Literary debate takes place at 8.50am when Tania, Lauren and Jess arrive at the office and discuss their latest travel companions which, depending on their reviews, get passed around the office.
Here’s a round up of their favourite reads, both vintage classics and more contemporary novels:
The Group by Mary Macarthy
The Sex and the City of the 1930s, which caused scandal when it was first published in 1963. The Group follows the lives of eight college friends and covers the same subject matters discussed by Carrie and friends; sex, love, marriage, careers, infidelity and loyalty.
Perfect for: The commute. A fast paced read of gossip and drama to occupy you on the train.
The Garden of Eden by Earnest Hemingway
Thought to be an autobiography of Hemingway’s life in Europe in the 1920s and his marriage to Pauline Pfeiffer, this is a tale of obsessive love and infatuation. David and Catherine are on their honeymoon but what starts out as paradise for a young couple in love becomes dangerous when obsession takes over.
Perfect for: Reading on a European mini break. The descriptions of hedonistic holidaying in Provence in the 1920s will add decadence to any Easy Jet trip.
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
Hollywood’s high society mixes with the seedy streets of LA in this classic tragedy featuring Private Investigator, Phillip Marlow, as he takes on a job that leads to sex, drugs and blackmail. If you enjoy the book, the watch the film noir version, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
Perfect for: Reading on a flight. This gripping crime drama will distract you from the lack of leg room or screeching children (unless they’re your own).
Before I met you by Lisa Jewell
The tales of two women; Betty in Soho, in the 1990s, when Britpop, Nirvana and Primrose Hill were all on the radar and Arlette in1920s London, surrounded by jazz, cocktails and parties. Family mystery, Heartbreak and tragedy unfold as we hear the stories of two women making their way in the world and you’ll be left thinking that the past isn’t that far from the present.
Perfect for: Reading with a glass of wine and a Cadburys Flake. This is an effortless read that’ll warm your heart.
What I loved by Siri Hustvedt
First Set in New York in the 1970s, this follows the lives of art historian Leo and artist Bill and their respective wives and sons until the first tragedy strikes. Giving an insight into child psychology, this is a powerful novel that stays with you.
Perfect for: Reading on holiday with people you don’t want to talk to. It’s intense, clever, and sinister, you literally won’t be able to put it down.
Where did you go Bernadette by Maria Semple
Notorious Bernadette is a mother, wife and revolutionary architect who’s a force to be reckoned with. She disappears (as the clue in the title will hint) and her 15-year-old daughter, Bee, pieces her last weeks together via email correspondence to a virtual assistant and her browser history. It’s a highly imaginative and touching story about a mother and daughter relationship.
Perfect for: Reading while relaxing on the sofa of an evening as opposed to sending emails and scouring the internet.
Send us your recommendations! We're in need of a new good book.