MY FAVOURITE STANDALONE NOVELS | NOVEMBER 2017

MY FAVOURITE STANDALONE NOVELS 

I vary my reading from stand alone books and series, but most recently I've stuck to standalone novels. I think the standalone novel has so much more meaning because all the emotion and substance is encapsulated within that cover. But a series can excite readers in terms of finishing a book and then immediately wanting to read the next book; like Harry Potter. 

Number seven on the list of favourite stand alone novels is Brooklyn by Colm Toibin. This novel I admit that I read after watching the AMAZING film! There was a slight change from the novel as always but  the romance and emotive elements of the novel; of being homesick and heartbroken. It's a relatively small book so it's quick to read!
The sixth novel is Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier. This novel was the first gothic and mysterious novel that I have actually enjoyed. The character of Mary Yellan depicts the damsel in distress; her mother recently died so she moves with her Aunty and Uncle at Jamaica Inn. The mysterious tone of the novel comes from the unknown events happening in the early hours at Jamaica Inn. If you liked Wuthering Heights, and you want a lot more adventure, suspense and of course a romance you will probably enjoy this. When books are set on the moors of England, and the mix of reading in Autumn makes it feel so cosy and melancholy. I haven't read any other novel from Du Maurier but I will definitely make the effort to do so, next time I'm in a bookshop, which is very often. 
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is another favourite of mine. Again there is a gothic theme within, as most of the Bronte Sisters' works do, but since reading both of the most reknowned Bronte sister novels; Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, I definitely preferred Jane Eyre. The romance between Mr Rochester and Jane was much more believable (ironic as there are both fiction) in my opinion because the contrast of Heathcliff and Cathy's personalities was kind of frustrating. Anyway, Jane Eyre is a CLASSIC, just as you're reading it you think it's just one of those lovey dovey romantics that only females weep over; but then there's a sharp twist with the estranged wife in the attic. The novel intertwines love, gothic, family and nature within and there is a reason why it is an ULTIMATE CLASSIC!!
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks was a surprise whilst reading; I didn't expect the novel to pull you in automatically to a intense romance. Of course I read the blurb but didn't actually expect the effect of that romance to carry the main character through World War I. But obviously there is more to the novel than the romance; the comradeship of Stephen Wraysford and his men. The ending was extremely unexpected also; just as you think it is all over, it actually is all over, If you've read it you know what I mean...
The most recent reading that is on this list is All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. There is a running theme of historical fiction that is set in conflict in this list, this novel doesn't let you down. It is set in France with a blind girl when Germany invades; the other character is in Germany with a boy- turned Nazi soldier. It is the struggle of friendship, freedom and family, and heartbreaking to read the endeavour of both characters. Communication through banned radio transmitters is also a huge part of the novel, and it's how the two characters are connected and inevitably meet. The structure is different, with short chapters so it's fairly quick to read, if you love historical fiction or want to get in to it this needs to be on the top of the list! Go and read it! (It also has a really pretty cover, that was partly why I read it, but NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER, even it is extremely aesthetically pleasing lol).
The next two books I can't rate second or first because I love them that much and I'm hugely indecisive. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott are my absolutely favourite novels! I know that Little Women is technically a childrens book but who says eighteen year olds can't pretend to be a child?  Anyway, there's always a novel that you will highly associate and connect with the main character; and that's what I feel about Jo in Little Women. I know that Alcott based the character of Jo on herself, this book is like a Bible, I can't really compare it to anything else, so that's why it stands out. But also the characters, family and relationship of the book, the strong women in the book speaks to me in volumes of inspiration.
The Book Thief is also a novel set in WWII, I have written a review so if you want a more detailed insight in to my opinion of the book, go and skim through that post! The interesting theme encapsulated in this book, is that it is set in Nazi Germany and the narrator is death. The innocence of the children in this book, show how defenceless the indoctrination of Nazi ideology really was, also shows the individual intentions of people, both good and bad. Especially in the UK you are only exposed to the UK's experience of the World Wars, but you don't get a insight in to what it was really like in Nazi Germany; even if it may not be factually or politically correct, it gave me as a reader and admiring the character of Hans Hubermann; that there are some good people in the world, even within an evil regime of Nazism. Each character in The Book Thief has an effect on the world and the message that I took from the novel, that made it so great for me is that however horrible your situation is to  treat people with kindness and respect, even without the automatic signs of kindness, it will always be there. 

Here are my top seven books that I will read and read and read...

Happy Reading!