Cosy

October 7, 2019
In this delightful celebration of British coziness, Weir, editor-in-chief of the London Evening Standard’s ES Magazine, provides readers soothing ways to escape everyday stresses by luxuriating in one’s home. She explains that this “paean to retreating” arose from her attempts to seek comfort from “politically dark winters and the relentlessly bleak news cycle.” Advising readers to give themselves “permission to seek solace and comfort in harsh times,” she recommends feasting (included are recipes for cottage pie and apple crumble, among other homy dishes), knitting, watching a cozy movie (such as Little Women or Dead Poets Society), and (of course) brewing a strong tea. Chapters on “Cosy Clothing” and “Home and Hearth” teach readers how to dress for the indoors (sweaters, socks, and a shawl are necessary) and to bring the proper lighting and temperature (if readers are lucky enough to have a fireplace) to a home. “Whether your home is humble or hefty, shabby chic, or flashy, or bleak; your home is your castle, your domain, your space.” Weir’s winsome, particularly British riff on the hygge craze will aid readers wishing to bring more comfort into their lives and homes.

Michelle Ford's pleasantly British narration invites listeners to withdraw from the stress of an uncertain world, make tea, and curl up with this British cousin to Danish hygge or Swedish lagom schools of thought. Whether the author is chatting about how to make the perfect cuppa or musing on the cosy joys that open fires, brisk walks, and dressing for winter bring to our lives (socks get a particular shout-out), she highlights pleasurably unfussy ways to create personal comfort and well-being. Weir takes care to distinguish cosy from hygge (suggesting that cosy is less contrived and less public), but there's plenty of overlap. Cosy will help listeners slow down time, settle into their homes, and turn inward without the cost or hassle of more public adventures. J.C.G. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine