What to read on holiday that is engaging and not depressing?

[RingInTheNew]

I'm going on a sun holiday over Easter and would like to read something literary/commercial that isn't too hard work and is uplifting (or at least not dark or depressing!) I like Clare Chambers, Maggie O'Farrell, Sarah Moss, Tessa Hadley...)

Any recommendations? Thank you!

Have you tried Patrick Gale? He and O’Farrell are probably my fave contemporary writers. Also William Boyd.

Something by Lissa Evans or Sara Sheridan . I also enjoyed All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

I’ve just finished ‘You Are Here’ by David Nicholls and it was the perfect novel.

Just read “All Fours” by Miranda July in two sittings. It’s really different but I couldn’t put it down. If you look up a review you will get the gist of it.

Thank you all! I’ll take a look at those as I haven’t read any of them (apart from All Fours, with which I had a love-hate relationship!)

All Fours is dreadful. There's a whole thread about how bad it is!😂

The Seven Sisters books

…a thread on mumsnet does not count as gospel truth. I thought it was a fantastic read.

Americana

Can't spell the authors name but initials cn she is Nigerian

Take Nothing With You by Pattick Gale is possibly my favourite book ever. It appealed because I was also a cello player so could really relate to it.

@FritataPatate can you recommend any of his other books?

I just read Hello Beautiful by Anne Napolitano and Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, both of which I enjoyed very much. (The latter is non-fiction but if you liked poisonwood bible or demon copperhead you know what a good writer she is).

Or there's always Georgette Heyer!!

I’d say try Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus if you haven’t already – it’s clever, funny, and pretty uplifting without being fluffy. Also, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a nice balance of light and engaging but still has depth. Both are easy to get into and feel good for a holiday read.

Second The Seven Sisters series