Good escapism book recommendations please

[Eirlys1986]

Just as the thread title says! Looking for recommendations for good books for escapism. Sadly had a MMC a couple of weeks ago and just looking for something easy to read, escapist and well written, nothing too harrowing or serious but don’t want complete trash so a writer with decent reviews etc. Things I have recently really enjoyed : Thursday murder club books, general historical fiction, where the crawdads sing, a rising man (all the books by abir mukherjee). Basically in need of a hug in book form and a major distraction from anxiety when ttc again. Thank all 😊.

[almondflake]

I've just read 31 Dream st by Lisa jewel on holiday , it was a really nice story with a good ending , easy to read with good characters .
It may be one for you 😊

[Eirlys1986]

@almondflake thanks , I’ve never heard of this author before and she looks good. I like the idea of the storyline so it’s a definite potential! Will let you know if I get it xx

[Phineyj]

How about the three books in the Crazy Rich Asians series? They are very diverting indeed and akin to a gossipy camp friend telling stories in your ear!

[Eirlys1986]

@Phineyj ooo these sound funny! Will definitely consider thank you. I am probably going to end up swimming in new books. Shame, sigh 😂

[Clarachuff]

The keeper of lost things by Ruth hogan is a lovely book!

[Eirlys1986]

Thanks @Clarachuff ! I’ve seen this before and it seems really popular, it shall definitely go on the list. I need to jot all these down on my phone

[midsomermurderess]

I'd recommend Mary Stewart. She wrote romantic adventures in the 1950s and 1960s. Her heroines are smart and sparky and independent, not simpering and helpless. She was well-versed in classical history, Shakespeare, and nature. This Rough Magic, set in Corfu, and the Moonspinners, set in Crete, would be good places to start.

[Jecstar]

Check out Vaseem Khan’s Midnight at Malabar House series. Post Indian independence crime series with India’s first female detective. The author is friends with Abir Mukharjee and the books are in a similar vein. If you liked one I think you’ll like the other.

[Crikeyalmightey]

If you like historical, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes is good.

[Eirlys1986]

Thanks @midsomermurderess sounds lovely and escapist for sure!
@Crikeyalmightey I have read some jojo moyes before so I shall definitely give this a looksie
@Jecstar have read some of these already in lockdown! 👍🏻 x

[HotdogCat]

The midnight library, I really enjoyed it

[Eirlys1986]

Thanks @HotdogCat I have read that too and really enjoyed x

[CanadianReader]

If anything is a hug in a book, it's Anne of Green Gables. I thought it was just a kids' book but it was so wonderful and sweet. Give it a go if you haven't already.

[ZeldaWillTellYourFortune]

MM Kaye books from the 70s. Engrossing, romantic, sexy but powerhouses of historical fiction.
The Far Pavilions, Trade Winds, etc

Her autobiographical books and light mysteries are great too.

[ZeldaWillTellYourFortune]

Also really enjoying the Perveen Mistry series set in 1920 Bombay (Mumbai) by Sujata Massey. Light mystery with historical cultural & quotidian details.

[User68253]

Earth's Children series, Clan of the Cave Bear. It isn't all sunshine and roses. It starts with a child losing her family in an earthquake and nearly being killed by a prehistoric lion before being rescued, but it IS the best escapism I've ever read and would keep you going for ages. Sorry about your MMC x

[octoberfarm]

Elin Hilderbrand has some great books. Based in Nantucket so lovely holiday reads, and for the most part nothing too depressing or stressful. So sorry for your loss, OP

[Hottytotty]

Georgette Heyer is my go to for a comfort read, particularly as you like historical fiction. The first I read and loved was Regency Buck but I also love Sylvester. She has other fans on MN who I’m sure could recommend others (she wrote a lot!).

[PseudoBadger]

Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea books. Start with A Wizard of Earthsea.