Beast, Paul Kingsnorth

A brilliant, unexplained descent, we understand that the narrator had left his old life in the city to live in an abandoned farmhouse on the moor. He is lucid at first but then descends, describing weather and happenings that cannot possibly be. We have glimmers of his story but nothing is fully explained. A marvel. 

The Living Mountain, Nan Shepherd

Beautiful, poetic and deep description of and musing on the Cairngorms, though it applies to all wild and natural places. I feel I need to read it again to absorb all the ideas fully. It's quiet, truly timeless and an incredible product of a life truly well lived. I find Nan Shepherd herself fascinating and the story of her life comforting. 

Wee Free Men, Terry Pratchett

This is everything that is delightful about reading as a child, a magical funny adventure story with underlying themes of family, belonging and fears. Reminded me of why and how I fell in love with reading and stories.

The Female Persuasion, Meg Woltizer

Reminded me of Normal People, maybe in the way it was written as well as the subject matter, two teens and then young people whose lives are entwined. Again questioning a life well lived and people's expectations of themselves and others. Not keen on the last chapter tying up the loose ends, I didn't want to read it but was too curious, would have preferred to have been left with the hints.   

All Passion Spent, Vita Sackville West

A beautiful, quiet book questioning what a life well lived looks like; taking into account personalities, circumstances and duty. 

Who Among Us? Mario Benedetti

The premise of this is not so original; two teenage boys and one girl who are friends, the girl marries one of the boys but all three somehow feel she has married the wrong man. Written mainly from the point of view of the husband, but with a part from each of them, Benedetti skilfully unmasks true feelings, thereby revealing personalities, flaws and the tragedies in ordinary lives. 

The Lagoon and other Stories, Joseph Conrad

Satisfying, mysterious or enigmatic short stories set in a romantic old-world. Full of ideas of travel or belonging and moods of places.