There is practically nothing more comforting than the feeling of wrapping yourself in a fluffy blanket after a cold day outdoors and diving into a book that you just can’t put down. To inspire you to find a story that you truly love, and to compensate for the lack of snow in Southern California, here is a collection of beautifully written winter novels that feature scenic descriptions of icy landscapes, glowing hearts, and otherworldly realms that are sure to get you in the mood for the upcoming holidays!
The Woman Destroyed by Simone De Beauvoir
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Existential Fiction, Stream of Consciousness
Originally published in French in 1967 by renowned philosopher, writer, social theorist, and activist, Simone De Beauvoir, The Woman Destroyed is posed from the perspectives of three different women, and subsequently divided into three different sections, “The Age of Discretion”, “The Monologue”, and “The Woman Destroyed.” In each of these stories, the protagonist is a middle-aged to older woman caught in an unexpected crisis. The three narratives portray ways in which women can be vulnerable– to growing old, loneliness, and the rejection of a loved one, respectively. The women must determine how to move forward– whether they will overcome their individual hardships, or allow their trials to destroy them.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Genre: Historical Fantasy, High Fantasy, Romance, Magical Realism
Written in 2011 by novelist Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus is a story that spans decades, following the two central characters, Celia and Marco, who are young magicians who have been training since childhood to duel against each other. This competition takes place under the veil of Le Cirque des Reves, a circus that is exclusively open to the public at night. The Night Circus is an intensely atmospheric novel, filled with lush descriptions of surroundings and sensations. However, it is still a very accessible and entertaining read. Morgenstern’s second novel, The Starless Sea, is equally enchanting for those who have already read The Night Circus and would love something similar.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Genre: Fairy Tale, Novella, Ghost Story, Victorian Literature
One of the most celebrated authors of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens was a social reformer known for his many novels that promoted improved living and working conditions for the poor. Though all of his works are incredibly famous, A Christmas Carol is perhaps the most. The tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a selfish and greedy old man who is terrified when visited by the ghost of his former business partner on Christmas Eve. Though this novel may seem like an obvious selection, the messages of generosity, redemption, and kindness towards others are ones that many still need to be reminded of, rendering this story a timeless classic.
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Feminist Sci-Fi
Published in 1969 by major American sci-fi writer, Ursula K. Le Guin, The Left Hand of Darkness is told from the point of view of a human man named Genly Ai who was born and raised on the alien planet of Terra. He is enlisted by a confederation of planets to convince the nations of Gethen to join the confederation but is continuously confronted by his ignorance of their culture. As many effective science fiction novels do, The Left Hand of Darkness invites readers to view societal constructs from a new perspective and consider how the universe could potentially change. As many of Le Guin’s novels do, The Left Hand of Darkness works as a feminist critique, as well as an examination of binary gender structures, and is the most famous exploration of androgyny in science fiction.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction, Mystery
Written by Swedish author Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was published posthumously in 2005 and quickly became an international bestseller. The first in a series, this novel details the experience that journalist Mikael Blomkvist has following his conviction for the defamation of Hans-Erik Wennerstrom, a powerful industrialist who becomes a symbol of financial corruption throughout the story. Like The Left Hand of Darkness, the novel serves as a societal critique on many levels, specifically of the failures and problematic philosophies that can occur in government.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Genre: Fairy Tale, High Fantasy
The most recently published work on this list, the 2018 novel Spinning Silver is a gorgeously artistic novel by Naomi Novik that follows the lives of three young women, Miryem, Wanda, and Irina, whose fates become intertwined when they are tasked with defeating menacing spirits of ice and fire that have taken over their land and possessed someone incredibly powerful. Loosely based on the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, Spinning Silver is extremely atmospheric and reminiscent of many fairy tales, with themes of power, sacrifice, and love.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Horror, Suspense
A gripping psychological thriller, the 2016 novel I’m Thinking of Ending Things is Canadian writer Iain Reid’s haunting debut. The plot centers around an unnamed woman who is traveling to meet her boyfriend Jake’s parents for the first time. The two embark on a road trip together, and though they seem to be a well-matched couple who have many different topics to deliberate on over the course of the journey, the woman repeats over and over again to herself, “I’m thinking of ending things.” Like The Woman Destroyed, Reid’s novel poses numerous existential questions and is intensely philosophical. Reid expertly weaves metaphor beneath a surface of suspense, fear, and a strangely unsettling atmosphere, leaving the reader desperate to unravel a true meaning.
San Marcos students have three weeks of winter break again this year, so please consider checking out any of these books from the SMHS library or one of Santa Barbara’s local libraries or bookstores, and spend this holiday season discovering the joy of reading.
