From the first chapters of The Good Earth, to the part in Pillars of the Earth where Prior Phillip takes over Kingsbridge priory, to the protagonist taking care of Mr Bowditch in Fairytale… I have always found these portions of books to be soothing and eminently re-readable during tough times.
I don’t know if there’s a better term for what I am describing. I hope this makes sense. It’s the literary equivalent to those rug washing videos lol.
What are your favourites?
I don’t remember what chapter it was, but there’s a section of Elizabeth Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters, toward the end, where the main character is recovering from an illness and her stepsister shows up out of the blue to see her. The whole thing is just so lovely and kind, and shows all the characters in a great light. All of Gaskell’s work is very soothing to me (even when it’s dark!), but that section takes the cake.