Words by Shayni Solanki
Every time winter comes around we can’t help but think that most of us just want to escape the cold by climbing into a good book.
Not every book can be a happy, cosy novel. Some of them will be dark and maybe even a bit depressing. For our selection of winter reads, what makes these books perfect reading for the season is how hooked you’ll be. Let’s get into it.
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
One of the best books to snuggle up with this winter is Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. If you want something a bit different from the average read, this one’s for you. A collection of short stories, each one is so intricately crafted, feeling completely different to the rest. This doesn’t mean all of the stories are happy, however. Some are pretty sad, whilst some are funny: it all depends on your own taste. One thing is for sure, though – Jhumpa Lahiri can tell a story.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Our next perfect winter read is the iconic The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. A retelling of the Trojan War, the book follows Achilles from the perspective of Patroclus. For those who don’t know much about Greek mythology, this book is a good start as Miller does an amazing job of exploring the mythology behind the story. Since its release in 2011, this modern classic has stolen the hearts of millions. Year in and year out, The Song of Achilles reaches a new audience, and we think that’s mainly because reading this book demands having a box of tissues by your side. If you want an epic romance to absolutely destroy your heart, look no further.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Another classic to check out this winter is The Secret Garden. Published all the way back in 1911, Frances Hodgson Burnett created nothing short of a masterpiece here. Following a young girl who moves to England after losing her family, the story blossoms once she discovers a secret garden and a whole lot about herself and growing up in a new environment. It may start off a little sad but, if you’re looking for something comforting and cheerful, we can’t recommend this one enough.
A Bookshop in Algiers by Kaouther Adimi
One of the more interesting reads you could try out this winter is A Bookshop in Algiers by Kaouther Adimi. A historical fiction set in 1936 Algiers, this is a truly beautiful novel following the runnings of a small bookshop. There’s something really comforting about this book. After all, for the perfect winter read snuggled in a blanket, what’s better than reading a book about loving books?