Book yourself a good read: family saga or historical epic
The Old Norse word saga means “story”, “tale” or “history” and refers specifically to the epic prose narratives of medieval times.
The tales often dive back through the ages into the times of ancestors, heroes and legendary kings, spanning from prehistory through the Viking Age and beyond.
This was also the name of the Norse goddess of poetry and history. It is also a modern Swedish word meaning “story, fairy tale”.
In present day, sagas are hugely enjoyable but also still feel relatable, probably because they focus on the everyday life of everyday people.
There are different types of sagas, but in most the family relationships among the characters form the bare bones of the story.
We fall in love with these characters for their humanity and the emotional downfalls that they experience.
We are inspired by their resilience in the face of adversity
as their fortunes ebb and flow.
Add in a historical or fantastical setting, juicy drama and intrigue, family squabbles, a little romance and you have all the ingredients for a great read.
Saga fiction typically follows multiple characters through stories that can span years, generations, and locations and often (but not always) form part of a long series, which of course leaves the reader waiting expectantly for the next book.
It’s not too hard to think of some epic tales of fantastical adventures, romantic escapades and historical events many of us have been caught up in: classics like Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell; Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander; George RR Martin’s A Game of Thrones or The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, to name but a few.
Popular, classic sagas with their feel-good plots and uplifting themes are written by authors such as Lyn Andrews, Rosie Goodwin, Rosie Archer and Dilly Court.
Getting lost in a good book after a hard day at work or a boisterous family gathering is my definition of introvert selfcare.
It’s also nice to be reminded that all families, no matter how loving, are complicated!