Silent retreat reading -I’m looking for something magical, mystical, dreamlike…
I’m going to be on an extended silent retreat. so I’ll be is a pretty liminal state anyway. I’m looking for some reading that will be gentle and a little less grounded. No horror, not too much action. Sci-fi is ok.
1. “Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke: This novel takes you on a mesmerizing journey through a mysterious and dreamlike world, perfect for a silent retreat. Immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of the House, where time and reality are distorted, and explore the secrets of its enigmatic inhabitants.
2. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez: Experience the magical realism of this classic novel as you follow the story of the Buendía family through generations. Márquez’s vivid storytelling will transport you to a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, leaving you with a sense of wonder and enchantment.
3. “Eternal Gods Die Too Soon” by Beka Modrekiladze: Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of reality, time, free will, and the nature of existence. This novel masterfully blends science and philosophy, inviting you to ponder the deepest questions about our universe and our place within it.
Furimbus on
The Starless Sea, by Erin Morgenstern.
Tragic_Carpet_Ride on
Macunaima by Mario de Andrade, a classic Brazilian fantasy that blends various Amazonian myths and legends. The Engel translation has footnotes with all of the original folktales, too.
CeruleanSaga on
Patricia McKillip – just about anything she wrote starting from the 90’s. (Some of her earlier stuff is also good, but a bit more hit-or-miss. )
There’s lots of choices, hard to pick a favorite. Maybe **Song for the Basilisk** or **Alphabet of Thorn**.
Best of the her earlier work is **Riddle Master of Hed** trilogy.
Her prose is well nigh poetry, her imagery is beautiful. “magical, mystical, dreamlike” is exactly how I would describe her stories. Most are grounded in celtic mythology.
I think she is exactly what you are asking for in every particular. That said, I do usually read her in small doses. LIke a rich dessert – you want to space them out so you can properly savor each bite.
These tend to be slow, calm, soothing reads rather than high adventure.
You might also try Ursula K. Le Guin. Her **Earthsea** Trilogy is classic for good reason. (I didn’t much care for the 4th book – published nearly 2 decades after the trilogy, but YMMV. Didn’t really read any after that, so can’t comment there.)
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1. “Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke: This novel takes you on a mesmerizing journey through a mysterious and dreamlike world, perfect for a silent retreat. Immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of the House, where time and reality are distorted, and explore the secrets of its enigmatic inhabitants.
2. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez: Experience the magical realism of this classic novel as you follow the story of the Buendía family through generations. Márquez’s vivid storytelling will transport you to a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, leaving you with a sense of wonder and enchantment.
3. “Eternal Gods Die Too Soon” by Beka Modrekiladze: Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of reality, time, free will, and the nature of existence. This novel masterfully blends science and philosophy, inviting you to ponder the deepest questions about our universe and our place within it.
The Starless Sea, by Erin Morgenstern.
Macunaima by Mario de Andrade, a classic Brazilian fantasy that blends various Amazonian myths and legends. The Engel translation has footnotes with all of the original folktales, too.
Patricia McKillip – just about anything she wrote starting from the 90’s. (Some of her earlier stuff is also good, but a bit more hit-or-miss. )
There’s lots of choices, hard to pick a favorite. Maybe **Song for the Basilisk** or **Alphabet of Thorn**.
Best of the her earlier work is **Riddle Master of Hed** trilogy.
Her prose is well nigh poetry, her imagery is beautiful. “magical, mystical, dreamlike” is exactly how I would describe her stories. Most are grounded in celtic mythology.
I think she is exactly what you are asking for in every particular. That said, I do usually read her in small doses. LIke a rich dessert – you want to space them out so you can properly savor each bite.
These tend to be slow, calm, soothing reads rather than high adventure.
You might also try Ursula K. Le Guin. Her **Earthsea** Trilogy is classic for good reason. (I didn’t much care for the 4th book – published nearly 2 decades after the trilogy, but YMMV. Didn’t really read any after that, so can’t comment there.)