🍂 My autumn recommendations 🍂
As the nights are getting darker and the weather more autumnal, I found myself looking at my bookcase to find something to get me into the autumn spirit.
Sometimes it’s comforting to return to a classic. Before Halloween, I always seem to re-read my favourite book by Daphne Du Maurier, Jamaica Inn. I came to this book at the age of 23, the perfect age in my opinion as I connected with Mary Yellan and her journey. Mary is thrown into a cruel world after the death of her parents, resulting in her having to leave her farm and live with her aunt. This mysterious adventure is set in the cornish moors with smugglers and murders afoot. This is the perfect read if you fancy getting lost in a gothic novel filled with great twists and turns.
As the evenings begin to get darker I start to think about my mental health this time of year. Last year I discovered Wintering by Katherine May which touches beautifully on the effects the seasons can have and some wonderful ways to overcome the difficulties they can bring. I tried to overcome this myself last year and took the plunge (quite literally) into the lakes near my home. I can only recommend wild swimming even in winter as a great way to boost your spirits but definitely go with a friend or join a local group.
When I was young I would forage at this time of year to help collect berries and plums for my mother and grandfather to make jam. With helpful descriptions and colourful images, John Wrights Forager’s Calendar is a perfect aid when deciding to see what nature can offer this time of year. September seems to be a plentiful month for mushrooms, I will be keeping my eyes out and book by my side on future woodland walks.
A great morning companion to your routine is ‘A Poem For Every Autumn Day’ by Allie Esiri. I will admit I was initially drawn to the cover, which puts me into the autumn mood just by seeing it on my bedside table. I enjoy reading this at the start of the day as it’s a great way to read poetry, especially if you are not an expert, with an array of classics and new discoveries each day is a surprise.
Lastly, I recommend Crawling Horror- Creeping tales of the insect weird. This new anthology explores the stories which have influenced the long history of insect literature. I am not one who is a fan of insects but I enjoyed traveling through the history of literature with the contribution of Daisy Butcher and Janette Leaf’s notes. I am very excited to be talking to both Daisy and Janette in October, for the details please click here.
I hope these books help to get you into the autumn spirit, whether you are after a classic or non-fiction piece. And if you do enjoy any of these books do let me know in-store or via the comments below. Have a wonderful day and take care~ Antonia
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