Media recommendations

Books

• In Search of Lost Time

  Proust has an incredibly unique descriptive style. Very thoughtful, with arcs that build over hundreds of pages.

• The Count of Monte Cristo

  An epic tale of revenge woven masterfully. Very funny in places. I would recommend reading at least for about 300-400 pages before dropping it, as the earlier chapters are much slower than the rest of the book, while Dumas sets things up.

• Red Rising

  Particularly enjoyed the exploration of how social structures and norms break down when modern comforts are taken away, reminiscent of Lord of the Flies. Action-packed and fun.

• Ancillary Justice

  A thought-provoking novel exploring ideas of personhood and empire. The protagonist is very competent, which makes it a satisfying experience.

• The Traitor (Baru Cormorant)

  The protagonist attempts to use economics to bring down an empire. A really interesting and unique premise.

• A Memory Called Empire

  This is one of the books that has most resonated with me. Explores themes of language and memory, as well as having excellent political manoeuvring. Tries to answer the question of what it means to love a language and culture that is devouring your own.

• People of the Puszta

  Part autobiography, part documentary, about the lives of the farming peasants who lived in rural Hungary. Fantastic narrative voice.

• The Way of Kings

  Brilliant epic fantasy, written by one of the genre's greats. In particular, the world-building here is among the best I've seen.