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

I was going to say That Old Ace in the Hole - Annie Proulx too. High row but not dark is surprisingly challenging.

Calling major tom. heartwarming and life-affirming.

David lodge’s novels - earlier ones especially, like the British museum is falling down and Ginger, you’re Barmy. Wonderful.

I've just read How to Stop Time by Matt Haig - it is fabulous.

I would also recommend Carol Shields - beautifully written, with an underlying love for the lives of 'ordinary' people.

Was coming on to say Diary of a Provincial lady and Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society but both have been mentioned.

How about Muriel Spark - A Far Cry From Kensington is my favourite and a bit lighter than some of her others.

Barbara Trapido's Brother of the More Famous Jack is well written and witty.

Gerald Durrell's My Family and Other Animals.

DH bought me a beautifully illustrated edition of The Secret Garden for Christmas and I'm re-reading that - lovely curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of tea!

Some other authors I turn to for 'happy reading'

Catherine Fox - I really love Angels and Men
Susan Hill's The Magic Apple Tree is in my top10 favourite books of all time - not at all like her fiction.
Monica Dickens
Lillian Beckwith - she doesn't seem to be very well known but her books about life in the Hebrides are very funny.
H. E. Bates The Darling Buds of May
I like Anita Brookner's Hotel du Lac as a winter read - not exactly uplifting but quiet
Rumer Godden's two volumes of autobiography are interesting period pieces.
An American author, Elinor Lipman, especially The Way Men Act - a bit more frothy but well written and funny.
Nancy Mitford
Alison Lurie

Oops, just spent £18 at AbeBooks on half of these suggestions.

Not read the full thread but @TheEagle mentioned the history of tractors in Ukrainian. That fits the bill. I read that about four years ago and still say ‘mobilfon’.

Some great suggestions here.
Have you ever read Kingsley Amis's Lucky Jim. He was a bit of a misogynistic old dinosaur so there may be things that would wind me up these days (haven't read it for some time) but it used to make me weep with laughter!

The As byatt quintet that starts with 'still life'? Ok some really sad bits but great characters and lots of feel good parts.

Re Kindle the 'apprentice Alf' plug in for calibre can convert library books to mobi. It was very annoying for me only being able to read on phone otherwise.

She's fallen out of fashion now but Elizabeth Goudge's adult novels are brilliant - try The Herb of Grace, it's one of my favourites.

Ivanhoe! Really readable and a fantastic romp.

Dress your family in Courduroy and denim - David Sedaris
Any book by Brad Parks
Any book by Bill Bryson
Three men in a boat jerome k jerome

Second David Lodge. Also Nancy Mitford and her Love in a Cold Climate books. And Dodie Smith I Capture the Castle.
And Anne Tyler’s books. Beautifully written, sometimes with a gentle melancholy but always with warmth and humanity too.
Many people also love PG Wodehouse who certainly writes well.

And second Barbara Trapido too.

A Man Called Ove. Superb and lovely,just finished it.

I Found Elizabeth is Missing depressing.

Have just finished Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan and really enjoyed it.

Another recommendation for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel pie Society.
Gerard Durrell - enjoy his work for comfort.

E. M. Forster' books, although not modern, are a delight.