As we're getting into spring weather, the florals and sunshine have inspired me to make a sister piece to my article "Books that remind me of 'evermore' by Taylor Swift." Like folklore is the sister to evermore, spring is the sister to fall, and it brings a different vibe to the atmosphere of reading. folklore is an album reminiscent of youth, nostalgia, reflective periods, nature, and longing, all of which make for interesting themes in literature, too. Without further ado, here are books that remind me of folklore!
The Cruel Prince Series
Fae and spring go hand in hand. More seriously, though, The Cruel Prince is an exploration of being an outsider in a relentless world and the personal and external implications. It follows a human named Jude as she lives as a ward in Elfhame; while her sister adjusts easily to expectations, Jude has the desire to be more like her adoptive father. Since she's different, she is a target for bullying, abuse, and has to work harder to prove herself against expectations that hold her back from the path she wants and sets in motion. Songs like seven, my tears riccochet, this is me trying, hoax, mad woman, and epiphany capture the darker tones of this fantasy series, which emphasizes the journey of betrayal by those close and not trusted, pain, and trying relentlessly in the face of obstacles.
Little Women
Little Women is very folklore coded because of their mutual cozy, cottagecore vibes, and youthful reflections. The novel follows the March sisters in their youth as they explore what life has to offer in education, creative pursuits, and relationships. It particularly focuses on family connections and the ways that lead to personal growth. Many of the youthful songs on folklore fit Little Women: cardigan, august, betty, and the 1 can relate to some of the romantic dynamics, especially the quasi-love triangle that emerges. Meanwhile, songs like mirrorball and the lakes draw on the emphasis of creative endeavors and trying to feel good enough in the eyes of others experienced throughout the novel. To an extent, I'd also classify the last great american dynasty, since the song features topics of class, legacy, and sisterhood, which are also explored throughout Little Women.
This is How You Lose the Time War
This is How You Lose the Time War is a poetic novel about two agents on opposite sides of the titular time war. Red and Blue find the other intriguing, so they leave notes for each throughout time and space, which gives them more and more of an insight into the other. The complex situation that they find themselves in evokes similar feelings of exile, peace, illicit affairs, and invisible string. It's a relationship that feels right, but there are so many obstacles that spell out doom for them. The novel and these songs explore conflict and its impact on a relationship.