Long Books to Read in Isolation

I recently did a post on short books you can read in a day. But a few people mentioned that right now they want a long book that they can really sink their teeth into. As such, I decided to write a post on some great long books to read during isolation.

Long Books to Read in Isolation

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

A 794-page odyssey of pages. Set from the pre-American Civil War to the post-American Civil war, this epic follows one of the best anti-heroines in literature. Scarlett O’Hara. I read this at sixteen and devoured it. Well worth hunkering down with during self-isolation to get through for the first time.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

A part mystery, part-literary poetry. This 544-page historical fiction novel will either keep you engrossed or make you want to hurl it across the room. Find out which reader you are by downloading a copy.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

A 737-page literary epic that I’ve been told will leave me a weeping mess. This is my choice long-read for self-isolation and I will feedback later on the level of tears.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

I read this 519-page historical fiction novel last year, after loving the TV series produced by George Clooney. I think it is one of the cleverest books I’ve ever read. Truly the epitome of modern satire. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and be utterly horrified by the end. But it’s brilliant.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander has been saving my mental health during isolation, with regards to the TV series that is. But the book is well worth a read as well. At 868 pages you’ll not want it to end, I guarantee you. And luckily for us, there are plenty more books in this Scottish time-travel romance series.

Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

The TV series may well be done and dusted, but the books are still going. Although, who knows when we’ll ever see another one published? Why not start the whole series anew, or for the first time, during self-isolation? Who knows, maybe if George is isolated we’ll finally get the next part!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Okay, you should start with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, duh! But if you’re anything like me you’ve probably read the Harry Potter series enough times to start anywhere in the series and still love it. The Order of the Phoenix is the fifth book and is the longest at 815 pages.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas 

And lastly, another classical satire. When I first read The Three Musketeers I thought it was going to be a straight-laced French drama. When in fact it is a total farce! A complete comedy. The sort of thing that Morecambe and Wise would have cooked up if they had been French and living in Alexandre Dumas’ time! Brilliant if you need a laugh and are looking for a classic with a difference.

I haven’t read them, but other long reads that have been suggested to me include War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, The Odyssey by Homer, and Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak.

Why is Russian and Greek literature so long? Which long books would you suggest for self-isolation? Share your tips in the comments below.

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