Books Like...
The Twenty-Seventh City by Jonathan Franzen is a political thriller set in St. Louis, revolving around the ambitious Bombay police commissioner S. Jammu who becomes the powerful police chief of the city. Her agenda, supposedly to revive St. Louis, is a front for a real estate scheme to benefit her millionaire mother. The plot involves a cabal of Indian immigrants orchestrating a takeover of the city's power structure through various means, including terrorist attacks and seductions of business leaders. The novel features a vast array of characters, with the main focus on Martin Probst and S. Jammu, whose opposing ethical stances lead to a complex political battle.
Jonathan Franzen's writing style in The Twenty-Seventh City is praised for its luscious prose, detailed descriptions of the beauty and decay of St. Louis, and well-developed characters. However, some readers find the plot to be implausible and overly complex, with an excessive number of characters that can be challenging to keep track of. Despite these criticisms, Franzen's deep knowledge of St. Louis and his ability to weave words and pick up on details are highlighted as strengths in the novel.
If you liked The Twenty-Seventh City, here are the top 9 books to read next:
- #1
Save:In "Purity" by Jonathan Franzen, the story follows a young woman named Purity 'Pip' Tyler who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her parentage. Set in various locations including East Berlin, Bolivia, Denver, California, and New York, the novel delves into different timeframes and perspectives, weaving a complex narrative involving family secrets, internet leaks, and moral struggles. Through multiple character narrations, the reader is taken on a journey exploring themes of purity, identity, and the impact of past decisions on present lives.
The writing style in "Purity" is described as sprawling and detailed, with long chapters and multiple perspectives that offer insights into the inner lives of diverse and complex characters. Franzen's expert craftsmanship in handling dialogue, character perspectives, and pacing is evident, as he skillfully links the characters' lives to historical events and contemporary issues, creating a thought-provoking and engaging narrative.
“Isn’t that everybody’s life?” the girl, Pip, said. She’d taken to calling her mother midway through her lunch break at Renewable Solutions. It brought her some relief from the feeling that she wasn’t... - #2
Save:The House on the Lagoon by Rosario Ferre is a multigenerational family saga set in Puerto Rico, delving into the country's history, culture, and social issues. The novel follows the Mendizabal family, focusing on Quintin and Isabel's tumultuous marriage as they navigate personal and historical complexities. Through the lens of Quintin, a historian, and Isabel, a writer, the narrative unfolds as a story within a story, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The book intricately weaves together themes of greed, lust, violence, control, societal struggles, and the impact of Puerto Rico's colonial past on its people.
- #3
Save:Strong Motion by Jonathan Franzen is a novel that delves into the complexities of American society, family dynamics, relationships, and environmental issues. The story follows a cast of characters as they navigate personal struggles and confrontations amidst a backdrop of earthquakes in the Boston area. Franzen's writing style combines literary fiction with elements of mystery, offering readers a mix of vivid descriptions, psychological depth, and social commentary. The book intertwines themes of corporate malfeasance, feminism, environmental degradation, and the impact of human actions on the natural world.
In grade school she and her friends had played foursquare during recess, and when fights broke out in far corners of the playground, it usually turned out that the person whose face was being smashed ... - #4
Save:May We Be Forgiven by A.M. Homes is a darkly comic novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics and personal transformation. The story follows Harold Silver, a historian and Nixon scholar, whose life takes a drastic turn when his brother George is involved in a violent incident. As Harold navigates through a series of bizarre and often far-fetched situations, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, ultimately leading to the formation of a new kind of American family.
The book is characterized by its fast-paced plot filled with dark humor, unexpected twists, and a diverse cast of characters. A.M. Homes weaves together themes of love, loss, redemption, and the search for meaning in a modern world, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The warning sign: last year, Thanksgiving at their house. Twenty or thirty people were at tables spreading from the dining room into the living room and stopping abruptly at the piano bench. He was at... - #5
Save:Freedom by Jonathan Franzen is an epic novel that delves into the lives of the Berglund family - Patty, Walter, Joey, and Jessica, along with their friends and acquaintances. The story captures the complexities of relationships, midlife crises, teenage angst, and the struggles of suburban life. Franzen's writing style is described as astute, insightful, and engaging, with a focus on character development and psychological depth.
If Patty weren’t an atheist, she would thank the good Lord for school athletic programs, because they basically saved her life and gave her a chance to realize herself as a person. She is especially g... - #6
Save:'Crossroads' by Jonathan Franzen is a family drama set just before Christmas 1971, focusing on the Hildebrandt family. The novel explores the lives of the patriarch Russ, his wife Marion, and their four children - Clem, Becky, Perry, and Judson. Each family member is dealing with their own struggles and desires, leading to a complex web of relationships and personal dilemmas. The narrative delves into themes of religion, morality, faith, love, addiction, betrayal, and existential philosophy. The writing style is described as beautifully written, compelling, and immersive, with a strong focus on character development and domestic dynamics.
The plot of 'Crossroads' revolves around the Hildebrandt family, their individual journeys at personal crossroads, and the interconnected dynamics within the family and the church community. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of family relationships, spirituality, and the challenges of navigating life in the 1970s, creating a rich tapestry of characters and events. The author, Jonathan Franzen, presents a nuanced exploration of human behavior, morality, and the complexities of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of the Hildebrandt family's experiences.
The sky broken by the bare oaks and elms of New Prospect was full of moist promise, a pair of frontal systems grayly colluding to deliver a white Christmas, when Russ Hildebrandt made his morning roun... - #7
Save:'Look Homeward, Angel' by Thomas Wolfe is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of Eugene Gant, a young man growing up in the mountains of North Carolina in the early 1900s. The narrative delves into Eugene's boyhood and coming of age, exploring his complex family dynamics, his restless yearning for something more, and his struggle to find his place in the world. The writing style is described as ornate and rich, with detailed descriptions and flights of wordy fancy that capture the reader's imagination.
A destiny that leads the English to the Dutch is strange enough; but one that leads from Epsom into Pennsylvania, and thence into the hills that shut in Altamont over the proud coral cry of the cock, ... - #8
Save:'The Corrections' by Jonathan Franzen is a darkly funny novel that delves into the lives of the Lambert family, portraying their struggles and dynamics in a dysfunctional American family setting. The book follows the aging couple, Enid and Alfred, as they try to bring their three adult children together for a last Christmas, unraveling the failures, secrets, and buried hurts that haunt them. Through brilliant writing and vivid character portrayals, Franzen captures the essence of family life and suburbia, exploring themes of guilt, longing, and the complexities of relationships.
The madness of an autumn prairie cold front coming through. You could feel it: something terrible was going to happen. The sun low in the sky, a minor light, a cooling star. Gust after gust of disorde... - #9
Save:'Middlesex' by Jeffrey Eugenides is a multi-generational family saga that delves into the history of the Greek American Stephanides family, tracing their journey from a tiny village in Asia Minor to Prohibition-era Detroit and suburban Michigan. At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Cal, who navigates questions of gender identity, family secrets, and personal history. The narrative weaves together elements of history, mythology, and science, creating a rich tapestry of immigrant experiences, interwoven with themes of assimilation, discrimination, and the fluidity of identity.
Eugenides' writing style is described as mesmerizing, with a fast-paced and fascinating prose that keeps readers engaged from the first sentence. The novel is praised for its unique storytelling approach, blending humor and empathy to explore complex themes such as gender, family dynamics, and cultural heritage. The character development, especially that of Cal, is highlighted as a standout feature, with readers finding themselves deeply absorbed in the story and characters.
I was born twice: first, as a baby girl, on a remarkably smogless Detroit day in January of 1960; and then again, as a teenage boy, in an emergency room near Petoskey, Michigan, in August of 1974. Spe...
