The last time we looked, the United Kingdom was due to leave Europe in the coming month of March.

Obviously, that might change, in terms of timing if nothing else.

But we decided the time was still opportune to celebrate European literature.

Great books transcend boundaries of culture, nationality and, with a good translation, language.

Some become a global phenomenon. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is one such example.

Stieg Larsson’s smash hit story of love, family and murder has been a massive literary hit that was also turned into a hugely successful film.

If you want to delve into an older kind of murder mystery, then why not try The Name of the Rose?

Umberto Eco’s tale of intrigue in a 14th century Italian abbey has stood the test of time and even survived a movie version featuring Sean Connery as a monk.

For those who like a little bit of historical satire, then Voltaire’s Candide is an ideal starting point with its withering criticism of philosophical optimism.

Widely banned after its publication in the 18th century, many aspects of polite society are eviscerated by its savage wit.

Franz Kafka takes satire to a whole new level of weird in Metamorphosis. But the tale of a man who wakes up one day to discover he’s an insect is both funny and tragic - and speaks on many levels.

The continent of Europe is home to folk tales and myths that have formed the bedrock of many horror staples. Vampires, in particular, seem to like eastern Europe. But there have been more recent takes on bloodsuckers from Europe that offer much more depth than glittery goths with interesting dental arrangements.

Let the Right One is, on one level, the story of a vampire, but it is also a tale of isolation and the desires of many different people - some of them the scum of society - to be accepted by others.

Author John Ajvide Lindqvist’s fearless approach takes the story to a much high level than other modern, inferior, vampire stories.

Revenge is often a great motivator for literary heroes. The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexander Dumas, is one such classic.

Jailed for a crime he did not commit; our hero is determined not just to avenge himself but also to find a hidden horde of treasure. Happily the two become inter-linked.

You may have noticed that we have not included any works by British authors in this celebration of European literature. That’s not a reflection on what we’ll be left with if and when the UK leaves Europe, we’ve just chosen to direct our eyes further afield this time.

We don’t care where an author comes from, be it the United Kingdom, central Europe or the Isle of Man, as long as their writing is enjoyable.

Be sure to ask our staff who will be more than happy to help you find any book that you think might be right for you.

The Family Library is next to the children’s playground in Westmoreland Road, Douglas. It operates as a charity and also runs the Mobile Family Library and a Schools Service. To keep up to date on events and to find out more about the services available, check out the Family Library page on Facebook or visit www.familylibrary.im or call the library on 640650.

by the Familiy library

www.familylibrary.im