After the Cazalets audiobooks

[OrrAppleCheeks]

For various reasons I'm finding it hard at the moment to switch off enough to absorb myself into reading. I have just, however, binge-listened to the Cazalets.

Any ideas about the next thing? I would prefer a series of books, strong female characters, not too 'period' (preferably no earlier than early 20th Century). Not fantasy, not bodice-ripper - more gentle and meandering.

I'm thinking of the Forsyte Saga, but I think I'd probably prefer a woman writer.

Any ideas?

The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher seems to get mentioned a lot on here as a good follow up to the Cazalets - it's a bit more "soapy" though.

Penny Vincenzi is also a bit less highbrow but writes lots of family sagas in the same sort of period.

R.F delderfield writes beautifully about the Edwardian - Post War era. I particularly like the "A Horseman riding by" trilogy - but he was a man!

Nancy Mitford's novels, starting with The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate.

Mary Wesley's books are wonderful.

Coming Home by Rosalind Pilcher would be a good follow on after the Cazalets.

Any of Harriet Evans’s more recent books - The Garden of Lost and Found and The Butterfly Summer in particular.

My people!! Yes to Penny Vincenze.

Not a female author but Ken Follett's Century trilogy is so good. The books are Fall of Giants, Winter of the World and Edge of Eternity. Following the same families through the 20th Century. Was utterly bereft when I finished them. (I also loved the Cazalets and Coming Home)

Another vote for RF Delderfield (yes, male!) - lovely and very evocative writer.

The other recommendations here sound great, I shall note them down.

Id second and third the ken follet trilogy. It's one of the best things I've ever listened to.

Yes yes to Mary Wesley.

Also Life after Life by Kate Atkinson and follow ups (but LaL is the best IMO).

Oh and I can't recommend Any Human Heart enough (William Boyd), but male rather than female protagonist.