I want a very depressing book

Try “The Death and Life of Sylvia Plath”. I’ve just started it.

The Road by Cormac Mc Carthy

Couldn’t stand it.

About post-nuclear war chaos, poverty, desperation, cannibalism…….horrible.

Try 'Still Alice' by Lisa Genova. Very depressing.

I think I must like depressing books because the majority of books mentioned on here are my favourites. I thought A Thousand Splendid Suns was uplifting and, unusual for me, read The Road in one sitting. I loved the film, too, although my daughter castigated me for lending her the dvd which totally depressed her! I guess I am one of life’s Eey Ores (or my other alter ego Marvin the paranoid android).

'Then' by Morris Gleitzman, and it is a children's book.

MayBee70

I think I must like depressing books because the majority of books mentioned on here are my favourites. I thought A Thousand Splendid Suns was uplifting and, unusual for me, read The Road in one sitting. I loved the film, too, although my daughter castigated me for lending her the dvd which totally depressed her! I guess I am one of life’s Eey Ores (or my other alter ego Marvin the paranoid android).

I must be the same then!

Einna

The Road by Cormac Mc Carthy

Couldn’t stand it.

About post-nuclear war chaos, poverty, desperation, cannibalism…….horrible.

It was horrible but I guess that was the point, a dystopian future where it was every man for himself. The ghastly parts of the book kind of did stay with you tho.😬

Primrose53

Try “The Death and Life of Sylvia Plath”. I’ve just started it.

Eeeeek!
Shall I wait in the wings for you with some kleenex and brandy?

Try Dead Souls by Gogol.🙈

George Orwell's 1984 is pretty grim, especially as the world seems to be going in that direction albeit rather later than predicted.

“Love set you going like a fat gold watch”

One of my favourite poems.

Morning Song.

Just read "Abide with Me" Elizabeth Strout. Small town America 1959. Narrow minded bigots. Although there is redemption at the end.

I find Bathsheba Everdene's doomed love for Sergeant Troy in Far From The Madding Crowd very depressing.
I've read it a few times and thought the film was beautifully done and all the way through reading and watching I want to scream at her- YOU'VE PICKED THE WRONG ONE !
But then , it wouldn't be a story ,would it ?

Black Beauty.

I also recommend ‘a little life ‘ I loved it but it’s a hard read, ditto ‘never let me go ‘
My daughter recommended’a story of a heart ‘ I started it but wasn’t in the mood, but I will give it another go.

Another vote here for Angela's Ashes.

Primrose53

Try “The Death and Life of Sylvia Plath”. I’ve just started it.

She is probably my favourite writer/poet of all time.

Maybee70 I thought A Thousand Splendid Suns was uplifting

While I was reading it, I spent most of the time in tears. It's one of the saddest and most upsetting books I have ever read.
Perhaps it would suit OP's requirements.

Magenta8

George Orwell's 1984 is pretty grim, especially as the world seems to be going in that direction albeit rather later than predicted.

I agree. We don't yet have thought police, but Alexa is a good stand in.

Cameras all over the place, you can't go shopping without being on camera.

The Woodlanders,by Thomas Hardy is , by no stretch of the of the imagination, cheerful. Typical Hardy

Sparklefizz

Maybee70 I thought A Thousand Splendid Suns was uplifting

While I was reading it, I spent most of the time in tears. It's one of the saddest and most upsetting books I have ever read.
Perhaps it would suit OP's requirements.

I was numb at the end. Reminded me of films that I’ve been to see where I had to stay in my seat for a while after the film finished ( eg Brokeback Mountain).

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff I was gripped by this book but it is unremittingly grim.

I suggested it to my book club but no one else wanted to read it!

I think there is a danger of confusing sadness with depression. Some very sad books are quite uplifting while depressing books can lower your mood and increase anxiety.

I agree with Shuggie Bain and The Road, but Never Let me Go wins the prize for me!

Hamnet and A Little Life.
I don’t know what possessed me to read them during the summer after DH died. ☹️