books that capture the human condition
the mess and beauty of it all
One of my favourite things to read are books that talk about the human condition, of what it means to be alive. The feelings that all of us feel and the experiences that we go through, from the big moments to the tiny ones that may seem mundane and insignificant.
Love, yearning, happiness, disappointments, heartaches—just the mess and beauty of it all.
If these are also the type of stories that you like to read, then I think you'll love this list of book recommendations.
The Details by Ia Genberg
“That's all there is to the self, or the so-called 'self': traces of the people we rub up against.”
This short novel follows a narrator as she reflects on her experiences and moments with people that are from her past. There are four sections and each one of them follows a different character, with the story told in a non-linear way.
I really loved all of the characters in this book. The novel is comprised of great character studies and all of them felt so real and fleshed out.
Genberg talks about the ways on how the self is shaped by those around us. Each person that we encounter will leave an impression on our lives. It's about the human connections that we form with one another.
“We live so many lives within our lives – smaller lives with people who come and go, friends who disappear, children who grow up – and I never know which of these lives is meant to serve as the frame.”
Sally Rooney's novels
“What if life is just a collection of essentially unrelated experiences? Why does one thing have to follow meaningfully from another?”
I love Sally Rooney's works and I think what I love best about her novels is how she writes about characters and relationships—be it romantic or platonic. The characters are often flawed but deeply human and you're able to relate and resonate with them.
Normal People and Intermezzo are my personal favourites and I highly recommend them. I read Normal People a few years ago and I still think about this book a lot. These stories are heart-wrenching and beautiful.
Rooney truly understands the human condition deeply and she is definitely one of my favourite authors.
The Waves by Virginia Woolf
“There was a star riding through clouds one night, & I said to the star, 'Consume me'.”
I haven't read a lot of Virginia Woolf's works but this might be one of the most beautiful books that I've read—from the lyrical prose to the deeply moving story.
It's a melancholic novel that is told entirely through stream of consciousness as we follow six different characters throughout their lives. It can be difficult to read at times because of the writing style but it's definitely worth the read. You just have to take your time with it and don't rush through the whole thing.
This book poetically captures the human experience and each line and dialogue is filled with profound observations and introspection.
“Happiness is in it, and the quiet of ordinary things. A table, a chair, a book with a paper-knife stuck between the pages. And the petal falling from the rose, and the light flickering as we sit silent.”
Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
“So? It's just me. And you. Like we've always been. The memories come back in a rush: our tiny histories, our brief intimacies, this small world.”
Small worlds follows a character named Stephen and the story takes place over the course of three summers. I love this quiet novel and I was fully absorbed by it.
It is a story of love, grief, and the small worlds that we create for ourselves. It is also a love letter to music as music is tightly woven into the life of Stephen.
I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did. The story is incredibly heartfelt and strangely comforting.
Panenka by Rónán Hession
“But isn’t that what allowing yourself be loved is all about – letting something greater than fear into your life?”
Panenka is a novel with very minimal plot but I still fell in love with it because of the beautifully written characters and descriptive prose. It is a story about ordinary people with ordinary lives.
We follow Joseph who is haunted by his past and can't seem to move on from it. It is such an emotional and reflective story as we read about the main character's struggle in grappling with the regrets and disappointments of life.
This is the first novel that I've read from this author and I'm so interested to read more of his other works.
“Life should always be like that. Resting safely, with someone looking over you, attending to the little indulgences that loved people enjoy”
I hope you love these books as much as I do and thank you for reading!
Great recommendations; I've already added them all to my wishlist.
I think this is a sign for me to start with Sally Rooney. Thanks for the recs! You're always on point!