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Our selection of the best books about England includes fiction and non-fiction choices.
Are you looking for a selection of great books to read before travelling to England or perhaps books to read while in England?
There are many contenders for this list of best books about England so bookmark this page for updates.
Best books about England
A selection of the best books about England (or set in England)
REBECCA
Set on the hauntingly beautiful Cornish coast this is an absolute page turner. The story is narrated by the nameless second Mrs de Winter as she seeks to find the truth behind the death of the beautiful Rebecca – the first Mrs de Winter.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
So who is your Mr Darcy? Although I have read the book Colin Firth’s depiction is the mental image I have in my head of what My Darcy should look like!! This is such a classic novel by Jane Austen and is loved the world over. If you haven’t read it grab a copy now and find out about the life and loves of Elizabeth Bennet!
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
This dark tale set on the bleak Yorkshire moors tells of the doomed love affair between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. This classic novel is by Emily Bronte – her only novel. If you like me had to read this at school I would recommend reading it again – its so much better when you aren’t expected to write an essay on it afterwards!
BEST BOOKS ABOUT ENGLAND - MODERN FICTION
BIG SKY
It is impossible to have a list that doesn’t include Kate Atkinson – for me the most brilliant of English authors (and a Northerner too like me) If you haven’t read any of her books yet you are in for a treat!
ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Elinor Oliphant is a happy introvert with a well organised simple life whose entire world is about to crumble based on one act of kindness.
THE TROUBLE WITH GOATS AND SHEEP
A coming of age novel based in Nottingham during the heatwave of 1976 – if you can remember that heatwave (I can) read this!
BEST BOOKS ABOUT ENGLAND - NON FICTION
BIZARRE ENGLAND
An entertaining trip through England discovering some of the most bizarre and eccentric aspects of English life. Great gift for any Anglophile!
MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN
A fantastic guide to things to do in England throughout the year – if you are putting together a list of great English experiences to add to your bucket-list then this is the book for you!
THE ROAD TO LITTLE DRIBBLING
To say that I could not stop laughing when I read this book is a total understatement. As a huge fan of Bill Bryson (who isn’t?) his musings and observations about life in England is both charming and hilarious (mainly because he just gets us Brits so well!! Though he did marry one!)
Are you planning to visit the UK?
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