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"The Riders" by Tim Winton follows the story of Fred Scully, a man whose wife mysteriously disappears, leaving him and their young daughter behind. Scully embarks on a journey across Europe in search of his wife, encountering various challenges and revelations along the way. The narrative explores themes of abandonment, grief, and the complexities of family relationships. Winton's writing style is described as dark, haunting, and gripping, with vivid descriptions of landscapes and characters that immerse the reader in the emotional turmoil of the protagonist.

If you liked The Riders, here are the top 12 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 12 
  1. #1

    The Bone People by Keri Hulme
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    'The Bone People' by Keri Hulme is a novel set in New Zealand that delves into themes of child abuse, dysfunctional families, and redemption. The story revolves around three unique characters - Kerewin, Joe, and Simon - who form an unconventional family unit despite their inner struggles and past traumas. The writing style is described as fluid, poetic, and evocative, blending elements of Maori culture, dreams, and real-world interactions to create a rich and immersive reading experience. The narrative skillfully weaves together emotional complexities, folklore, and harsh realities, ultimately exploring the themes of love, forgiveness, and the search for identity.

    The book is praised for its unique storytelling, complex character development, and the exploration of difficult yet important themes such as child abuse, isolation, and the human capacity for love and redemption. Despite its challenging content, 'The Bone People' is lauded for its rawness, emotional depth, and thought-provoking nature, leaving readers with a lot to contemplate long after finishing the book.

    Somebody's in the middle of a rambling drunken anecdote. A Maori, thickset, a working bloke with steel-toed boots, and black hair down to his shoulders. He's got his fingers stuck in his belt, and the...

  2. 'A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again' by David Foster Wallace is a collection of essays that cover a wide range of topics, from the mundaneness of life to the experiences on a Caribbean cruise. The essays are filled with insightful observations, humor, and a mix of highbrow and lowbrow commentary. The title essay, describing a luxury cruise, stands out as a highlight, capturing the weirdness and sheer brilliance of the experience.

    When I left my boxed township of Illinois farmland to attend my dad’s alma mater in the lurid jutting Berkshires of western Massachusetts, I all of a sudden developed a jones for mathematics. I’m star...

  3. #3

    The Shipping News by Annie Proulx
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    The Shipping News by Annie Proulx is a novel set in Newfoundland, following the story of Quoyle, a man who relocates to his ancestral home after a series of personal tragedies. The book delves into Quoyle's journey of self-discovery and redemption, as he navigates through the challenges of life in a small Newfoundland community. The writing style of the book has been described as atmospheric, with vivid descriptions of the harsh landscape and realistic dialogues that immerse readers into the setting.

    Hive-spangled, gut roaring with gas and cramp, he survived childhood; at the state university, hand clapped over his chin, he camouflaged torment with smiles and silence. Stumbled through his twenties...

  4. 'The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus' by Richard Preston is a gripping non-fiction book that delves into the origins and spread of the Ebola virus. The author presents the narrative in a thrilling and suspenseful manner, akin to a mystery novel, which captivates readers from the very first page. Through graphic descriptions and real-life accounts, Preston paints a terrifying picture of the deadly virus, leaving readers both fascinated and horrified by the potential implications of such outbreaks. The book explores the history of Ebola, detailing past incidents and outbreaks, while also shedding light on the scientific research and efforts to combat the virus.

    The writing style of Richard Preston in 'The Hot Zone' is described as intense, gripping, and immersive, making it a page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author effectively combines factual information about viruses and infectious diseases with a narrative that reads like fiction, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for a wide audience. By providing a detailed account of the Ebola virus and its impact on individuals and communities, Preston creates a sense of urgency and suspense that drives the story forward, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on readers.

    Charles Monet was a loner. He was a Frenchman who lived by himself in a little wooden bungalow on the private lands of the Nzoia Sugar Factory, a plantation in western Kenya that spread along the Nzoi...

  5. #5

    No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
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    "No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai is a bleak and introspective novel that delves into the life of Oba Yozo, a character struggling with feelings of alienation and disconnection from society. The book explores themes of loneliness, suicide, and existential dread through Yozo's eyes as he navigates a world where he feels like an outsider. The writing style is described as powerful and impactful, with a narrative that captures the protagonist's internal turmoil and despair in a poignant manner.

    I can’t even guess myself what it must be to live the life of a human being. I was born in a village in the Northeast, and it wasn’t until I was quite big that I saw my first train. I climbed up and d...

  6. #6

    Geek Love by Katherine Dunn
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    'Geek Love' by Katherine Dunn is a dark and twisted tale about a family of circus performers who resort to extreme measures to create new acts for their show. The story follows the lives of the Binewski family, who engineer their own physical deformities through drug use during pregnancy to produce a collection of freakish offspring. The narrative delves into themes of family dynamics, sibling rivalry, identity, creation, and the blurred lines between beauty and monstrosity. The writing style is described as vivid, imaginative, and hypnotic, perfectly matching the baroque and bizarre events that unfold within the story.

    “When your mama was the geek, my dreamlets,” Papa would say, “she made the nipping off of noggins such a crystal mystery that the hens themselves yearned toward her, waltzing around her, hypnotized wi...

  7. #7

    A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
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    "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara is a novel that delves into the lives of four men and their enduring friendship, with a focus on the character Jude who has survived significant abuse in his past. The book intricately portrays the struggles and relationships of the characters over time, leading readers through a rollercoaster of emotions from happiness to utter sadness. The author's writing style is described as immersive, intense, and at times, graphic, as it explores themes of love, trauma, and resilience in the face of adversity.

    THE ELEVENTH APARTMENT had only one closet, but it did have a sliding glass door that opened onto a small balcony, from which he could see a man sitting across the way, outdoors in only a T-shirt and ...

  8. #8

    And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
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    Ten people who don't know each other are invited by a Mr. Owen to spend their holidays on an island where there is nothing but a big mansion. After dinner a recording say them that in fact they are there to pay fot crimes they did in the past. The accusations are well founded and unable to leave the house, the guests are being killed off one by one in mysterious murder. The heartlessness of one particular character was the biggest surprise, and the figurine removal added to the tension. Each character struggles with their sordid past, while outwardly justifying themselves and denying guilt. The ten attempt to socialize and dine with one another, despite the fact that they know one of their number intends to murder them all.

    He went over in his mind all that had appeared in the papers about Soldier Island. There had been its original purchase by an American millionaire who was crazy about yachting—and an account of the lu...

  9. #9

    Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
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    Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a unique and thought-provoking novel that follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes unstuck in time. The story is told in a non-linear fashion, jumping between events such as the bombing of Dresden during World War II, Billy's childhood, hospitalization, and abduction by aliens. Vonnegut's writing style is a blend of dark humor, satire, and science fiction elements, creating a narrative that challenges the reader to question reality and the nature of war.

    All this happened, more or less. The war parts, anyway, are pretty much true. One guy I knew really was shot in Dresden for taking a teapot that wasn’t his. Another guy I knew really did threaten to h...

  10. #10

    The Secret History by Donna Tartt
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    'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is a suspenseful novel set in an exclusive university where a Classics study group decides to commit murder, reminiscent of Eleusinian mysteries. The story follows a group of eccentric and privileged college students who get entangled in a web of their own making, leading to chilling events and profound changes in their lives. The writing style is erudite, literary, and intriguing, with a focus on character development and relationships, creating an evocative and convincing setting.

    Does such a thing as 'the fatal flaw,' that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature? I used to think it didn't. Now I think it does. And I think that mine is this:...

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