I haven’t done a ‘quick reads’ column for a while, so with that being said, I thought I’d take the chance to share with you some of my favourite books to pass an afternoon or a train journey. A good book doesn’t have to transport us into a far-off magical land or spend 300 pages diving into a narrative; sometimes, the best ones are those with a pleasing story to fill a few hours!
Journey’s End – R.C. Sherriff
I read Journey’s End earlier this year, unsure what to expect. What I found was a powerful, deeply human portrayal of life in the trenches during World War I. Now, whilst this is slightly different to the usual novel (since it’s written as a play), Sherriff still manages to capture all the feelings of war. The characters feel as vivid and real as those in classic novels, perhaps due to their grounding in a real-world format, where we can envision the actors on stage – the play remains as relevant today as when it was first created.
Oh William! – Elizabeth Strout
Whilst many people may not think of this book as being a quick read, it certainly has all the characteristics of one. Coming in at just over 250 pages, the story is compact and profound, told in Strout’s clear, unadorned prose, which she has become known for. Following Lucy Barton as she reflects on her ex-husband William, the novel follows themes of memory, loss, and the complexity of human relationships. Strout’s gift lies in her ability to capture profound truths in the smallest details, which allows for a narrative that feels human above all else, allowing the reader to forget they’re immersed in fiction.
10 Cities that Led the World – Paul Strathern
This is truly the perfect book to get you in the mood for travelling, or perhaps to replace travelling as we get into the winter months. Strathern discusses cities from New York to Constantinople, ensuring that the reader understands what led us to this very moment. This non-fiction book allows the reader to journey through time and place without leaving their chair, weaving history, culture, and storytelling into a captivating narrative. If you’re a fan of history, then this is a truly epic book which spans across time! Strathern’s knowledge is vast but never overwhelming, making complex histories accessible and engaging to the everyday reader. It’s a book that entertains as much as it educates, and maybe it will inspire your own sense of wanderlust…
Boy – Roald Dahl
Some may call this a book for the younger generation, however, in Dahl’s famed autobiographical work, he creates a story that anyone can relate to. The tale of Boy follows Dahl through his childhood, tackling the loss of his sister, to his time working for Shell in Africa. The book truly captures the charm of Dahl’s storytelling, blending humour, warmth, and a look behind the curtain of his life. It offers glimpses into the experiences that shaped his later writing, whilst remaining accessible and engaging. Whether read by children or adults, Boy feels timeless. It is both heartfelt and entertaining; a delightful window into Dahl’s world.
By Ben Robinson
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