by Victoria Bromley and Charlie Fabre
Issue 06 submissions are open for one more week so here are some romantic, addictive and mesmerising books to get you inspired.
It almost feels impossible to read a book and it not centre around a character’s desire. Every story should start with what the narrator wants and what they are willing to do to get it. How high are the stakes? Would they murder for what they desire, would they risk it all?
That being said, the books on this list centre around a specific desire: to be loved, to be powerful, to be beautiful.
Atonement – Ian McEwan
The lust between Cecilia and Robbie on that hot, sultry evening in 1930’s England is one of the most intense infatuations in literature. From the fountain to the library scene, Cecilia’s sodden clothes and that iconic green dress, her desire for Robbie only intensifies as the war rages and they long to be together again. The heartbreak and devastation of their fate leaves only the imagination to bring them together again.
Stargazer – Laurie Petrou
Through a desire to be worthy of fame and admiration, Diana wants to be recognised for her artistic talents while her friend Aurelle seeks to find purpose through studying literature. Greedy for the attention of Aurelle’s mother Marianne, a celebrity fashion designer, Diana is consumed by her ambition and is prepared to sacrifice not just her morals but also her loyalty to Aurelle to get what she wants. A messy and chaotic coming of age story fuelled by alcoholism and addiction that tests the strings of friendship and what a young woman will do to succeed.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow – Gabrielle Zevin
The story of Sam and Sadie is one of friendship, ambition and creativity. Ultimately it is a love story, of platonic friendship and falling in love with your work where passion and drive lead to unexpected horizons and limitless possibilities. With a desire to create a video game together, the pair embark on a tumultuous journey to fame and success.
You have to make your own fun around here – Frances Macken
This novel tells the story of what it’s like to be from a small town with big dreams, of what it’s like to want to explore more than your immediate surroundings and break free into the world. Katie has her sights set on going to Dublin university, to leave her quaint Irish hometown Glenbruff behind and strive for a career as a film maker, but wanting to get your foot in the door of a creative industry is tough. Witty and sharp, this novel navigates growing into adulthood and dreaming of something better.
Big Swiss – Jen Beagin
Greta transcribes a sex therapist’s meetings, and through these transcriptions she forms an obsession for one client in particular. She lusts for her behind the scenes, but her world is shake when an accidental meeting takes place. On desire for love, sex, friendship, and understanding.
Jawbone – Mónica Ojeda
A group of young girls form around the stories told by Annelise, the epicentre, and create a cult worshipping the made-up figure of the White God. But when Fernanda is kidnapped by her teacher, she reflects on the ways her group of friends interacted and the darkness behind the stories told and games played. Jawbone covers the desire for power and fear in a world of teenage girls.
Eileen – Ottessa Moshfegh
Set in a snowy, claustrophobic town, Eileen is about a strange recluse, Eileen, and her desire to leave the town she grew up in for a life elsewhere. Shut up in a home with her drunken father, working at a correctional facility filled with young men, and infatuated with her new co-worker, Rebecca, this story is true to Moshfegh’s delirious style, and covers the desire to escape and the desire to be seen.
Submissions for issue 06 Desire close Sunday 31st March. Take a look at how to submit here.
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