Books Like...
'Deep Summer' by Gwen Bristow is a historical fiction novel set in the Deep South of America, showcasing plantation life during the 18th century. The book follows the life of Judith Sheramy, a young girl who elopes with Philip Larne, an aristocratic man, to the raw and rough Delta country. The storyline chronicles their journey through love, poverty, riches, betrayal, forgiveness, and old age, while also delving into historical events like the Louisiana Purchase. The author, Gwen Bristow, brings to life the early pioneers' struggles in Louisiana and provides a panoramic view of the French, Spanish, and American influences in the region.
The narrative of 'Deep Summer' is richly detailed, filled with historical facts about Louisiana, including aspects like slave ownership, cultural beliefs, and political climates of the United States. The book is praised for its engaging storytelling that captures the essence of the South across centuries, offering an illuminating and unsentimental portrayal of the era. Readers appreciate the well-rounded characters, intricate plot development, and the historical accuracy maintained throughout the novel.
If you liked Deep Summer, here are the top 7 books to read next:
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"My Sunshine Away" by M.O. Walsh is a coming-of-age story set in a suburban neighborhood in Louisiana in the late 1980s. The narrator, a man reflecting on his teenage years, recounts his obsession with a girl named Lindy, who is raped in their community. The book delves into the aftermath of the crime, exploring the lives of various suspects, neighbors, and classmates connected to the incident. The narrative combines elements of mystery, suspense, and nostalgia, painting a vivid picture of adolescence and the impact of a tragic event on a close-knit community.
The writing style of M.O. Walsh in "My Sunshine Away" has been praised for its engaging storytelling, vivid descriptions, and lyrical prose. Readers have commended the author for capturing the essence of a 1980s Louisiana neighborhood, portraying the complexities of teenage emotions, and skillfully weaving together a tale of innocence lost, obsession, and the search for truth amidst a backdrop of a heinous crime.
There were four suspects in the rape of Lindy Simpson, a crime that occurred directly on top of the sidewalk of Piney Creek Road, the same sidewalk our parents had once hopefully carved their initials... - #2
'The Feast of All Saints' by Anne Rice is a historical novel set in New Orleans before the Civil War, focusing on the lives of the Free People of Color. The book delves into the complexities of race, identity, and societal expectations faced by the gens de couleur libre, portraying their struggles and freedoms in a world divided between master and slave, privilege and oppression. Through the characters like Marcel, Marie, Richard, and others, the author explores themes of family drama, lineage, societal norms, and the quest for identity within a society that dictates their place based on skin color and heritage.
Anne Rice's writing style in 'The Feast of All Saints' is praised for its historical accuracy, beautiful prose, and engaging storytelling. The book is commended for its in-depth exploration of a lesser-known aspect of Southern history, providing insight into the lives and challenges of the Free People of Color community in antebellum New Orleans. Readers appreciate the rich historical information, well-developed characters, and the nuanced portrayal of a hidden society struggling to navigate the complexities of a racially divided world.
ONE MORNING in New Orleans, in that part of the Rue Ste. Anne before it crosses Condé and becomes the lower boundary of the Place d’Armes, a young boy who had been running full tilt down the middle of... - #3
Detective Dave Robicheaux, a gritty and determined New Orleans cop, is faced with investigating the murder of a young prostitute found in a bayou. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a world of drug lords and arms smugglers, forcing him to confront his own haunted past and inner demons. The book is set in the vivid and atmospheric backdrop of New Orleans, with detailed descriptions that bring the setting to life. Robicheaux's character is portrayed as flawed yet morally upright, willing to bend the rules to seek justice.
The evening sky was streaked with purple, the color of torn plums, and a light rain had started to fall when I came to the end of the blacktop road that cut through twenty miles of thick, almost impen... - #4
"The Witching Hour" by Anne Rice is a massive, addictive book that follows the story of the Mayfair family through thirteen generations, each more intriguing than the last. Set in New Orleans, the novel delves into the history of the Mayfair witches spanning centuries, from ancient Scotland to modern times. Rice's writing style, which includes first-person narration, creates an intense and creepy atmosphere that immerses readers into the world of witches, spirits, and mysteries.
And even now in this quiet hotel room above New York City he felt the old alarming disorientation. He’d been talking again with the brown-eyed man. Yes, help her. No, this is just a dream. I want to g... Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt is a creative non-fiction book that delves into the eccentric characters and atmosphere of Savannah, Georgia in the 1970s and 80s. The book uses a celebrated murder trial as a backdrop to introduce the reader to the city and its colorful inhabitants. Berendt's writing style is praised for capturing the essence of Savannah and its quirky residents, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
The book is a combination of a travelogue about Savannah, Georgia, and a glimpse into its upper-middle-class society through the lens of a murder in their midst. It offers an atmospheric portrayal of the city, showcasing its unique charm and the intriguing personalities that inhabit it, all while exploring the infamous slaying of Danny Hansford and the multiple murder trials of his lover, Jim Williams.
I had heard Jim Williams’s name mentioned often during the six months I had lived in Savannah. The house was one reason, but there were others. He was a successful dealer in antiques and a restorer of...- #6
In "Interview with the Vampire," readers are introduced to Louis, a vampire who opens up about his origins, nature, and experiences to a young journalist in New Orleans. The book offers a fresh and innovative look at vampires and their lore, exploring themes of immortality, love, loneliness, and existential musings. The narrative style draws readers into a world of vampirism that Anne Rice vividly recreates, making it hard to believe it's fantasy, and leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into the story.
The book delves into the emotional elements of vampirism, portraying the struggles and complexities of being a vampire without romanticizing the experience. Through the eyes of Louis, readers get a glimpse into a world where the act of being a vampire is not idealized, but rather depicted as an intense emotional crisis that surpasses human struggles. The characters, including Louis, Lestat, and Claudia, are brought to life in a mesmerizing and realistic manner, making the reader live with them until the end of the journey.
ISEE…” said the vampire thoughtfully, and slowly he walked across the room towards the window. For a long time he stood there against the dim light from Divisadero Street and the passing beams of traf... - #7
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a captivating tale that follows the life of Kya, known as the Marsh Girl, who grows up alone in the marshlands of North Carolina. The story weaves between Kya's lonely childhood, her interactions with the townspeople, and a murder mystery that implicates her. The novel beautifully portrays Kya's deep connection to nature, her struggles with isolation, and her journey to find acceptance and love amidst suspicion and adversity. The plot alternates between past and present, building suspense and intrigue as the mysteries of Kya's life unfold, ultimately culminating in a satisfying and emotional resolution.
The writing style in Where the Crawdads Sing is praised for its lyrical and descriptive nature, painting vivid pictures of the marshlands and capturing the essence of Kya's solitary existence. The author, Delia Owens, skillfully incorporates themes of survival, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships, creating a story that is both poignant and engaging. The novel delves into Kya's growth from a young girl abandoned by her family to a strong, independent woman who navigates life's challenges with courage and grace.
Marsh is not swamp. Marsh is a space of light, where grass grows in water, and water flows into the sky. Slow-moving creeks wander, carrying the orb of the sun with them to the sea, and long-legged bi...