Uplifting books

[IceandIndigo]

Some of my all time favourite books are sad, but at the moment with everything going on in the world I seem to have lost my appetite for tragedy in fiction.

Please recommend me a book that made you feel happy/uplifted.

I generally prefer literary fiction but will also read historical fiction and science fiction.

Characters overcoming adversity is fine, but looking to avoid any graphic violence, abuse or death.

I'll start by recommending Writers and Lovers by Lily King.

Written in 1941, Kylie Tennant’s Ride on Stranger is one of my very favourite books. A young woman’s coming of age in an era not kind to the ambitions of women. There is sadness, but also a redoubtable sense of picking up and getting on with life. It’s funny and sardonic and very Australian as I knew my grandparent’s generation.

Another favourite is Jane Gardam’s Bilgewater. A clever young girl works things out and finds happiness.

@DancelikeEmmaGoldman those both sound great, will definitely check them out. I love coming of age novels.

I've just read Still Life by Sarah Winman and found it incredibly uplifting. There is definitely some sadness and adversity but overall I felt it was about hope and joy. I'd highly recommend it and am already planning who I will give copies to for Christmas

@Femwitch thanks for the recommendation, it sounds really good.

Three Men in a Boat, by Jerome K Jerome
The Irish R.M.