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Original poster

Something lovely please

36 replies

Backingvocals · 27/12/2017 20:37

I’m in a reading rut. Please help. I need something compelling, not stressful (no thrillers), a reasonable amount of literary merit (nothing with one of those wishy washy covers or anything that’s described as “a tale of life, love and chocolate” or similar - I’m trying not to say no chick lit as I hate that phrase but really that’s what I mean).

I have loved Poisonwood Bible, The Signature of All Things, lots of Dickens ....I guess these are plot and character driven. I quite enjoyed the Essex Serpent. Wanted to love Golden Hill but not sure I’ve got the stamina for it right now (lots of life stress).
Anything you can recommend that I can fall in love with?

OP posts:
RainbowInACloud · 27/12/2017 21:56

All the light we cannot see by Anthony doerr
Or Americanah by Chimamanda Ndgozi Adichi.
Or The underground railroad.

Scabbersley · 27/12/2017 21:52

Vinegar girl, the new Anne Tyler

irregularegular · 27/12/2017 21:52

I liked Poisonwood Bible too. And Essex Serpent.

Some favourites that have got me engrossed when I have been struggling to find something to enjoy reading:

A Town Like Alice
Gone With the Wind (long, but wonderful, and quite easy)
Small Island by Andrea Levy
Woman in White/Moonstone

Original poster
Backingvocals · 27/12/2017 21:51

Lovely. I did like Fingersmith so will explore that and all the others. I have put them all in my Amazon basket but will try to get down to the proper bookshop.

OP posts:
skincarejunkie · 27/12/2017 21:42

Keeper of Lost Things. Or My Grandmother Sends Her Regards & Apologises. Lovely.

custardlover · 27/12/2017 21:40

Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis - joyful, hilarious, delicious, 1920s glamorous decadence; like Jeeves and Wooster but in Manhattan in the 20s with the most marvellous female protagonist. It's just wonderful.

MyBrilliantDisguise · 27/12/2017 21:36

I can highly recommend Anna Mazzola's Unseeing. Fantastic book. And, if it makes a difference, she's a Mumsnetter, so you could talk to her about it!

If you liked Sarah Water's Fingersmith, you will love this.

Original poster
Backingvocals · 27/12/2017 21:33

I do like A S Byatt but fear she might be a bit beyond me atm. Shardlake is a good call - family members are huge fans. Will search up the others too. Smile

OP posts:
N0tfinished · 27/12/2017 20:58

The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison.

Any of the Shardlake books if you like historical fiction.

geogteach · 27/12/2017 20:48

If you liked Poisonwood Bible try Flight Behaviour also by Barbara Kingslover. I've just finished it and it was totally engrossing .

AnotherShirtRuined · 27/12/2017 20:40

What about anything by A.S. Byatt?