There is so much worth and beauty in a good fiction book. The entertainment of a good plot is only a fraction of the reason why you should indulge in fiction. A good fiction will allow you to delve into the depths of culture and history, experiencing different lives other than your own. You should find yourself thinking about its theme(s) at multiple steps throughout the book and meditating on the ideas which the author presents to you through a unique perspective.
I've put together a short list of some of my favourite fiction which will keep you occupied, entertained and thoughtful for this summer. They're all different and meaningful in their own way and I urge you to experience them with your own viewpoint and engage with them in your own way.
1. James Baldwin, Giovanni's Room
gay literature
This book will keep you on the edge of your breath for days (or maybe day). It's the passionate tale of two young men whose fates meet in Paris in the 1950s. They struggle with their love for each other, as they are both crazily in love but also repulsed by one another.
Baldwin beautifully incorporates different cultures and points of view in this story: the American - represented by David, the Italian - represented by Giovanni, and the French - represented by the reality in which both characters live. We find the characters eventually trapped in their own safe space, Giovanni's room. Even though they feel secure and protected in it, they also feel suffocated, as they cannot freely express their love outside of it. Being told retrospectively, it adds a layer of melancholy to the already sad and tragic story. Prepare for lots of flirting, suffering, heartbreaks, jealousy and certainly passionate love.
2. Jane Austen, Persuasion
romance novel
When you think Jane Austen, you probably think Pride and Prejudice. I think there's much more to discover about Austen, and you should start with Persuasion. It is the last book that the author finished, and in my opinion her most underrated one.
The novel follows Anne Elliot, a very normal young woman, and her place in the Victorian society. As any woman of her time, Anne has to be concerned about her martial status so as to evolve financially and socially. We follow our heroine as she goes through her day to day life and the way she handles her emotions towards Captain Wentworth.
Austen brilliantly shapes the themes of the importance of financial prosperity as part of Victorian decorum and the voicelessness of women during these times.
3. Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
gothic / science fiction
Frankenstein has become over the years the mainstream concept of a gruesome green monster that has escaped his creator and is terrorizing everyone he meets. This version has become the typical horror story we all expect on Halloween.
The actual novel of Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, as it was originally named, is set on a completely different tone. If you will give it a go this summer, I highly suggest you open the book with an open mind, detaching yourself from the Frankenstein myth you're familiar with.
The story offers you two perspectives: one of the creator and one of the creation. You become familiar with their desires and struggles, and you might find yourself sympathizing with both at a certain point. The passionate scientist, Victor Frankenstein (yes, the scientist has this name, not the creature, despite popular belief), decides to break any ethical barriers in the pursuit of glory. Once his creation comes to life he immediately despises it and runs away. The creature is all alone, born in a world where no one wants to give him a chance because of his differences, even though he proves quite brilliant. It's a cruel story that depicts the ever so relevant idea of otherness and discrimination. In my view, this book is the masterpiece of (late) Romantic literature and it should be one of the books you read at least once in your lifetime!
4. Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
adventure / fantasy fiction
Paulo Coelho is one of a kind writer, with a very unique style that needs some getting used to. However, once you start to follow his rhythm, his novels are nothing short of poetic anecdotes. The Alchemist is his most known novel, and for good reason.
The plot follows the adventures of Santiago, a shepherd who decides to give up on his life as a shepherd and to follow his dream of finding a treasure in Egypt. The young man goes through a series of experiences on his way to what he made his ultimate goal. He meets many influential people on his journey, namely an alchemist that shapes his vision of the world and teaches him the art of alchemy, as well as a young girl Fatima whom he falls in love with.
This beautiful story depicts the importance of trusting the process and the power of perseverance in following one's dreams. If you're feeling like in a funk, this is the book to get you inspired and motivated once again!
5. Elena Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend
drama / bildungsroman
This is the first of four novels (The Neapolitan Novels) and is rich of everything there is to a good story. It is probably the longest of this list, but don't let that intimidate you. Every line is worth it!
Set in 1950s Naples, in a relatively poor neighbourhood, it follows the coming of age of two young girls, Lila and Lenu, and the development of their friendship over the years. Ferrante captures the complexity of female friendship, specifically when pushed to the boundaries of poverty and other social factors. Ferrante beautifully depicts this society where the camorra (Italian/Neapolitan mafia),the objectification of women, and the unequal opportunities in terms of education thrive.
The story has so many layers to it that it is quite hard to pinpoint one general message. However, the underlying theme which stands out to me is feminism. Recently, a TV series by HBO came out illustrating the books, which in my opinion is doing a pretty good job at following the storyline and its characters faithfully.
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