China Mieville
Few writers are capable of suffusing fiction with theory in quite the way Mieville does, and fewer still can use his blend of cosmic, organic horror without making it superfluous or gratuitous. Recommended: Perdido
Patrick Süskind
Süskind is one of the few writers I can sit and read without caring about the story at all; his lyrical style of historical realism is more than enough to keep you engaged. His unique plots are a happy addition. Recommended: Das Parfum (English Translation John E. Woods)
Santanu Das
A theorist with a gift for elegiac prose, Santanu Das’s edited collection of First World War poetry and ‘Touch and Intimacy in First World War Literature’ have been favourites of mine for years. Das as an extraordinary eye for analysis which he engages thoroughly throughout his work. A must for any poetry fan!
Victor Hugo
Best known for Les Mis and the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Victor Hugo’s poetry and lesser-known novels, such as The Man Who Laughs and Ninety-Three, are similarly as beautifully put together. Best enjoyed over a long afternoon with a longer cup of tea.
Mary Shelley
Although it’s a staple of many school reading lists, Frankenstein is probably one of the most easily misunderstood and misinterpreted books in classic literature. The story itself promises nothing like you think it will do, and its full of phrases which will stick with you for life (one of which I love so much it’s formed a permanent part of my tattoo collection!)
‘Molly Eyre (no relation to Jane) is a UK based poet with a fondness for friendship, fun, and alliteration.’