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Original poster

Looking for a light hearted novel not aimed at twenty somethings

78 replies

nowitsenough · 02/03/2015 22:59

I've been struggling with depression for over a year and I'm trying to do things I enjoy. I always loved reading, but am struggling to concentrate.

Books I've enjoyed in the past are earlier Joanna Trollope, Mary Wesley, I love books about family life, funny books, about pets, but preferably something I can relate too, not aimed at twenty somethings, but maybe mothers with teenagers or weight problems.

I loved Life after Life and Behind the scenes at the Museum. Also loved The house we grew up in.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:
Bolshybookworm · 07/03/2015 08:33

I think you need a dose of Nancy Mitford Wink

Original poster
nowitsenough · 07/03/2015 08:41

I haven't heard of Nancy Mitford, I'll go and look now .. Any particular book you'd recommend?

OP posts:
Bolshybookworm · 07/03/2015 08:48

I get them all confused (i read them all compiled into a single book), but the most famous are love in a cold climate and the pursuit of love. Love them- lightly written without being fluffy, witty and joyous. They're all about finding love and set in the upperclass world of the 40s/50s. Great characters too!

OinkBalloon · 07/03/2015 09:10

Oh yes, definitely Nancy Mitford!

OinkBalloon · 07/03/2015 09:12

A bit off the wall and not quite your brief, but how about the Hornblower books? Deliciously escapist.

MotorbikeInTheDark · 07/03/2015 09:27

If you want funny, I definitely agree PJ Wodehouse. Always lightens my mood.
And also agree James Herriot.
Or try Nick Hornby.
For chick lit, well if you want to avoid any dash of reality at all, then just pick up one from Tescos that has sparkles on it... And I'm not really being facetious (much), because I've been in those places where nothing but one of the sparkly ones would do! Grin

Otherwise I was going to suggest Sinead Moriarty, but I think she touches on real stuff.

Or what about Jane Austen?

OinkBalloon · 07/03/2015 10:54

Frangipani by Celestine Hitiura Vaiti

Not sure about the author's name TBH, but it's close enough for a google.

GrassyBottom · 07/03/2015 11:28

Have you read any Emily Barr? All slightly different. Try backpacking or The Perfect Lie.
I like Sinead Moriarty but I think they are more aimed at twentysomethings.
On a different theme altogether Lee Child's Reacher books are fun, fast paced and entertaining thrillers.

Original poster
nowitsenough · 07/03/2015 22:42

Emily Barr rings a bell, not sure what I've read, but I'll take a look, thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
nowitsenough · 09/03/2015 08:34

I'm really enjoying The Woman Who Stole My Life by Marian Keyes Smile

Also recommend the book I've finished, A Spot Of Bother by Mark Haddon, it was the first of his I've read.

OP posts:
berni140 · 09/03/2015 18:08

Katie fforde, Milly Johnson, Marian Keyes, for something a little bit different The Rosie Project or Rosie Effect

Romeyroo · 09/03/2015 19:09

I have just downloaded a compendium if that is the right word of six Nancy Mitford books, hope I like them now, they sound good!

I second the Jane Austen recommendation for some fluffy, but good literature

Pancakeflipper · 09/03/2015 19:16

I second Laurie Graham. Makes me giggle.

Fir chicks lit type Jane Fallon is readable.

Jemmi · 14/03/2015 14:16

O I love Raphaella Barker. She's good.Smile

Badgerlady · 14/03/2015 19:48

Another vote for Thursday Next.

Have you tried any Barbara Pymm? Really good.

Jemmi · 15/03/2015 15:50

India Knights books are current and fun too.

toothlessoldhag · 15/03/2015 21:43

I second Anne Tyler. You could try her out as an audio in fact - her Ladder of Years is being serialised on BBC Radio 4 at the moment:

toothlessoldhag · 15/03/2015 21:44

Ladder of Years

toothlessoldhag · 15/03/2015 21:48

And her The Accidental Tourist, like all her novels, is intelligent and quietly heartwarming.

Wishing you well.

RocketCat77 · 15/03/2015 21:48

Dorothy Koomson writes some decent books.
Not sure what age they are aimed at - subject matter varies greatly though.
A couple have been slightly fluffy but the core is always good quality page turning stuff . Ice Cream Girls, Marshmallows for Breakfast, Goodnight Beautiful, My Best Friends Girl.

OsloGin · 15/03/2015 21:57

David Sedaris is very funny. Not novels but books of essays / short stories.

ZeroFunDame · 15/03/2015 22:04

The OP might prefer to skip The Accidental Tourist for now - good as it is.

Bin85 · 15/03/2015 22:05

Some of Agatha Christie's books ?

MissMuffetisin · 15/03/2015 22:11

Wendy Holdens books always make me laugh - corny titles, easy reading, but characters she makes you like , and with satisfying neatly tied up endings ! I liked the Rosie project by Graeme sims ion too - just reading the next one. And Hitch hikers guide to the galaxy is so silly and tangential, the definition of escapism. As are the Jasper Fforde books.

agoodbook · 15/03/2015 22:12

If you enjoyed James Herriot, look at Gervaise Phinn- he is a retired school inspector,
Also Deric Longden if you like cats - my favourite is The Cat Who Came in from the Cold
both lovely, gentle humour