By Vittoria Vignolo
As the temperature drops, the thought of staying in a warm and cosy space feels more appealing than ever. The idea of enjoying a soothing drink, some good music, and a good book sounds like the perfect way to relax.
But what are the perfect books to read during the cold, dark winter? Today I will give a list of some books that, in my opinion, are perfect for the season.
- The Bear and the Nightingale: this is an incredibly atmospheric book that helps to create a great immersive narrative, as it is set in the remote wilderness of Russia. There, the winter lasts for most of the year and you can count more forests than houses. It narrates the story of Vasilisa, a young girl who lives in a small house and spends most of her time in the warmth of her house with her siblings. She is a passionate and curious girl, who has a particular interest in tales, specifically her local traditional narratives of “mysterious creatures” that live around her area. In this story, she will have to face many challenges and fears, trying to defeat these creatures.
- Game of Thrones: This is a classic read for winter times as it is set in a kingdom where harsh winters and long summers alternate each other inconsistently. In particular, part of the story is set in the cold and dark north, which evoke the atmosphere of the cold winter. With its description of its great and immersive landscapes and hard challenges for the characters, this is a book that aligns with the idea of having a good read on a cold winter night.
- The Left Hand of Darkness: Published in 1969, this book is a science fiction that is considered one of the most popular choices in literature. Set in the planet of Gethen, a cold and far planet in the Ring system, it’s icy, cold and dark atmosphere pairs gracefully with the season of winter. The book is an interesting mixture of many topics, such as gender, social and political justice.
These books are only three of a long list of interesting books that will give you the feeling of cold winter season, offering many stories with rich layers and ideas.