Books Like...

'Call Me By Your Name' is a tender and intense love story between seventeen-year-old Elio and the older graduate student Oliver, set against the backdrop of a lazy Italian summer. The book beautifully captures the nuances of desire, fear, and illogical emotions experienced during first love. The narrative delves into Elio's deep-seated infatuation with Oliver, their mutual attraction, and the emotional turmoil of unrequited love, culminating in a bittersweet reflection on their relationship years later. Aciman's writing style is described as poetic, artfully artless, and masterful in portraying the emotions and thoughts of the characters.

The Wings of the Dove by Henry James is a complex novel that follows the story of a young couple, Kate Merton and Merton Densher, who want to marry but lack the financial means. Their plan takes a twist when a wealthy American heiress, Milly, falls in love with Merton. Kate, realizing that Milly is terminally ill, orchestrates a scheme for Merton to woo Milly in hopes of inheriting her wealth. The plot is filled with intricate human emotions, guilt, and a journey to Venice, but some readers find the writing long-winded and filled with verbose observations, leading to a loss of emotional impact.

The novel is praised for its masterful characterization by Henry James, particularly in the creation of Milly, Kate, and Densher. While some readers appreciate the depth of the characters and the intriguing plot, others find the book challenging to get through due to James' verbose writing style, making it a tough read at times. Despite the intricate plot and character development, there are mixed opinions on whether the book lives up to James' other works or falls short in terms of readability and engagement.

Set in England between 1895 and 1919, 'The Children's Book' by A.S. Byatt follows the intertwined lives of the Wellwood family and their acquaintances, focusing on Olive Wellwood, a successful writer of children's fairy tales. The novel delves into the complexities of the family dynamics, dark secrets, and the struggle of the children to navigate adulthood amidst the backdrop of a bohemian Edwardian England. Byatt intricately weaves together themes of art, writing, fairy tales, and political movements of the time, providing a vivid portrayal of the era and its societal struggles.

The book is a sprawling narrative that explores the impact of art on its subjects, the challenges of differentiating between fantasy and reality, and the toll that history takes on individuals as they navigate through life. Byatt's writing style is described as detailed and rich, with a focus on historical accuracy and intricate character development, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience.

'The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society' is a heartwarming and poignant story set in the post-World War II period on the Channel Islands, specifically Guernsey Island. The plot is revealed through a series of letters exchanged between characters, shedding light on the German occupation of the island during WWII. The writing style is described as charming, light-hearted, and engaging, with a focus on relationships between characters and the historical backdrop of the war.

Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers is a mystery novel set in Oxford University where Harriet Vane, a mystery writer, investigates a series of malicious events at her old college, Shrewsbury. The book delves into the role of women in academia, the conflicts between intellectual pursuits and emotional fulfillment, and the evolving dynamics of relationships in the 1930s. Sayers intricately weaves together the mystery plot with musings on societal issues, showcasing her talent for capturing the academic life and the complexities of female characters.

A Room with a View follows the story of Lucy Honeychurch, a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery during a trip to Italy with her chaperone. Through encounters with unconventional characters, such as the Emersons, Lucy navigates societal expectations and her own desires. The plot explores themes of love, individuality, and societal norms, set against the backdrop of Edwardian England and Italy. Readers appreciate the book's depiction of the struggle for authenticity and the fine nuances of human emotions portrayed in the characters.

E.M. Forster's writing style in A Room with a View is described as smooth and delightful, combining humor, wit, and social commentary. The novel offers a mix of scathing wit, charming characters, and a narrative that effortlessly weaves together themes of love, self-discovery, and societal expectations. The story unfolds through engaging prose that captures the essence of the characters and the settings, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy classic literature.

Set in Victorian England, "The Essex Serpent" by Sarah Perry follows the story of Cora Seaborne, a widow who is determined to forge her own path in a time of changing social norms. The novel intricately weaves together themes of superstition, religion, science, and women's rights, all set against the backdrop of the Victorian era. As Cora navigates her newfound freedom, she becomes entangled in a web of relationships with a diverse cast of characters, from the vicar and his wife to a surgeon and a Marxist assistant. The narrative unfolds in the Essex countryside, where rumors of a mysterious sea serpent add an element of suspense and intrigue to the story.

'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield follows the story of Margaret Lea, a young biographer hired by the reclusive writer Vida Winter to pen her autobiography. As Margaret delves into Vida's mysterious past, she uncovers a gothic tale involving the Angelfield family, secrets, and ghosts. The narrative weaves together themes of family, mystery, and self-discovery, drawing parallels between the lives of the characters and the haunting stories they hold.

Setterfield's writing style in 'The Thirteenth Tale' has been described as beautifully written, captivating, and reminiscent of classic authors like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. The book is praised for its poetic prose, intricate storytelling, and the way it keeps readers guessing until the very end. With elements of gothic mystery, psychological depth, and a touch of realism that blurs the line between possibility and fantasy, this novel offers a compelling journey through dark secrets and unexpected revelations.

'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova is a novel that weaves together the legend of Dracula with a multi-generational story of a man and his daughter on a quest to find their missing wife and mother. The book offers a mix of thriller and historical fiction, delving into medieval history, Vlad the Impaler's life, and Cold War Europe. The narrative spans across different locations in Southern Europe, the Balkans, and Turkey, providing a rich and detailed travelogue that keeps the reader engaged.

The writing style of 'The Historian' is described as meticulous and descriptive, evoking a strong sense of atmosphere and setting, particularly in its detailed descriptions of places and historical events. The novel involves multiple narrators and points of view, adding complexity to the story and creating a sense of suspense and mystery. Despite some slow parts and occasional challenges with suspension of disbelief, the book offers a unique take on the vampire genre, blending elements of history, folklore, and literary fiction.

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is a dark and suspenseful novel set in an eccentric conservatory college where seven fourth-year acting students are deeply immersed in Shakespearean theater. The story unfolds through the memories of Oliver, who has just been released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for a crime that is gradually revealed. The book delves into the relationships, secrets, and tragedies that unfold among the students, all while incorporating Shakespearean quotes and themes throughout the narrative. The writing style is described as captivating, emotionally arresting, and filled with tension, making the book a thrilling and engrossing read.