All the best books to read for a bit of escapism

Known these days as a hit television show, The Handmaid's Tale features Offred, a woman trapped in a religious totalitarian state. Her only function in life is to breed or be killed. Read as Offred navigates through a terrifying landscape in order to build her future.

In this first volume of Angelou's six books of autobiography, we learn of the author's childhood with her grandmother in the American south in the 1930s. Retelling painful stories of trauma and power, this book is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.

The story follows the lives of the four March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy - and chronicles their journey from childhood to womanhood. It is thought to be based on the lives of the author and her three sisters.

This brilliant essay is something every woman should read. An early feminist, Woolf looks at the way women have been neglected throughout history when it comes to education, social standing and financial independence. It'll definitely make you think differently.

Set on a ward in an Oregon State mental hospital, the usual routine is disrupted by the arrival of McMurphy - a cocky, troublesome prisoner who's moved to the facility. He vows to overthrow the power of Nurse Ratched, encouraging his fellow bunkmates to do the same.

Considered one of the greatest novels of all time, this story is translated from Russian and requires a lot of dedication. It has eight parts, with more than a dozen major characters and is spread over more than 864 pages. It looks at themes of betrayal, faith, family, marriage, Imperial Russia and desire, centered around Anna and her affair with a cavalry officer.

If you tend to focus on the little things and would call yourself a worrier, this book will help you to loosen up and think about things differently.

A more light-hearted and far-fetched read than some on the list, Eat, Pray, Love follows the story of a woman who's given an all-expenses paid trip by her editor in order to find herself. It's uplifting and inspiring (and might make you want to ditch everything and do the same).

While the film starring Johnny Depp is brilliant, the book comes even more highly recommended. The laugh-out-loud novel follows two drug-fuelled characters and their adventures in Las Vegas. Make sure to check out the Gonzo journalism section at the back of the book before reading to enjoy it to its fullest.

This novel's main character is asking big questions: why do we choose to share our lives with the people we do? Wickedly funny, it delves into break-ups, make-ups and what it means to be in love.

Ever feel like you're living in a 'Big Brother' society? This book centres around a world where obedience and control rule, where a totalitarian regime makes for a depressing look into the future. The main character, Winston Smith, begins a secret love affair, but soon discovers the true price of freedom. A gripping read - one that will stay with you for years to come.

Jane Eyre tells the story of an orphan with a terribly sad story. Rising from the ashes, Jane endeavours to make something of her life, eventually ending up at a house called Thornfield and meeting Mr. Rochester. Full of twists and turns, Jane Eyre is widely considered a masterpiece.

Many of us read the Harry Potter books when we were children but if you didn't or want to revisit them, now's the perfect time. Experience the magic of Hogwarts again and again with the complete collection.

Stemming from the writer's own descent into mental illness, this story has become a modern classic. Esther Greenwood wins an internship at a New York fashion magazine and while she believes she will finally achieve her dreams, what follows is a downward spiral with difficult relationships and a realisation that society will never recognise her ambitions.

The Blind Assassin describes a risky affair in the turbulent thirties between a wealthy young woman and a man on the run. The story twists through love, sacrifice and betrayal. Compelling and funny, this is a novel filled with deep humour and dark drama.

A tale that's been retold more times than you've logged into Netflix this week, Pride and Prejudice follows the story of Mrs. Bennet and her insistence that her daughters find rich husbands and settle down.

This cult favourite is about a rebellious teenage boy who's struggling to find his place in society, deeply disgusted by the adult world and the "phonies" that surround him. Strangely, it's linked to many a murder - John Lennon, Rebecca Schaeffer, John F. Kennedy, and a failed assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan.

Captain Corelli's Mandolin can be quite difficult to get into, but persevere. It's a story involving the horrors of war, love, longing and, of course, a mandolin.

You've seen the film, now delve deep into the glitzy and glamorous world of the elusive Jay Gatsby.

You might have read this one while in school, but it's worth giving it another read as an adult. It tells the tale of Atticus Finch, a lawyer who's defending a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. The prejudice, violence and hypocrisy will enrage you, while Finch's struggle for justice will inspire you.

Wuthering Heights is a passionate story of the intense love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an abandoned child adopted by Catherine's father. After Mr Earnshaw's death, Heathcliff is bullied into leaving Wuthering Heights, leaving his seemingly unrequited love behind. Years later, he returns a wealthy man and seeks his revenge.

One of the most celebrated classics of all time, Lord of the Flies is an adventure story with a deadly twist. A group of young boys find themselves alone on a deserted island - what can go wrong?

Head back to the roots of the hilarious film with the original book. Once you're done with this one, don't forget Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Bridget Jones's Baby.