2025 brings a fresh wave of captivating literature—whether you’re drawn to enchanting origin stories, thought-provoking novels, or powerful poetry collections, this year promises a literary treat for readers of every genre to enjoy.
Fans of the beloved novel Chocolat will be delighted by Joanne Harris’s prequel, Vianne, set for release in the UK on 22nd May 2025 by Orion Books. This enchanting tale explores the early life of Vianne Rocher—known then as Sylviane Rochas—as she embarks on a transformative journey from New York to Marseille. Pregnant and seeking a fresh start, she discovers her passion for crafting chocolate-infused delicacies, setting the stage for the magic that unfolds in Chocolat. Harris masterfully weaves themes of pleasure, heartbreak, and culinary artistry, promising readers a rich and immersive experience.
Nigerian poet Chisom Okafor’s debut collection, winner of the Jacar Press New Voices Award, is set for release in November. Blending lyrical intensity with raw honesty, it offers a profound exploration of vulnerability, masculinity, and personal history.
Okafor’s unflinching narrative voice and deeply personal themes position this as one of the most powerful and anticipated poetry releases of the year.
Bestselling author Olivie Blake, known for The Atlas Six, ventures into satirical territory with Girl Dinner, set for release on 23rd October 2025.
This sharp, provocative novel critiques society’s obsession with wellness, food culture, and perfection, challenging conventional norms with Blake’s signature wit and inventive storytelling. With its timely themes and clever social commentary, Girl Dinner is poised to be a standout in contemporary literature.
Acclaimed poet and novelist Ocean Vuong returns with The Emperor of Gladness, scheduled for release on 15th May this year.
The novel follows 19-year-old Hai, who, on the brink of suicide, is saved by Grazina, an elderly woman with dementia. As he becomes her caretaker, their unlikely bond explores intergenerational friendship, mental health, and the complexities of human connection. Vuong’s signature lyrical prose ensures a deeply moving experience that will resonate across generations.
Danish author Tove Ditlevsen’s poetry collection There Lives a Young Girl in Me Who Will Not Die has been newly translated into English and was released in January.
A prominent literary figure in Denmark, Ditlevsen is celebrated for her unflinching portrayals of childhood, identity, and personal struggle. This collection charts her poetic evolution—from structured forms to more abstract expressions—offering raw honesty and emotional depth that will resonate with readers decades after her passing.
It’s January. It’s cold, it’s miserable, Christmas is over and there’s nothing good to look forward to for ages. So, this month’s recommendation is very much along the theme of ‘Things could be a lot worse’.
Pierce Brown’s debut novel, Red Rising, is very much a tale of things going from bad to worse. Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the colour-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children.
However, Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers a terrible secret that has been kept from him and his kind for generations. Darrow learns that he—and Reds like him—are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.
Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity’s overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilisation against the best and most brutal of Society’s ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies… even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.
Red Rising is a YA novel in the loosest sense of the world, as it treats its readers as wise beyond their years and deals with some mature themes. Darrow is a teenager when the novel starts out, and does a lot of growing up over the course of the novel.
The language is simple, and while the plot isn’t going to win any awards for originality, Brown does a terrific job of not only making you care for Darrow but also persistently raising the stakes, right up to a conclusion that is an absolute belter. His world-building is on point too, creating a Mars that feels objectively bleak and lived in, and very much a believable potential future.
The novel delves into politics, inequality, and classism, and takes inspiration from 1984, Brave New World, and even a pinch of Game of Thrones. Fans of The Hunger Games are going to find plenty to like in this book, as this has the feel of a much more mature version of it. Fair warning though, things do get quite brutal at times, so if you’re not one that kind of thing, maybe give this one a miss.
And the good news is that if you do enjoy Red Rising, it’s part of a long-running series to keep you going through these bitter and cold months of 2025.
And with those six words starts one of the most iconic stories ever told.
It is in a snowy winter in London that we first meet Ebenezer Scrooge, an old man who has become bitter with life. He is known for being cold and selfish and profits off his impoverished community, financially benefitting from their labour whilst paying measly wages to his employees—sounds somewhat relevant today, doesn’t it?
Later, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future show Scrooge what he needs to see before it’s too late to save his soul, and we get to witness the mistakes of his past, the emptiness of his present, and the dark future that awaits him.
Few stories capture the spirit of Christmas like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Published on December 19, 1843, it quickly became a hit, selling out its first 6,000 copies within a week and cementing Dickens’ reputation as a storyteller who could move audiences to laughter, tears, and action. Even now, almost 200 years later, it continues to be retold, from the page to the screen. There’s even one cinematic retelling with Michael Caine playing the Scrooge role as seriously as a car crash… alongside a supporting cast of muppets.
So just what inspired Dickens to write the classic tale?
Dickens’ motivation for writing A Christmas Carol was deeply rooted in his own early life. Born into a middle-class family, his fortunes took a sharp turn in 1824 when his father was imprisoned for debt. At just 12 years old, Dickens was sent to work in a blacking factory, pasting labels on pots of shoe polish in grim conditions. The experience left an indelible mark. He later described feeling “utterly neglected and hopeless,” sentiments that would later infuse his depictions of characters like Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family.
While Dickens eventually escaped the clutches of poverty, his exposure to the hardships faced by children and families in Victorian England stayed with him. By the time he wrote A Christmas Carol, he was a man haunted by the plight of the poor, particularly children, and determined to use his voice to inspire change.
The 1840s were a time of economic depression, mass unemployment, and widespread poverty. Industrialisation had drawn families into overcrowded cities, where conditions were squalid, and even children were expected to work to make ends meet. Many laboured in factories, mines, and workhouses, often for up to sixteen—yes, sixteen—hours a day. Life expectancy for these young workers rarely exceeded their mid-20s.
Dickens’ observations of these conditions were eye-opening. These charity-run institutions provided basic education but were poorly funded, overcrowded, and rife with disease. Dickens was horrified, describing the environment as “sickening” and haunted by the sight of boys and girls “with nothing natural to youth about them.” This visit solidified his determination to shine a light on the devastating effects of poverty and neglect.
Dickens’ outrage extended to the workhouses, infamous for their dehumanising conditions and punitive treatment of the poor. Designed to discourage reliance on public assistance, they separated families by gender and forced residents to labour in exchange for meagre sustenance. Dickens’ depiction of Bob Cratchit’s precarious position as Scrooge’s underpaid employee captured the real fear of families being driven to such dire straits.
Initially, Dickens planned to write a pamphlet titled An Appeal to the People of England on behalf of the Poor Man’s Child. However, he soon realised that a simple pamphlet wouldn’t deliver the emotional impact he desired. Fiction, he decided, could convey his message with “twenty thousand times the force.”
In just six weeks, Dickens poured his anger, empathy, and storytelling prowess into A Christmas Carol. The novella’s supernatural elements and unforgettable characters, from the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge to the angelic Tiny Tim, allowed Dickens to weave his social commentary into an engaging and accessible tale. At its heart was a call for empathy and action: a reminder that the well-being of society’s most vulnerable is everyone’s responsibility.
One of the most poignant moments in the story comes when the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals two emaciated children hidden beneath his robe: Ignorance and Want. These allegorical figures warn of the consequences of neglecting the poor, especially children, whose futures are shaped by the opportunities—or lack thereof—afforded to them. This chilling scene, often omitted from modern adaptations, underscores Dickens’ belief that societal indifference to poverty was a moral failing.
Though Dickens’ social conscience was a major driving force, his personal circumstances also played a role in the creation of A Christmas Carol. In 1843, his latest novel, Martin Chuzzlewit, was selling poorly, and his publishers were threatening to cut his salary. With a growing family to feed and debts to be repaid, Dickens needed a hit—and fast.
Despite the urgency, Dickens spared no effort in ensuring his novella was a masterpiece. He would often take long walks around London at night, conjuring scenes and dialogue as he roamed the city streets. The story came together quickly, with Dickens completing the 30,000-word manuscript in just over a month. Yet his financial gamble didn’t pay off as expected. To ensure the book met his exacting standards, Dickens paid for the publication himself, demanding luxurious bindings and gilt-edged pages. Priced at the equivalent of £25 today, the book was a commercial success but left Dickens with a fraction of the profits he had hoped for. Still, the novella’s enduring popularity ensured that his financial woes were eventually eased, particularly through public readings that he performed until his death.
Nearly two centuries later, A Christmas Carol remains as relevant as ever. The issues Dickens grappled with—child poverty, income inequality, and the moral obligation to care for the less fortunate—continue to resonate. Scrooge’s transformation from a selfish miser to a compassionate benefactor serves as a timeless reminder that it’s never too late to change and make a difference.
Charles Dickens’ motivations for writing the novella were deeply personal, profoundly empathetic, and undeniably practical. Whether driven by his own experiences of hardship, his desire to spark social reform, or his need to pay the bills, he created a story that transcends its origins to become a universal tale of hope and humanity. As we sit down to Turkey and all the trimmings (while trying to avoid eye contact with the Brussels sprouts), it’s worth remembering the message at the heart of A Christmas Carol: that the true spirit of Christmas lies in kindness.
Many happy returns this festive season, and have a happy new year too!
When we think of Christmas, the images that spring to mind are often warm and cosy: family gatherings, festive meals and laughter by the fire. However, beneath this cheery exterior lies a darker, lesser-known tradition—one steeped in the supernatural. For centuries, Christmas has had a spectral, mystical side, interwoven with tales of ghostly apparitions, eerie customs, and folkloric beings. Long before modern commercialism reshaped the holiday, Christmas was considered one of the best times to tell ghost stories and celebrate strange, otherworldly traditions. Let’s explore the supernatural undercurrents of the Christmas season and uncover some of its haunting legends and customs.
The winter solstice, which falls around December 21, has long been considered a time when the veil between the living and the dead is thin. Ancient cultures marked the occasion with rituals meant to honour the spirits and, in some cases, ward off evil forces. The long, cold nights leading up to Christmas were filled with an eerie stillness that many believed allowed spirits to walk the earth. It’s no wonder that even today, many Christmas customs include a touch of the otherworldly.
Long before Halloween became the season for supernatural tales, people gathered around the fire on Christmas Eve to share ghost stories. It was an opportunity for families and friends to reflect on mortality, the afterlife, and the mysteries of the spirit world. On these dark winter nights, tales of haunted houses, restless spirits, and strange apparitions were passed from one generation to the next. This custom thrived, especially in Victorian England, but can be traced back to even earlier traditions when Christmas was still closely linked to midwinter festivals.
The notion of Christmas Eve as a night of ghostly gatherings and eerie tales connects deeply to the season’s overall feeling of wonder and mystery. In some parts of Europe, it was believed that spirits who had unfinished business would appear on Christmas Eve, unable to rest until their stories were heard or their business was completed.
While Santa Claus has become the dominant figure in Western Christmas folklore, many regions in Europe have their own supernatural beings associated with the season, each with unique and often unsettling characteristics.
The Krampus (Austria, Germany, Central Europe)
In Alpine folklore, the Krampus (pictured together with Saint Nicholas) is a terrifying, horned creature that serves as a kind of anti-Santa. While St. Nicholas rewards the good children, the Krampus punishes the naughty ones. With his fangs, horns, and chains, he is said to roam the towns, whipping misbehaving children and sometimes carrying them off in his sack. Krampusnacht, celebrated on December 5, sees people dressing up as Krampuses, creating a genuinely unsettling spectacle and reinforcing the supernatural side of the holiday.
Frau Perchta (Austria, Germany)
Another eerie Christmas figure is Frau Perchta, a witch-like being from Germanic folklore. Known as “The Christmas Witch,” she is said to roam the countryside during the 12 days of Christmas. In one version of her legend, she rewards industrious, hard-working people, but she punishes the lazy. Her punishments are severe: if she finds any sign of untidiness in a home, it’s said she’ll slit the stomachs of those who live there and fill them with straw. This harsh spirit reflects the old belief that winter was a time for atoning for the past year’s shortcomings.
The Yule Lads And The Yule Cat (Iceland)
In Iceland, Christmas traditions include not just one but a whole cast of supernatural characters. The 13 mischievous Yule Lads visit children over the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, each performing pranks or small acts of kindness. But beware of the Yule Cat—a gigantic, menacing feline that prowls the countryside during Christmastime. According to legend, the Yule Cat will eat anyone who hasn’t received new clothes before Christmas Eve, a story likely used to encourage industriousness and generosity in Icelandic communities.
For centuries, it was believed that Christmas Eve’s midnight Mass was an opportunity for spirits to attend church alongside the living. In parts of Scandinavia, for instance, there’s a legend that if you were to attend midnight Mass in certain remote churches, you might see spirits from the past—family members, neighbours, or even strangers—sitting among the congregation, only visible to those who dared to look closely. These spirits would vanish as dawn broke, their presence a reminder of the otherworldly connections that still linger at Christmas.
The idea that Christmas was a time of potential spiritual interference led to a number of superstitions and protective customs. Here are a few of the more intriguing ones:
– The Candle in the Window: In many cultures, a candle is placed in the window on Christmas Eve to guide the spirits of deceased loved ones home. The soft glow acts as a beacon for wandering souls, while also warding off darker spirits.
– Protective Ashes and Herbs: Some rural communities would sprinkle ashes from the Yule log around their homes as a protective barrier, as it was believed the ashes held special power to keep evil at bay. Herbs like rosemary and mistletoe, hung in doorways or burned, were also used as safeguards against supernatural forces.
– Animals Speaking at Midnight: According to an old belief, animals gain the ability to speak at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve. While this was considered a magical gift, it also came with a warning: anyone who overheard them would face grave misfortune. This superstition highlights the fine line between magic and peril that surrounds the season.
The 12 days of Christmas, stretching from Christmas Day to Epiphany (January 6), were considered an ideal time for fortune-telling and divination. In many cultures, people would attempt to predict the future by reading signs in nature or engaging in traditional rituals. In Scandinavia, for instance, it was common to bake special bread loaves in unique shapes, each one symbolising a different fortune. If the bread cracked while baking, it was a sign of bad luck for the year ahead.
Other methods involved divining future love or fortune by placing objects under a pillow or interpreting the shapes of melted wax. This blend of supernatural beliefs and seasonal festivities reflects the ancient idea that Christmas was a period rich with mystical potential.
Today, Christmas is often characterised by warmth, joy, and togetherness. Yet, lurking in the background is a deeply mystical tradition that reminds us of the holiday’s ancient, supernatural roots. Whether it’s the ghost stories told by the fire, eerie legends of supernatural beings, or customs meant to ward off dark forces, the supernatural elements of Christmas add a unique depth to the holiday’s magic.
This Christmas season, take a moment to reflect on the mysteries that lie just beneath the surface of the festivities. The world may be bright and joyful, but just beyond the glow of the firelight, the spirits of the past, the strange creatures of folklore and the whisper of the unknown linger. It’s this shadowy charm, woven into the very fabric of Christmas, that gives the holiday its enduring and haunting allure.
Nothing says it’s Christmas like watching Die Hard. Yes, the 1988 film starring Bruce Willis is absolutely a Christmas film. It’s set on Christmas Eve, features sleigh bells in its soundtrack, and has Willis crawling through tight spaces not unlike chimneys to deliver justice to those naughty listers trying to rob the place. Oh, and the small matter of him saving Christmas for a whole bunch of people just so he can spend Christmas day with his wife. What’s not Christmassy about that? So, for a bit of an ‘out-there’ recommendation for a Christmas book, why not the bestseller that was the basis for the blockbuster film?
High atop a Los Angeles skyscraper, an office Christmas party turns into a deadly cage match between a lone New York City cop and a gang of international terrorists. They’ve taken hostages, issued demands, and promised bloodshed all according to plan. But they haven’t counted on a death-defying, one-man cavalry with no shoes, no backup, and no intention of going down easily.
Nothing Lasts Forever may not seem like a traditional Christmas tale, but its holiday setting and themes make it an unexpectedly compelling festive read. Set during a Christmas Eve party in a Los Angeles skyscraper, the novel uses the holiday backdrop to heighten the emotional stakes and create a unique blend of suspense, action, and reflection.
At its heart, Christmas is about family, forgiveness, and redemption—all of which are key elements of the story. No McClane this time around, in the novel it’s the much less quippy Joe Leland who comes to Los Angeles to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Stephanie. His journey to save her from terrorists becomes a symbolic battle for their fractured relationship, mirroring the redemptive arcs of classic Christmas tales. The Christmas setting also adds a bit of irony and contrast. Cheerful decorations, festive music, and the holiday spirit are juxtaposed with violence and chaos, creating a tension that’s quite poignant—nobody wants to see Christmas ruined, after all.
Moreover, the novel’s introspective tone aligns with the reflective nature of Christmas. Joe’s struggle isn’t just physical; it’s an emotional reckoning with his past failures and his mortality. He’s not just fighting for his life here but for a better future and reconciliation with his daughter. These universal themes resonate deeply during a time when we like to look inward and seek a bit of connection over the holidays. We may have to drive for miles to make that connection, while bullets measure Leland’s struggle.
It’s also important to note that this novel is very much a product of its time and serves as an exercise in examining how tastes change. This was written in the ‘70s, when terrorism very much became mainstream with the Munich massacre, and Leland’s disdain for women terrorists raises an interesting point on just how views on gender have shifted in the past fifty years.
For those who prefer their Christmas stories with an edge, Nothing Lasts Forever offers a gritty alternative to sugary holiday narratives. Its mix of action, emotional depth, and holiday symbolism creates a thrilling, thought-provoking read that balances the holiday’s light and dark aspects.
Whether you’re drawn to its unconventional Christmas spirit or its tense, page-turning plot, this novel delivers a holiday experience unlike any other. Sadly though, there is a distinct lack of ‘yippee-ki-yay’s.
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When it comes to crime, Agatha Christie reigns supreme. Her following has remained unparalleled since her publication, and with sixty-six novels and fourteen short story collections, she has defined the genre that is murder mystery and stayed a staple of the book-crime-scene. Every story has its own unique flair, but here are three particularly memorable novels which showcase Christie’s exceptional and incomparable writing.
This tantalising mystery lures readers in just as Christie lures ten complex characters to a remote rock off the Devon coast. Shrouded in mystery from the start, each guest is suspected of murder when one of them is killed, while the host remains absent. With an array of intriguing characters and a haunting rhyme throughout, it’s the subtle, yet persistent, theme of absence which creates a building sense of fear that readers are unable to escape. More aptly, this Gothic mystery blends the genres of horror and crime with the superior plotting and pervasive atmosphere that Christie creates with panache.
Perhaps one of Christie’s most renowned mysteries, this novel sees another chilling murder stump Mr Hercule Poirot – only this time, it all happens on a train. What makes this classic truly timeless, is (among many things), its setting. Readers are taken aboard the Simplon Orient Express and, as well as admiring the sleeper’s grand features, share the unnerving claustrophobia bubbling beneath the surface as it dawns on the passengers that a murderer is among them. The transience of travel, coupled with the exotic variety of characters, make this read experiential; Christie manages to make you a passenger, a witness, a conspirator, along with the others, on a wild ride full of shocks.
This book has continued to captivate readers since its publication, showcasing Christie’s supreme skill to interweave complex characters, an enthralling plot, and a sumptuous setting. This time, a wealthy heiress is murdered on the Karnak – a luxurious cruise ship journeying along Egypt’s River Nile. As the Karnak is led down the Nile’s luring twists and turns, so is the plot, as every new revelation brings to light the fallibility of humankind. It’s the latter which keeps this story forever relevant to its enormous, modern readership; Christie manages to entertain her readers all the while making them reflect on what motivates people, and the inevitable consequences of their actions.
So, whether you’re an avid crime reader, or new to the genre entirely, Christie will succeed in keeping you guessing, and captured, at every turn. Deeply interesting characters, enveloping settings, and unpredictable plotting, are just a some of the wonders Christie’s reads will bring.
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Whether you embrace the fresh frost of winter, or feel the blues of gloomier skies, the changing seasons can impact our moods, psyche and general wellbeing more than we think. Researchers are finding more links between the climate and our social behaviours, illustrating how the impact on our lives of changing seasons is multifaceted. Let’s delve into some key findings.
Commonly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this form of depression is understood to be related to decreased exposure to sunlight that occurs with the coming of winter. According to Emma Young in The Psychologist (2023) two million people are affected by SAD in the UK alone. Studies into SAD found that people with this disorder may eat and sleep more, and feel less motivated and productive, while other studies found that people have higher levels of serotonin in the brain during summer, and lower levels during the winter. This substantiates that colder, darker weather, and all the associated environmental changes, can negatively impact people’s psyches.
While colder weather may cause peoples’ moods to plunge, warmer weather is thought to increase irritability and the chances of violence (Young, 2023). Research into violent crime rates in Philadelphia in the US found that violence increased by 9% on hotter days, while other studies demonstrate increased rates of domestic violence and disordered prisoner behaviour during summer months. What makes this more concerning is the planet’s rise in temperatures which researchers Andreas Miles-Novelo and Craig Anderson in particular, are focused on. The rising temperature of the planet could, according to them, lead to several thousand more serious assaults in the US each year (Young, 2023).
Similarly to animals who hibernate in the winter and store additional calories to prepare for food scarcity, it is thought that humans experience similar urges, too. During autumn and winter, people are more likely to consume more calories and gain weight, and become less physically active. While we might feel this is simply because we’re deterred by the cold and seek comforting food, researchers believe biological mechanisms may be responsible. One study even suggested that warmer weather can make us feel fuller with fewer calories, when compared to a colder day.
In Ian Hohm’s (2023) research on the topic, he found that during December, the ‘Christmas Effect’ makes people more charitable, which is also reflected across other cultures and religions when religious events take place. Conversely, Hohm also highlights that Christmas intensifies feelings of loneliness or anxiety, while managing costs during this period also increases levels of stress.
However, the growing gloom doesn’t always cast shade over our mood and behaviour. Hohm and his colleagues observed that greenish-yellow colours are associated with autumn leaves, and these colours are preferred during the autumn. While research in Belgium found that healthy young people’s ability to sustain attention and memory was better during winter than summer.
So, it seems that variations in the weather impact human psychology in a major way. Hohm and his fellow researchers now understand the importance of timing when data is collected and how the season may impact the results. Hohm (2023) states that ‘Rather than remaining an overlooked source of noise in the database of the psychological sciences, seasonal variation can instead be systematically documented as a key source of signal – a fundamental feature of human psychology,’.
References
Hohm, Ian. (2023) Homo temporus: Seasonal Cycles as a Fundamental Source of Variation in Human Psychology. Source: Homo temporus: Seasonal Cycles as a Fundamental Source of Variation in Human Psychology – Ian Hohm, Alexandra S. Wormley, Mark Schaller, Michael E. W. Varnum, 2024
Varnum, Michael E. W. (2023) How the Seasons Affect Our Psychology in Psychology Today. Source: How the Seasons Affect Our Psychology | Psychology Today.
Young, Emma (2023). Seasons and the psyche in The Psychologist. Source: The British Psychological Society Seasons and the psyche | BPS.
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Halloween has been and gone, but that doesn’t mean the spooky sentiment has to be over just yet. So this month’s recommendation is to help keep that Halloween spirit going just a little bit longer, and what better way to do it than with some zombie doomsday scenario prep? The Zombie Survival Guide fits every bill.
Have you ever wondered what you might do if you woke up one day and zombies were roaming the earth? No? Well this is a book you should definitely read, as Max Brooks has written a very extensive guide on the dos and don’ts when dealing with the walking dead.
The Zombie Survival Guide is a comprehensive, tongue-in-cheek manual on how to survive a zombie apocalypse. Brooks takes this very seriously, writing in a practical and direct tone peppered with the odd bit of sarcasm and satire.
The guide begins by introducing the nature of the zombie threat, including the cause of zombification—an imaginary virus called Solanum—and the different types of zombies one might encounter. Brooks outlines their strengths and weaknesses, such as their slow movement, inability to swim, and heightened sense of smell, all crucial details for planning defense strategies.
After that introduction, the book details survival techniques, offering advice on weapons, supplies, and tactics. Brooks stresses the importance of selecting the right tools for zombie defense, advocating for blunt weapons over firearms due to noise and ammunition constraints. He also discusses essential gear like water, non-perishable food, medical supplies, and proper clothing for prolonged survival situations. Brooks even makes recommendations for how best to cut your hair.
Brooks delves into the best locations to take refuge, evaluating urban, suburban, and rural environments while also covering the pros and cons of different types of buildings and vehicles. The guide suggests strategies for both short-term and long-term survival, addressing everything from fleeing densely populated areas to establishing a safe, sustainable haven.
In addition to combat and defense tactics, the guide highlights the psychological aspects of survival, emphasizing mental resilience in the face of isolation, fear, and the loss of loved ones. But if you’re not convinced, here’s what Brooks has to say on it…
“Don’t be reckless with your most precious asset – life. This book is your key to survival against the hordes of undead who may be stalking you right now without you even knowing it. It covers everything you need to know, from how to understand zombie behaviour to survival in any territory or terrain. The Zombie Survival Guide offers complete protection through proven tips for safeguarding yourself and your loved ones against the living dead. It might just save your life.”
It’s also surprisingly funny in a very morbid kind of way to the point of gaining the attention of Hollywood. The Zombie Survival Guide and its sequel were the inspiration for the 2013 film World War Z, which imagines a world where the guide would come in very handy.
Read the guide and be prepared. Just in case.
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Through storytelling, poetry and literature, writers have had a powerful impact on cultural norms and societal changes, often giving voices to the marginalised or exposing injustices. Literature has always evolved in line with society, reflecting its changing opinions, tastes and political ideologies. Not only does it record the human experience, it also takes an active part in helping to foster empathy and drive dialogue for social change.
Literature has long provided a reflection of society, capturing insights into political, cultural and social dynamics. It has documented the struggles for societal change against oppression as well as the aspirations of different social classes. This can be seen in Charles Dickens’ work in Oliver Twist which highlights the poverty and class disparity in Victorian England as well as the harsh realities of industrialisation and exploitation of child labourers. Poetry has also been used to articulate social issues through an emotive nature. During the Vietnam War, poets such as Allen Ginsberg from the Beat Generation used their work to voice their opposition to the conflict. In Wichita Vortex Sutra, Alan articulates the emotional and psychological toll of the war, criticising the government and the role of the media in propagating the USA’s involvement.
Feminist literature has played an important role in advancing gender equality by advocating for women’s rights and challenging traditional gender stereotypes. Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Women from 1792 is considered one of the first such feminist texts, where she advocates for Women’s education and equal rights. Literature was integral to the women’s suffrage movement, using novels and poems to advocate for the right to vote by raising awareness and challenging social norms. Poets such as Charlotte Gilman critiqued the balance of marriage and traditional gender roles in Wedded Bliss, which she saw as oppressive and confining. Literature from Mary and other authors such as Virginia Woolf have gone on to inspire current day social movements such as #MeToo.
Literature has a way of opening up readers to the perspectives of others, challenging preconceived notions and providing knowledge in order to make informed decisions. This can be seen in works such as To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee which, through the eyes of a young girl Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, illustrates themes of moral injustice that challenge readers to consider their own biases. Since its publication, it has been widely used in schools to encourage debates on civil rights as well as being cited in legal and social contexts on the issues of race and equality.
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When the crisp chill of autumn settles in the air, and the night skies begin to fill with plumes of smoke and the crackle of flames, it’s a sign that Bonfire Night is approaching in the UK. Most associate this annual event with the memory of Guy Fawkes and the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. But beneath the roaring fires and dazzling fireworks lies a lesser-known tradition that has quietly woven its way through British history: the voices of the “Bonfire Poets.”
The term “Bonfire Poets” doesn’t necessarily refer to a particular group of writers but instead captures a tradition of poetry that emerges each year around the blazing bonfires, where people have long gathered to share tales, recite verse, and celebrate the season. For centuries, this fire-lit poetry has captured the spirit of resistance, reflection, and community that Bonfire Night embodies. But who are the Bonfire Poets, and what does their work say about Britain’s historical and cultural identity?
To understand the tradition of Bonfire Poets, it helps to understand the historical roots of Bonfire Night itself. After Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament, bonfires became a way to celebrate his capture. But as years passed, these gatherings evolved beyond mere celebrations, becoming moments for communities to reflect on freedom, defiance, and the passing of time. Poetry often played a role, as people around the fire shared lines that spoke to the themes of freedom and justice.
Much of early bonfire poetry would have been oral, rooted in folklore and song. Villagers would gather to recite verses that expressed the spirit of the night. Over time, poets started publishing verses specifically for Bonfire Night, mixing fiery imagery with messages about the resilience of the human spirit. The language of these poems often used flame and shadow as metaphors for hope, rebellion, and the constant tension between darkness and light.
In the 19th century, Bonfire Poets gained renewed popularity, as the Victorian era saw a resurgence of interest in folklore and tradition. Writers such as Thomas Hardy would use autumn and winter scenes as backdrops to explore themes of human struggle and resilience. Although Hardy may not have explicitly written about Bonfire Night, his imagery of fires, gatherings, and the natural world resonates with the atmosphere of the night.
Similarly, poet and painter William Blake often drew on themes of fire and resistance, though his work predated the Victorian era. Blake’s vision of fiery redemption and divine inspiration made his work a natural fit for the spirit of Bonfire Night, and his influence can still be felt in the words of poets who capture the eerie magic of flames.
In more recent times, poets such as Ted Hughes have touched upon fire and wilderness with intensity, capturing nature’s raw power and its psychological impact. Hughes’ work, though not strictly associated with Bonfire Night, carries a haunting reverence for the elemental, which resonates with the experience of gathering around a roaring bonfire.
Bonfire poetry isn’t all historical reflection or political sentiment. Many poets celebrate the community spirit of the night—the laughter, the food, and the sheer spectacle. There’s a sense of enchantment in these gatherings, as firelight transforms the ordinary into the magical, creating a liminal space where stories and myths come to life. Common themes in bonfire poetry include:
– Fire as Renewal: Flames in the poetry often symbolise a kind of cleansing or transformation. The fire becomes a metaphor for personal growth, or for the death of old ideas and the birth of new ones.
– Rebellion and Defiance: Given the history of the night, Bonfire Poets frequently touch on themes of resistance and revolution. The night becomes a reminder of the fragility of freedom and the power of collective spirit.
– Nostalgia and Community: Many poems dwell on the sense of togetherness that bonfires inspire. The warmth of the fire becomes a symbol for human connection, often prompting reflections on the past and a longing for simpler times.
– Mysticism and the Supernatural: As flames flicker and shadows dance, poets often tap into the otherworldly side of Bonfire Night, drawing on myths, fairytales and folklore to give their verse an ethereal quality.
Today, these poets may be found across Britain, reading or writing verse for Bonfire Night gatherings. In towns where traditions are kept alive, you may even find local poets reciting by the fireside, while others take to social media, sharing their words with digital communities who celebrate Bonfire Night from afar.
Some contemporary poets have used Bonfire Night as a platform to discuss modern political issues, echoing the tradition of resistance and freedom that dates back centuries. Others focus on the night as a celebration of warmth and community, a time to appreciate the beauty of gathering together as the seasons turn colder.
As Bonfire Night evolves, so too does its poetry. From verses passed down through generations to modern reflections on community and connection, Bonfire Poets keep the tradition alive, capturing the flickering spirit of Britain’s most fiery celebration. Whether on paper or around the fire, their words remind us of the enduring magic of flame, verse, and human connection.
So this Bonfire Night, as you stand beside the fire, take a moment to think of the words that might be rising with the smoke. In that moment, you, too, might become a Bonfire Poet, part of an old yet enduring tradition of capturing the heart of the night in verse.
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