Anyone can write a tragedy. Whether it’s because everyone has experienced misery at some point of their lives or because we humans are prone to dwelling on misery, it seems easier to recount a crushing tale than it is to invent humour out of our own good graces.
This is why funny classic and contemporary fiction novels are such a gem! They have the ability to inspire our own sense of humour and keep us in good company even when the Aussie winter takes its sharpest bite.
With this in mind, here are five awesome comedy novels that you should really give a go as the weather continues to frost our souls:
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
This legendary cosmic tale follows Arthur Dent, a supremely average individual who wants nothing more than to be content with his place in life. But when a group of aliens destroy the Earth to construct a galactic bypass, Arthur is forced to escape with a researcher for The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a book being written to guide space travellers. This begins a remarkable (and hilarious) quest to understand the meaning of the universe and our very own existences.
- Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutano
Meddelin “Meddy” Chan is on a blind date that doesn’t go so well, especially given that she ends up killing the unlikeable fellow. Luckily for her, she has aunties that are more than happy to assist in the art of hiding a body. Now, with a big event in the works for the family wedding business, Meddy must balance her role as murderer with that of wedding photographer, all whilst going through the motions with her ex.
- Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
Terry Pratchett is always good for a giggle, and it’s no surprise that a novel about two an angel and demon joining forces to prevent Judgement Day is going to have a few laughs in it. But they are running out of time, with Armageddon approaching in 11 years, they must find a way to continue their comfortable existences on Earth before the end of time (trust us – it’s actually very funny!).
- Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Everyone knows Crazy Rich Asians, the breakout novel and film megahit that changed the landscape of the romance genre for good. It is also outrageously funny, following economics professor Rachel Chu as she journeys to Singapore with her boyfriend only to discover that he is from one of the richest families in the world. Not only this, they are there to attend an important wedding that will change her relationship and life in the process. A true modern comedy classic, Crazy Rich Asians is one of the ultimate winter warming novels for when those frosty days have got you down!
- Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome
Best mates George, Harris and J. head on a boat trip along the River Thames in the hope of some much-needed RnR. Unluckily for them, they are all a bit silly, and this sets the scene for an epicly hilarious romp down the river. The friends can’t help but find themselves in one ridiculous situation after the next, and despite its age (having been written in 1889) it still holds its weight as a fantastically hilarious book!