Books Like...

An academic translator of literature goes to a beach town in Naples for vacation after her grown daughters have moved to Canada to live with their father. She becomes enamored of a Neapolitan family, especially a young mother wife of a fierce old Godfather like man and her daughter, who loses a doll, which the narrator finds and keeps for reasons she cannot explain. A ruminative and thoughtful lyric story about the divide between self and motherhood, sacrifice, and love. The Lost Daughter is an intriguing, if not quite enthralling, read. Its prose is direct and its story simple, but beneath this placid surface is a dark psychological undercurrent that suffuses the story with a disorienting and disturbing uncanniness.

Inseparable by Simone de Beauvoir is a fictionalized story of her close friendship with Zaza Lacoin, portrayed as Andr e in the novel. Set during World War I, the book follows Sylvie and Andr e as they navigate the challenges of growing up as young women in a society with strict social and religious expectations. The novel beautifully captures their intense friendship, struggles with love, identity, and societal pressures, offering a candid and gorgeous portrait of their relationship as they transition into adulthood.

Simone de Beauvoir's writing style in Inseparable is described as beautifully written with lush descriptions of nature, poignant characterizations, and a deep exploration of the emotional lives of the characters. The book provides a window into a time when women's lives were constrained, addressing religious and intellectual questions seriously while portraying the friendship between Sylvie and Andr e as a timeless and universal bond that transcends societal norms.

"The Days of Abandonment" by Elena Ferrante is a raw and unflinching novel about a woman named Olga whose husband abruptly leaves her for a younger woman, plunging her into a chaotic world of madness and despair. The book vividly portrays Olga's emotional breakdown, her struggle to cope with the sudden abandonment, and her journey towards self-reinvention amidst the turmoil of her shattered family life. Ferrante's writing style is intense and graphic, delving deep into the disturbed mind of the protagonist as she grapples with anger, self-doubt, and the challenges of single-handedly caring for her children.

'Burnt Sugar' by Avni Doshi follows the tumultuous mother-daughter relationship between Antara and her mother, Tara. As Tara's dementia progresses, Antara is faced with caring for a mother who never seemed to care for her. The novel delves into their complicated history, from Tara's rebellious past to Antara's struggles with her own identity and mother's neglect. The story is a poignant exploration of toxic family dynamics, memory, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma.

The narrative in 'Burnt Sugar' alternates between past and present, showcasing Antara's journey of coming to terms with her mother's deteriorating condition while reflecting on their shared past filled with abandonment, abuse, and emotional turmoil. Avni Doshi's writing style is described as sharp, caustic, and elegantly crafted, unraveling the intricate layers of the mother-daughter relationship with unflinching honesty and complexity.

The Invisible Mountain by Carolina De Robertis is a novel that chronicles the lives of three generations of the Firielli family, Pajarita, Eva, and Salome, set against the backdrop of South America. The story begins in Tacuarembo, Uruguay, and spans across countries, highlighting the struggles of the nation alongside the struggles of the three strong women. Each woman faces personal challenges and societal upheavals, reflecting the turbulent history of Uruguay. The narrative weaves together themes of empowerment, change, family, and the political landscape of South America throughout the 20th Century, providing a rich backdrop for the characters' lives.

The author, Carolina De Robertis, skillfully combines English and Spanish phrases to capture the thoughts, emotions, and atmosphere of South America, creating a vivid picture of the lives of the women in the story. The novel delves into the deep emotional lives of the characters, exploring themes of empowerment, family dynamics, and resilience against the backdrop of historical events. Through the intertwined stories of Pajarita, Eva, and Salome, the reader is taken on a journey through time and space, experiencing the personal and political struggles that shape their lives.

'The Lying Life of Adults' by Elena Ferrante is a coming of age novel that follows the teenage girl protagonist, Giovanna, as she navigates the complexities of growing up in Naples. The story delves into themes of identity, betrayal, and self-discovery as Giovanna moves beyond the sheltered life of her parents into the seedier side of Naples, encountering a mix of characters from different social backgrounds. The narrative is filled with harsh lessons, family secrets, and rebellious decisions that shape Giovanna's journey towards independence and maturity. Ferrante's writing style is described as perceptive, incisive, and original, offering a riveting and exuberant voice that captures the essence of adolescence.

The novel 'Elena Knows' by Claudia Pineiro tells the story of Elena, a mother suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease, who refuses to accept the police's verdict of her daughter's death as suicide, believing that Rita was murdered. Elena embarks on a challenging journey to uncover the truth about her daughter's death, exploring themes of illness, loss, and the struggles of female agency in a society filled with restrictions and barriers. The book delves into the complexities of family relationships, societal norms, and the impact of debilitating illnesses, offering a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that unfolds over the course of a single day.

The writing style of 'Elena Knows' is described as dense and immersive, tackling difficult topics such as age, illness, gender, and societal ignorance with empathy and depth. Through Elena's introspective journey, the author Claudia Pineiro weaves a narrative that challenges preconceived attitudes and opinions, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of illness, aging, and the complexities of human relationships.

'Anywhere But Here' by Mona Simpson is a poignant and complex story that follows the journey of Ann and her mother, Adele, as they move from Wisconsin to California in pursuit of a better life. The book delves into the dysfunctional dynamics between the two characters, with Adele's grandiose dreams contrasting with Ann's desire for normalcy. The narrative is told from multiple viewpoints, offering a layered exploration of love, ambition, and the complexities of family relationships. The writing style includes abrupt plot twists, alternating between moments of misery and amazement, creating a realistic portrayal of the rollercoaster of emotions within the August family.

'Fight Night' by Miriam Toews is a heartwarming and quirky novel that follows the life of nine-year-old Swiv, who is wise beyond her years and shares a special bond with her grandmother, Elvira. The story is narrated in a unique stream of consciousness style, where Swiv talks about her family's antics, tribulations, and the valuable life lessons she learns from the eccentric characters in her life. The plot revolves around Swiv's experiences living with her pregnant mother, her vivacious grandmother, and the challenges they face together, including a trip to Fresno and dealing with family health issues.

The writing style of 'Fight Night' is described as endearing, humorous, and poignant, with a mix of zany actions and insightful observations that keep the readers entertained and emotionally engaged. Through Swiv's voice, the author captures the essence of family relationships, resilience, and the importance of embracing one's unique self, making this novel a delightful blend of humor, sadness, and wisdom.

'The Mothers' by Brit Bennett explores the lives of Nadia, Luke, and Aubrey, starting from the aftermath of Nadia's mother's suicide when she was in high school. The story delves into their relationships, choices, and the repercussions of those choices over the years. The narrative is told from varying perspectives, including the main characters and the church mothers, providing insight into motherhood, relationships, and the impact of secrets within a community.