Hygge – or ‘hoo-gah’ as it’s pronounced – is a concept of living that is taking over Instagram feeds across the globe. Danish for cosiness – well, sort of, there is no direct translation – hygge represents a truly Scandinavian way of life.

As Thoresen explains, ‘hygge can be used to refer to all aspects of life in the form of a noun, verb or adjective to describe someone that falls under the hygge concept’.

And that concept is one that this book goes to explore within different aspects of Western life: home, work, relationships, food and drink, and activities.

Hygge is a quick read, something that takes you through the very basics of the lifestyle, making it a great introduction to the concept for someone who has never heard of it. It’s the ideal ‘Hygge For Dummies’.

Personally, I have been interested – bordering on sceptical – in the concept of ‘hygge’ for a year or so, but have never really taken the time to find out more. Aside from scrolling through the hygge-sters’ social media feeds of taupe blankets, cups of steaming coffee and pristine IKEA-style apartments (which I like!), I have never really considered how the concept of hygge could work outside the home or how it can be embraced in family life.

Thoresen’s book is brilliant at addressing what hygge actually means and how it works on a day-to-day level. Her style of writing is clear, informative and functional – taking hygge to its very nature.

A point I found particularly (and personally) interesting is when the principles of hygge are discussed at the start of the book: ‘Choose to talk about the good things instead of voicing complaints, and look for sources of good news’. Linking back to social media, I know I can find it difficult to think positively in the sea of angry, political tweets. The reminder that we actually have some power to curate what we read is refreshing.

The book covers lots of tips to achieve a sense of hygge in even the busiest, more distracted of lifestyles. Some are easier to experience than others. The key points are ‘pleasure’ and ‘comfort’, with a real importance on spending time with those you love with the minimum of distractions, which describes my ideal Sunday.

For those who do have some knowledge of hygge, this book may not feature anything new, but it’s a speedy refresher on its principles, with so many ideas for family activities.