Lucy Hughes-Hallett picks long books that define literature

In her recent publication, Lucy Hughes-Hallett, an award-winning cultural historian and novelist, shares her favorite long books that provide ample space for world-building. For centuries, long literature has played a pivotal role in Western culture, allowing authors to engage deeply with complex themes and characters. Hughes-Hallett highlights works such as Homer's 'The Iliad', translated by Emily Wilson, which offers fresh perspectives on the tension of war and its implications. She also focuses on Charles Dickens's 'Our Mutual Friend', praising its vivid portrayal of 19th-century London amidst filth and despair. Another notable mention is 'The Man on a Donkey' by H.F.M. Prescott, which presents the emotional turmoil during the dissolution of the monasteries, humanizing historical events through various viewpoints. Furthermore, Hughes-Hallett admires Eleanor Catton's 'The Luminaries', set against the backdrop of the New Zealand gold rush, along with Susanna Clarke's 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell', a captivating story of contrasting magicians interwoven with magical realism and historical depth. These selections reflect Hughes-Hallett's belief in the power of lengthy narratives to captivate and immerse readers in richly imagined settings and diverse experiences, ultimately underscoring the significance of long books in literature today.