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Original poster

Well written, with substance, unputdownable?

65 replies

FlyingForest · 12/06/2025 14:34

Hello
Just trying to get back into reading after many years away from it.
A friend recommended Verity by Colleen Hoover and whilst it was gripping it really lacked any substance and was not well written. It felt more like watching a tv shows for entertainment, which I don’t mind at all but I don’t something more from a book.
Am I asking too much or is there something you could recommend?

OP posts:
balmyafternoon · 19/06/2025 16:17

Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie. It's substantial but it has a gripping plot, and it's very funny, quite Muriel Spark-ish.

Seconding the suggestions for Clare Chambers too

milislovelybut · 19/06/2025 16:24

The heart’s invisible furies
The Names ( I want to reread this one as made a big impression on me)
Atonement ( loved the book, hated the film)

Philandbill · 19/06/2025 16:39

@milislovelybut ooh, The Names is on my list for when it's in paperback. Really looking forward to it.

osirista · 19/06/2025 16:44

@finespinelineand @ungratefulcat - DM invites sent! The more, the merrier !

SheilaFentiman · 19/06/2025 16:48

The Great Alone - Kristen Hannah
Rodham - Curtis Sittenfield
Act of Oblivion - Robert Harris

cestlavielife · 19/06/2025 16:57

Sarah moss books
Cold earth
(Written pre pandemic but presciently foresees a pandemic!)

Shortjeans · 19/06/2025 17:27

JudyInDisguiseWithGlasses · 19/06/2025 08:34

Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I Let You Go by Charlotte Levin
If I can't Have You by Charlotte Levin
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Ooh I’ve read and loved all but 2 of those so will put them on my list immediately!

MissMarplesNiece · 19/06/2025 17:28

Muriel Spark writes intelligent books with interesting characters. My favourite is A Far Cry From Kensington - witty and satirically funny.

Have you read Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner? She is one of my favourite writers who writes lovely elegant prose.

IstanbulBaby · 19/06/2025 18:33

We Begin at the End and All The Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (?). Not sure of author but great books

deeahgwitch · 19/06/2025 20:17

I’ve read Demon Copperhead, Hamnet and The Bee Sting @RedBeech.
You might like Prophet Song by Paul Lynch.

Almahart · 19/06/2025 20:19

The Goldfinch
Americanah

Or anything by Elizabeth Strout, I'd start with My Name is Lucy Barton

Sweetbeansandmochi · 19/06/2025 20:25

Strange Sally Diamond- Liz Nungent
Another vote for Still Life
Yellowface

MaryGreenhill · 19/06/2025 20:37

R.F Delderfield
The Dreaming Suburb

And the Avenue goes to War

osirista · 20/06/2025 10:24

milislovelybut · 19/06/2025 16:24

The heart’s invisible furies
The Names ( I want to reread this one as made a big impression on me)
Atonement ( loved the book, hated the film)

We’re doing The Names for our new book club. Just about to start it and can’t wait !

bunanarama · 21/06/2025 09:28

autumnskyes · 13/06/2025 03:46

I enjoyed Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy, interesting setting, characters and plot, and I found it really well written - writing style is something I'm picky about too.

I also came on here to recommend Wild Dark Shore! I was gripped

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