Can anyone recommend some really decent (well written) etc novels that are also really positive, almost “feel good”

[NeverTwerkNaked]

Ideally more modern literature if possible, as reread most of the classics recently.

I’m in quite a fragile place still after so many difficult times in the last few years, and ongoing issues with abusive ex. The problem is my taste is generally for quite literary books and they nearly always seem to be on gloomy/ dark etc themes. And I just find these a bit too triggering.

I’m searching for something brilliantly written and thought provoking but also upbeat, almost comforting I guess.

Any recommendations welcomed

How about under the greenwood tree It's quite nice if you are a Thomas hardy fan. I'm struggling to think of anything more modern.

I'm intrigued that you managed to reread most of the classics recently - I haven't even read most of them first time round!

How about "The Secret Life of Bees" or "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd? I have just finished Ian McEwan's "Nutshell" which was enjoyable and different too.

I’m a quick reader allegretto , plus had a kindle but not much spare cash so was working my way through anything free!
Will look up your recommendation, thank you

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency novels by Alexander McCall Smith are beautifully written and quite
uplifting.

Another lighthearted one is A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian by Monika Lewycka.

I do like Thomas Hardy chatham and that is one of my favourites . Agree, it’s a struggle to find modern stuff that isn’t based around quite dark themes.

Possession, by AS Byatt? I love that (though I skip-read some of the poetry).

read those TheEagle

Thank you Lancelottie have looked that up and think I will give it a go

Have you read any georgette heyer? They are regency romances but well written (of a bit repetitive!) and humourous. I have very picky reader and adore them. They are my go to ‘I’ve got the flu/feeling a bit down’ books

I've just finished the hearts invisible furies & loved it.

It's not overly feel good throughout but a great story & v enjoyable on audio

Have you gone to your library and registered for free ebooks? They've saved me a fortune! You can borrow six at a time, return them when you want to or they take them back after a couple of weeks or so.

And the power of one-Bruce courtenay, or Amy Tan-the kitchen Gods wife or the joy luck club. Or Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. Some of the Lianne Moriarty books-real page turners.

Eleanor Oliphant is Perfectly Fine.

@MyBrilliantDisguise... are they compatible with kindles? When our library started a scheme a few years back they weren’t, haven’t thought of checking since, will pop in next time am there. Have had a promotion and childcare costs have dropped recently so can treat myself to books again, but when trying new stuff much prefer free!

Anything by kate Atkinson

Books I usually like are things like Kazuo Ishiguro, Martin Amis, George Orwell, Ian McKewan, John Steinbeck...

Second the recommendation for Georgette Heyer.

I always read Cold Comfort Farm when I’m in need of uplifting, still not very modern I’m afraid!

I’ve enjoyed both How to be Both, and Autumn by Ali Smith this year. Beautiful writing, not sure if uplifting is the word - some darker themes but ultimately hopeful - I found them to be anyway.

I quite enjoyed Isabelle Allende’s The Japanese Lover, that might fit the bill.

Where d’ya go Bernadette was great too. Maria Semple I think the author?

I just read Flora and Ulysses by Kate dicamillo. A lot of fun and well written. I think there is some really good young adult literature out ther which is less gloomy than many adult literature.
I also enjoy bill Bryson. His books always strike me as intelligent and funny.

Yes Cold Comfort Farm is wonderful

A man called Ove.
The night circus

another vote for the Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne. I also read A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy, first thing I had read by her and well written, enjoyed it. Also the Love and Inheritance trilogy by Fay Weldon, and Elena Ferrante, the Neapolitan novels. I loved all of these.

Autumn by Ali Smith. I was expecting a negative outcome that didn't happen.

A light read but Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute is a wonderful read. It was written in the late 50s by a man who was quite old by that time and has the usual issues that you are either OK with taking into account or not.

The Code of the Woosters by P G Wodehouse.

Never I know just how you feel! I get really affected by everything when my emotions are raw. I'm currently reading "look who's back" by Timur Vermes and it's very funny. The woman who stayed in bed for a year I found quite empowering. It's not free of emotions but it's not traumatic and I ended up spurring her on. I totally understood her point of view and it was funny.

And the mountains echoed is brilliant. Tuesdays with Morrie is wonderful.
Big Stone Gap trilogy is quite heartwarming. I find empowering romance and fantasy/sci fi are good at times like this.

Oh yes cold comfort farm! Loved it!

Following this thread for suggestions. I love Kate Aitkinson and Maria Semple (and Marianne Keyes for very easy reading that will make me smile).