In October, several writers and readers turned to books that offered escapism from reality, while also providing thought-provoking explorations of the human condition. For those seeking a literary experience, Ian Penman's "Erik Satie Three Piece Suite" was a standout choice. A daring portrait of the iconic composer Erik Satie, Penman's skill lies in his ability to combine highbrow and lowbrow perspectives, making for an endlessly inventive read.
Environmental writers and poets came together in Anna Chilvers and Clare Shaw's edited collection "The Book of Bogs". The book drew inspiration from the threatened Walshaw Moor peatlands of West Yorkshire, which have long been a source of creative inspiration for writers like Emily Brontë and Ted Hughes. With its focus on the importance of conservation and environmental sustainability, the book is an essential celebration of something that once gone can never be recovered.
On the opposite end of the literary spectrum was WE Bowman's 1956 novel "The Ascent of Rum Doodle", a satire on mountaineering and colonial British arrogance. A wildly entertaining read, "Rum Doodle" outdoes Monty Python in its absurdity and humor, making for a delightful escape from reality.
In the world of London rooming house novels of the 20th century, readers discovered key works by Sylvia Townsend Warner, Emeric Pressburger, Patrick Hamilton, Rosemary Tonks, and Elizabeth Taylor. Among these, Taylor's "Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont" stands out as a movingly humorous exploration of ageing, loneliness, and the human condition.
For readers looking for something more recent, Kaveh Akbar's "Martyr!" was highly recommended. The author's emotional intelligence shines through in this deeply personal and complex novel, which explores existential crises with profound nuance. With its thought-provoking examination of humanity, "Martyr!" provides a compelling escape from reality.
Oyinkan Braithwaite's Cursed Daughters series offered another option for those seeking a haunting and unyielding read. Susan Barker's "Old Soul" was particularly praised for its beautifully written exploration of trauma and the supernatural, drawing readers into a world of eerie accounts and mysterious encounters.
For readers looking for more fiction, Oyinkan Braithwaite's Cursed Daughters series also included The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei. This novel explores the complexities of sisterly love and the tensions that can arise between family members. With its colorful characters and nuanced exploration of societal pressures, The Original Daughter is a compelling read.
Finally, Onyi Nwabineli's Allow Me to Introduce Myself shone a light on the dangers of growing up in the glare of social media. Anuri seeks to reclaim her life after being raised by her stepmother, but finds herself facing challenges when she steps out of the spotlight. This powerful exploration of identity and family dynamics provides a thought-provoking read for those interested in contemporary issues.
In contrast to these more recent publications, Richard, a Guardian reader, found themselves drawn to Alexander Baron's recently reissued "The Lowlife". Set in post-war Hackney, this novel offers a glimpse into the lives of people struggling to survive on the margins of society. With its vivid portrayal of life in east London and its exploration of themes such as precarity and respectability, The Lowlife provides an entertaining read that also resonates deeply with contemporary issues.
Environmental writers and poets came together in Anna Chilvers and Clare Shaw's edited collection "The Book of Bogs". The book drew inspiration from the threatened Walshaw Moor peatlands of West Yorkshire, which have long been a source of creative inspiration for writers like Emily Brontë and Ted Hughes. With its focus on the importance of conservation and environmental sustainability, the book is an essential celebration of something that once gone can never be recovered.
On the opposite end of the literary spectrum was WE Bowman's 1956 novel "The Ascent of Rum Doodle", a satire on mountaineering and colonial British arrogance. A wildly entertaining read, "Rum Doodle" outdoes Monty Python in its absurdity and humor, making for a delightful escape from reality.
In the world of London rooming house novels of the 20th century, readers discovered key works by Sylvia Townsend Warner, Emeric Pressburger, Patrick Hamilton, Rosemary Tonks, and Elizabeth Taylor. Among these, Taylor's "Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont" stands out as a movingly humorous exploration of ageing, loneliness, and the human condition.
For readers looking for something more recent, Kaveh Akbar's "Martyr!" was highly recommended. The author's emotional intelligence shines through in this deeply personal and complex novel, which explores existential crises with profound nuance. With its thought-provoking examination of humanity, "Martyr!" provides a compelling escape from reality.
Oyinkan Braithwaite's Cursed Daughters series offered another option for those seeking a haunting and unyielding read. Susan Barker's "Old Soul" was particularly praised for its beautifully written exploration of trauma and the supernatural, drawing readers into a world of eerie accounts and mysterious encounters.
For readers looking for more fiction, Oyinkan Braithwaite's Cursed Daughters series also included The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei. This novel explores the complexities of sisterly love and the tensions that can arise between family members. With its colorful characters and nuanced exploration of societal pressures, The Original Daughter is a compelling read.
Finally, Onyi Nwabineli's Allow Me to Introduce Myself shone a light on the dangers of growing up in the glare of social media. Anuri seeks to reclaim her life after being raised by her stepmother, but finds herself facing challenges when she steps out of the spotlight. This powerful exploration of identity and family dynamics provides a thought-provoking read for those interested in contemporary issues.
In contrast to these more recent publications, Richard, a Guardian reader, found themselves drawn to Alexander Baron's recently reissued "The Lowlife". Set in post-war Hackney, this novel offers a glimpse into the lives of people struggling to survive on the margins of society. With its vivid portrayal of life in east London and its exploration of themes such as precarity and respectability, The Lowlife provides an entertaining read that also resonates deeply with contemporary issues.
just read about this sick list of books & i'm low-key obsessed 
got to add "Martyr!" by Kaveh Akbar to my must-read list ASAP 
the way he writes about existential crises is giving me LIFE 
and Oyinkan Braithwaite's Cursed Daughters series is a MUST. READ. NOW 
People are really seeking out books that transport them to another world, whether it's through comedy (like Rum Doodle) or something more thought-provoking like Martyr!. And I think that's so cool. Sometimes we all just need a break from reality, you know? 
On the other hand, I'm also loving how there are so many amazing authors exploring real issues like identity and social media. Allow Me to Introduce Myself is such a powerful read! 
. It's so refreshing to see a mix of classics like Sylvia Townsend Warner and more modern faves like Kaveh Akbar's "Martyr!". I've been meaning to check out Oyinkan Braithwaite's Cursed Daughters series - anyone else read it? 
.
. Anyone read this one? 
. but what really caught my eye is how these books are tackling the hard stuff - identity, environmentalism, family dynamics... its like we're finally seeing some real change in literature 
. let's keep pushing the boundaries of what literature can do, you feel?
i mean, what's next? we're gonna have to read our way out of climate change too lol anyway, it sounds like there's something for everyone in this round-up - from satirical masterpieces like "Rum Doodle" to deeply personal and complex novels like "Martyr!" i'm low-key impressed that some people are even aware of books outside of their genre 