Books Like...

Basil's War by Stephen Hunter is a WWII spy novel that follows Captain Basil St. Florian, a member of the British Army with unique skills, as he embarks on a dangerous mission against the Nazis. Dispatched to France to uncover a mole in Cambridge, St. Florian finds himself entangled in a web of espionage, code-breaking, and foreign agents on British soil. The story is filled with twists and turns, leading St. Florian on a quest for a mysterious ecclesiastic document that could impact the outcome of the war in Europe.

Hunter's writing style in Basil's War is described as a mix of derring-do adventure and historical accuracy, capturing the scene and cadence of the WWII era. The novel blends elements of spy thriller, comedy, and light-hearted romp, creating a fast-paced and compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The Bridge Over the River Kwai is a World War II novel that explores the horrors faced by Allied POWs while building the infamous Burma railway under Japanese captivity. The book delves into the clash of cultures between the 'West' and 'East', touching on themes of nationalism, Western superiority, and the complexities of human relationships during wartime. The narrative focuses on the character of Colonel Nicholson, an English army officer, and his complex dynamic with his captor, Colonel Saito, as they navigate duty, honor, and survival in the face of adversity.

"Munich" by Robert Harris is a historical thriller set during the Munich Conference of 1938, focusing on the events leading up to the agreement signed by Chamberlain and Hitler. The story follows the perspectives of two men who were once friends at Oxford, now involved in diplomatic services, as they navigate the tense negotiations and intrigue surrounding the peace efforts in Munich. Despite the well-known historical outcome, the author masterfully builds tension and suspense, offering a gripping portrayal of the heightened political climate of the time.

The Flanders Panel by Arturo Perez-Reverte is a murder mystery novel intertwined with the world of art and chess. The story follows Julia, an art restorer, who uncovers a hidden inscription on a 15th-century painting, leading to a complex puzzle involving a chess game depicted in the artwork. As Julia delves deeper into the painting's history, she becomes entangled in a contemporary murder mystery, where the past and present collide in a suspenseful and intricate plot. The narrative style combines elements of mystery, art history, chess, and psychological analysis, creating a multi-layered and engaging story that keeps readers guessing until the end.

'A Parrot in the Pepper Tree' by Chris Stewart is the second installment in the series 'Driving Over Lemons'. It follows Chris Stewart's adventures living in a remote area of Andalucia with his wife Ana and daughter Chloe. provides a delightful and humorous insight into their life on a traditional small farm called El Valero. Stewart's writing style is light and engaging, making it an easy and entertaining read. The narrative captures the cultural gaffes, idiosyncrasies, and challenges of the peasant farm way of life, bringing the characters and locations to life.

"The Bridges at Toko-Ri" by James A. Michener is a novella set during the Korean War, focusing on the heroic Naval aviators of Task Force 77. The story follows protagonist LT Harry Brubaker, a pilot called back to duty despite his reluctance, as he embarks on a dangerous mission to bomb the crucial bridges at Toko-Ri. The book delves into themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war, while vividly depicting carrier operations and the challenges faced by military personnel during combat.

'The Gustav Sonata' by Rose Tremain is a story that spans different time periods in Switzerland, depicting the lives of two friends, Gustav and Anton, from childhood to middle age. The novel delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, trauma, and the impact of historical events, such as World War II and Switzerland's neutrality. The author skillfully weaves together the characters' emotional journeys with the historical backdrop, creating a multi-layered and engrossing plot that explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

Les Centurions by Jean Larteguy is a novel that delves into the defeat of French paratroopers at Dien Bien Phu and their subsequent actions during the Algerian War. The book provides insights into the French Army's perspective on the conflicts, highlighting their experiences in Vietnam and Algeria. It also explores the societal dynamics of French, Vietnamese, and Algerian communities during the mid-1950s, offering a multi-faceted view of the era's political and ethical challenges in modern warfare.

The narrative follows a group of French paratroopers from their capture at Dien Bien Phu, through their internment by the Vietminh, to their involvement in the Algerian conflict. Through a diverse cast of characters, the book addresses themes of warfare, colonialism, and insurgency, shedding light on the moral complexities and strategic dilemmas faced by soldiers and societies in the midst of geopolitical turmoil.

During World War II in occupied Paris, an architect named Lucien Bernard is hired to design secret hiding places for Jews, while also working on projects for the Nazis. The book explores the moral dilemmas faced by individuals on both sides of the conflict, portraying the culture of fear and the complex decisions made by the characters. The story follows Lucien's journey as he navigates between survival, compassion, and the harsh realities of war-torn Paris.

Empires of Sand by David Ball is a historical adventure fiction novel set in the 19th century, dividing its narrative between Paris and the Sahara during the Franco-Prussian War. The book follows French protagonists through a tale of action, love, and cultural narrative, immersing readers in a world of intrigue, deception, and forbidden love on an exotic stage. The writing style is described as old-school adventure with a vibe reminiscent of stories like Indiana Jones, focusing on detailed historical events and rich character development.