At last Spring Break! Whether you’re traveling somewhere sunny or relaxing at home, make the most of your time off and enjoy some literature. The following are seven of my personal favourite novels for your seven days of spring break, ordered by strength of recommendation. Happy Readings!
1) The Help
“You is kind. You is Smart. You is important.”
– Kathryn Stockette, The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockette
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: The Help follows African American women working in white households in the 1960’s. Skeeter an aspiring young white journalist seeks to capture the realities of these black housekeepers. In a dangerous act of disobedience Abilene and Minnie, two black domestic servants, share their courageous and controversial testimonials of working with white families.
Thoughts: The Help holds a special place in my heart, and on my bookshelf. I found myself to be particularly fond of the characters in the novel, and impressed with Stockette’s clever construction of antagonists. The story gives the reader insight into the geopolitical climate of Mississippi during the Jim Crow laws, and the systematic racism which long oppressed African Americans. Both humorous and heartbreaking in its fictional narrative, The Help depicts the very real racial tensions which plagued society.
2) Cloud Atlas
“A half-read book is a half-finished love affair.”
– David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas
Author: David Mitchell
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
Plot: Beginning in 1850 with the voyage of Adam Ewing from Chatham Isles to his home in California Adam meets a physician who treats him for a brain parasite. The book then jumps to the story of Robert Frobisher in Belgium 1931, a disinherited bisexual composer who lives within the household of an infirm maestro who has a beguiling wife and a nubile daughter. Next set in the West Coast during the 1970s, you’ll follow the troubled reporter named Luisa Rey, who’s busy fighting for her life among corporate greed. But the story continues through centuries and space taking you on a journey of many lives through different narratives.
Thoughts: To be quite honest I found the beginning slow moving; however the textures of these gripping and layered narratives proved to be captivating later on. What never ceased to amaze me are the remarkably clever ways in which Mitchell interlinks this sextet of stories. The different storylines, and distinctive tones have the ability to engage and connect to any reader.
3) The Book Thief
“I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant.”
– Markus Zusak, The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: Liesel a young German orphan arrives in the fictional town of Mulching, Germany to begin a new life with her foster family. It is her foster father, Hans, who initiates her appreciation of literature. Bruno, a Jewish boxer to which Hans is personally indebted arrives at the family’s doorstep in search of refuge. In a dangerous act of compassion the family harbors Bruno in their basement. In order to escape from the dark realities of Nazi Germany Liesel turns to books to find comfort. Financial barriers force Liesel to resort to stealing novels in order to find consolation.
Thoughts: Zusak’s use of death as a sensual narrator is effective not only in enriching themes and perspectives in The Book Thief, but also establishing a luring and striking tone throughout the novel. I will not deceive you; The Book Thief is certainly tragic, and sad, it will not leave you feeling enthused and cheery, but instead penetrate deeper within in, touching the reader. The novel explores themes of humanity and the power of literature in times of adversity. The reader is sure to form strong attachments to delightful Liesel further increasing the suspense which is prevalent throughout the novel.
4) The Green Mile
“Sometimes there is absolutely no difference at all between salvation and damnation.”
– Stephen King, The Green Mile
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Crime, Fantasy, Mystery
Plot: Paul Edgecombs recounts his experiences as the death row supervisor during the great depression. Haunted by his recollections of a particular inmate John Coffey, a death row prisoner convicted of the murder of two young girls. Coffey’s kind and sensitive disposition leads Edgecomb to question his guilt.
Thoughts: King employs empathy and understanding to deliver a devastating and intriguing narration to its readers. The pace and tone of the story create an atmosphere of suspense, making the ending all the more compelling. The novels portrayal of injustice is deeply stirring and evokes passion in it readers. The paradoxical elements consistently contrasting each other throughout The Green Mile are cause for contemplation. I impressed by the brilliance so evident in every aspect of the novel. Â
5) Pride and Prejudice:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
– Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Plot: Set in Georgian England, the novel follows Elizabeth Bennet and her five sisters in their pursuits to find a suitor. Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy, a wealthy young bachelor who’s stern and proud disposition she instantly takes a disliking to. Encounters with each other ultimately result in the development of fondness, despite the class barriers which separate them.
Thoughts: Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice is a timeless piece of literature. The passage of time has not rendered the novel obsolete, as the reader is able to draw many parallels between prominent themes in the novel and issues we continue to debate. Its satire on the role of women in society is both lighthearted powerful and still applicable as we continue to question gender roles today. Elizabeth Bennet is a witty and immensely likeable character which you are sure to form a deep attachment to. Considering the historical context Austen’s construction of such a well developed female character is made even more impressive.
6) Memoirs of a Geisha
“When a stone is dropped into a pond, the water continues quivering even after the stone has sunk to the bottom.”
– Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha
Author: Arthur Golden
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: The story begins in a small fishing village in Japan in the late 1920’s, where Chiyo and her sister reside in poverty. Chiyo’s world is turned upside down when she is separated from her sister and sold to an Okiya (a boarding house for Geisha). The story follows her training in Kyoto and promptly afterwards, her career as a geisha which is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the second World War.
Thoughts: I quickly became invested in Memoirs of a Geisha, as the plot is enthralling, and tone of the narration mesmerizing. The story is beautifully written and authentic in perspective, with a unique and intriguing storyline. It’s exploration of societal structure, and culture are particularly notable. The exploitative undertones of the memoirs weigh heavily on the mind and on the heart.
7) The Secret Life of Bees
“It is the peculiar nature of the world to go on spinning no matter what sort of heartbreak is happening.”
– Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: Lily Owens was just four when her mother was killed. Now in 1964 Lily is 14 years old and living in the fictional town of Sylvan South Carolina with her abusive father and Rosaleen, the families African American maid. Rosaleen is put in danger after insulting local racists, prompting her to run away with Lily. Following the clues of her mother’s past Lily arrives in Tidburn South Carolina, where she gets to know the black Boatwright sisters. Lily discovers a passion for beekeeping and finds an unlikely family amongst the Boatwrights.
Thoughts: The prose in the novel is both enchanting and charming. The immensely powerful and inspiring Boatwright sisters grant hope upon the reader and radiate optimism. Kidd paints a remarkable picture of family, in defiance of societal limits such as race. The analogies and metaphors so prevalent within the novel construct meaningful and delightful imagery.
