Andrea Reads Quirky Fiction

Andrea reads a lot of literary fiction.

Here are four quirky stories written by and about women that she recommends.

Our Spoons Came from Woolworths by Barbara Comyns

Andrea says:

I’m not sure where I heard about this book, but it was a poignant story of poverty, loneliness, and stamina, mixed with hope. Sophia marries a selfish artist, has children, is very poor, and suffers. She survives, and manages to find love. This novel is short and to the point.

The Most by Jessica Anthony

Andrea says:

A compelling, interesting little book. Set in 1957 during one day in the life and marriage of Kate and Virgil, the short novel reads like a Cheever story with a twist. Subtle and secretive, this moment in time has a kick to it. A lot is revealed in this novel's brief pages.

The English Understand Wool by Helen DeWitt

Andrea says:

A novella that is part of the New Directions Storybook series. It's strange, but oddly satisfying. I laughed out loud a few times. A blurb says: "A bright jewel of a book, to light up an afternoon." That sounds about right.

Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami

Andrea says:

A colleague recommended this book to me for its great food imagery, and that is certainly the case, but it is also a sweet read. A woman meets her high school teacher at a bar and slowly and quietly, love blooms. As they step around each other, and then closer together, you feel their loneliness and the blossoming of togetherness. A lovely atmospheric and ethereal read that left me dreamy.