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Set in Montreal during the 1900s, 'The Lonely Hearts Hotel' by Heather O'Neill follows the intertwined journeys of two orphans, Rose and Pierrot, through their highs and lows, despairs, and love. The book is described as a sad and magical fairytale, with a moody, eccentric tale of two people drawn together as though by fate. The story centers around their complementary talents - Pierrot as a piano prodigy and Rose as a choreographer, navigating through the seedy underbelly of Montreal while holding onto their mutual dream of a real show. O'Neill's writing style is praised for its brilliance, rich and thoughtful words, and the unique balance of whimsy and depravity, creating a dark and sometimes magical fairytale experience for the readers.

If you liked The Lonely Hearts Hotel, here are the top 51 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill
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    The novel 'Lullabies for Little Criminals' by Heather O'Neill follows the story of Baby, a young girl growing up in Montreal with her drug-addicted father. The book delves into the harsh realities of Baby's life as she navigates the streets, facing neglect, abuse, and the challenges of adulthood at a tender age. Through poetic language and vivid descriptions, the author portrays Baby's resilience and ability to find glimpses of hope amidst the darkness of her circumstances.

    The narrative voice of Baby, a 12-year-old street child, captures the innocence and vulnerability of a young girl caught in a world of sleaziness, despair, and loneliness. The book explores themes of love, survival, and the search for affection, painting a poignant picture of a child trying to find her place in a harsh and unforgiving environment, all while maintaining a sense of authenticity and emotional depth.

    RIGHT BEFORE MY TWELFTH BIRTHDAY, my dad, Jules, and I moved into a two-room apartment in a building that we called the Ostrich Hotel. It was the first time I could remember taking a taxicab anywhere....

  2. #2

    Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter
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    Angela Carter's book, 'Nights at the Circus', takes readers on a whimsical journey from London to St. Petersburg and into Siberia, set in the year 1899. The story revolves around Fevvers, an aerialiste with seemingly magical wings, whose mystery captivates journalist Jack Walser. As the circus travels to Russia, Carter's characters, described as strange and verging on the insane, unfold their stories in a theatrical, magical, and compelling manner. The narrative weaves between showmanship and reality, blurring the lines with elements of magical realism, dreamlike sequences, and surreal events.

    The novel is praised for Angela Carter's smooth and lyrical writing style, creating a world where the impossible seems almost probable. The book challenges traditional aspects of fairytales, gender roles, and sexuality, offering a rich and layered narrative that is both grand and excessive, debauched and lavish. Despite some opinions on the uneven pacing and meandering plot, the book is commended for its unique storytelling, larger-than-life characters, and masterful deployment of language, making it a textual burlesque and a delightful read.

    "Lor' love you, sir!" Fevvers sang out in a voice that clanged like dustbin lids. "As to my place of birth, why, I first saw light of day right here in smoky old London, didn't I! Not billed the 'Cock...

  3. #3

    Mechanique: A Tale of the Circus Tresaulti by Genevieve Valentine
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    'Mechanique: A Tale of the Circus Tresaulti' by Genevieve Valentine is a unique story set in a post-apocalyptic world where a circus filled with mechanical people travels through a war-torn landscape. The plot revolves around the mysterious circus and its performers, each with their own secrets and abilities, while facing external threats from those who seek to unravel the magic behind their immortality. The writing style is described as dark, tense, and powerful, with beautiful imagery and tragic characters that create a vivid and captivating world.

    All of them are set to Panadrome’s music. He is the most complicated of all Boss’s machines—he is a true marvel—but one look at that human face above the mechanized band is enough for most. The music ...

  4. #4

    The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman
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    The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman is a heartbreaking and gripping novel that follows the story of Lilly, a young albino girl sold to the circus by her mother, and Julia, who uncovers family secrets as she inherits the Blackwood estate and horse farm. The book delves into themes of family, self-discovery, resilience, and the harsh realities of circus life in the 1930s and 1950s. The alternating chapters between Lilly and Julia create a compelling narrative that keeps the reader emotionally invested and engaged throughout the novel.

    The author, Ellen Marie Wiseman, skillfully weaves together the two timelines of Lilly and Julia, creating a suspenseful and emotional tale that explores the depths of human cruelty and compassion. The vivid descriptions of circus life, family secrets, and the characters' journeys towards understanding and redemption make for a compelling and thought-provoking read. Despite the dark themes of the book, the author's compassionate storytelling and attention to detail allow the reader to empathize with the characters and their struggles, ultimately leading to a satisfying and memorable reading experience.

    Nine-year-old Lilly Blackwood stood in the attic dormer of Blackwood Manor for what felt like the thousandth time, wishing the window would open so she could smell the outdoors. Tomorrow was her birth...

  5. #5

    The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
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    "The Stationery Shop" by Marjan Kamali is a touching novel that spans over 60 years, capturing the essence of young love, heartbreak, and romance amidst the backdrop of political turmoil in Iran and the United States. The story revolves around Roya, a teenager in Tehran who falls in love with Bahman amidst the upheaval of the 1950s, only to be separated and reunited six decades later. Through detailed characters and a slower-paced narrative, the book delves into themes of cultural expectations, identity, and the complexities of relationships, offering a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the impact of political conflict on personal lives.

    He came around and opened the car door because he was Walter, because he had been raised by a mother (Alice: kind, sweet, smelled of potato salad) who had taught him how to treat a lady. Because he wa...

  6. #6

    The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers
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    The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers is a dark fantasy historical fiction mystery that follows Lara Barnes as she delves into her family's past after her fiancé disappears on their wedding day, joining the ranks of other men who have mysteriously vanished before. Lara uncovers secrets tied to a circus painting and journals dating back to 1925, leading her to a world of mysteries, magic, and a Secret Circus. The plot intertwines past and present, revealing a captivating tale of love, self-discovery, sacrifice, and forgiveness, all set against the backdrop of a mystical circus that holds dark secrets and hidden connections to Lara's family history.

    The writing style of Constance Sayers in The Ladies of the Secret Circus is described as magical, whimsical, and captivating, with beautifully described settings that transport the readers to the enchanting world of Kerrigan Falls and the luscious velvet upholstery of the circus. The narrative weaves together multiple timelines and characters, creating a story that keeps readers guessing and theorizing, with moments of brilliance that evoke intrigue and mystery, making it a compelling and immersive read for fans of dark fantasy and historical fiction.

    It was the color of old bones. The intricate platinum beading dripped down the dress’s fitted bodice in a scrolled pattern. Mid-thigh, the long chiffon skirt emerged, sweeping the floor with a dramati...

  7. #7

    Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry
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    Set in late nineteenth-century New York, 'Church of Marvels' by Leslie Parry weaves together the lives of extraordinary characters facing dark and gritty challenges. From a night soiler discovering an abandoned baby to a woman searching for her missing sister, the novel delves into themes of family, loyalty, and the social impacts of disabilities. Parry's writing style is described as descriptive, lyrical, and atmospheric, transporting readers to a vivid and haunting world filled with unusual characters and unexpected twists.

    SYLVAN FOUND THE BABY ON A BALMY SUMMER NIGHT, WHEN he was digging out the privies behind a tenement on Broome Street. All night long the damp air had clung to his skin like a fever, and now, with onl...

  8. #8

    When We Lost Our Heads by Heather O'Neill
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    'When We Lost Our Heads' by Heather O'Neill is a tale that follows the intertwined lives of two women, Marie and Sadie, from childhood into adulthood. Set in Montreal and a boarding school in the UK in the late 1800s, the story delves into their complex relationship filled with jealousy, competition, and tragedy. The book explores themes of class, gender inequality, and oppression, portraying the lives of women on different layers of the economic spectrum during that era. O'Neill presents the narrative in a whimsical and fairy tale-like style, with explicit sexual scenes that evoke discomfort in some readers but also serve to address issues of gender roles and female oppression in society.


  9. #9

    A Son of the Circus by John Irving
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    A Son of the Circus by John Irving is a complex and captivating story that follows Dr. Farrokh Daruwalla, a man with connections to multiple murders and a penchant for detective stories. The narrative weaves through various settings, including Europe, Canada, and India, exploring themes of identity, immigration, and belonging. The book features a wide array of characters, from dwarfs and transvestites to actors and film stars, all intricately linked through a murder mystery that proves to be more than meets the eye.

    The writing style of A Son of the Circus is described as engaging and immersive, with intricate world-building and clever tangents that add depth to the plot. Readers praise the well-developed characters, the twisting storyline that keeps them engaged, and the way John Irving seamlessly combines elements of mystery, suspense, and cultural exploration in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    I’m going to begin by telling you about Miss Frost. While I say to everyone that I became a writer because I read a certain novel by Charles Dickens at the formative age of fifteen, the truth is I was...

  10. #10

    The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale
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    The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale is a captivating tale set in Papa Jack's Emporium, a magical toyshop that opens with the first frost and closes when the snowdrops bloom. The story follows Cathy Wray, a pregnant runaway who finds refuge in the Emporium and becomes entangled in the rivalry between Papa Jack's sons, Kaspar and Emil. As the narrative spans through World War I and II, themes of love, loyalty, and war are intricately woven into the plot, creating a mesmerizing blend of magic and darkness. The writing style is described as enchanting, with vivid characters and exceptional storytelling that evokes strong emotions and transports readers to a world where toys come alive and dreams become reality.

    The Emporium opens with the first frost of winter. It is the same every year. Across the city, when children wake to see ferns of white stretched across their windows, or walk to school to hear ice cr...

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