Self-isolation time with benefit: 10 most anticipated books of spring 2020

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

According to British scientists, fiction is an excellent way to combat depression, and besides, it stimulates the brain and helps to cope with dementia much better than books on self-development. In our today's review, we present the most anticipated books of the spring of 2020, which will help to spend time in self-isolation with benefit, and even get rid of the spring blues.

Covenants by Margaret Atwood

The sequel to the acclaimed novel "The Handmaid's Tale" was published in September 2019, and Margaret Atwood was awarded the Booker Prize for this work. Perhaps someone will find the writer’s new masterpiece too kind in comparison with The Handmaid’s Tale; beckons to him, forcing him to forget about the gloomy realities of Gilead.

"Embroidery", Marzhan Satrapi

The graphic novel by Marjan Satrapi begins innocently enough. In Iran, traditionally, women in the afternoon, when men go to rest from the labors of the righteous, can afford not only to clear the table, but also spend time having a pleasant conversation. At the same time, the novel begins with an anecdote, but one should not expect from it the lightness that is inherent in comics.

Crazy Rich Chinese Girl by Kevin Kwan

The second book of Kevin Kwan's trilogy, which began with Crazy Rich Asians, is exciting, fun and poignant at the same time. The novel tells the story of social ascent and love, scandals in the art world and almost espionage passions. Kevin Kwan, in his usual manner, shows how ridiculous snobbish snobbery is and what actually hides behind a prim facade. At the same time, there is not a drop of moralizing in the new novel, but there are many moments that will make the reader laugh almost to tears.

The Salt Trail by Raynor Wynn

Raynor Wynn's memoir became a UK bestseller in 2019. A touching story about an incredible journey made by the author and her terminally ill husband. What could have caused a couple in their 50s to set out on a 630-mile journey with only a ward, sleeping bags and a very modest amount of cash?

"Everyone Died and I Got a Dog" by Emily Dean

This story is about how to go through losses, pull yourself together and start living again. Get a dog and learn to enjoy every new day. A happy childhood seems unrealistic compared to the misfortune that came to Emily Dean's house. The loss of loved ones does not pass without a trace, but you need to find the strength to come to terms with the past, get rid of guilt, overcome fear and follow your childhood dream.

The Institute, Stephen King

The story of 12-year-old Luke, who ended up in a closed school, makes an ambiguous impression. Stephen King does not betray himself: the tension and gloom, vivid portrayal of all, even the most insignificant details and an unexpectedly positive aftertaste from the "Institute". The large-scale and atmospheric work will undoubtedly bring a lot of pleasure to lovers of the genre.

Times of the Sea, Mortens A. Ströknes

In the new novel by Mortens A. Ströknes is surprisingly intertwined with exciting adventures and unhurried narration typical of family sagas, and psychological immersion in memories echoes ancient legends and practical advice from experienced fishermen. At the same time, interesting scientific facts are unobtrusively presented in the novel, and the general atmosphere of the work leaves a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Normal People by Sally Rooney

In Normal People, the naive story of school love becomes the basis for deep and emotional discourse on a wide variety of topics, from childhood trauma to politics and social inequality. At the same time, the author avoids moralizing and loud pretentious phrases. The author speaks simply, brightly and enthusiastically about love and growing up, about friendship and outlook on life, and the reader can only plunge into the atmosphere of an amazing book about normal people.

"Frogs" by Mo Yan

An organic and captivating work from the Nobel Prize laureate in literature is unlikely to leave the reader indifferent. The story of the midwife Wang Xin, whom everyone affectionately calls just Auntie, is told in such a way that the slightest emotional excitement of the heroine is felt. Wang Xin was a midwife, she watched the miracle of the birth of babies thousands of times, saved, helped, supported. But then her life changed due to the imposed birth control in China.

The Man in the Red Coat by Julian Barnes

Despite the fact that the novel of the Booker Prize winner takes place in the 19th century, the work seems unusually modern. The protagonist is Samuel-Jean Pozzi, a brilliant surgeon, intellectual, innovator and lover of women. The story of his life is intertwined with the political events of the last peaceful decades before the First World War and carries away with invisible parallels and deceptive serenity.

Today's rhythm of life also dictates new conditions for acquaintance of a person with literature. Even passionate book lovers cannot always afford to spend a few hours reading. That is why audiobooks have firmly entered the life of a modern person. And we propose to get acquainted with the list of the most popular audiobooks in Russia.