Tessa Hadley: 'Uneasy books are good in uneasy times'

Tessa Hadley on Uneasy Books and Literary Solace in Turbulent Times

Tessa Hadley, a celebrated British author known for her nuanced exploration of human relationships and the complexities of life, reflects on the significance of "uneasy books" in her latest interview. According to Hadley, these books – characterized by their unflinching portrayal of difficult subjects and moral ambiguity – have long been a source of comfort and solace for her during times of turmoil.

Hadley's personal reading history is marked by an early fascination with children's literature, which, as she notes, "made me want to try" writing. Her love of storytelling was first expressed in games played with friends, but it wasn't until she encountered the intricacy of Henry James's fiction that she felt inspired to put pen to paper. However, even the great authors of her youth, such as Vladimir Nabokov and Leo Tolstoy, left her feeling intimidated by their complexity.

It was Jean Plaidy, whose historical novels Hadley devoured during a difficult period in her own education, who initially sparked her interest in uncomfortable subjects. These stories allowed her to "flood the oppressive grey world of school" with drama and excitement. Similarly, contemporary authors like Anita Brookner and Jean-Philippe Toussaint provide solace through their exploration of themes that may be considered unsettling or difficult.

However, Hadley emphasizes that not all comfort reads are created equal. In times of uncertainty, she finds that "uneasy books" – those that confront the reader with uncomfortable truths and moral complexities – offer a more profound sense of literary solace. As the author herself notes, "Comfortable books, though, aren't always comforting; uneasy books are better in uneasy times."

This notion resonates deeply for Hadley, who has long been drawn to authors who probe the human condition with candour and nuance. Her own writing often grapples with similar themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships. In an era marked by turbulence and uncertainty, it is clear that these "uneasy books" will continue to offer a powerful source of comfort and inspiration for Hadley's readers.

just read this interview with Tessa Hadley about her love for "uneasy books" and I'm totally on board! I mean, we're living in some crazy times right now so it makes sense that we need books that can tackle the tough stuff head-on . And honestly, who doesn't want to escape into a world of complex characters and moral ambiguity? I've been devouring all sorts of books lately - from psychological thrillers to literary fiction - just to keep my mind sharp and feeling alive . Tessa's got some amazing points about how "uneasy books" are the real comfort reads, not those fluffy romance novels we see on every bestseller list . Give me a good dose of uncomfortable truth anytime!

I feel like in these crazy times we're living in , it's so easy to just want to read something light and fun, you know? But honestly, I think that's exactly what's missing from my life right now . I need books that are gonna make me uncomfortable, you know? Like, really think about some stuff and not be able to easily just move on .

I love that Tessa Hadley is saying that "uneasy books" are the ones that provide real comfort in uncertain times . It makes sense, because they're the ones that make me feel like I'm not alone, you know? Like, we're all in this together and it's okay to be uncomfortable .

I've been reading a lot of sci-fi lately, but sometimes I just want something with more... humanity . You know? A book that explores the complexities of relationships and stuff like that can really help me feel less alone .

I'm all about those uneasy reads too! I mean, who needs easy peasy when you can get lost in the grey areas of life? Tessa Hadley is on point with her thoughts on how uncomfortable books can be just what we need during tough times. I've always found that's where the real growth happens, right? And I love how she says "uneasy books" aren't always easy to get through, but they're so worth it in the end

I think Tessa Hadley makes so much sense! Like, when things get crazy in the world, we all need something (or someone) to lean on, right? And sometimes that means picking up a book that's not gonna sugarcoat everything. For me, books like "The Stranger" or "The Bell Jar" are like my emotional security blanket - they're uncomfortable, but they make me feel less alone. It's crazy how some books can be so hauntingly familiar, you know?

You know, I think Tessa Hadley makes some really valid points about how we need more than just feel-good stories in our lives right now . I mean, don't get me wrong, comfort reads are great and all, but when the world is as messed up as it feels like sometimes... you need something that's gonna make you think . Uneasy books might not be the most pleasant read, but they're definitely more honest . And I think that's what we all need right now – a dose of reality and some complex characters to match .

I'm still thinking about what Tessa Hadley said... You know how sometimes we look back on the past and realize our younger selves were trying to escape from the world by playing games or reading kids' books? I think that's kinda relatable. For me, as an adult, it's a bit different. I've had my own share of turbulent times, like anyone else. But I've come to appreciate how "uneasy books" can be like a mirror reflecting our fears and insecurities back at us. They might not always be easy to read, but they're honest. And in a world that's increasingly uncertain, I think that's what we need more of – honesty, even if it's uncomfortable .

I'm really feeling this now about uneasy books being more comforting in hard times... I mean, who needs sugarcoated stories when you need something that'll make you think? My favorite authors are like that - Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, they're not afraid to get real and explore the messy parts of human life. It's like, life itself is complicated, right? So why settle for a nice little story when we can have one that's a little uncomfortable? My own writing's all about that - trying to capture the weird, wonderful messiness of human relationships. And I think that's what makes uneasy books so powerful... they're not just escapism, but actually help us work through our feelings and stuff.

I'm not sure I agree with Tessa Hadley on this one ... I mean, don't get me wrong, she's got some valid points about how uncomfortable books can be super helpful when life is messy . But what about the books that just leave you feeling drained or sad? Like, I know they're trying to convey important messages, but do we really need to wallow in all that emotional pain alongside them ? And what about books that are just plain uncomfortable because of their historical context or representation? Don't those deserve our critique and care, too?

I'm really fascinated by Tessa Hadley's take on "uneasy books" . I mean, who needs comfort food when you're faced with the messy reality of life? It's refreshing to see an author embracing the complexity and discomfort that makes us human. And I love how she points out that not all comfort reads are created equal – some can actually be pretty alienating or superficial.

I've always been drawn to authors who tackle tough subjects head-on, like Anita Brookner and Jean-Philippe Toussaint . Their writing is like a safe space for me when I'm feeling overwhelmed. But what's interesting is how Hadley says "uneasy books" can offer a more profound sense of literary solace in times of uncertainty... it's like they're saying we need to confront our demons, rather than just escapism.

It got me thinking about my own reading habits and why I gravitate towards certain types of books. Do you guys ever feel like you need a "therapy" book or an "uncomfortable truth" book?

idk about all this about "uneasy books" being good for when times are tough... can someone provide some actual studies or data on how reading uncomfortable books actually helps with mental health? i mean, i get that she likes 'em but what makes her think they're the best thing to read in uncertain times?

I feel like Tessa Hadley is totally getting it right about these "uneasy books". Like, have you read anything by Gillian Flynn or Donna Tartt? Those books are not exactly comforting, but they're so thought-provoking and emotionally raw that they feel like a necessary catharsis. And yeah, I love how she talks about how uncomfortable books can be a balm for uncertain times - it's like, we need to confront the hard stuff head-on if we want to grow and learn as people.

I gotta say, I'm really into them psychological thrillers lately like Gillian Flynn's stuff - they're soooo not easy to read, but in a weird way, they make me feel less alone when the world is all messed up . Like, Tessa Hadley said that uneasy books are better for times of uncertainty... I think it's because they help us confront our own demons and stuff . Don't get me wrong, comfy books can be fun too , but when life gets tough, you need something that'll make you feel all the feels and then some .

I'm low-key obsessed with Tessa Hadley's take on "uneasy books". I mean, can you blame her? Life's been super wild lately and we all need some uncomfortable truths, right? Like, let's be real, who needs happy endings when the world outside is getting more complicated by the minute? These kinds of books are like a much-needed hug from a friend – they're gonna make you feel uncomfortable but also somehow, you know, a little bit better. I'm already adding some Jean-Philippe Toussaint to my reading list and I'm excited to dive into some Anita Brookner too. Anyone else with me on this?

i feel like tessa hadley makes total sense with her thoughts on uncomfortable books. growing up i was always drawn to more 'mature' stuff in school, like historical fiction & classics, which made me wanna read more but also kinda intimidated me at the same time lol. but now that i'm older, i can see how those kinds of stories can be super cathartic & help you process tough emotions. and yeah, it's def harder to find comfort in a world that's so uncertain

I'm totally obsessed with Tessa Hadley's thoughts on uneasy books . I mean, can you imagine reading something that makes you feel uncomfortable, but in a good way ? It's like, the ultimate literary therapy session . I've always been drawn to authors who tackle tough subjects head-on, and Hadley is definitely one of them .

I love how she says "uneasy books" are better in uncertain times . Like, what other way to process all this chaos than through a good book ? And I'm totally with her on the fact that comfortable books aren't always comforting . Sometimes you need something that makes you think and feel deeply .

For me, reading is all about escapism... or not . Depending on my mood, I might pick up a light, easy read or dive into something complex and thought-provoking . Either way, it's always a great way to explore the human condition and find some literary solace .

ugh i totally get what tess hadley is saying... like when everything feels super dark and scary, reading something that confronts you with the hard stuff but still manages to be beautiful and thought-provoking can be so comforting it's not always easy or fun to read about difficult subjects, but sometimes it's just what we need to process our emotions and feel less alone

Dying Emo Guy: *sigh* "Comfortable books are like warm hugs, but uneasy books are like a good cry"

idk why ppl think books gotta be all sappy n happy but like honestly uneasy books r where its at rn i mean tessa hadley knows what's good she writes about the real stuff not just some feel good trash her books r like therapy for me when im feeling down or anxious

I'm so tired of people saying we need more "feel good" fiction in today's world Newsflash: the world is messed up, let's not pretend otherwise As Tessa Hadley says, "uneasy books" are where it's at for me when things get tough They're like a much-needed slap in the face, making you confront the hard truths and messy realities of life It's not always easy to read, but sometimes that's exactly what we need – someone to hold up a mirror to our own complexities and biases