Can you recommend uplifting realist novels for a young man to read?

[BuryingAcorns]

DS has come home for reading week, completely burnt out and quite down. He said he wanted to read some uplifting realistic novels. I honestly can't think of any that are suitable for a man. He doesn't read much but likes relatively literary novels, (Donna Tartt, Dave Eggers, Brett Easton Ellis).

Can anyone think of some life affirming - maybe funny - realist book. The ones I can think of are all fantasy - Hitchikers' Guide or Terry Pratchett.

I wondered about Nick Hornby but they might seem a bit old fashioned now - About a Boy or High Fidelity.

A Gentleman in Moscow. Brilliant and puts things in perspective. The attitude of the main character is inspiring.

Thank you Thea Brandt,. I have heard good things about that book. I'll look into it.

Death and the Penguin by Andrey Kurkov is a black comedy that is sort of uplifting. It's literary but a light read.

For something lighter Mike Gayle might be an option? I've not actually read his books though so might be wrong.

TCH I tend to resort to Wodehouse in these situations.

Not novels but I love a bit of Bill Bryson. He’s just so funny. Also the world according to Garp. I also loved I am Pilgrim. Not uplifting but a great quick thriller-unputdownable.

Was reading another thread and remembered Alexander McCall Smith's No 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Easy reading, life affirming. There are lots of them but the early ones are better and they need to be read in order.

The alchemist by Paulo Coelho?

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I had a look at the Paulo Coehlo but it sounds a bit too allegorical. He prefers realist and contemporary-ish.

Death and the Penguin is a good idea. I read it years ago and loved it. I bet he would too.

I'll take a look at all the other suggestions too.

Pilgrims by Matthew Kneale is really enjoyable - I think it'd be a good choice for someone needing general cheering up.

Sorry - just realised that it doesn't meet the contemporary requirement, it's recently written but about a group of medieval pilgrims! It feels very fresh & modern to me though in style.

list of books

Also Frank and Stan’s bucket list

P.G. Wodehouse - Jeeves & Wooster series - gently funny and uplifting

Anything on the PG Wodehouse Prize list do? It's the comic novel prize.

www.waterstones.com/category/cultural-highlights/book-awards/the-bollinger-everyman-wodehouse-prize

A Gentleman in Moscow was my first thought too.

I also suggest Sweetland by Michael Crummey.

You lot are brilliant. Thank you so much for these. Loads to explore.