani · 26/02/2017 18:37

Another vote for Isabelle Allende!

AdaColeman · 26/02/2017 18:34

The Languedoc trilogy by Kate Mosse, Labyrinth, Sepulchre and Citadel.

MadeinBelfast · 26/02/2017 18:33

If you want something a bit 'light' some of the Cecilia Ahern books have a magical 'undertone' e.g. 'Thanks for the memories'.

Original poster
Elbi · 26/02/2017 18:32

Oh totally agree on Angela Carter - she's my favourite and I LOVE Nights at the Circus and The Magic Toyshop.

OP posts:
WhyHasAllTheRumGone · 26/02/2017 18:25

Another vote for Ben Aaronovitch, they really are brilliant.

AdaColeman · 26/02/2017 18:24

YY to Angela Carter, especially Nights at the Circus and The Magic Toyshop

Thegiantofillinois · 26/02/2017 18:22

Lexicon by Max Barry. All about the power of language.

CMOTDibbler · 26/02/2017 18:20

If you haven't read the Ben Aaronvitch books, you are def going to want to try them.

You could also try Phil Rickman - either his Merrily Watkins series, or the non series ones. In many of them you can't decide whether something supernatural is actually supposed to be going on, or whether its peoples imagination. December is particularly good.

Thegiantofillinois · 26/02/2017 18:20

Station 11. Probably more post apocalyptic, but the idea setting up a travelling Shakespeare troupe after the end of the world is more towards more light hearted end. Ooh, The Blind Assassin.