Reading during the winter months offers a distinct experience, and for me, three works of literature specifically stand out in their ability to convey the essence of this particular time. Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights, Jamea Joyce’s Dubliners, and The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden all invite readers to welcome this time of the year!
Northern Lights
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman, the first installment of the His Dark Materials trilogy, is one of the best novels in terms of encapsulating the essence of the winter atmosphere. The title Northern Lights is a reference to aurora borealis, or the natural light display in Earth’s polar regions, especially the Arctic. The book itself is set against the backdrop of the Arctic Circle, with the vivid portrayal of snow-draped mountains and icy tundras to mirror the winter experience. The novel starts with protagonist Lyra Belacqua eavesdropping on a conversation she was not meant to hear. Driven by her curiosity, she overhears a conversation involving her uncle, Lord Asriel, and other scholars discussing Dust, an enigmatic substance; this clandestine encounter serves as the prelude for the novel’s mysteries and themes, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and introducing readers with an alternate universe. Lyra soon embarks on a trip to the North Pole, where she will unravel the secrets regarding Dust and discover the mysteries that lie beyond the Arctic Circle. Northern Lights is an essential December-January read as the winter atmosphere serves as both a physical and metaphysical backdrop. Philip Pullman’s storytelling, along with descriptions of snow-covered scenes, makes Northern Lights a solid choice!
Dubliners
Dubliners by James Joyce is another piece of literature in which the winter setting serves as more than just a backdrop. In this collection of short stories, the winter atmosphere is a metaphor for the characters’ internal battles and the societal limitations they face; the wintry setting is a mirror of the challenges and hardships interwoven into their lives. Taking place in early 20th-century Dublin, these stories explore themes of regret and the passage of time. Each story is a microcosm of the human experience, offering a glimpse into the lives of Dubliners as they navigate the intricacies of societal expectations. Every narrative in Dubliners is a snapshot of Dublin life, with each character grappling with their dilemmas, paralleling the harsh landscape that accentuates the cold realities they are to confront. From the opening story, “The Sisters” to the introspection of “The Dead,” each story stands as a unique journey into the complexities of human existence. I highly recommend this collection, seeing how the stories’ themes resonate universally and are incredibly engaging.
The Bear and the Nightingale
Last but not least, Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale, the initial entry in the Winternight trilogy, stands as an exceptional novel in its portrayal of a winter environment. The story takes place in a fairy tale realm where a young girl named Vasilisa faces supernatural forces in a cold Russian landscape. Katherine Arden writes about snow-covered forests and icy expanses against a frost-laden village to reflect the winter season. The story unfolds with Vasilisa’s interactions with mystical beings and her resistance against societal restrictions that curb her powers: this sets the tone for the novel’s mysteries and themes. As Vasilisa embarks on a perilous journey, the narrative only intensifies.
These books not only tell stories but provide a deeper connection to the season. In each of these pieces, winter isn’t just a backdrop, but rather a dynamic force shaping the characters and their narratives. So, go ahead and let these books become your passports to winter realms!
