Bookshelf Picks

What literature student would I be if I didn’t share some books I’ve had the pleasure of reading since I’ve been in France?

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet – David Mitchell

A historical thriller set in early 19th century Nagasaki, this novel not only looks at the relationship between the Dutch East India Company and Japan, but tackles the problem of retaining integrity in a world where corruption at the core of any institution. It gave me an insight into an area of history about which I knew nothing, while also providing an exciting story shrouded with mystery.

The Forward Book of Poetry 2019 – William Sieghart

This is a collection of the best of British poetry published in 2018, in which all poems have been nominated for the prestigious Forward Poetry Prize. I first discovered the Forward Poetry Prize when studying an anthology at A-level, and love reading these annual collections. They’re a great way to keep up to date with modern poetry and address a variety of different themes.

The Seven Against Thebes – Aeschylus

Eteocles and Polyices, two twin brothers born incestuously of Oedipus, are at war. The city of Thebes prepares for the assault. As a huge fan of theatre generally, and Greek tragedy especially, I enjoyed reading The Seven Against Thebes (both the French and English translations) as it sets up a series of debates between an autocratic ruler and a chorus of women representing the people. This play explores the devastating consequences which a family rupture can have on a whole city, being the final tragedy of Aeschylus’ adaptation of the Oedipus family myth.

Anima – Wajid Mouawad

Beginning with the murder of Leonie, Wahhch goes on the hunt for her murderer, tracking him through Mohawk reserves in Canada and across the US. Although unflinchingly violent at times, Anima, told from the perspective of the animals surrounding us in our lives, deals with the brutal reality of a traumatised human psyche and challenges the reader in how they behave towards the animals in their everyday life. Mouawad’s unusual thriller has won several literary prizes and has a good English translation available.

Antigone – Sophocles

Antigone has the right to bury her brother’s body, but Creon has passed a death sentence to anyone who does so. The finale of Sophocles’ classic Oedipus myth trilogy, Antigone is a play which transcends history. Any reader who has encountered political injustice and has a cause to fight for should read or watch this play: it is a profound challenge to institutional authority.

The Stress Solution – Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Everybody in this world experiences far more stress than they realise, yet reading about it is somehow calming. Using his medical knowledge and scientific research, Chatterjee offers small adjustments to make in your everyday life which can kickstart a path to winding down from the hectic world around us.

Antigone – Henry Bauchau

Books rarely move me to tears as this one did. Bauchau writes a beautifully poetic and moving version of the Antigone myth, blending Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Anouilh’s works in this novel under his own distinctive style. In Bauchau’s version of The Seven Against Thebes and Antigone, Antigone is not just a myth, but a reality that women and political activists live in this world.

Brumes de Fjords – Renee Vivien

Vivien translates classic Norwegian poems and short stories into French, which have all the typical characteristics of legend and folk tales. It is well done, and the repeating motifs which often come up in such a genre are retained in Vivien’s translation. Most of her works are out of print, but can be found on kindle.

Emma – Jane Austen

Emma is a wealthy, single woman who looks after her father and delights in match-making her acquaintances. In her classic novel Austen satirises the hypocrisy found in certain members of society, presenting us with a clear picture of the Regency women’s world in all its trials and triumphs. I also read this on kindle as there is a free edition available.

A plus,

Zoe x