Despite book shops being closed in the UK, Publishers Association recorded a 16% rise in the sale of fiction books during the pandemic. While we were locked inside, seemingly more and more of us were turning to our trusty hardbacks as a form of escapism.

On the back of World Book Day on Thursday 2 March 2023, I wanted to share three fiction novels I read during the pandemic which left a lasting impression on me. All are from my Reader’s Digest collection and available to purchase online. I inherited my collection from my Great Uncle Sydney, who happened to be a poet – maybe this explains my love for each novel.

1. Voices of Summer by Diane Pearson

Set in Vienna, this brilliantly written story follows a former theatre star who retakes the stage (after many years away from the limelight) alongside a merciless tenor. The author draws on her musical background to create real stage presence and constructs a world full of charming characters, including the enchanting Willi Zimmerman. You don’t have to be a theatre lover to enjoy this book and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll likely be wanting to book a trip to Austria by the time you reach its final pages!

2. The Old House at Railes by Mary E. Pearce

A story set in Gloucestershire where the son of a stonemason receives a first-class education from a wealthy local family. The reader goes on a real journey with the lead character Martin as, despite the novel’s twists and turns, he remains remarkably resilient and manages to build a compelling reputation for himself in the local community. Without revealing the plot, this book taught me about the fragility of life and the importance of doing the right thing. I particularly enjoyed reading the letters Martin writes so eloquently (and I’ve since turned to these as a source of inspiration!).

3. To Fly a Kite by Elizabeth Webster

This one is a little trickier to get hold of online but is up there with my all-time favourites. A wonderful tale about a young woman’s plight to rescue a former concert pianist from despair back to good health. A book about the power of healing that moved me to tears (in a good way), taught me what true love is and made me appreciate the small things in life. I loved the vivid imagery scattered throughout this novel, including the poignant kite scene at the end. I also appreciated how the author drew on her personal experience of teaching special needs children to depict such a beautiful story.