Recently I’ve found myself craving stories that detail normalcy. Reading about the mundane details of a character’s life has brought me a sense of peace and joy. While I love an edge-of-your-seat thriller, or a captivating fantasy, what I’ve enjoyed most are stories which, if you were to describe them, sound quite dull.
Now, before I go any further, this is in no way a criticism of any of these books. They are, in fact, some of my favourite reads of recent times. But if you were to boil them down to their key plot points, they would seem quite uneventful on the surface. They’re not full of twists or jam packed with action, they highlight the normal moments in an average day. Getting a costa before work, getting irritated by your partner leaving their dirty socks around the house, having a Sunday roast with your in-laws; all very normal occurrences which I’m sure have happened to us all at some point.
Perhaps it’s because we no longer need the escapism we craved during covid in our books. Whereas we were desperate to read about people doing adventurous things in exotic places because we couldn’t, now we’re quite happy to read about more relatable experiences. Stuff we’ve done or could see ourselves doing.
I suppose when you think about it though, books about ordinary life aren’t ever really ordinary, because life is full of extraordinary moments. The drama and tension of a failing relationship, the excitement and thrill of a new job. The moments in life we all experience at one time, in one way or another. As humans, we enjoy learning about other humans, and hearing about their experiences, which is why it doesn’t surprise me to have found fellow readers in agreement with me on this point.
So what are some of my favourite “boring books”?
Sorrow and Bliss - Meg Mason
A story of mental health and marriage told from the perspective of the main character, Martha.
Square One - Nell Frizzell
Hanna has just come out of a long-term relationship, moved back in with her dad and started a new job; she is back to square one in the game of life.
Hot Mess - Lucy Vine
A refreshing coming-of-age story; think a modern-day, British Carrie Bradshaw