We are suffering from a global pandemic and while we all have the urge to refresh the news site to continue being updated on the latest news related to Covid-19, using a book to escape the situation for a while might be a good idea.
While escapist literature does not have a good reputation, escapism is not necessarily a bad thing. By escaping from the reality for a little while, we also ourselves to rest and then rejoin the world in a better shape than how we originally started. As C S Lewis eloquently put it, “The only people who hate escapism are jailers.”
So this post is going to recommend books that would be the most ideal escapist reads. Generally, reading contemporary books tend to be closer to real life for most people – bringing their own problems into the forefront instead of helping them forget about it. So, the books mentioned in this list are going to be based either in the past, the future, or in a different world or universe altogether.
Additionally, almost all of the books here are classics and favorites among most readers. So you have probably read those books before. Re-reading books, especially if they are your favorites tend to alleviate the comfort provided by the book. You know how things end, there is a safety net in that. Additionally, re-reading books tend to take you back to the time you had read those books before. Which provides an extra level of comfort, especially if you had read those books during your childhood or a long while ago.
1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by JRR Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings trilogy among its numerous themes explores the theme of friendship, fellowship, and belonging, that really helps readers to feel like they are traveling with the characters of the books. The feeling of being part of a group is especially relevant as we’re isolating ourselves .
The first book begins with the description of Hobbits and Shire. Shire has a warm safety to it, and even though the books have very dark turns, the knowledge that our hobbits will end up in Shire again keeps us going even during the part of the books where it feels like there is no hope.
Tolkien considered escapism to be an essential part of a story. This is what makes the trilogy such a great escapist read, because the author himself intended for the book to be so. Moreover, after finishing the the trilogy, you are now provided with the great opportunity of going down the rabbit hole and reading more books based on the Middle Earth.
2. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
This is one of the fast paced books, not a series but longish all the same. One of the most popular books ever written, the book tells the story of a young sailor falsely accused of treason and imprisoned for fourteen years. Following a daring escape and acquisition of treasure, the young sailor gives himself the name Count of Monte Cristo and goes around ruthlessly exacting revenge on his enemies.
The main protagonist gets to have revenge, gets to right all the wrongs. Individuals have a powerful need to fantasize victories against any grave injustices done to them. This is especially true in the case where exacting justice in real life is near impossible. The world is not fair and most people don’t have the power to right the wrongs done to them. This, I think, is why this book has been so popular since it was initially published in 1902. This fulfills the ultimate fantasy of exacting revenge and righting the wrongs that we have had to suffer throughout our life.
3. The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov
Now lets move from the past to the future, with this hell of a space opera by Isaac Asimov. This series, while based on the premise of the extinction of humanity, gives me so much hope. Just the concept of it, us, the humans existing, million of years later. No matter the condition of those planets, those worlds, the mere fact that we get there, we survive.
This is not a light read and Asimov has a specific way of writing, which at times can be very … well … boring. But it’s worth your while to continue on even when parts which move at a slower pace. Foundation series describes events associated with the collapse of a Galactic Empire and the rise of a new science driven society. The books introduce complex ideas that make you think and ponder as you read one and the sheer scale of the premise of the book – creation of the whole galactic civilization – is a feat in itself.
4. The Jeeves Omnibus by P.G. Wodehouse
The books in this omnibus are the lightest reads in the list. Charming, comforting, and funny, the characters will remain with you long after you are done with it. The books follow Wooster – a simplistic young British gentleman and his intelligent and sharp witted valet Jeeves along their various light-hearted adventures. Wooster and one of his eccentric acquaintance get into trouble and Jeeves works to solve their problems. This is basically the main plot of all the books in the omnibus. But the books in this series are not plot driven. What makes them so good is the prose which is so humorous, witty, and funny that you can’t help but love the books.
Some people might find the lack of discussion of class and the simplistic portrayal of relationship between the employer and his valet irksome. I whole heartedly agree that this issue exists. However, the tone of the book is so whimsical and the characters so exaggerated that nothing about the book feels like it is grounded in any sort of reality. Everyone feels cartoonish to an extent. Although readers might just exclude Thank You, Jeeves from their reading list as it hasn’t really aged well and can make many people, including me, very uncomfortable. Man, those were different times.
5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Lastly, I’ve included Pride & Prejudice in this list. I have always loved this book and have gone back to it, time and again. And it always makes me feel, I don’t know, like I’m falling in love with Mr. Darcy all over again. He’s just so awkward.
I know there is a tendency to dislike or not read Austen because of this tag of a romance writer. Who hasn’t heard that offending quote by Mark Twain (whom I love as well). But I don’t think that is a fair assessment of Austen. She is sharp and sarcastic, and while the plot might feel generic, the prose is definitely not. Austen’s character development is masterful.
I hope everyone stays safe and we get out of this stronger and kinder.
