Hello everyone,
It feels like I have had a long hiatus. The truth is, I have been very busy and in between all of that work I have taken time away, so there has been no time to write about books! I only started to catch up on my book reviews the other day, which is a test of memory in itself because I finished some of those books well over a month ago.
Anyway, I am back now with a list post! I have long thought about books and how they stir the five human senses – perhaps that is something for a discussion post in the future. But for today I am just sharing a list of books I have read that either contain or refer to any of the five senses (touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste) in the title.
Through The Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
The thing that immediately catches my eye about this cover is that the author’s name is incorrectly spelt, but that is beside the point. The events in this whimsical book all take place after Alice peers through the titular looking glass.
The Creak On The Stairs by Eva Bjorg Aegisdottir
A lot of the books on this list are thrillers as the human senses have the potential to generate atmosphere and tension. That is certainly the case here, with a sound being used to great effect.
The Haunting Scent Of Poppies by Victoria Williamson
Not many titles refer to the sense of smell, but this little horror novella uses an olfactory element to add to the haunting vibes and the fearful episodes the main character experiences.
Apple Of My Eye by Claire Allan
To be the apple of one’s eye is to be held in great affection by a particular person. It is usually used in a positive light, but in this book the meaning is slightly more sinister.
All of these books are thrillers whose titles refer to the sense of sight. The last two suggest missing people who were seen but are now unseen. The rest all carry a real menace of someone being watched with the promise of violent or fateful consequences.
See How They Lie by Sue Wallman
Here, sight is used in a slightly different context. The wool is being pulled over the main character’s eyes and she does not realise the danger she is in.
Both of these titles refer to the absence of sound. With The Silence Of Bones it is more figurative, while for The Silence Of The Girls it very plainly relates to the fact that women in Greek mythology have been historically overlooked and not given a voice.
Let’s Chat
Have you read any of these books? Do you have a favourite book that refers to human senses in its title? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading :)
Stephen Reads Books 