I’ve basically been ordered to pick up any fiction book and read, after a friend discovered I’ve not read anything but non-fiction for a decade.
The ones I’ve enjoyed in the past have been short, fantastical or sci-fi (think Aldous Huxley, Ian McEwan), but crucially with amazing first person descriptive prose - the kind where you’re immersed in the writing so much you’re almost there with the character.
I liked sci-fi as the world’s constraints weren’t always predictable. Hope that makes sense.
Any recommendations?
Edit: I’m going to up the ante and, as a way of motivating myself to get off my arse and actually read a proper story, promise to choose a book from the top comment, after, let’s say arbitrarily, Friday 2200 GMT.
Edit deux: Wow ok I don’t think I’ve ever had this many responses to anything I’ve posted before. You’ve given me what looks like a whole year of interesting suggestions, and importantly, good commentary around them. I’m honouring my promise to buy the top thing in just under 4 hours.
My top recommendation for ‘fantastical […] with amazing first person descriptive prose’ is Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. It’s beautiful and unlike anything you’ve ever read. I’ve bought it for three or four different people now and they’ve all loved it. Couldn’t recommend it more highly, a genuine five star read.
I read Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell recently and found it delightful and incredibly original. I haven’t heard anything about Piranesi, I’ll see if my library has it!
It’s quite different from JS&MN, except in being about magic. If your library doesn’t have it, it’s worth buying a copy!
My favourite read of last year. I know she has a long term illness that hampers her writing speed which is almost criminal as she’s incredibly talented.