With lockdown seemingly dragging on and on and on, we could all do with a bit of a pep. With this in mind, we bring you our latest list of top 10 inspirational novels. This month we’re focusing on novels that provide inspiration all kinds, filling our hearts with the positive vibes we all need. So, sit back, relax and prepare to be inspired!
Voices From Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexeivich
The world was shaken back in April 1986 as the nuclear reactor in Chernobyl went into meltdown. Voices from Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexeivich features extensive monologues from the people who actually lived through it. With the Russian government desperately trying to keep the truth behind the accident secret, it was a time when so many tales of staggering bravery went unheard – something that Alexeivich sought to rectify. This novel shines a light on the indomitable spirit of man and offers inspiration in spades.
Over The Edge of the World by Laurence Bergreen
A fleet of five ships manned by 270 sailors set sail from Spain to find the Spice Islands in 1519. The expedition achieved the first official circumnavigation of the globe by sea. However, only a fraction of the starting party returned three years later, one ship and 18 sailors making it back. This book follows the story of Ferdinand Magellan on his dramatic mission that was littered with tales of heroism and sacrifice. Another novel that makes it onto our list through sheer inspirational merit!
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
George Orwell penned his semi-autobiography which focuses heavily on the social injustice that was occurring at the time. Living in a seedy Parisien hotel, the young Orwell is scratching a living working in hotel kitchens across the city. He recounts his struggles with more than a touch of humor and remarkable insight. Before long, Orwell moves to London and his fortunes start to change with unexpectedly inspirational results. Want to know what we mean? Then you’ll need to read it to find out!
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
In 1959 Capote was tasked to write an investigative journalistic piece about the murder of the Clutter family in Kansas. As a result, Capote was thrown into the limelight as he detailed the story of the killers. Despite living in an almost constant state of fear for his safety, the diminutive Capote writes an amazing character study of the pair that took an incredible 6 years to complete. It’s a book that took such a toll on the writer that he never published a book again. For that, it very much deserves its place on our list.
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
CS Lewis was rightly lauded for his amazing fantasy tales set in Narnia, but many forget about his lesser known, but equally captivating work. Till We Have Faces put ancient myths into a modern context, with its hugely insightful and amusing prose talking of bus-driving angels and overly bureaucratic demons.
With more than the occasional monster and celestial being making an appearance, readers follow the narrative of an ugly queen who is jealous of her stunning sister and who wants to enhance her standing amongst the gods. Lewis weaves an incredibly engaging tale that looks closer at the different ways in which we love both ourselves and others – a subject that’s common to us all.
Whether you end up wanting to be a better person, a better friend or a better husband or wife, this book provides more than a touch of inspiration on how to get there. A wonderful read regardless.
Moonwalking With Einstein by Joshua Foer
A tale of mental inspiration now which takes us into the world of competitive memorization. Offering readers an appreciation of just how complex and amazing the human brain is, this novel explores the limitations, the capacity and the sheer am
What shines through from the start is that those in the memorisation field have redefined what most of us thought was possible for the human brain to retain. Want some inspiration to provide a bit of spark to get your own mind moving after the forced hibernation? Then we recommend including this unique work on your to read list!
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
A story of inspiration through perseverance now as we look at The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Edmond Dantes, a young and dashing ship captain during the Napoleonic wars is betrayed by the jealousy of those closest to him and he finds himself wrongly imprisoned for treason and it appears that his life is over.
Whilst in prison, he meets a priest called Faria, who turns him into an educated man. He tells him about a treasure hidden on the island of Monte Cristo. Plotting his escape and revenge against those who have wronged him, this is a tale of inspiration, redemption and retribution.
The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
As something of a modern phenomenon, the Alchemist by Paul Coelho has already been enjoyed by millions around the world. It’s a novel that has the power to change lives, as it centres on the importance of learning to listen to your heart and following your dreams.
The tale follows a young Spanish shepherd who longs for his life to involve far more than tending sheep, as he sets out to make good on his ambitions. His journey takes him far from home, but his resolve never wavers despite coming up against plenty that might otherwise derail him. A more inspirational novel you will struggle to find anywhere!
Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Despite being incarcerated for more than a quarter of a century, Nelson Mandela remained a dignified and iconic person that inspired millions during his life. The great man’s memoirs feature in a Long Walk to Freedom with his inimitable voice coming across on every page.
Compelling, uplifting and emotive from the start, this is a book that recounts an epic life against all the odds in the midst of the oppression of Apartheid. It would have been easy for Mandela to have become embittered by his experiences. However, his words show nothing but compassion, eloquence and the heart of a truly moral national leader. A list like ours is the perfect home to such an inspirational story.
Warhorse by Michael Morpurgo
Lastly we turn to inspiration of the equine that’s set during the tumult of World War One. Some 8 million horses lost their lives during ‘the Great War’ of 1914-18. However, this carnage could not stop one of the most inspiring friendships ever told from occurring.
A horse named Joey and a young boy called Albert were best friends on their farm in the British countryside until WW1 broke out. After being sold to the British Cavalry, it seemed like the two would never meet again. However, after the war ended Albert searched the battlefields of France for his four legged friend. Does he find him? Well that would be spoiling it wouldn’t it? You’ll just have to sit down and read this amazing, inspirational book to find out!
Well, that’s it folks. Another 10 amazing books to get your teeth into. We hope you have an incredibly inspiring time working your way through this collection of work. Make sure you check back with us again soon for more from the very best from the world of literature.
Until next time, stay safe and be inspired!
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