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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