The Books I’m Reading in 2026

Letter from an Unknown Woman – Stefan Zweig

The Max Ophüls film of this is one of my favourite movies, and it’s such a short book that I can’t believe I’ve never read it. I’ve started this about three different times, own at least two copies and an ebook, and have somehow never been in the mood. Maybe Ophüls spoiled me for it, but I am doubtful there isn’t something to enjoy here.

Black Romantic Revolutionaries – Matt Sandler

I don’t read much non-fiction, but I bought this when it first came out knowing it was the perfect read for somebody who both loves Romanticism and takes her professional responsibility for diversity seriously. Now that I’m teaching an American diversity module I’d like to hear what Sandler has to say, and potentially incorporate it into my own work, which interrogates what it means to be Romantic.

The Subtle Knife – Philip Pullman

I read Northern Lights this year for my work and was suddenly flooded with an awareness of how impactful this book was on my young life. I may not be pushing on with this for my book group, but I will be re-reading the rest of the series in my own time because I really did come to them differently with an adult mindset.

Every Day is Mother’s Day – Hilary Mantel

The Mirror and the Light is sitting there, waiting for me, and I don’t know if I can bear to say goodbye to Cromwell yet, but if I can’t there is always Mantel’s other books I haven’t read. I also own this one, and I am looking forward to revisiting her savage and precise sketches of people and life.

Seibo There Below – László Krasznahorkai

I bought several Krasznahorkai books when he won the Nobel, and have been chomping at the bit to get to them (it’s been a busy reading term). I think this one will be my first because of my particular interest in Japanese religion.

Toilers of the Sea – Victor Hugo

One of my favourite cultural moments of this year was when I saw Hugo’s drawings at the RA. It was profound and transformative to see the tea-coloured ink and the Romantic sensibilities on show, and it was an honour to be so close to objects physically created by one of my favourite writers. At the exhibition there was much mention of Hugo’s Guernsey work, including Toilers of the Sea, which is one of his books I haven’t read. On the list it goes, then!

Pistols for Two – Georgette Heyer

I bought this when I was reading about romance novels (lower-case ‘r’ this time) for my PhD. Despite my alleged expertise in the field, I’m very specialised, and thought I should expand my horizons to the books that seemed naff even by my parents’ era. Plus, it will be a light and easy read!

Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë

Y’all know why I’m reading this. Don’t pretend you’re not curious about the film, and I’m going to go in prepared to make my own dang mind up based on my knowledge of the book. Since the last time I read it was about 15 years ago, if I want to be media literate on this one it’s time for a re-read.

Austerlitz – W G Sebald

I used to work as an archivist on Sebald’s papers, and to my eternal shame I still haven’t actually read any of his books. Since I am stating intentions, let’s make 2026 the year I actually engage with the art I used to handle.

Wylding Hall – Elizabeth Hand

I am pretentious and do not wish to read Taylor Jenkins Reid until it’s not popular anymore. I still want a sick gothic read full of rock music, fame, and interpersonal drama, though, and as such I will try this one instead.

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On This Topic:

• I keep all my ebooks in a very organised one drive, because I haven’t got access to (most of) my physical books, which makes me twitchy.
• It’s that time again: let’s shill for StoryGraph, the superior reading app.
• I liked the Hugo exhibition so much I actually bought the book, right there in the RA gift shop.

To-Do:

• PhD work!!!
• Text friends!!!!
• Address Christmas cards (that’s how far back I queue these posts 🤪 I know when this is going out and you will not even remember Christmas by then)

Today’s Culture:

• Did you know Kinder Bueno has eggs? I don’t know what the branding is because they came in my husband’s advent calendar not, like, from a shop, but they were absolutely delicious.
• Please tell me: where can I buy polaroid printer paper in an actual shop? I do not wish to order online, I wish to hand somebody money and receive the goods.
• Borrowed my MIL’s vinyl player and so help me lord I need to stay away from vinyl collecting.