It seems the world is living through unique times, not least because for once we face a global problem. As the world fights the current strain of Coronavirus, Novel Covid19, we’re hearing phrases such as ‘social distancing’ , ‘self isolation’ and ‘forced quarantines’.
Should you find yourself stuck at home for a couple of weeks then we’re here to suggest some really, really long books that might just last you the entire two weeks quarantine, so long as you don’t read too fast!
Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts
If you’re stuck at home then cabin fever soon sets in, so why not travel through literature and immerse yourself in beautiful India. This doesn’t only offer you the chance to travel, at over 900 pages it should take you a while to read too.
Ducks, Newburyport – Lucy Ellman
At a whopping 1,050 pages, Ducks, Newburyport certainly fits the criteria for length. It’s the longest consciousness stream I’ve ever seen, but with a raft of awards to its name is praised for its personal cosiness.
Infinite Jest – David Foster Wallace
At a whopping 1,079 pages, Infinite Jest certainly fits our criteria, and a mild altering comedy about the pursuit of happiness in America might be just what you need to take your mind off the impending apocalypse.
Moby Dick – Herman Melville
Moby Dick isn’t quite as long as the others, but it’ll feel like it and you may be happier to get Coronavirus than follow Captain Ahab’s quest to avenge the whale that reaped his leg.
Black Lamb and Grey Falcon – Rebecca West
At over 1,100 pages, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon is a hefty read but well worth every page. Written on the brink of World War II, Rebecca West’s classic examination of the history, people, and politics of Yugoslavia illuminates a region that is still a focus of international concern
IQ84 – Haruki Murakami
At almost 1,200 pages, IQ84 is Murakami’s Magnum Opus, and what a masterpiece it is! Reading this while quarantined will leave you wishing for an parallel world, but it should stave off the cabin fever.
A Suitable Boy – Vikram Seth
The longest book on our list so far at almost 1,500 pages, we’re off back to India again with A Suitable Boy. Set in the early 1950s, in an India newly independent and struggling through a time of crisis, A Suitable Boy takes us into the richly imagined world of four large extended families and spins a compulsively readable tale of their lives and loves.
Gone With the Wind – Margaret Mitchell
Maybe a bit of historical fiction is enough to get your through these trying times, this tale of a wealthy plantation owner comes in at well over 1,000 pages and is an excellent read too.
American Gods – Neil Gaiman
We’re not sure how the Gods would have got your through the whole coronavirus panic but at almost 600 pages this weird fantasy is sure to take your mind off real life.
The Stand – Stephen King
We couldn’t have this list without The Stand, and if you’re brave enough to read it you’ll learn that at least you have much more chance of surviving the real world pandemic than Stephen King’s imagined one and with 1,200 pages you’ll have plenty to last your quarantine.
We hope you find some good suggestions there and we’ll be back with more recommendations lists soon. If you want to ensure you never miss any of these, subscribe now.
For Reading Addicts Book of the Year 2024
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