Books Like...

Laurent Binet's 'Civilizations' is a captivating work of historical fiction that explores an alternative timeline where the New World conquers the Old World. The book delves into the consequences of this shift in power dynamics, imagining encounters between historical figures such as Atahualpa, Charles the Fifth, and Martin Luther. Binet weaves a rich tapestry of cultures, presenting a world where the Vikings, the Inca, and Spanish authors play pivotal roles in reshaping the history of Europe and the Americas. The writing style combines elements of satire, playfulness, and serious questions about tolerance and governance, keeping readers engaged throughout the thought-provoking narrative.

Everfair by Nisi Shawl is a steampunk alternate history novel set in an African utopia called Everfair, challenging the brutal Belgian rule in Congo. The book spans 30 years and features a diverse ensemble cast of characters from various backgrounds, exploring themes of agency, colonialism, and the impact of individual actions on history. The writing style includes jumps in time between chapters, providing a prologue-like structure that drives home the alternate history aspect and emphasizes the power of personal narratives in shaping the future.

Farnham's Freehold by Robert A. Heinlein is a science fiction novel that explores themes of survival, time travel, reversed discrimination, drugs, sexual liberation, cannibalism, and societal values of the 1960s. The story follows Hugh Farnham and his family who survive a nuclear attack by seeking shelter in a bunker, only to find themselves transported to a future where societal roles have been reversed. The book delves into controversial topics such as racism, freedom, and tyranny, challenging readers with its thought-provoking narrative.

'Making History' by Stephen Fry is an alternative history novel that explores the consequences of preventing Adolf Hitler from being born. The story follows Michael Young, a PhD student at Cambridge, and Professor Leo Zuckerman as they attempt to change history by ensuring Hitler's non-existence. However, their plan goes awry, leading to a world where a different authoritarian leader rises to power. The narrative combines elements of science fiction, comedy, and time travel, with a writing style that alternates between novel and screenplay format.

'The Years of Rice and Salt' by Kim Stanley Robinson is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Black Plague decimates Europe, leading to a timeline where Asia and the Middle East become dominant powers. The story follows interconnected souls reincarnated throughout centuries, offering a unique perspective on how history unfolds with Buddhism and Islam at the forefront. Readers experience a vast narrative spanning different eras, from the devastation of the plague to the rise of new civilizations, all intricately woven together through the reincarnations of characters and the exploration of philosophical themes like life, death, and progress.

The book presents a thought-provoking premise of a world shaped by different cultural influences and historical events, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that delve into themes of spirituality, reincarnation, and the complexities of human progress. Through vivid storytelling and intricate world-building, Kim Stanley Robinson presents a compelling vision of an alternate reality where familiar historical events take unexpected turns, inviting readers to contemplate the impact of different belief systems and societal structures on the course of civilization.

Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus by Orson Scott Card is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of time travel and altering historical events. The story follows a group of researchers in the future who have developed a technology that allows them to view and potentially change the past. They focus on Christopher Columbus as a pivotal figure in history and aim to influence his actions to create a better future. The book interweaves the narratives of the researchers in the future with the life of Christopher Columbus in the past, providing a unique blend of historical fiction and speculative science fiction. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, clever, and well-researched, with a focus on exploring moral dilemmas, societal issues, and the consequences of altering history.

In 'Conquistador', S.M. Stirling presents an alternate Earth where a group of individuals discovers a passage to a parallel world in California in 1946. They begin to colonize this new land, creating a new society and facing challenges such as political intrigue and the impact of European colonization on the indigenous population. The story unfolds with detailed descriptions of the alternate world, its political and social development, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate this unspoiled territory.

The plot of 'Conquistador' revolves around the exploration of a parallel Earth that diverged from history due to the absence of European exploration of the New World. The narrative spans across two universes, blending elements of mystery, action, and political intrigue. Stirling's writing style is described as descriptive and detailed, offering vivid depictions of battle scenes, world-building, and character development that immerse the reader in the story.

The Famished Road by Ben Okri is a surreal, magical realist novel set in Africa, focusing on the life of a spirit child named Azaro. The story delves into the struggles between the spiritual and earthly worlds, portraying the complexities of Azaro's existence and his interactions with both human and supernatural beings. The narrative weaves together themes of good versus evil, poverty, political power struggles, and the mystical realm, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience filled with allegory and symbolism. Okri's writing style is described as poetic, colorful, and at times surreal, drawing readers into a world where reality and fantasy blur seamlessly.

"Lagoon" by Nnedi Okorafor is a unique first contact novel that takes place in Lagos, Nigeria, where aliens land in the ocean just outside the city. The story follows a marine biologist, a soldier, and a rapper who become involved in the alien encounter and the chaos that ensues in Lagos. The writing style incorporates multiple points of view, including non-human characters like a spider, a road, and a swordfish, adding depth to the narrative and creating a vibrant and troubled portrayal of the city.

'Who Fears Death' by Nnedi Okorafor follows the story of Onyesonwu, a young woman born as a result of rape in a world divided by tribal violence and prejudice. Onye, as she is called, possesses powerful magical abilities and embarks on a quest to challenge the injustices of her world and rewrite the future. The narrative is a blend of dystopian fantasy and traditional folk tale, tackling themes of violence, love, acceptance, and empowerment, all rooted in African traditions and mythology.

The writing style of 'Who Fears Death' is described as powerful and compelling, drawing readers in with vivid imagery and strong character development. The novel explores dark and uncomfortable themes such as sexual violence, genocide, and discrimination, while also offering elements of magic, mysticism, and hope. The story is praised for its unique blend of genres and its ability to address complex issues with depth and sensitivity.