Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Toshikazu Kawaguchi

A lovely little novel which could be read as a collection of short stories. All take place with the same cast of characters, collected together by chance and circumstance, in a cafe where it is possible to visit the past. Kawaguchi explores reasons for visiting the past, all the rules (like, the present will never change) make the novel solely about the emotional journey of the characters, rather than technicalities. It is lovely, and while based on regrets or longings it's uplifting; the take away is that you can always change the present, and most things can be solved by that.

A Month in the Country, J L Carr

A Month in the Country follows Tom Birkin who, just after WW1 is hired to help uncover a medieval painting in a church in rural Yorkshire. The story is told as Birkin is an old man, looking back on an idyllic few weeks. 

It is definitely romantic, written with nostalgia for youth and what might have been, but at the same time feels plausible and relateable. It is a complete tonic for the soul, beautifully written so you feel the healing summer.

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.