A Lifelong Journey Through Literature: One Reader’s Defining Books
A compelling literary journey, spanning childhood wonder to mature reflection, reveals how books shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. From the enchanting tales of Grimms’ fairy tales to the complex narratives of 19th-century social realism, one reader shares the books that left an indelible mark on their life.
The Seeds of Imagination: Early Encounters with Storytelling
The earliest literary memory is often a hazy one, and for this reader, it’s a “fuzziest memory” of an illustrated Grimms’ fairy tale, specifically Jorinde and Joringel. Before even learning to read, the allure of the story – a quest for a flower with “special powers” – was strong enough to repeatedly request it from the library. This early experience highlights the power of visual storytelling and the innate human desire for narrative, even before the ability to decode the written word.
Finding Humor and Connection in Childhood
A sense of humor, the reader believes, is “forged in childhood.” The Jennings books by Anthony Buckeridge provided a source of immense laughter, with the reader recalling “crying with laughter” alongside their older sister. Despite the stories centering on prep school boys, it was the “comedy of embarrassment” that resonated most deeply, demonstrating the universal appeal of relatable awkwardness.
Fiction as a Catalyst for Social Awareness
The formative years are often marked by a growing awareness of the world’s complexities. For this reader, Émile Zola’s Germinal proved to be a pivotal experience. Reading about the “brutal hardship” of 19th-century coal miners while leaving school, the novel “rattled” them out of a “comfortable middle-class certainties” in a way that contemporary social injustices hadn’t. This underscores the unique power of fiction to foster empathy and challenge preconceived notions.
The Spark of Creative Ambition
The desire to write often stems from encountering a work that reveals the boundless possibilities of the form. Iris Murdoch’s The Bell, a novel exploring the hidden tensions within a lay religious community, served as a “landmark” in the reader’s development. At age 16, it was the first time they realized a novel could be “about absolutely anything” if “perfectly executed,” igniting a creative spark.
Revisiting the Classics: A Shifting Perspective
Our relationship with literature evolves as we age and gain new life experiences. Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway, initially found “infuriating and tedious” at university, transformed upon a second reading in the reader’s 50s. The “constant shifting from one consciousness to another” and the interplay of past and present suddenly resonated, suggesting that understanding a work often requires a certain level of lived experience.
The Quiet Power of Austen’s Nuance
Jane Austen’s Persuasion initially failed to capture the reader’s attention, deemed “too slow” and “melancholy.” However, repeated readings revealed a growing appreciation for its “autumnal tone of regret for lost time.” While lacking the immediate appeal of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion offered a more subtle and nuanced exploration of human emotion.
The Irrecoverable Magic of Youthful Romance
Some books are inextricably linked to a specific time in our lives, losing their potency when revisited. Alain-Fournier’s Le Grand Meaulnes, cherished at age 17, became disappointing upon a later attempt to reread it. The novel, imbued with “romance and yearning,” felt diminished in “cynical middle age,” illustrating how certain stories are best left untouched, preserved as relics of a bygone era. The “lost domain” remained lost, indeed.
Discovering Late-Life Literary Treasures
Sometimes, the most rewarding literary experiences come later in life. Anthony Trollope’s novels, discovered in the reader’s 50s, proved to be a revelation. Praised for their “psychological acuity, plot, moral dilemmas, wit, and social commentary,” The Small House at Allington emerged as a particular favorite, with its heroine, Lily Dale, echoing the spirit of Elizabeth Bennet. The reader also highlights the enhanced experience of listening to Timothy West’s audiobooks.
Current Literary Explorations
Currently, the reader is immersed in Now We Shall Be Entirely Free by Andrew Miller, having been captivated by his earlier work, The Land in Winter. Miller’s writing is described as a “rarest of treats” – a combination of “propulsive storytelling” and “sensuous prose.”
Finding Solace in the Written Word
Ultimately, the reader finds “comfort in even the darkest book if the writing is brilliant.” However, for a sense of quiet dignity and a celebration of ordinary lives, they turn to R.C. Sherriff’s The Fortnight in September.
The reader’s literary journey is a testament to the enduring power of books to shape our perceptions, challenge our beliefs, and provide solace throughout life’s various stages. Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers is out in paperback from W&N. To support the Guardian order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
