Books Like...
"Tandia" is the sequel to "The Power of One" and continues the story of Peekay and introduces Tandia, a half-black, half-Indian woman in apartheid South Africa. The narrative delves into the lives of these two characters as they fight for justice and equality in a divided society. The plot is rich in detail, intertwining the characters' personal struggles with the larger social issues of the time, creating a powerful and emotional story that captures the reader's attention. The writing style is described as rich, engrossing, and rhythmic, drawing readers into the story and making it difficult to put the book down.
If you liked Tandia, here are the top 14 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: The Power of One)
- #1
The Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay is a historical fiction novel that takes inspiration from Charles Dickens's Fagin. The story follows the lives of characters like Ikey Solomon, Mary Abacus, and Hannah as they navigate the criminal underworld in Victorian London, eventually leading them to the convict settlement of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). The plot unfolds with intricate details about their crimes, relationships, and struggles as they try to establish new lives in Australia. The narrative style blends elements of real historical events with fictionalized accounts, creating a captivating portrayal of the characters' journeys and the harsh realities they face.
Ikey Solomon was so entirely a Londoner that he was a human part of the great metropolis, a jigsawed brick that fitted into no other place. He was mixed into that mouldy mortar, an ingredient in the s... - #2
'Jack of Diamonds' by Bryce Courtenay is a captivating story that follows the life of the main character, Jack Spayd, as he navigates through different phases and challenges. Set in various locations such as Canada, Europe during WWII, and Las Vegas, the book provides a rich tapestry of adventures and encounters with a diverse cast of characters. Readers are drawn into Jack's journey, feeling a deep connection with his struggles and triumphs, making it a truly immersive reading experience.
Bryce Courtenay's writing style shines through in 'Jack of Diamonds' as he intricately weaves together a narrative filled with emotional depth and vivid descriptions. The author's ability to create well-developed characters and intricate storylines keeps readers engaged from start to finish. not only entertains but also educates, embedding interesting facts and a rich vocabulary seamlessly into the plot, making it a compelling and enriching read.
- #3
Fat City by Leonard Gardner is a novel that delves into the lives of two boxers, Billy Tully and Ernie Munger, as well as their manager, Ruben Luna, in Stockton, California in the late 1950s. The story follows the struggles and aspirations of these men, portraying the harsh realities of their day-to-day existence, from dead-end jobs to transient living situations. The writing style of the book is described as minimalist, with short chapters and episodic scenes that paint a vivid picture of the characters and their environment. Gardner's prose is praised for its descriptive power, capturing the essence of the characters and their surroundings with precision and authenticity.
He lived in the Hotel Coma—named perhaps for some founder of the town, some California explorer or pioneer, or for some long-deceased Italian immigrant who founded only the hotel itself. Whoever it co... - #4
'April Fool's Day' by Bryce Courtenay recounts the heartbreaking story of Damon, the author's son, who was born a haemophiliac and later contracted HIV through a blood transfusion, leading to AIDS. The narrative portrays Damon's struggles with chronic pain, infections, and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in the late 80s and early 90s. The writing style is described as emotionally powerful, provoking strong emotions from laughter to sobbing, while also shedding light on the adversities faced by individuals living with chronic diseases during that era.
Damon died in the third week after Pinatubo, a small, unknown volcano in the Philippines, started to belch smoke and spew ash, pushing smoke higher and higher into the stratosphere where the great up-... - #5
'The Promise' by Damon Galgut is a powerful novel that revolves around the Swarts family, a white privileged family in South Africa over three decades. The story is framed around four different funerals, showcasing the family's struggle to come to terms with the new dispensation in the country. The plot follows the unfulfilled promise made by the matriarch, Rachel, to gift their black servant, Salome, the house she has been living in and the land it sits on, creating guilt, division, and obligation within the family.
The narrative is multilayered, rich, and insightful, exploring themes of white privilege, apartheid, family dynamics, and the evolving socio-political landscape of South Africa. The writing style of the book is captivating, with a focus on character development and intricate storytelling that spans four decades, shedding light on the complexities of relationships and the impact of broken promises amidst a changing society.
The moment the metal box speaks her name, Amor knows it’s happened. She’s been in a tense, headachy mood all day, almost like she had a warning in a dream but can’t remember what it is. Some sign or i... - #6
Jessica by Bryce Courtenay is a gripping tale set in the Australian outback during the early 20th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, Jessica, a strong-willed and independent young woman who faces adversities and social injustices of the time. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, racial discrimination, and the fight for justice, all against the backdrop of historical accuracy that vividly portrays Australian culture and attitudes of the era. Despite some readers finding the storyline depressing and tragic, the book is praised for its moving portrayal of Jessica's journey towards independence and resilience.
Out in the south-west along the banks of the Murrumbidgee the snakes come out at sundown to dance. The mulga, gwardar and the Eastern brown, the clumsy death adder, black-headed python and the harmles... - #7
Spud by John van de Ruit is a coming-of-age novel set in a South African boarding school during the 1990s. The story follows John Milton, nicknamed Spud, as he navigates the ups and downs of teenage life surrounded by eccentric characters and facing typical adolescent challenges. The book is written in a diary format, providing insights into Spud's experiences with humor, teenage insights, and reflections on the unique setting of post-apartheid South Africa.
04:30 I am awake. The first streaks of light peep through the sides of my old-lady curtains. I think I feel nauseous. The sheet under my legs is sticky and my heart is beating like a bongo drum. I can... - #8
"When the Lion Feeds" follows the life of Sean Courtney from his childhood to adulthood in South Africa during the late 1800s. The story is filled with tragedy, adventure, love, and joy as Sean navigates through various challenges including mining gold, hunting elephants for ivory, and dealing with family conflicts. The plot is described as engaging, with a mix of triumphs and tragedies, set against the backdrop of a changing South Africa. The writing style is praised for being descriptive, capturing the beauty and weirdness of the land, and exploring themes of friendship, race relations, and women's roles in a male-dominated world.
A single wild pheasant flew up the side of the hill almost brushing the tips of the grass in its flight. It drooped its wings and hung its legs as it reached the crest and then dropped into cover. Two... Set in South Africa in the 1940s, 'Cry, The Beloved Country' follows the journey of a Zulu pastor, Stephen Kumalo, as he searches for his son in the bustling city of Johannesburg. The story intricately weaves together the lives of two fathers and their sons, exploring the racial injustices and societal struggles faced by both black and white communities during the apartheid era. Through poignant storytelling and lyrical prose, Alan Paton creates a narrative that delves into themes of love, hope, forgiveness, and the enduring dignity of humanity.
THERE IS A lovely road that runs from Ixopo into the hills. These hills are grass-covered and rolling, and they are lovely beyond any singing of it. The road climbs seven miles into them, to Carisbroo...- #10
'Shantaram' by Gregory David Roberts is a gripping and epic adventure story that follows Lin, an escaped Australian convict, as he flees to Bombay, India. The novel delves into Lin's various lives in Bombay, from being a slum doctor to a member of the local mafia, while exploring themes of love, philosophy, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as vivid, detailed, and captivating, providing a rich glimpse into the ghettos of Bombay and capturing the essence of the city through concise yet immersive descriptions.
IT TOOK ME a long time and most of the world to learn what I know about love and fate and the choices we make, but the heart of it came to me in an instant, while I was chained to a wall and being tor...