Books Like...
'Amsterdam' by Ian McEwan opens at a woman's funeral where two of her past lovers, Clive and Vernon, are discussing her death and loss. The two men, a publisher and a famous composer, agree to protect each other from a lingering painful death, leading to moral challenges and disapproval of each other's decisions. The plot revolves around the unethical actions of the characters, the absurd conclusion, and the questionable recipient of the Booker Prize, with readers expressing disappointment in the predictability of the storyline.
If you liked Amsterdam, here are the top 47 books to read next:
- #1
'Lessons' by Ian McEwan is a novel that delves into the randomness and messiness of life and relationships, drawing parallels to the author's own experiences. The story follows the life of the main character, Roland, over several decades, exploring his relationships with important women in his life and the profound impact of circumstances on his journey. Through intricate storytelling, the book weaves together themes of love, loss, regret, and the complexities of human connections, offering a deep exploration of life's unpredictable nature and the lessons learned along the way.
In 'Lessons', Ian McEwan masterfully captures the essence of life as circumstance, reminiscent of his acclaimed work 'Atonement'. The novel intricately portrays the evolution of Roland's character over 70 plus years, set against the backdrop of significant historical events, personal relationships, and the protagonist's internal struggles. Through a blend of beautiful prose, complex storylines, and deep character development, McEwan crafts a thought-provoking narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own life journeys and the lessons that shape their paths.
- #2
'Saturday' by Ian McEwan follows the protagonist, Dr. Henry Perowne, a neurosurgeon, through a day that starts with promise but turns nightmarish. The book delves into Perowne's inner thoughts, his interactions with his family, his reflections on life and consciousness, and the challenges he faces when a minor traffic accident leads to unexpected confrontations. The writing style is described as brilliant, with detailed passages that capture the complexities of human thought and emotion, set against the backdrop of post-9/11 London and the impending war in Iraq.
Some hours before dawn Henry Perowne, a neurosurgeon, wakes to find himself already in motion, pushing back the covers from a sitting position, and then rising to his feet. It's not clear to him when ... - #3
'The Innocent' by Ian McEwan is a gripping novel set in Cold War Berlin in the 1950s. The story follows Leonard, a British post office technician, who is assigned to a secret spy mission in collaboration with the Americans. As Leonard falls in love with Maria, a German divorcee, the plot takes a dark turn involving espionage, murder, and the consequences of their actions. The writing style of the book is described as detailed, suspenseful, and atmospheric, with a focus on the psychological development of the characters as they navigate through the complexities of love, guilt, and innocence.
It was Lieutenant Lofting who dominated the meeting. “Look here, Marnham. You’ve only just arrived, so there’s no reason why you should know the situation. It’s not the Germans or the Russians who are... - #4
'Assembly' by Natasha Brown is a short but powerful exploration of systemic institutional structures and their impact on the self. The book follows a Black woman navigating the corporate world of finance in England, shedding light on the sacrifices and struggles she faces in her journey towards success. Through the protagonist's perspective, the narrative delves into themes of racism, sexism, privilege, and the weight of inherited wealth acquired through colonialism. The writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and brutally blunt, with a unique structure of multiple narratives alternating to convey the protagonist's inner turmoil and societal observations.
Stop what, he said, we’re not doing anything. She wanted to correct him. There was no we. There was he the subject and her the object, but he just told her look, there’s no point getting worked up ove... - #5
The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan is a dark and disturbing tale about four children who are left orphaned after the death of their parents. Fearing separation by social services, the children decide to hide their mother's death by burying her in cement in the basement. The story delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of the siblings as they navigate grief, isolation, and ultimately descend into a twisted and incestuous relationship. McEwan's writing style is described as spare, creepy, and haunting, with a focus on exploring the lengths children may go to preserve their family in dire circumstances.
Living in a dilapidated suburban house, the children struggle to cope with their newfound independence and the dark secrets they harbor. The narrative is driven by the teenage boy, Jack, who harbors complex feelings of lust towards his sister Julie. The book is noted for its shocking and disturbing content, painting a bleak picture of familial relationships and moral decay in the face of tragedy. McEwan's debut novel is commended for its ability to captivate readers despite its unsettling subject matter, offering a chilling exploration of sibling power struggles, incest, and despair.
IDID NOT kill my father, but I sometimes felt I had helped him on his way. And but for the fact that it coincided with a landmark in my own physical growth, his death seemed insignificant compared to ... - #6
'On Chesil Beach' by Ian McEwan is a poignant and intimate portrayal of a newlywed couple, Edward and Florence, on their wedding night in 1962. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring themes of miscommunication, fear, and societal expectations. Through a series of memories and unfolding events, the author captures the emotional turmoil and struggles of the characters as they navigate their feelings and confront their past traumas. The writing style is described as beautiful, evocative, and deeply affecting, showcasing McEwan's ability to delve into the minds of ordinary people and depict their innermost thoughts and emotions with precision.
They were young, educated, and both virgins on this, their wedding night, and they lived in a time when a conversation about sexual difficulties was plainly impossible. But it is never easy. They had ... - #7
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes is a powerful and psychological novel that follows the reflections of a retiree, Tony Webster, as he delves into his past relationships and memories that clash with reality. The plot takes a twist when Tony is forced to reacquaint himself with his first girlfriend, Veronica Ford, after the death of a childhood friend. Through Tony's exploration of memory and relationships, the book unravels unexpected revelations and challenges the reliability of memories as he grapples with his past and the mysteries surrounding his early life.
We live in time—it holds us and moulds us—but I’ve never felt I understood it very well. And I’m not referring to theories about how it bends and doubles back, or may exist elsewhere in parallel versi... - #8
Mrs. Caliban is a novella that tells the story of Dorothy, a lonely housewife trapped in a passionless marriage and plagued by loss. Her life takes a surreal turn when a sea monster named Larry, who escaped from captivity, enters her life. Larry, a gentle and curious creature, forms a deep connection with Dorothy, providing her with companionship and understanding that she had been longing for. As their relationship evolves, secrets are revealed, societal facades are torn down, and Dorothy finds a renewed sense of happiness and purpose in her life.
The book is a blend of fantasy, social satire, and feminist fiction, exploring themes of grief, joy, agency, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Through sharp and austere prose, Rachel Ingalls crafts a story that captivates readers with its whimsical yet thought-provoking narrative. The novella delves into the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and the transformative power of love, all while maintaining a sense of enchantment and charm throughout.
Fred forgot three things in a row before he reached the front door on his way to work. Then he remembered that he had wanted to take the paper with him. Dorothy didn’t bother to say that she hadn’t fi... - #9
In the novella 'Foster' by Claire Keegan, the story revolves around a young Irish girl who is sent to live with relatives while her family awaits the birth of another child. The narrative beautifully captures the girl's experience of transitioning from her own troubled family to the welcoming and nurturing environment of the Kinsellas. Through subtle interactions and symbolic elements, the author delves into themes of love, family dynamics, and spiritual growth, offering a poignant exploration of the girl's journey towards understanding affection, trust, and a sense of belonging.
Keegan's writing style in 'Foster' is described as lyrical, poetic, and rich in detail. The novella's brevity, with carefully chosen words and metaphors, enhances the emotional depth of the story, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the girl's transformative summer with the foster family. The narrative unfolds gradually, revealing layers of meaning and inviting readers to contemplate the deeper spiritual and symbolic aspects woven into the seemingly simple plot.
Early on a Sunday, after first Mass in Clonegal, my father, instead of taking me home, drives deep into Wexford towards the coast where my mother’s people came from. It is a hot day, bright, with patc... - #10
"Defending Jacob" by William Landay is a gripping courtroom drama that delves into the accusation surrounding the 14-year-old son of the local Assistant District Attorney, who is suspected of murdering his middle school classmate. The story follows the unraveling of the Barber family as they face isolation, suspicion from the community, and the impact of the murder trial on their lives. Told from the viewpoint of Andy Barber, the assistant district attorney, the book navigates through multiple courtroom dramas, family dynamics, and the mystery surrounding the murder case.
The book raises thought-provoking questions about parental instincts, the lengths one would go to protect their child, and the complexities of family relationships. With unexpected twists and a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the end, "Defending Jacob" explores themes of doubt, belief in one's child, and the blurred lines between law and fatherhood, leaving readers to formulate their own opinions on the characters and the outcomes of the trial.
Mr. Logiudice: State your name, please. Witness: Andrew Barber. Mr. Logiudice: What do you do for work, Mr. Barber? Witness: I was an assistant district attorney in this county for 22 years. Mr. Logiu...