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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Francesca Segal

Five of the best escapist books

Scenic view in Forza d'Agrò, picturesque town in the Province of Messina, Sicily, southern Italy.
The picturesque Silician town of Forza d’Agrò. Photograph: e55evu/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Real life is overrated. But as readers we can escape to any elsewhere our heart desires – and at present all my heart wants is hope and kindness and liberty and pure escapism. Which is not to say triviality – each of the books below has an immersive loveliness, but one combined with depth, insight and gorgeous prose. After all, it’s not a true escape if you’re tripping over horrible adverbs all the time. These are my prescriptions for a strong dose of joy.

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