I want a damn good book for autumn (please)

[travellinghopefully12]

Hello,

I want a damn good book to get really, really involved in. Something to carry round and keep me company for weeks on end.

Long Books I love are

The Cazalets
The Crimson Petal and The White
Middlesex
Brick Lane
Anna Karenina


Recently I've picked up a few things, but it's like I'm skimming the surface instead of getting properly into them. I have Villa America, which looks promising, but not long enough to be along term companion

[ImperialBlether]

A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley is brilliant - she won the Pullitzer Prize for it.

[whattheseithakasmean]

I've just finished The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell (Cloud Atlas author) and it is an astonishing, amazing & gripping read. Quite different to Cloud Atlas, it doesn't have a tricksy structure, it is more of a straightforward historical novel, but that doesn't really do justice to how it gets under your skin. It is set mainly in 18th century Japan and it just fascinating and moving.

[Quickqu]

I second Shantaram, it's bloody amazing.

Recently read The Goldfinch - quite good but not a patch on A Secret History, IMO.

About to read The Magic Mountain after it being recommended to me. Not convinced it's gonna be my thing, but good to try sthg different!

[Whatabloodyidiot1]

I've just finished the behemoth 4 book series by elena ferrante, absolutely amazing. Taken over my life for the last few months, would reccommend 100%, lila will stay with you always.

[Ohlalala]

I agree with East of Eden too! Wonderful read.

[CoteDAzur]

I second the recommendations for Cloud Atlas and The Thousand Autumns Of Jacob de Zoet, both by David Mitchell.

Other books I think you will really enjoy, OP:

This Thing Of Darkness

The Goldfinch

The Luminaries

Would you be interested in non-fiction? Science-related or biographies, for example?

[Bolshybookworm]

So pleased to see other east of Eden fans! Steinbeck seems a bit forgotten about nowadays which is a pity as he's a really wonderful author. It's not long, but if you like interweaving stories then I also recommend the pastures of heaven.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Not read East of Eden in forever. Steinbeck's Travels with Charlie (non-fic) is worth a read too.

[Rozdeek]

Place marking :)

[sarahsarah76]

the girl on the train

theyve made a film of it now but I LOVED IT

[TheoriginalLEM]

oh yes Shantaram is wonderful. i felt bereft when i finished that.

also Jonathan strange.

marking my place.