I suspect we’re all in need of a comfort read now and again and never more so while the world grapples with the coronavirus pandemic that currently has us in its grip. I can’t promise that all five of these novels are entirely free of strife or upset – for me it’s hard to find good fiction that contains none of that – but they’re all either entertaining, heartwarming, something to lose yourself in or all three. Here, then, are five consoling reads that might help get you through difficult times, each with links to my review on this blog.
If you’re in need of being reminded that things do get better, I’d suggest Lissa Evans’ Old Baggage which tells the story of Mattie, once met never forgotten. It begins in 1928, ten years after British women who met a property qualification were enfranchised. For many in the women’s suffrage movement the battle’s over but not for Mattie. Evan’s story romps along replete with period detail, wearing its historical veracity lightly while exploring themes of social justice with wit, humour and compassion. It never loses sight of the fact that while some women were given the vote in 1918, the vast majority were not, nor that when they were the battle was still far from won. I loved it, and if you do, too, may I suggest reading Crooked Heart to which Old Baggage is the prequel.
Hiromi Kawakami’s The Nakano Thrift Shop is narrated by a young woman not entirely sure of her place in the world. Hitomi looks back over the year she spent in Mr Nakano’s shop selling second-hand goods alongside Takeo who joins Mr Nakano on house clearances. As Hitomi and Takeo stumble into the most tenuous of relationships, Mr Nakano’s sister cheers them on from the side lines. Kawakami’s four principal characters are wonderfully drawn – eccentric, idiosyncratic and thoroughly engaging but the star of the show is undoubtedly our narrator, the awkward but endearing Hitomi. Very little happens in this delightful novel but it’s an absolute joy and the ending is all you could hope for.
Elinor Lipman writes the kind of sharply observed, absorbing and entertaining fiction that‘s just the ticket when you’re after an intelligent bit of escapism. With its story of a young woman, her widowed father and the high school yearbook left to her by her mother, Good Riddance is the literary equivalent of a smartly turned out rom-com. It follows Daphne, a close-to-thirty woman, flailing around for something to do with her life after her unfortunate marriage, who has the carpet pulled out from under her feet a second time. Lipman narrates her story in Daphne’s sometimes waspish voice, serving it up lightly laced with a few farcical moments and a good deal of sly wit. It’s a pleasingly perceptive comedy of manners whose slightly old-fashioned style would suit Frasier fans well.
I’m sure you have a few novels you turn to when in need of comfort and distraction. I’d love to know what they are.
If you’d like to explore more posts like this, I’ve listed them here
That reminds me, I’ve had Mr Penumbra on my shelves since it came out!
There’s a lovely bit about friendship in there which is one of the reasons I chose it. I think you’ll love it, Annabel.
Lissa Evans’ Crooked Heart is also entertaining; sort of a sequel to Baggage. I’d also recommend anything by Barbara Pym or Barbara Comyns: funny, heartwarming, delightful. Great idea for a post, Susan. we need all the cheer we can get at this disturbing time
We most certainly do, and thanks for the recommendations.
Great choices! I’ve read the first two and can heartily agree with your comments.
Thanks, Cathy.
This is a great list, Susan! I loved Commonwealth too – Ann Patchett is such a brilliant storyteller – and I’m particularly looking forward to reading The Nakano Thrift Shop sometime soon. It’s good to know it’s a comforting read.
Thank you. There’s a lovely strand of affectionate friendship between The Nakano Thrift Shop’s eccentric characters which seemed to fit as many of us are missing our friends right now. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I loved Mr Penumbra I really ought to go back and re-read it. My own turn to book in times of trouble is always 84 Charing Cross Road. It’s always just such a pleasure to spend time in the company of another addicted reader.
Oh, yes, that’s a good one, Ann. Thanks for the reminder.
Good selection, and thank you for drawing our attention to some less showy books. I only really know Mr Penumbra’s bookshop. I enjoyed it, but it was a bit mad!
Caroline
Thank you, and you’re welcome, Caroline. It was mad but I loved the way Sloan handled the theme of friendship and it made me laugh.
I loved The Dutch House but haven’t read Commonwealth yet. I’ve heard it is very good, so might be one to turn to. I’ve just started Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry and didn’t realise that I needed some cowboy escapism to get me through!
Commonwealth is excellent, Cathy. I’ve often wondered about Lonesome Dove having enjoyed The Last Picture Show.
I’m about 150 pages in Susan and actually really enjoying it. It’s such a great epic story that it’s very easy to get lost in it and I think that’s what I need right now.
I think we all do. I’ll add it to my list. Thanks, Cathy.
I adored Old Baggage (much more so than Crooked Heart), and thanks for the other great recommendations.
You’re welcome, Liz. I prefered it, too.
As you probably know my go to comfort reads are generally more vintage, especially those re-issued by Dean Street Press and the British Library Crime Classics series. I love my Virago Modern classics but they tend to be more literary and less cosy.
I agree with you about Old Baggage and A Crooked Heart. Loved both those.
I’ve spotted several titles from Dean Street Press on your blog that would fit the bill nicely. I’m not a crime reader but I can see that those British Library Crime Classics would offer a brilliant source of distraction. Thanks, Ali.
Lovely post, Susan. The Sloan sounds a lot of fun, just the right kind of quirky (if you know what I mean). Oddly enough, I don’t think I’ve come across it before, so thank you for the introduction.
Thanks, Jacqui. The Sloan’s a wonderful diversion with a lovely friendship theme running through it.
Lovely post Susan! I totally agree about Old Baggage and The Nakano Thrift Shop, loved them both. I have Commonwealth in the TBR and I’ll move it to the top now as a comfort read is definitely the ticket.
Thank you! I hope you manage to lose yourself in Commonwealth for a while. Keep safe.
You too!
I love this list. I’ve only read the first one, but want to read them all. For some reason the lissa Evans books are calling to me, but Ann Patchett is always good!
Thank you. Old Baggage is particularly lovely. Mattie is such a character. I’m sure you’d love it.
Barbara Pym is one of my very favourite comfort writers (so long as I avoid Quartet in Autumn). The books of hers I like best are Some Tame Gazelle, A Glass of Blessings & Excellent Women. I think I’ll be re-reading then all very soon.
I hope they help, and thanks for the recommendations. I think you’re the second person to mention Barbara Pym.
Good list. Commonwealth has been on my TBR for a long while. The Nakano Thrift Shop sounds very good. I loved Mr Penumbra.
Thank you. Mr Penumbra’s brilliant, isn’t it. I hope you enjoy the others when you get to them.
Indeed. Thanks
Thanks for your list, I like these inspirational posts that share those that comforted, uplifted that might just provide the necessary literary medicine for this time.
Thanks, Claire. I think the very last think we need right now is dystopian fiction.
Exactly, I don’t get that trend at all!
Me, neither. I hope this grim crisis we’re grappling with finally knocks it on the head.
Me too, I certainly don’t want to read about this one either.
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