Though Blue Monday as been and gone, the dark, drab days of winter are still with us in the northern hemisphere, so while we keep warm inside this post brings together a selection of lauded 21st century books worth reading, that should happily see you through the remaining weeks of winter. From page-turners to award-winners these are tried-and-tested reading recommendations:

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My Brilliant Friend Elena Ferrante

The first of The Neapolitan Novels, this series is a genre-defying coming-of-age tale following the lives of two intelligent but poor girls in a violent neighbourhood in Naples as they manoeuvre the obstacles of life in poverty to become women. Easily one of the most realistic, visceral books, particularly the first novel, which has since been adapted into a HBO series, as well as a National Theatre production. Elena and Lila, best friends, hold each other as the embodiment of their own successes and failures, comparing themselves to the other, each pushed beyond the expectations of their station by the unspoken competition that drives them beyond their perceived limits. My Brilliant Friend isn’t just a novel, but an experience, an engrossing opportunity to follow along on the ups and downs and unknown turns in the life lessons of Elena and Lila.

The Silent Patient Alex Michaelides

The first of Michaelides’ murder mystery books. The Silent Patient starts with a mysterious murder, believed to have been committed by a devoted wife who develops aphasia after the incident, which makes it difficult to discover what really happens. A psychologist, the narrator, attempts to help her in order to find out the unsettling truth. The story draws on Ancient Greek mythology to illustrate the tragedy of the patient, while several small plot twists lead up to the ultimate revelations at the end of the book, which will leave you wanting to read back through the book looking for clues.

The Miniaturist Jessie Burton

A feat of research clearly went into the writing of this novel, with a host of historical details providing multiple backdrops for this intriguing story. On the face of it, the story explores the imagination of a young woman caught in a stilted arranged marriage in 1680s Amsterdam, but really the story is a dark, mystery-upon-mystery, with plot twists peppered throughout, all with an educational underlay of culture, religion and 17th-century commodities. The book has since been adapted into a BBC mini-series.

Lincoln in the Bardo George Saunders

Winner of the 2017 Man Booker Prize, Lincoln in the Bardo is a heart-wrenching semi-magical work of historical fiction exploring the immediate aftermath of the death of President Lincoln’s son; William. With definite Gabriel Garcia Marquez elements, the story draws on supernatural formulas as a device to explore loss and grief, with a historic setting. Despite a heavy experimental concept, the story is actually a simple tale of love and loss, imagining Lincoln coming to terms with the death of his son.

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For more reading recommendations, check out the previous post covering some recent releases, alternatively, get some bookish inspiration by ogling the best libraries across the world, from Europe to America and beyond.