As the days get shorter and winter starts to roll in, it’s the perfect time to pick up a book that’s not part of your studies. Even though I read plenty of French and Spanish literature for my degree, I always make sure to keep up with reading just for fun. I’ve put together a small list of books I’ve really enjoyed this year, ones I think make for the perfect cosy read.
Anxious People - Fredrik Backman (translated by Neil Smith)
Anxious People follows a failed bank robbery that unexpectedly turns into a hostage situation during an apartment viewing. The book explores the relationships between all the hostages, including the robber. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the characters are all connected in surprising ways, and Backman explores some pretty emotional themes with humour and compassion. It’s a short, fast-paced read, and it’s perfect for curling up with on a rainy November afternoon. I already can’t wait to pick up another Backman novel, especially My Friends, which I’ve heard amazing things about
Butter - Asako Yuzuki (translated by Polly Barton)
This unique Japanese novel is loosely inspired by a real serial killer case. It follows the story of a journalist who becomes obsessed with interviewing a woman accused of murdering men through her cooking. The book explores lots of different themes, including crime, femininity, and the power of food. This is a really interesting story, and it has inspired me to learn more about Japanese food and culture.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry – Gabrielle Zevin
Gabrielle Zevin is one of my all-time favourite authors. She wrote the famous Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, which I will forever recommend! This book is a perfect November read - it’s set in a small bookshop on a quaint island off the coast of Massachusetts, complete with charming village vibes, lighthouses, and cosy seaside scenes. It’s a story about love and family and is beautifully written. It's perfect for a comforting autumnal read.
Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir
This one took me by surprise. I am not the biggest fan of sci-fi books, but I could not recommend this enough. Even if you’re not into science (I definitely struggled with it at school!), the story is written in a way that makes everything easy to follow. The story is about a man who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there and why. Some parts really reminded me of Christopher Nolan’s incredible film Interstellar! Andy Weir also wrote The Martian, so if you enjoy character-driven sci-fi, this is an excellent pick.
Which book are you looking forward to reading?