Books Like...

"Death in Her Hands" by Ottessa Moshfegh follows the story of Vesta Gul, a 72-year-old widow who stumbles upon a mysterious note in the woods that suggests the murder of a woman named Magda. Instead of handing the note to the police, Vesta becomes obsessed with solving the mystery herself, delving deep into her imagination to create a detailed story surrounding Magda's life and death. As Vesta's obsession grows, the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, leading readers through a tale of isolation, imagination, and the unraveling of a lonely woman's mind. The narrative style is described as quirky, strange, and engaging, with a mix of dark humor and a haunting metaphysical suspense that keeps readers questioning what is real and what is not.

'Homesick for Another World' by Ottessa Moshfegh is a collection of dark and edgy short stories that delve into the lives of misfits and outcasts. The stories feature homely, unfortunate characters longing for better lives but never achieving them, often with no real resolution. Moshfegh's writing style is described as savage, raw, and disconcerting, with a focus on off-putting details that create a tawdry and depressing atmosphere, yet the stories are well-written and effective in conveying meaningful themes.

The book presents a range of odd, revolting, and flawed characters, each story offering a unique and perceptive look into the underbelly of humanity. Moshfegh's storytelling is darkly humorous, with elements of surrealism and grounded in everyday life, making the collection a compelling exploration of human nature through unconventional and twisted perspectives.

Little Marek, the abused and delusional son of the village shepherd, never knew his mother his father told him she died in childbirth. One of life's few consolations for Marek is his enduring bond with the blind village midwife, Ina, who suckled him as a baby, as she did so many of the village's children. Ina's gifts extend beyond childcare she possesses a unique ability to communicate with the natural world. Her gift often brings her the transmission of sacred knowledge on levels far beyond those available to other villagers, however religious they might be. For some people, Ina's home in the woods outside of the village is a place to fear and to avoid, a godless place. Among their number is Father Barnabas, the town priest and lackey for the depraved lord and governor, Villiam, whose hilltop manor contains a secret embarrassment of riches. The people's desperate need to believe that there are powers that be who have their best interests at heart is put to a cruel test by Villiam and the priest, especially in this year of record drought and famine. But when fate brings Marek into violent proximity to the lord's family, new and occult forces upset the old order. By year's end, the veil between blindness and sight, life and death, the natural world and the spirit world, civility and savagery, will prove to be very thin indeed.

'Eileen' by Ottessa Moshfegh is a dark and weird novel that follows the story of the titular character, Eileen, as she navigates her unhappy life living with her alcoholic father and working at a juvenile prison. The book is character-oriented, delving deep into Eileen's psyche and odd thoughts, creating a mysterious and uncomfortable atmosphere. The plot, although loose and non-linear, keeps the reader engaged by revealing Eileen's inner life and her impending departure from her small town.

The narrative style of 'Eileen' is described as absorbing, weird, and unsettling, resembling a psychological thriller with a strong focus on character development. The book explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and transformation, with unexpected twists and dark alleys that lead the reader through Eileen's disturbing journey towards self-discovery.

In 'Wild Nights!' by Joyce Carol Oates, the author delves into the final years of five renowned writers - Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), Henry James, and Ernest Hemingway. Oates weaves a collection of five short stories, each recreating the last days of these literary figures by incorporating little-known facts from their lives and emulating their unique writing styles. The result is a dark yet captivating exploration into the lives and minds of these literary greats, showcasing Oates' skill as a writer and her ability to embody the essence of each author she portrays.

Oates' 'Wild Nights!' is a creative tour de force, offering readers a glimpse into a parallel reality where the secret lives of poets and writers, from Dickinson to Poe to Hemingway, are brought to light. Through her unique storytelling, Oates not only captures the essence of each writer but also delves into their innermost thoughts and struggles, providing a truly engaging and thought-provoking read for those interested in literary fiction and the psychological depths of famous authors.

Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag is a novella that delves into the complexities of a family in India as they transition from poverty to riches due to sudden business success. The story explores how money can complicate family dynamics, leading to changes in individual characters and relationships. The narrative, set in Bangalore, portrays the impact of newfound wealth on the family's unity and values, with dark undertones and comparisons to Chekov's short stories. The book is praised for its concise storytelling, intricate portrayal of everyday life, and the nuanced exploration of how money can control people and relationships.

The novel "Pizza Girl" by Jean Kyoung Frazier follows the story of an 18-year-old pregnant pizza delivery girl who becomes obsessed with a woman named Jenny. Despite the heavy topics of addiction, pregnancy, and loneliness, the book manages to keep a light and quick pace, exploring themes of love, friendship, and modern ennui. The protagonist's internal monologue is lathered with intimate details, making the reader feel overwhelmed by her emotions as she navigates through a tumultuous period in her life.

The book delves into the protagonist's struggles with alcoholism, her complicated relationships with her mother and boyfriend, and her growing fixation on Jenny. Frazier's writing style is bold, honest, and unapologetic, portraying a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the protagonist's emotions and experiences as she grapples with desire, depression, and mental illness.

All Fours by Miranda July follows a 45-year-old woman grappling with her identity and sexuality as she approaches perimenopause. The story unfolds during a tumultuous road trip where the protagonist explores her desires and has an extramarital affair in a motel, reflecting a midlife crisis that blends humor with raw honesty. The writing is noted for its beauty and compelling descriptions, especially surrounding sexual desire, making it both funny and deeply insightful, though the graphic nature of the content may not be for everyone. The narrative captures the complexities of love, independence, and modern relationships while evoking a range of emotions that resonate with many women.

The novel 'One of the Boys' by Daniel Magariel is a harrowing and raw portrayal of abuse, family dynamics, and the impact of substance abuse on children. The story follows two young boys and their father as they move from Kansas to New Mexico after a messy divorce. The narrative, told through the eyes of the younger son, delves into the escalating abuse, manipulation, and dysfunction within the family as the father's drug addiction spirals out of control, leading to a disturbing and tragic revelation about their circumstances.

The writing style of the book is described as thought-provoking, raw, and utterly disturbing. The author, Daniel Magariel, presents a gripping story that delves deep into the complexities of familial relationships, the brutality that can occur behind closed doors, and the lasting impact of abuse on children. The narrative is intense, with a laconic prose that keeps the readers engaged and emotionally invested in the characters' struggles.

Eynhallow by Tim McGregor is a retelling of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, set on the remote Orkney Island. The plot centers on Agnes Tulloch, a young mother who becomes entangled in Victor Frankenstein's unsettling world as she serves him with her cooking and cleaning. The story explores her relationship with Victor and the harrowing consequences of his ambitions. Through her eyes, readers witness a dark twist on familiar themes as Agnes grapples with her feelings for Victor and the moral conflicts that arise from his experiments.

McGregor's writing is described as beautiful and captivating, perfectly matching the novel's bleak tone. The focus on Agnes as a sympathetic and well-developed character draws readers in, making them care deeply about her struggles. While some side characters may not be as carefully crafted, the novella's attention to detail and atmosphere keeps the narrative engaging. With a blend of horror that lies in human nature rather than physical monsters, Eynhallow delivers a fresh and intimate exploration of familiar characters and themes from the original Frankenstein, making it a must-read for fans of the classic.