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Original poster

Need a book to lift me from the slough of despond

36 replies

LaBelleSauvage123 · 16/01/2018 18:02

caused by reading The Good People by Hannah Kent. Well written but so very bleak. I need a recommendation for something positive, something with a bit of redemption at the end, or at least some hope. Any ideas?

OP posts:
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Spartacunt · 02/02/2018 19:09

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
Alan Bennett The Lady In The Van.
Bill Bryson Notes From A Small Island.

All very cheering... but for the love of god don't read A Little Life.

Mogginthemog · 02/02/2018 18:50

The 44 Scotland Street series by Alexander McCall Smith is funny, well written, at times touching, ridiculous and full of hope. I didn’t really enjoy the Ladies Detective Agency I loved this. Some of the characters are so vivid too.

MsChalloner · 24/01/2018 22:17

Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey!
Anything by Georgette Heyer (obviously)
Barbara Pym?
The Dorothy Dunnett books about Lymond?.
Alison Weir's Eleanor of Aquitaine?
Easy reading but very good and interesting.
Hope you find something good

GallicosCats · 24/01/2018 22:05

Have you tried anything by Kay Bratt? I think the first book is called The Scavenger's Daughter, it's about a Chinese family who have lived through the Cultural Revolution. It's heartbreaking at times but also ultimately uplifting as the hero discovers what really matters.

Tawdrylocalbrouhaha · 22/01/2018 08:33

I haven't read Amy and Isabelle, will definitely do so.

CramptonHodnet · 21/01/2018 22:49

How about The Railway Children by E Nesbit? I loved that story, and the film makes me sob (with joy) at the end.

Original poster
LaBelleSauvage123 · 21/01/2018 22:25

Have read both those Elizabeth Strout novels - but my favourite is Amy and Isabelle - have you read that one? Wonderful!

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Tawdrylocalbrouhaha · 20/01/2018 10:27

If what you're looking for is a bit of hope peeking through the gloom I would recommend "I am Lucy Barton" and "Anything is Possible" by Elizabeth Strout. You have described them perfectly!

Also for real life gloom and hope I can recommend "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls. Ultimately an uplifting read, and fascinating even in the gloomy bits.

CrabappleBiscuit · 20/01/2018 08:43

A gentleman in Moscow, just finished it. Beautifully written and restores your faith in humans and the power of relationships of all kinds.

Original poster
LaBelleSauvage123 · 20/01/2018 08:37

I frequently reread children’s books as an escape but I’m really looking for an adult novel that just makes me feel at least a little uplifted. Doesn’t have to be Polyanna - just a bit of hope peeking through the gloom would be OK!

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 19/01/2018 23:03

I find Matt H unreadable.

Yes to some Nesbit. Or something like The Secret Garden or Daddy Long Legs.

Original poster
LaBelleSauvage123 · 19/01/2018 16:57

Just reread the whole His Dark Materials trilogy!
Silas Marner is a great suggestion - have read it, but not since school.

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lucysnowe · 19/01/2018 14:46

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
I found In This House of Brede v. redemptive and lovely
Silas Marner ditto!

musicmaiden · 19/01/2018 14:10

I am reading The Good People at the moment! About two-thirds through. I am 'enjoying' it because it is a fascinating subject and beautiful written, but yes, it is definitely bleak and upsetting. The sheer hopelessness of the life in those times.

Ove isn't a bad suggestion, probably Matt Haig too, although I've only read The Humans, not the Stop Time one, but he is good at silliness and redemption.

Or reread Phillip Pullman, as per your username, maybe!

pallisers · 19/01/2018 00:26

I had forgotten The Woodbegoods!!

On another thread here recently someone recommended Replay by Ken Grimwood - it is slightly sci-fi but I loved it and found it uplifting.

I Capture The Castle is also a lovely book.

And if you want a long, not high-lit but well-written saga type book, I love Csardas by Diane Pearson - lovely ending.

Nettletheelf · 18/01/2018 23:05

Definitely Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day. I had tears of joy in my eyes after reading it. Such a happy ending.

Ditto The Wouldbegoods by E Nesbit. Full of fun and kindness despite difficult times for a group of children, and another deserved happy ending.

Original poster
LaBelleSauvage123 · 18/01/2018 22:55

Brosee? Browse!

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Original poster
LaBelleSauvage123 · 18/01/2018 22:55

Ah now I’ve looked at How to Stop Time and thought it seemed possible. Going here tomorrow so plenty of time to brosee.

mrbsemporium.com/

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Tawdrylocalbrouhaha · 18/01/2018 21:29

Totally agree with Miss Pettigrew and My Family and Other Animals.

Also Cold Comfort Farm and anything by PG Wodehouse, but especially the Jeeves ones.

Or Three Men in a Boat, or the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.

WhatHaveIFound · 18/01/2018 21:28

You need How to Stop Time by Matt Haig. It's a book that i never wanted to end.

Original poster
LaBelleSauvage123 · 18/01/2018 21:24

I much preferred Burial Rites as at least some of the relationships were positive even if the ending was bleak. I have a disabled son so Good People was particularly upsetting!

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 18/01/2018 20:58

I've read it, and found it too relentlessly depressing. I really liked Burial Rites but also bloody bleak!

Original poster
LaBelleSauvage123 · 18/01/2018 19:48

Yes have read the James Herriots. Don’t have to be humorous books, just have some kind of positivity. Have any of you read The Good People? Honestly made me so depressed!

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 17/01/2018 18:14

Yes, yes, yes to James Herriot.

HappyHippyChick · 17/01/2018 16:38

I came on to say "A man called Ove" as well. A lovely read.

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