Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme created by The Broke and the Bookish blog, and now hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl.
I’m doing a slight twist on this week’s topic (Frequently Used Words In [Insert Genre/Age Group] Titles), to talk about Books with ‘House’ in the Title.
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
This is one of my favorite novels, and one I’ve been longing to re-read lately. The title comes from a verse in the Old Testament: “The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” Lily Bart’s struggle to stay true to herself and gain freedom and happiness in the midst of the rigid and constricting society of Old New York, is just as infuriating and heartbreaking today, as it was when the novel was first published in 1905.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
This is my second favorite Shirley Jackson novel, following closely behind We Have Always Lived in the Castle. It’s also one of my favorite haunted house novels, and is a deliciously chilling read. The ending is perfect, and yet another reminder that Jackson was brilliant and unmatched when it comes to writing psychological horror.
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
I can’t get enough of books set in English country estates, and Kate Morton certainly has a knack for writing them. I especially enjoyed the 1920’s setting of The House at Riverton, and the unfolding secrets, romance, and tragedy. It’s an escapist read that is perfect for fans of Downton Abbey.
The House Between Tides by Sarah Maine
Muirlan, the “House” in question, serves as a secondary character in this atmospheric, dual timeline novel. I loved the vivid Scottish Hebrides setting and the surrounding mystery, and sped through the book over a weekend. I’ll definitely be reading more of Sarah Maine’s work in the future.
The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons
This is an engaging example of WWII era historical fiction, set at an English country estate. The protagonist Elise is a well-to-do young Jewish woman who flees Vienna for the safety of a maid position at the Tyneford estate. It’s a novel of love, loss, family, and fate; and one I think would make for an excellent period film.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The House on Mango Street is a powerful coming-of-age story about a young Latina woman growing up in Chicago. I need to revisit this classic, as I don’t remember many details from when I read it in Elementary/Middle School. I do remember adoring Esperanza and the vignette writing style however.
This House is Haunted by John Boyne
This is such a good example of a gothic ghost story set in the Victorian era. I went into This House is Haunted without any expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised by how gripping and well-written it was. I fully intend to re-read it in the future when I’m craving a spooky read with a feisty Victorian heroine.
And Three Books on my TBR:
The Cider House Rules by John Irving
I look forward to reading this beloved and epic novel about an orphanage, an abortionist, rural society, love, and prejudice. It sounds almost Dickensian in scope and seems to feature vibrant characters and lyrical writing.
Bleak House by Charles Dickens
I love the BBC miniseries of Bleak House, and have been meaning to read the novel for ages. I don’t have any plans to pick up this doorstopper anytime soon, but hope it will live up to my expectations when I finally do.
The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier
I adore Daphne du Maurier’s works, and The House on the Strand sounds like an unusual and unputdownable read. It features magic potions, time travel, a love story, and a house in Cornwall; yes please!
Do you have a favorite “House” book?
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What a terrific list! I also want to reread The House of Mirth. It’s been ages. That du Maurier does sound good! And I’m drawn to the Boyne book. I’ve heard nothing but praise for his latest.
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Thanks, Laila! I can’t wait to read more of Boyne’s work.
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Bleak House and The House on the Strand are two of my favourites!
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That’s very good to hear! Hopefully I’ll get to them both sooner rather than later!
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Great list! I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by John Boyne, but I think This House is Haunted is one of his best. I’m glad to see The House on the Strand is on your TBR as it’s one of my favourite Daphne du Maurier novels. 🙂
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Thanks, Helen! It’s the only Boyne novel I’ve read so far, but I’m very excited to check out some of his other work soon. Glad to hear The House on the Strand is one of your favorite du Maurier novels; it sounds like a lot of fun.
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Well, you’ve proved ‘house’ is definitely an accommodating word (see what I did there?) when looking for titles in any genre.
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Very clever, Cathy!
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I’ve read all of the ones on your TBR and they’re all good. “Dickensian” is a good description of most of the John Irving novels that I’ve read. The House on the Strand isn’t my favorite DuMaurier but it’s still enjoyable, and I think that Bleak House is my favorite novel by Dickens (well, that or Great Expectations- I can’t choose!)
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That’s good to hear! I haven’t read anything by John Irving, but writing about The Cider House Rules has made me want to pick it up soon. It sounds like a book I’ll love. Based on the adaptations, I have a feeling Bleak House or Little Dorrit will end up being my favorite Dickens novel, although I did love Great Expectations too.
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John Irving is usually pretty good, but I haven’t read all his stuff.
I don’t think I’ve seen the Little Dorrit adaptation!
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It stars Claire Foy (QEII in The Crown) and Mathew Macfadyen, and is very good!
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I’ll check it out!
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I have 8 books on my shelves with the word ‘house’ and had no idea. All unread. Maybe they need to go on the TBR pile.
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I hope you’ll enjoy them all!
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I like the House theme-very different. I got to see a lot of new ones here!!
https://justmeandmyblogreviews.blogspot.com/2018/04/top-ten-tuesday-ten-frequently-used.html
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Thanks, Joann!
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Oh dear, now I know you haven’t read Bleak House I’m going to have to start nagging you, probably at least twice a week. It is the greatest book ever written, after all! 😉
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I’m happy to hear you love Bleak House so much! I’m very excited to read it, but its length does intimidate me a bit…
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It’s a monster, but it’s worth it! And there’s so much going on, it never feels as if it’s dragging… 😀
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What a fabulous list of books! I loved the House at Riverton!
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Thanks, Karen! It’s definitely one of my favorites of hers.
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I love Bleak House! I haven’t read any Edith Wharton yet, but The House of Mirth sounds fascinating (also that Penguin Classics cover is gorgeous…)
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Ooh, you’ve got a lot to look forward to then! Wharton is one of my absolute favorites.
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Jessie, I love your choice to do titles with ‘house’ in! I too love The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, although in second place to We Have Always Lived in the Castle, and I would highly recommend Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Also I am looking forward to reading The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier.
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Thanks, Jessica! Shirley Jackson is the best, isn’t she?! I’m happy to hear that you thought so highly of Bleak House. I do want to read it sooner rather than later! Hopefully we’ll both enjoy The House on the Strand too.
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So many good books in this list! I loved the House on Mango Street and the House at Riverton, but I’m pretty sure the Natasha Solomons one is called The Novel in the Viola in Britain, which is so weird!
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Thanks, Rachel! Now that you mention it, I think I remember seeing that alternate title. It’s always both interesting and strange when the UK and US have such different titles for whatever reason!
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