Books Like...

Grief is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter is a poetic and inventive novella that explores the themes of death, loss, and grief through the perspectives of a father, his two young sons, and a crow. The book switches between voices, offering a unique blend of poetry, near poetry, and irregular fiction to portray the journey of a family coping with the sudden loss of their wife and mother. Through the presence of Crow, who acts as both a tormentor and a healer, the family navigates the complexities of grief, finding moments of raw emotion, dark humor, and profound love.

In the book 'Long Lankin' by Lindsey Barraclough, the story unfolds in 1958, where two sisters, Cora and Mimi, are sent to live with their great Aunt Ida in an eerie moated manor house in the village of Bryers Guerdon. As the girls settle in the isolated village, strange occurrences and the awakening of an evil presence in the marshes lead to a chilling tale of horror and mystery. The narrative alternates between different characters' points of view, adding layers of suspense and building an atmosphere of creepy folklore intertwined with supernatural elements.

The writing style in 'Long Lankin' is described as hauntingly beautiful, evoking a sense of rural England with its dark woods, abandoned churches, and mysterious folklore. The characters, particularly the children Cora and Roger, are portrayed as vivid and real, adding depth to the story as they navigate through the unsettling events surrounding Long Lankin, a malevolent supernatural villain from village superstition and witchcraft. The slow build of horror, the intricate plot development, and the atmospheric setting create a compelling gothic horror narrative that keeps readers engaged till the chilling climax.

The Hidden People by Alison Littlewood is a novel set in the 1870s that revolves around the murder of a young woman named Lizzie Higgs, mistaken for a fairy changeling by her husband and neighbors. The London cousin of Lizzie, Albie Mirralls, travels to Yorkshire to investigate her death, encountering a village deeply entrenched in ancient superstitions. The book combines genres like crime, fantasy, horror, and psychological thriller while exploring themes of rationality vs. superstition, gender roles, and class distinctions.

PINE by Francine Toon is a haunting tale set in a small Scottish town, focusing on themes of grief, alcoholism, and the supernatural. The story follows the mysterious disappearance of a woman, Christine, and the eerie events surrounding her daughter Lauren and their community. The narrative weaves together elements of folk horror, gothic thriller, and fantasy, creating a chilling atmosphere filled with ancient superstitions, unspeakable tragedies, and a sense of foreboding. Through intricate storytelling and well-developed characters, the author delves into the complexities of loss, mental instability, parental neglect, and the haunting presence of Christine's ghost, driving the plot towards a harrowing climax.

The writing style of PINE is described as evocative, atmospheric, and immersive, with a keen focus on detail and a skillful blend of earthly and unearthly elements. Toon expertly crafts a narrative that keeps readers on edge, uncovering layers of mystery and suspense while exploring the depths of human emotions and supernatural forces. The novel's setting in the Scottish Highlands adds to the haunting ambiance, with references to local folklore, eerie landscapes, and a sense of desolation that permeates the story, creating a compelling and spellbinding read.

White Pines by Gemma Amor is a genre-bending novel that follows the protagonist, Megan, as she inherits her grandmother's cottage on the Scottish coast. The story delves into themes of horror, isolation, folklore, and cosmic mysteries. Through intricate world-building and dynamic storytelling, Amor weaves a tale of self-discovery, supernatural encounters, and emotional turmoil, drawing readers into the atmospheric setting of the small town highland community of White Pines.

Amor's writing style in White Pines is described as rich, textured, and immersive, with a blend of mythology, folk horror, and cosmic elements. The narrative unfolds through a first-person perspective, allowing readers to experience the unfolding mystery alongside the relatable and complex protagonist, Megs. The book is praised for its cinematic qualities, evocative descriptions, and suspenseful pacing, culminating in a gripping tale that seamlessly transitions between genres while maintaining a strong focus on character development and emotional depth.

'Jane: A Murder' by Maggie Nelson is a haunting and intimate exploration of the life and tragic murder of Jane Nelson, the author's aunt. Through a mix of diary entries, poetry, found material, and reflections, the book paints a vivid portrait of Jane as a vibrant and intelligent woman whose life was cut short by a brutal crime. Nelson delves into the impact of Jane's murder on her family, the search for closure, and the complexities of grief across generations, creating a deeply moving and thought-provoking narrative.

The book combines elements of true crime, poetry, and memoir to offer a unique and multi-layered reading experience. Nelson's writing style is spare yet powerful, evoking a sense of empathy and contemplation as she navigates the heartbreaking story of her aunt's untimely death and the lasting effects it had on her family.

Follow Me to Ground is a dark and disturbing tale about Ada and her father, who are healers living outside a village. They have the ability to cure the locals by physically opening up their bodies and removing illnesses. The story unfolds with Ada falling in love with a young man named Samson, despite warnings from her father and Samson's sister. The narrative is described as a mix of horror, mythology, allegory, fairytale, and coming of age elements, creating an eerie and tense reading experience that delves into themes of humanity and feminist theory.

'The Wicker Man' by Robin Hardy and Anthony Shaffer is a novelization of the original film, providing a deeper exploration of the characters, mythology, and traditions of the Celtic past. The book delves into the story of Sergeant Howie, a devout Christian policeman, who finds himself in a mysterious and pagan community on the island of Summerisle. Through the book, readers gain a more profound understanding of Howie's character, his inner struggles, and the clash between Christianity and Paganism. The writing style is described as good, helping to enhance the mythic quality of the story and offering insights into the characters' motivations and actions.

Starve Acre by Andrew Michael Hurley follows Richard and Juliette Willoughby as they grapple with the grief of losing their young son, Ewan. Moving to an inherited home in the Moors, they encounter an insular and superstitious community while dealing with their own sorrow and the supernatural events surrounding their property. The narrative weaves between past and present, slowly revealing the eerie secrets of Starve Acre and the mysterious forces at play, culminating in a shocking conclusion that leaves readers haunted.