Quiet books

[Quietlonging]

I've realised that some of my all time favourite books are best described as 'quiet'. A lot is left unsaid but there is often an underlying sense of longing or yearning... I read lots of different genres but if pushed to pick some of my all time favourites, I think they fall into this category. Examples-

The End of the Affair
Remains of the Day
Greengage Summer
Commonwealth (Ann Patchett)

Does anyone a) understand what I mean 😂and b) have any similar recommendations.

Marilynne Robinson fits this category to me. Filled with emotional truths which can be devastating at times, her characterization is exquisite. I have raved about Gilead to friends and family and noone loved it like I did.

Forgot to mention Brooklyn, by Colm Toibin. Full of quiet longing and yearning. If you get on with audiobooks, the reading by Niamh Cusack (available on Audible) is wonderful.

some of my favourite authors are not really “fashionable” now; Barbara Pym and Anita Brookner. They both write “quiet” novels superbly.

Totally agree with 'Brooklyn' and also Barbara Pym. I've never actually read any Marilynne Robinson so that's a good avenue to go down since she has a huge backlist.

I'm craving a great next read as I was unfortunately disappointed by the latest Ann Patchett - Tom Lake. I didn't anticipate that would let me down!

I found On the Beach a great read - any of his others that stand out for you?

@mrsbobtontrent
Most of them to be fair, but
Trustee from the Toolroom
Town Like Alice
Pastoral
Pied Piper
Requiem for a Wren
Chequerboard
What happened to the Corbetts
In the Wet
No Highway

Also The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth
The Riddle of the Sands, Erskine Childers

A Town Like Alice is beautiful

I love her writing. Everything she has written is worth reading. The Namesake is so beautiful, especially the (very quiet!) ending.

Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner must be the ultimate quiet novel. People sip tea quietly. They have murmured conversation . Doors close with a soft click. The lake is a muted grey. A gentle breeze stirs the curtains. I could go on and on...