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Original poster

Light, but not shite fiction needed for an over-emotional pregnant bookworm!

54 replies

Laugs · 18/03/2009 15:51

Last time I was pregnant I read Revolutionary Road Nobody warned me! I have just about recovered.

I am a wee bit weepy at the moment and can't cope with anything sad. I'm looking for something gentle and soothing, but well written - I Capture the Castle would be great if I hadn't already read it.

Any ideas?

OP posts:
DandyLioness · 18/03/2009 20:28

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NotQuiteCockney · 18/03/2009 20:05

How about Anne Tylor? Her books can be upsetting, a bit, but they're essentially uplifting, and really charming.

womblingalong · 18/03/2009 19:27

Oh just seen your question, I loved Venetia, These Old Shades, Devil's Cub, Powder and Patch, An Infamous Army, Sprig Muslin, Regency Buck, The Spanish Bride one. In fact I think they are all fab, but these are my faves.

Oh I am jealous that you are going to be reading them for the first time, I wish I was.

Babbity · 18/03/2009 18:54

I was just about to recommend Mariana and Miss Pettigrew but I'v been beaten to it. Also try Elizabeth Jane Hward's Cazalet books - the first one is The Light Years.

willali · 18/03/2009 18:51

The Bolter by Frances Osborne - really interesting biography but not too "academic" a read - bowls along very nicely (but the afterword in the paperback may make you a little sniffly)

cherryblossoms · 18/03/2009 18:37

"My Antonia" by Willa Cather is one I pass around.

Collette too. The "Claudine" novels are a good place to start.

Your booklist is getting pretty long now!

Original poster
Laugs · 18/03/2009 17:39

I haven't read those two either, thank you.

OP posts:
Inquisitive · 18/03/2009 16:53

The Enchanted April - Elizabeth von Arnim
The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets - Eva Rice

I like Frederica, Arabella and Cotillion of Georgette Heyer. Actually, I like most of them...

Original poster
Laugs · 18/03/2009 16:45

Thanks, I only found out today! It does explain a lot though

OP posts:
francagoestohollywood · 18/03/2009 16:43

And I always second Wodehouse!
Congratulations on your pg btw

Original poster
Laugs · 18/03/2009 16:41

Any particular books that you liked by Georgette Heyer, womblingalong?

OP posts:
provinciallady · 18/03/2009 16:40

Oh yes to Georgette Heyer, and suggest P.G. Wodehouse and E.F. Benson too...the Mapp and Lucia novels.

Original poster
Laugs · 18/03/2009 16:39

Thanks Franca, it sounds good and has also just reminded me of Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld, which I loved and may have to revisit.

OP posts:
francagoestohollywood · 18/03/2009 16:34

I recommend Melissa Bank "The wonder spot" review and a girl's guide to hunting and fishing.

Original poster
Laugs · 18/03/2009 16:33

Great, I haven't read loads of these so I will be well served. I'm getting all emotional about your generosity

I've just remembered I had been reading All Passion Spent by Vita Sackville-West, which seemed nice and light - can anyone reassure me it will stay that way before I unearth it?

Thanks x

OP posts:
womblingalong · 18/03/2009 16:31

Echo everyone's suggestions here, and I also loved reading Georgette Heyer when preg and also when bfing through the night with a newborn.

Lawks · 18/03/2009 16:28

Whistling for the Elephants by Sandy Toksvik.

Whimsical, funny, cleverly put together and well written. A good, light read.

FiveGoMadInDorset · 18/03/2009 16:24

44 Scotland Street and the rest of that series by Alexander McCall Smith are fun as well.

William Boyd - Any Human Heart was very entertaining, spoof diaries

Original poster
Laugs · 18/03/2009 16:24

Thanks so much for all these ideas! I thought I had Miss Pettigrew but can't find it. I definitely have an unread copy of Love in a Cold Climate.

I'm writing my list for the library tomorrow.

OP posts:
WowOoo · 18/03/2009 16:18

No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Any of them. They're not grim crime novels at all - just lovely. Alexander McAll Smith, I think.

Bucharest · 18/03/2009 16:17

How did it all go right- Andrew Collins
Not fiction- but still milk chocolate-y and normal

JustCallMeGoat · 18/03/2009 16:17

love in a cold climate

FiveGoMadInDorset · 18/03/2009 16:16

definitely Miss Pettigrew

JustCallMeGoat · 18/03/2009 16:15

cold comfort farm

FiveGoMadInDorset · 18/03/2009 16:15

The Mitfords - the letters of the Mitford sisters should keep you going for a while as well

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