This post may contain affiliate links; this means I receive a commission if your purchase items through the link, at no extra cost to you.
The Cottagecore aesthetic has overwhelmed the world in recent years, becoming one of the most popular trends for fashion, beauty and lifestyle. And a part of this Cottagecore lifestyle is reading. Similar to a lot of popular literature, Cottagecore takes inspiration from forests, gardens and self-sufficient estates in the 19th-century.
Many of those involved in this aesthetic are typically drawn to topics like coming of age, personal development, creative living and interpersonal relationships. Common themes they enjoy include love, grief and more.
On top of this, a lot of books adored by the Cottagecore community will include magical elements such as fairies, trolls, magicians, etc.
In a way, the Cottagecore aesthetic has become its own form of magical escapism, so these books provide the perfect escape from the sometimes overwhelming 21st-century life.
We have compiled our 10 favourite fiction books that will help anyone find the Cottagecore escapism.
Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore
In Wild Beauty, acclaimed YA author Anna-Marie McLemore introduces a spellbinding setting and two characters who are drawn together by fate―and pulled apart by reality.
Wild Beauty follows the Nomeolvides women on the maintained grounds of La Pradera. Behind the welcoming and upbeat women lies a deeply tragic family legacy that keeps love apart.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein
The journey through Middle-earth begins here with J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic prelude to his Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The Hobbit follows Bilbo Baggins through his cozy hobbit life that gets disturbed by the wizard Gandalf one day. What ensues is an unforgettable adventure to the Lonely Mountain.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.
Set on a magical island, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a wonderful story that follows Linus, who was sent to oversee dangerous children at the Marsyas Island Orphanage.
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
This entrancing classic fantasy novel is filled with surprises at every turn. An international bestseller, this much-loved book is the source for the Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature.
Follow Sophie Hatter as she is put under a witch’s spell and encounters Michael, an apprentice of the renown Wizard Howl.
In his moving castle, she also meets Calcifer, the fire demon. Together, they embark on a quest to break her curse.
Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy’s impassioned novel of courtship in rural life.
Far From the Madding Crowd follows Bathsheba Everdene as she arrives to Weatherbury and taking up her position as a farmer. Here, she draws the attention of three suitors.
The Darkest Park of the Forest by Holly Black
A girl makes a secret sacrifice to the faerie king in this lush New York Times bestselling fantasy by author Holly Black.
Follow Hazel and Ben through Fairfold, a town where tourists and humans are drawn as the faeries of the land showcase their unharmful magic. Though Hazel knows something they don’t.
Suddenly, Hazel’s life is upended and her allegiances might need to change.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
“Every time I meet someone who also loves I Capture the Castle, I know we must be kindred spirits.” ―from the new foreword by Jenny Han, the New York Times bestselling author of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
Set in 1934, this book follows 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain’s life as she keeps a journal. Recounting her family and home, and the changes that come with falling deeply in love.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Little Women is one of the best-loved children’s stories of all time, based on the author’s own youthful experiences. It describes the family of the four March sisters living in a small New England community.
Meg, the eldest, is pretty and wishes to be a lady; Jo, at fifteen is ungainly and unconventional with an ambition to be an author; Beth is a delicate child of thirteen with a taste for music and Amy is a blonde beauty of twelve.
The story of their domestic adventures, their attempts to increase the family income, their friendship with the neighbouring Laurence family, and their later love affairs remains as fresh and beguiling as ever.
We hope you liked these Cottagecore book recommendations!