As the year draws to a close, writers and avid readers have been sharing the titles that have captivated them throughout December. From rediscovered classics to powerful contemporary fiction, the monthly literary conversation offers a wealth of inspiration for the winter reading list.
Rediscovering Literary Giants
For Tomasz, a Guardian reader, December was a time to revisit a beloved author. He returned to Iris Murdoch's penultimate novel, 'The Green Knight', and was immediately reminded of her mastery. He praised the rich, precise prose and the vividly rendered, multi-dimensional characters, noting how the philosophical reflections on goodness and love felt naturally woven into the story's intricate tapestry.
Author Alan Hollinghurst spent the month immersed in poetry. He delved into John Fuller's 'Marston Meadows', a collection he describes as the "most moving and luminous" from the 89-year-old poet. He also explored 'The Poems of Seamus Heaney', a newly edited volume containing previously uncollected works that stand as literary landmarks.
Contemporary Voices and Moral Labyrinths
Another reader, Kelly, experienced Claire Keegan's celebrated novella 'Small Things Like These' with her unique Sauna Book Club. Set in 1980s Dublin at Christmas, the story's eerie convent backdrop and the ethical dilemma faced by protagonist Bill Furlong resonated deeply, especially as Kelly has a daughter the same age as the girl in the book. The club awarded it a resounding 10/10.
Novelist Samantha Harvey highlighted two profound reads. She described Neel Mukherjee's 'Choice' as an "elegant and shattering" novel that constructs a labyrinth of moral uncertainty. She also praised Helen Garner's 'The Spare Room' for its stunningly concise imagery, moving from a kookaburra with a "butter hangover" to the spectre of death in a few strokes.
Epic Journeys and Intimate Poems
Harvey also shared her thoughts on Iris Murdoch's newly published 'Poems from an Attic', a collection spanning the author's life. She found them fascinating and uplifting in their frankness, with the final poem, 'Macaw in the Snow', moving her to tears on a train.
For reader Stuart, December was dominated by an epic work of speculative fiction. He tackled Jacek Dukaj's 'Ice', a remarkable 1,200-page novel translated by Ursula Phillips. Set in an alternative 1924 where aliens are freezing Europe, it follows Benedykt Gieroslawski's journey to Siberia on the Trans-Siberian Express. Stuart commended its incredible world-building and depth of character development, noting it demands—and rewards—full immersion.
This monthly snapshot reveals a diverse and passionate engagement with literature, from intimate poetry collections to sprawling alternative histories, proving that compelling stories provide perfect companionship for the winter months.
