Cosy Autumn Books I Plan To Read in 2023

As Autumn appears, I thought I would share a list of cosy autumn books for 2023. This is a list of the books I’ve got my eye on to read over this fall season and would recommend.

From cosy, magical reads to heartstopping Halloween reads, there is a real mix on my bookshelves this Autumn.

Cosy Autumn Books I Plan to Read in 2023

The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter

First up, is a modern classic by Angela Carter. Though I greatly admire Angela Carter I have yet to read one of her novels. The Magic Toyshop is the novel most often recommended to me, and her short stories, The Bloody Chamber is the second. I would like to read both this Autumn 2023.

Chlorine by Jade Song

Chlorine is a book we published at Bonnier and I’ve wanted to read it ever since I got given a proof copy. It is a dark almost Little Mermaid re-telling. The story follows an obsessive young swimmer who transforms into a mermaid in the most gruesome ways.

Before Your Memory Fades by Toshi Kawaguchi

I adore the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series and I recently picked up book 3 in paperback. Book 4 has also just come out in hardback and I’m looking forward to diving into that as soon as I’ve reintroduced myself to the characters.

The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide

Another Japanese novel I’ve picked up lately is The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide, translated by Eric Selland. This cosy short read is about a young couple who have stopped communicating with each other. That is, until a mysterious cat arrives and suddenly they have a new topic of conversation. Sounds like a sweet read about love, family and the power of pets.

Perfume by Patrick Suskind

A re-read next. Perfume is a haunting historical novel with a dark side. We follow the character of Grenouille who is born with the brilliant power of scent and is obsessed with creating the most sensual fragrance for himself as he has no odour. The story is dark and involves a lot of murder, but the writing is beautiful.

Hex by Jenni Fagan

This novella is written with beautiful lyricism, as Jenni is also a poet. The story focuses on the hanging of Geillis Duncan in 1591, in Scotland. The main character has travelled back in time from 2021 to sit with her on her last night alive, and it’s about the power of femininity, freedom and witches.

Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami

And finally, another Japanese novel, translated by Allison Markin Powell! This story follows a young woman who reconnects with an old teacher and finds herself falling in love with him. I don’t know yet if the love is requited or unrequited but I’m looking forward to finding out.

What are your cosy autumn book recommendations? Let me know in the comments below.

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