The famous universities of Oxford and Cambridge are steeped in history and learning. Books set in Oxbridge highlight the grandeur of the universities and the cities they are in.
Below we round up five of the best books set in Oxbridge.
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
An Oxford classic is Brideshead Revisited, which follows the life and romances of protagonist Charles Ryder from the 1920s to 1940s, including his friendship with the wealthy Flyte family who live in Brideshead Castle.
The story begins when Charles is studying at Oxford in 1923 and we see the influence his education has on him during the plot. Charles has relationships with two of the Flytes- Sebastian and Julia- and the novel explores these as well as exploring Catholicism and a nostalgia for an age of English nobility. The story has stood the test of time in terms of popularity and has been adapted many times.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Set initially in an otherworldly version of Oxford, this trilogy of fantasy novels follows the coming-of-age stories of Lyra and Will. With references to mythology, religion, witches and Paradise Lost, the novels are a perfect escapism read and despite being aimed at teenagers, the books have something for everyone. This series has been adapted into a popular television series too.
Zuleika Dobson or An Oxford Love Story by Max Beerbohm
This is the only novel published by Max Beerbohm and despite the title, is actually a satirical look at life in Oxford during the Edwardian Era. The novel is largely narrated by a third-person narrator Zuleika, before shifting to the first-person narrative of the Duke who is inspired by Greek mythology. An obscure read, the novel turns the expectations of Oxford on its head and forms new impressions of the historical city.
One Perfect Summer by Paige Toon
Paige Toon, known for her romance novels, writes of a whirlwind summer teen romance that ends abruptly. After being abandoned in the middle of the night in Dorset, Alice begins university at Cambridge but struggles to move on from Joe. The themes of first loves and soulmates are woven through the plot, and the easy writing made it a page-turner that would be perfect for a holiday read by the pool.
Grand Union by Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith’s collection of interwoven short stories features one titled Sentimental Education that tells the story of Monica and Darryl. Whilst at the beach with her children, Monica is thrust back into the past and to her time at university in Cambridge with her past love Darryl and his friend Leon, who lives on Darryl’s bedroom floor and never seems to leave them alone. The themes of self-reflection and communication are prevalent in this story as she tries to say how she really feels within the relationship.
Each of these books set in Oxbridge creates a different image or universe of the two cities, allowing for readers to find something to suit their reading needs. From classics to fantasy and everything in between, books set in Oxford and Cambridge have something for everyone.