God bless the man who invented sleep
Don Quixote
Image kindly provided by the https://unsplash.com/@thoughtcatalog
I like to sleep at night. One factor that affects me is movies, dramas and books that cross the wholesome line. If you are of similar mind, or just want a different kind of book discussion group, join us at The Wholesome Reads from Around the Word Book Club. If you are interested, have any questions, email me at
audiobooks1912@protonmail.com and let me know where you are in the world to facilitate meetup times
The focus will begin in Europe where there lays a rich bounty that stand out for their warmth, optimism, and focus on human connection. Let me walk you through some favourites!
Starting in the UK, one of the most heart-warming stories I’ve come across is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. Now, it’s technically Swedish, but it’s become such a hit in the UK that it’s worth mentioning. It’s about this grumpy old man whose life is completely turned around by a new family that moves in next door. There’s a lot of humour and unexpected warmth in this one, especially when Ove starts to rediscover life through kindness and community. Another British gem is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. Harold Fry, a retiree, goes on an impromptu walk across England to visit an old friend. What starts as a simple walk becomes this profound journey of self-discovery, kindness, and unexpected redemption.
In France, one book that has this quiet, life-affirming charm is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. It’s about a concierge and a brilliant young girl who, despite being from completely different walks of life, bond over their love of art and philosophy. There’s something so beautiful about how these two characters find meaning in everyday life. Another French recommendation is Happiness, Like Water by Marie NDiaye, which is more a collection of short stories. Though it has its serious moments, it ultimately celebrates the small joys and resilience in people’s lives.
Moving over to Germany, The Taste of Apple Seeds by Katharina Hagena, which has this lovely, quiet atmosphere. It’s about a woman who inherits her grandmother’s house and revisits the summers she spent there, which turns into a deeply reflective and healing experience.
In Russia, you might like The Light and the Dark by Mikhail Shishkin. It’s a collection of letters between two lovers, and even though they’re separated by time and war, there’s this deep connection and love that runs through the book. It’s poetic, thoughtful, and surprisingly uplifting. Another beautiful Russian read is Laurus by Eugene Vodolazkin, which follows the spiritual journey of a healer in medieval Russia. It’s a story about forgiveness and redemption, filled with gentle reflections on faith.
In Italy, one of my favourite feel-good books is The Little Italian Bakery by Valentina Cebeni. It’s about a woman who moves to a small village to reopen her family’s bakery. What follows is a charming exploration of food, community, and healing. There’s also My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman, which, though Swedish, has found a lot of love in Italy. It’s such a quirky and sweet tale about a young girl and her eccentric grandmother. It’s filled with life lessons about love and courage, but all told with Backman’s signature warmth and humour.
In Spain, one book I that's utterly heart-warming is The Lemon Tree Café by Cathy Bramley. Set in a picturesque Spanish village, it’s about a woman who returns to her roots and reconnects with her family’s café. It’s all about family, community, and rediscovering joy through food and tradition.
For Greece, The Island by Victoria Hislop is must-read. It’s a beautifully told story about love, family, and acceptance, set on the Greek island of Spinalonga, once a leper colony. Despite its heavier themes, it’s ultimately about the enduring strength of human connection. Similarly, Hislop’s The Thread, set in Thessaloniki, is about two childhood friends and their lives through political upheaval, but at its core, it’s a deeply heart-warming story of love and resilience.
In Norway, A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler is a simple but deeply moving novel about Andreas Egger, a man who lives his entire life in a remote Alpine village. It’s one of those books that reminds you to find beauty in life’s small moments and in the natural world. There’s also The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg, which follows an elderly woman looking back on her life. It’s tender and reflective, showing the richness of a life well-lived, even though loss and distance.
In Sweden, Fredrik Backman’s books continue to dominate the feel-good genre. Britt-Marie Was Here is another delightful story about a socially awkward woman who moves to a small town and becomes unexpectedly involved with the locals. It’s a wonderful story about second chances and community. Anxious People by Backman is another more recent one that’s hilarious and touching. It’s about a group of strangers who become hostages during an open house gone wrong, but it’s really about human kindness and connection.
In Portugal, I’d recommend The Painter of Birds by Lídia Jorge. It’s a poetic, reflective story about family and memory, with beautiful depictions of the natural world. Another lovely read is Ballad of Birds and Serpents by José Luís Peixoto. While it touches on some serious themes, the writing is lyrical, and the novel’s exploration of love and resilience is deeply moving.
For Poland, Primeval and Other Times by Olga Tokarczuk is a deeply magical and fable-like story set in a fictional Polish village. Despite the difficulties its characters face, there’s something comforting about the way it portrays the cycles of life and the enduring spirit of its people. Tokarczuk’s Flights is also a favourite—it’s a reflective collection of stories about travel and human connection, and it celebrates the wonder of discovery.
Lastly, in Ireland, Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern is a warm, charming novel about two best friends who are constantly thrown off course in their romantic lives. It’s light-hearted, full of humour, and celebrates the enduring power of friendship.
These books are perfect if you’re in the mood for something that’s both thought-provoking and full of warmth. They remind us that even through life’s challenges, kindness, connection, and love can carry us through. Let me know if any of this sounds interesting to you and if you would like to join the
The Wholesome Reads from Around the Word Book Club.
Jim at audiobooks1912@protonmail.com