Here are 100 books that The Land in Winter fans have personally recommended if you like The Land in Winter. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of My Husband

Jennifer Barraclough Author Of No Good Deed

From my list on novels about the psychology of marriage.

Why am I passionate about this?

Over a long lifetime, I’ve been intrigued to observe many variations on the themes of marriage, widowhood, divorce, and adultery among my friends, patients, and clients. The majority of marriages are probably happy, but these are not usually very interesting to write about, so marriages in fiction often involve some kind of conflict which leads to a more or less satisfactory resolution. I am a retired doctor, originally from England, and now living in New Zealand with my second husband, to whom I have been married for over 40 years.

Jennifer's book list on novels about the psychology of marriage

Jennifer Barraclough Why Jennifer loves this book

This sophisticated, darkly humorous, and quirky short novel, translated from the French, is unlike anything else I have ever read.

The narrator is still obsessed with her husband after many years of marriage. She smothers him with devotion, and her demands for proof of his love eventually go too far. The story becomes quite farcical in places.

I suspect some readers would hate this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

By Maud Ventura , Emma Ramadan (translator) ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked My Husband as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this suspenseful and darkly funny debut novel, a sophisticated French woman spends her life obsessing over her perfect husband-but can their marriage survive her passionate love?

"One of the most daring, provocative, unnervingly intimate thrillers I've read in years. Few writers besides Ruth Rendell and Patricia Highsmith can evoke domestic unease with such sangfroid; fewer still can make it such delirious fun." -A. J. Finn, #1 NYT bestselling author of The Woman in the Window

At forty years old, she has an enviable life: a successful career, stunning looks, a beautiful house in the suburbs, two healthy children, and…


If you love The Land in Winter...

Book cover of We Are Made

We Are Made by John Ludlam,

You’re grieving, you’re falling in love and you’re skint. On top of it all, Europe’s going to Hell in a handcart. Things can’t get any worse, can they?

London, 1938. William is grieving over his former teacher and mentor, killed fighting for the Republicans in Spain. As Europe slides towards…

Book cover of A Rather English Marriage

Jennifer Barraclough Author Of No Good Deed

From my list on novels about the psychology of marriage.

Why am I passionate about this?

Over a long lifetime, I’ve been intrigued to observe many variations on the themes of marriage, widowhood, divorce, and adultery among my friends, patients, and clients. The majority of marriages are probably happy, but these are not usually very interesting to write about, so marriages in fiction often involve some kind of conflict which leads to a more or less satisfactory resolution. I am a retired doctor, originally from England, and now living in New Zealand with my second husband, to whom I have been married for over 40 years.

Jennifer's book list on novels about the psychology of marriage

Jennifer Barraclough Why Jennifer loves this book

I loved the television play based on this novel, and the novel itself is equally good as a sensitive but somewhat mordant commentary on marriage, widowerhood, wartime memories, and the English class system.

I found it amusing in parts but also quite sad, and empathized with both main characters—two men who had served in WW2 as squadron leader and sergeant, respectively. They meet fifty years later in the Tonbridge Wells hospital when both their wives are dying, and develop an unlikely friendship.

By Angela Lambert ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Rather English Marriage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

First published in 1992, A Rather English Marriage tells of Roy Southgate and Reginald Conynghame-Jervi, who have nothing in common but their loneliness and their wartime memories.

Roy, a retired milkman and Reggie, a former RAF Squadron Leader, are widowed on the same day. To assuage their grief, the vicar arranges for Roy to move in with Reggie as his unpaid manservant. To their surprise, they form a strange alliance, based on obedience, need and the strangeness of single life. Then Reggie meets Liz, a vibrant but near-bankrupt woman of irresistible appeal, while Roy and his son's family grow gradually…


Book cover of Ordinary Time

Jennifer Barraclough Author Of No Good Deed

From my list on novels about the psychology of marriage.

Why am I passionate about this?

Over a long lifetime, I’ve been intrigued to observe many variations on the themes of marriage, widowhood, divorce, and adultery among my friends, patients, and clients. The majority of marriages are probably happy, but these are not usually very interesting to write about, so marriages in fiction often involve some kind of conflict which leads to a more or less satisfactory resolution. I am a retired doctor, originally from England, and now living in New Zealand with my second husband, to whom I have been married for over 40 years.

Jennifer's book list on novels about the psychology of marriage

Jennifer Barraclough Why Jennifer loves this book

I’d describe this novel as bittersweet. While readable and humorous, it touches on profound questions about marriage, family and religion.

The narrator is the neglected wife of a country vicar who is totally absorbed in the service of his church. The frustrations of her domestic life and the foibles of the ladies of the parish are closely observed and gently parodied. The monotony is broken, and things become more serious, when a chance encounter leads to a total reassessment of the marital relationship.

By Cathy Rentzenbrink ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ordinary Time as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Here is the absolute truth about love, told with wisdom, heart and humour. So clever, funny and life-affirming'
Meg Mason

'Funny and heartbreaking, immersive and thoroughly satisfying'
Nina Stibbe

There are already three of us in this marriage. I'm not sure there is room for a fourth . . .

Ann is a reluctant Vicar's wife. She tries her best but her husband only has eyes for God, her son is asking questions she struggles to answer, and it is all too easy to displease the congregation. It may only be a matter of time before she makes the headlines…


If you love Andrew Miller...

Book cover of We Are Made

We Are Made by John Ludlam,

You’re grieving, you’re falling in love and you’re skint. On top of it all, Europe’s going to Hell in a handcart. Things can’t get any worse, can they?

London, 1938. William is grieving over his former teacher and mentor, killed fighting for the Republicans in Spain. As Europe slides towards…

Book cover of Middlemarch

Jennifer Barraclough Author Of No Good Deed

From my list on novels about the psychology of marriage.

Why am I passionate about this?

Over a long lifetime, I’ve been intrigued to observe many variations on the themes of marriage, widowhood, divorce, and adultery among my friends, patients, and clients. The majority of marriages are probably happy, but these are not usually very interesting to write about, so marriages in fiction often involve some kind of conflict which leads to a more or less satisfactory resolution. I am a retired doctor, originally from England, and now living in New Zealand with my second husband, to whom I have been married for over 40 years.

Jennifer's book list on novels about the psychology of marriage

Jennifer Barraclough Why Jennifer loves this book

This book, published in the 1870s, is sometimes considered the best English novel ever written.

It is a monumental work, and while I found it very impressive, I have to admit that reading the long and detailed text felt heavy going at times.

Set in a provincial town with a large cast of characters, it depicts a middle-class way of life very different from that of today, and addresses various social and political questions of the time. One major theme is the psychology of marriage as analysed through the relationships between two ill-matched couples.

By George Eliot ,

Why should I read it?

15 authors picked Middlemarch as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Introduction and Notes by Doreen Roberts, Rutherford College, University of Kent at Canterbury.

Middlemarch is a complex tale of idealism, disillusion, profligacy, loyalty and frustrated love. This penetrating analysis of the life of an English provincial town during the time of social unrest prior to the Reform Bill of 1832 is told through the lives of Dorothea Brooke and Dr Tertius Lydgate and includes a host of other paradigm characters who illuminate the condition of English life in the mid-nineteenth century.

Henry James described Middlemarch as a 'treasurehouse of detail' while Virginia Woolf famously endorsed George Eliot's masterpiece as 'one…


Book cover of Characters on the Couch

Danny Wedding Author Of Movies and Mental Illness

From my list on learn how to use movies as classroom teaching tools.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have a reputation as an expert on the portrayal of psychopathology in contemporary cinema, and I have lectured on this topic hundreds of times in dozens of different countries. This reputation builds on five editions of Movies and Mental Illness and two editions of Positive Psychology at the Movies. I am also currently coauthoring a third book: Movies, Mini-series, and Multiculturalism: Using Films to Understand Culture, and I edit a series of film reviews for Hogrefe titled A Clinical Psychologist Goes to the Movies. Much of my career has been devoted to exploring the fascinating interface of psychopathology and media.

Danny's book list on learn how to use movies as classroom teaching tools

Danny Wedding Why Danny loves this book

I found this book to be full of literary and film examples of mental illness that I could bring into the courses I teach in abnormal psychology and medical ethics.

The writing is clear and engaging, and the book introduced me to numerous films that I had not previously seen. I was especially interested in the discussion of films that illustrate (a) positive psychology and (b) movies that depict therapists in action.  

By Dean Haycock ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Characters on the Couch as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Providing intriguing insights for students, film buffs, and readers of various genres of fiction, this fascinating book delves into the psychology of 100 well-known fictional characters. Our favorite fictional characters from books and movies often display an impressive and wide range of psychological attributes, both positive and negative. We admire their resilience, courage, humanity, or justice, and we are intrigued by other characters who show signs of personality disorders and mental illness-psychopathy, narcissism, antisocial personality, paranoia, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among many other conditions. This book examines the psychological attributes and motivations of 100 fascinating characters that include examples of…


Book cover of The Principles of Psychology, Vol. 1

Gloria Mark Author Of Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity

From my list on attention and why it is the ultimate currency.

Why am I passionate about this?

In 2000, I entered the University of California, Irvine as an assistant professor. Suddenly faced with multiple research projects, courses, committees, grant-writing, and student mentoring, I found myself switching screens and tasks like crazy. But I was also glued to my computer. I began to wonder if this was normal? Trained as a psychologist, I decided to study empirically what was happening to our attention. I began research over two decades on attention and discovered how our attention spans have shrunk over time (to a mere average of 47 seconds). Fast forward, I've continued to study our relationships with our technology, uncovering different types of attention and busting myths associated with focus and productivity. 

Gloria's book list on attention and why it is the ultimate currency

Gloria Mark Why Gloria loves this book

There is no better place to start learning about attention than from The Principles of Psychology.

I have always been captivated by the writings and deep insight of William James, known as the father of psychology. This is not a pop science book by any means—it was written in the 19th century, and you’ll see how gorgeous the language is. If you don’t want to plough through all 720 pages, I suggest you start with Chapter VIII on Attention. As James says, “Everyone knows what attention is.” But do we really? You will find some amazing gems in it.

It is available for free by Project Gutenberg.

By William James ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Principles of Psychology, Vol. 1 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"For the psychologist, standard reading, to all readers, a classic of interpretation." — Psychiatric Quarterly
This is the first inexpensive edition of the complete Long Course in Principles of Psychology, one of the great classics of modern Western literature and science and the source of the ripest thoughts of America’s most important philosopher. As such, it should not be confused with the many abridgements that omit key sections.
The book presents lucid descriptions of human mental activity, with detailed considerations of the stream of thought, consciousness, time perception, memory, imagination, emotions, reason, abnormal phenomena, and similar topics. In its course…


Book cover of Dead Falls: A Jessica Anderson K-9 Mystery

Laurie Buchanan Author Of Impervious: A Sean McPherson Novel

From my list on mysteries and thrillers paw-fect for dog lovers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi, my name is Laurie Buchanan, and I'm addicted to dogs. I was nicknamed "Dr. Doolittle" at seven, and the moniker has stuck. Why? Because I have a way with all animals, but dogs in particular. I've been owned by dogs (not the other way around) since elementary school—from Irish wolfhounds to Scottish Terriers and everything in between—Poodles, Collies, Dalmatians, and mixed breeds. Not only do I enjoy reading books that feature K9 characters, but I also write them—The Sean McPherson crime thriller series. I do my best plotting during my daily six-mile walk with my four-legged companion, Henry, a not-so-standard Standard Poodle.

Laurie's book list on mysteries and thrillers paw-fect for dog lovers

Laurie Buchanan Why Laurie loves this book

I love a good storyline, but even more so when it’s well-supported.

The author, D.L. Keur, offers captivating information about search and rescue, hostage rescue, pack interactions, human-K9 communication, and human psychology. I love the dogs—yes, plural—and the relationships with their human companions.

Speaking of which, the human characters are realistic. Just like people in real life, they’re flawed, which to my way of thinking, makes a story even more believable and relatable.

By D. L. Keur ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dead Falls as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of The Inner Game of Trading

Mark Fenton-O'Creevy Author Of Traders

From my list on books about trading and traders.

Why am I passionate about this?

I first started studying traders while working at London Business School in the early 1990s. This was the start of a lifelong fascination with traders and the psychology of financial behavior. Why do traders talk so much about their emotions? Why does so much of what they do fit so poorly with how economists think markets work? How do financial firms fail to notice rogue traders and other massive risks? And recently, why do investment banks and police forces both seem so good at avoiding uncomfortable knowledge? These are all questions that have fascinated me and which I have been lucky to be paid to research and advise on. 

Mark's book list on books about trading and traders

Mark Fenton-O'Creevy Why Mark loves this book

This classic book on trading has stood the test of time. Markets have changed, but the insights in this book about trader psychology remain important. Knowledge and analysis really matter in trading, but as the authors argue, you can’t master trading without ‘winning the inner game.’

Drawing on insights from sports coaching, psychology, and interviews with traders, the authors explore what it means to win the inner game and stop sabotaging yourself.

By Robert Koppel , Howard Abell ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Inner Game of Trading as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Putting money at risk in the markets exposes every trader to fear, greed and a host of other destructive emotions. For the first time ever in paperback, The Inner Game of Trading shows the reader how to master the psychological skills that are essential to successful trading. It is an insightful, colourful book that reflects the collective wisdom of the best traders in the business.


Book cover of The Psychology of Making Life Interesting

Maddy Lederman Author Of Edna in the Desert

From my list on young people finding themselves – without a phone.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to travel, write, and work in film and TV. My thoughts about how technology is changing people mixed with love for the Mojave Desert drives the story in my first novel, Edna in the Desert. Most of the desert has cell phone service but you can still lose it for stretches. Occasionally, there's a house in the middle of one of these expanses, and I always wondered what a teen living there would do without the usual modern distractions.

Maddy's book list on young people finding themselves – without a phone

Maddy Lederman Why Maddy loves this book

The title appeals to me, and the list of books I love is overwhelming. I’m rounding out my recs with this out-of-print, self-help book published in 1939 that I came across it in a second-hand bookstore. You can open the guide to almost any page and find something simple and deep, or if not, old phraseology like, Preventing Unwholesome Behavior Due to Tedium, is amusing. Technology may be changing the way people meet and how we process information, but we have most of the same emotional needs as before.

Book cover of My Husband
Book cover of A Rather English Marriage
Book cover of Ordinary Time

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