Books Like...
The Foreign Correspondent by Alan Furst is a pre-World War II spy thriller set in Europe, focusing on the protagonist Carlo Weisz, a foreign correspondent involved in espionage activities in Paris, Berlin, and other European cities. The plot revolves around Weisz's role in running an underground anti-fascist newspaper, 'Liberazione,' and his interactions with various intelligence agencies, as well as his personal relationships amidst the looming threat of war. The writing style of the book is praised for its atmospheric descriptions of European cities, authentic portrayal of historical events, and the inner life of the protagonist.
If you liked The Foreign Correspondent, here are the top 8 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Night Soldiers)
- #1
Save:'Shakespeare and Company' by Sylvia Beach is a memoir that delves into the fascinating history of the English language bookstore that served as a hub for writers and artists in Paris during the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The book provides personal insights into iconic figures like James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs faced by Sylvia Beach as she navigated the literary world and brought groundbreaking works to the public. Through a series of engaging anecdotes, Beach captures the essence of a bygone era when Paris was the cultural capital of the world, making this memoir a valuable window into the lives and relationships of literary luminaries.
According to an article in Munsey's Magazine on curious family trees in America, the Woodbridges, Father's maternal ancestors, were clergymen from father to son for some twelve or thirteen generations... - #2
Save:'The Paris Bookseller' by Kerri Maher is a fictionalized history of the famous Shakespeare and Company English language bookstore in Paris. Set in the bohemian Left Bank between the wars, the book follows the young American Sylvia Beach as she opens the bookstore in 1919, right after World War I. The narrative delves into the struggles and triumphs of Sylvia as she navigates the literary world of Paris, interacting with famous authors like James Joyce, Gertrude Stein, and Ernest Hemingway. The writing style captures the essence of the era, providing a detailed and immersive portrayal of Paris in the 1920s and 1930s.
The book offers a glimpse into the artistic community that gathered in Paris during that time period, shedding light on the challenges faced by Sylvia Beach in her quest to publish James Joyce's 'Ulysses'. Through a blend of historical facts and fictional storytelling, the author paints a vivid picture of Sylvia's journey as a pioneering bookseller in a city teeming with creativity and literary luminaries.
- #3
Save:'Century Rain' by Alastair Reynolds is a science fiction novel set in a future where Earth has been destroyed by a technological catastrophe known as the Nanocaust. The story follows Verity Auger, an archaeologist exploring the wastelands of Paris, who becomes involved in a dangerous mission involving time travel and alternate realities. The book combines elements of noir romance, transhumanism, and space technology, creating a complex and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Reynolds' writing style is described as smooth, with deft characterizations and a tone that seamlessly shifts between different timelines and settings.
The river flowing sluggishly under Pont de la Concorde was flat and grey, like worn-out linoleum. It was October and the authorities were having one of their periodic crackdowns on contraband. They ha... - #4
Save:'Pietr the Latvian' is the first novel in the 'Maigret' series by author Georges Simenon, published in 1931. The story follows Inspector Maigret as he investigates the mysterious identity and criminal activities of Pietr the Latvian, a master criminal involved in a complex case of murder and deception. Set in the interwar years in Paris, the book captures the dark and gritty atmosphere of the time, with detailed descriptions of surveillance, stakeouts, and the pursuit of truth in a rain-soaked Paris. The writing style is described as evocative, atmospheric, and unique, offering a different experience from other detective novels of the same era.
Detective Chief Inspector Maigret of the Flying Squad raised his eyes. It seemed to him that the cast-iron stove in the middle of his office with its chimney tube rising to the ceiling wasn’t roaring ... - #5
Save:Beginning in Paris on the eve of the Nazi occupation in 1940, 'Suite Francaise' by Irene Nemirovsky tells the remarkable story of men and women thrown together in circumstances beyond their control. As Parisians flee the city, human folly surfaces in every imaginable way - a wealthy mother searches for sweets in a town without food, a couple is terrified about their jobs as their world begins to fall apart. Moving on to a provincial village now occupied by German soldiers, the locals must learn to coexist with the enemy in their town, their homes, and even in their hearts. The first part of the book recounts the flight of Parisians as they leave the city, while the second part depicts life in a small French village under German occupation.
Nemirovsky's characters are vividly drawn and complex as they try to come to terms with their changing situation. The author's writing style is praised for its masterful portrayal of individuals dealing with the war and the occupation of France. The book weaves together a variety of perspectives, including the interactions between the French and German characters, showcasing the conflicting humanity given to the German soldiers during the occupation.
Hot, thought the Parisians. The warm air of spring. It was night, they were at war and there was an air raid. But dawn was near and the war far away. The first to hear the hum of the siren were those ... - #6
Save:'The Paris Wife' by Paula McLain is a novel that delves into the early life of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson, during the 1920s in Paris. The story follows their relationship, struggles, and interactions with famous writers of the time like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. Through Hadley's perspective, readers get a glimpse into the complexities of their marriage, Hemingway's writing career, and the bohemian lifestyle of the Jazz Age. The book provides a mix of historical insight and emotional depth, capturing the challenges faced by Hadley as the wife of a charismatic yet troubled literary figure.
The narrative of 'The Paris Wife' unfolds with a blend of fiction and reality, portraying the passionate but tumultuous relationship between Hemingway and Hadley. The writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, evoking a strong sense of time and place, and for its ability to bring the characters to life. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and the impact of artistic pursuits on personal relationships, offering a poignant and engaging portrayal of a significant period in literary history.
It’s October 1920 and jazz is everywhere. I don’t know any jazz, so I’m playing Rachmaninoff. I can feel a flush beginning in my cheeks from the hard cider my dear pal Kate Smith has stuffed down me s... - #7
Save:A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway is a collection of autobiographical essays that provide a glimpse into his life in Paris during the 1920s. The book captures his interactions with famous literary figures such as Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, as well as his musings on art, literature, and the vibrant atmosphere of bohemian Paris. Through a series of vignettes, Hemingway reflects on his early days as a struggling writer, his relationships, and the challenges and triumphs of the expatriate community in post-WWI Europe.
Then there was the bad weather. It would come in one day when the fall was over. We would have to shut the windows in the night against the rain and the cold wind would strip the leaves from the trees... - #8
Save:"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is a beautifully crafted story set during World War II, focusing on the parallel lives of a French blind girl, Marie Laure, and a German orphan boy, Werner. The book intricately weaves together their individual experiences, struggles, and choices, ultimately leading to a fateful encounter. Through short chapters alternating between characters, the author paints a vivid picture of the war's atrocities and the interconnectedness of lives amidst chaos, showcasing the humanity on both sides of the conflict.
In a corner of the city, inside a tall, narrow house at Number 4 rue Vauborel, on the sixth and highest floor, a sightless sixteen-year-old named Marie-Laure LeBlanc kneels over a low table covered en...
