Books that give off the autumn vibe
Fall is the cosiest season for reading, curling up with a mug of tea or hot cocoa for a wonderful read. In addition to the nostalgic vibes, fall is the season of Halloween, when mysteries feel especially spooky.
When you’re in the mood for something mysterious…
Set in the 1840s in Canada, “Alias Grace” is a book like no other I have ever read. Part fiction and part truth, it blends reality with the imaginary seamlessly to create an unsettling narrative. Grace Marks, an Irish-Canadian girl, is imprisoned for the murder of her employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery. The story is told through a dual narrative, Grace’s first person point of view describing her days in prison and the events from her youth and employment by Kinnear, as well as the third-person point of view of Dr. Jordan, a psychiatrist examining her case.
This story relies on Grace’s conversations with the doctor to reveal the true events of the day of the murders. A particular line that stood out to me was this, spoken by Grace in one of her first meetings with Dr. Jordan: “Rightly or wrongly does not matter. People want a guilty person.” It encapsulates her initial feelings toward the trial and her imprisonment, feelings that change over the course of the narrative. A true historical fiction piece, Atwood crafts her own tale based on a true 1840s Canadian murder trial, perfect for someone who wants a bit of historical spookiness this Halloween season.
When you’re in the mood for something nostalgic…
A collection of short stories, “Pilgrims” by Elizabeth Gilbert explores the variability within Americana and how pivotal experiences and journeys change points of view. “Pilgrims” explores themes of identity, searching for belonging and the acceptance of reality through the eyes of diverse, dynamic characters.
Each story is its own mini escape from reality into another place and time within the vast United States. The titular story centers around cowboys and a cowgirl in Montana, and their reflections during a night of rounding up cattle. “At the Bronx Terminal Vegetable Market” is a vivid profile of an average man running for union president in the vast and multicultural market he has devoted his career to.
I appreciated the ability of “Pilgrims” to capture realistic snapshots in time, whether it be one hour or one day, and turn them into a compelling narrative. If you appreciate stories about everyday life and less-than-perfect characters, “Pilgrims” is for you.
When you’re in the mood for something introspective…
On a sprawling estate dominated by a controlling stepmother, the exposition of Ann Patchett’s “The Dutch House” feels as familiar as a bedtime story. An epic family saga, it explores complex relationships and the feeling of home. As much a character as the people, the house itself serves as a metaphor for togetherness and later as a physical manifestation of unbreakable bonds.
I enjoyed Patchett’s descriptive writing style and her decision to have the novel narrated by Danny, from his earliest memories to his late 50s, yet have many of the main conflicts revolve around his older sister, Maeve. Watching Maeve’s character development throughout her lifetime through Danny’s eyes gave a new depth to her ability to develop forgiveness for those who wronged her long ago. Driven more by characters than by a clear plot arc, “The Dutch House” focuses on the evolving interactions between family members as children grow up, move out, and have families of their own. The novel touches on the romanticization of the past and the imperfection of childhood memories, as well as the repercussions when long-buried family secrets are unearthed. If you’re a fan of slower paced sagas filled with family secrets, “The Dutch House” is for you.
