For the last couple decades I’ve almost exclusively read fantasy series but I’m trying to find something slower. Cottagecore and solarpunk have been making their way into my life and I’ve been trying to find something with those vibes.
I really enjoy reading about things like villages or homesteads expanding and growing like Legends and Lattes. Please if anyone has some good recommendations let me know
by VampirateRum
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Cottagecore-Themed Books
“The Enchanted April” by Elizabeth Von Arnim – This classic novel is about four dissimilar women in 1920s England who rent a castle in Italy for a holiday. The beauty and tranquility of their surroundings work magic on each of their hearts, making it a perfect cottagecore read with its themes of rejuvenation and the simple joys of nature.
“Miss Buncle’s Book” by D.E. Stevenson – Set in a small English village, this charming story follows Miss Buncle, who writes a book about her neighbors (under a pseudonym) when her dividends fail. The book within a book causes a stir in the village, leading to humorous situations and community reflection.
Solarpunk and Eco-Fiction
“The Overstory” by Richard Powers – While more on the literary side and slightly exceeding your page preference, this novel weaves together the stories of nine characters and their unique connections to trees and nature. It explores the concept of living in harmony with the earth, making it a compelling read for those interested in solarpunk themes.
“Semiosis” by Sue Burke – This novel combines elements of science fiction with solarpunk, telling the story of human colonists on a planet where plants have their own intelligence. It explores themes of coexistence, communication, and community in a vibrant, alien ecosystem.
Books Similar to “Legends and Lattes”
“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune – Though recommended earlier, it’s worth mentioning again for its heartwarming story, sense of community, and a touch of fantasy. It fits well within the cozy, optimistic vision of solarpunk and cottagecore aesthetics.
“Hollow Kingdom” by Kira Jane Buxton – For a unique twist, this novel tells a post-apocalyptic tale from the perspective of a domesticated crow. It’s an interesting blend of humor, nature, and the quest for community and belonging in a world reclaimed by flora and fauna.
“Upright Women Wanted” by Sarah Gailey – Set in a dystopian future, this novella follows a group of librarians and rebels as they distribute prohibited literature across a future American West. It’s a story of resistance, sustainability, and community against a backdrop of ecological and societal collapse, resonating with solarpunk themes.