I want to read more novels, especially older ones/classics. But right now my main reading time is before bed, and any book that is too “exciting” in a way makes me stay up too late. This is especially true with books that rely heavily on suspense/reveals or major buildups to interpersonal conflict.
To be clear I don’t mean boring books, just ones that are sort of evenly paced, or have a mild/understated tone.
As an example, The Rings of Saturn by Sebald was like this for me – rather than any major highs or lows, it was sort of consistent all the way through. Another was the abridged version of the Gulag Archipelago – it is a very heavy subject matter and interesting, but not full of suspense. I also just finished the Makioka Sisters by Tanizaki and it (mostly) fit this description as well.
As a counter example, some works I enjoyed but were too exciting for before bed reading included Sally Rooney books, Crime and Punishment, and Absalom Absalom.
Sorry if this is unclear, but I would appreciate any recommendations. I would prefer fiction/novels but am open to history as well, from any culture as long as it is translated to English.
by rozemc