Books Like...
'The Hotel New Hampshire' by John Irving is a novel that follows the eccentric Berry family as they navigate through life's tragedies and triumphs. The story is set in hotels in New Hampshire and Vienna, where the family faces a range of bizarre and often disturbing situations. The novel features quirky characters like Franny, John, Frank, Lilly, Egg, and a pet bear, all of whom are richly developed and evoke a mix of emotions in the reader.
The writing style in 'The Hotel New Hampshire' is described as funny, sad, and quirky, with a touch of surrealism. John Irving presents a narrative that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, blending elements of humor and tragedy seamlessly. The novel explores taboo topics such as rape, incest, terrorism, and death, all while maintaining a whimsical and imaginative tone.
If you liked The Hotel New Hampshire, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'The World According to Garp' by John Irving is a novel that follows the life of T.S. Garp, exploring his journey through happy moments followed by tragedies, making readers both sympathize and despise the character. The book delves into complex themes such as feminism, single parenting, marital affairs, and societal issues, all while showcasing Irving's unique storytelling style that blends humor, compassion, and eccentricity.
Irving's narrative weaves a rich tapestry of quirky characters, extreme situations, and bizarre incidents that range from laugh-out-loud funny to incredibly sad. The protagonist, T.S. Garp, is a writer whose life mirrors the wacky stories he creates. The novel is a mix of humor, tragedy, and classic storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is both eccentric and deeply human.
John Irving, a highly imaginative storyteller whose fictional values and narrative techniques have invited comparison with Charles Dickens and other popular nineteenth-century novelists, was born in E... - #2
Save:The Cider House Rules by John Irving is a rich and complex novel that delves into themes of abortion, orphanages, migrant workers, and incestuous rape. Set in rural Maine in the early 20th century, the story follows Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and abortionist, and his favorite orphan, Homer Wells, who is torn between different perspectives on abortion. The book explores the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate through challenging situations, all while dealing with everyday tedium in a compelling narrative style that absorbs the reader into the setting.
A child of Maine, Wilbur Larch was born in Portland in 186_—the son of a sullen, tidy woman who was among the staff of cooks and housekeepers for a man named Neal Dow, the mayor of Portland and the so... - #3
Save:'A Widow for One Year' by John Irving is a complex novel that follows the life of Ruth, a character who experiences a range of emotions and events from childhood to adulthood. The story delves into Ruth's relationships, struggles, and personal growth, portraying her as a multifaceted individual dealing with grief, love, and the complexities of life. The narrative weaves together different timelines and perspectives, offering a rich and detailed exploration of Ruth's journey as a child, writer, mother, and lover. Despite some flaws in cohesion, the book is praised for its interesting storytelling, deep character development, and the way it captures the essence of Ruth's life through various stages.
The novel is noted for its intricate storytelling, rich details, and compelling characters that drive the plot forward. Readers appreciate the depth and complexity of the narrative, which combines elements of love, mystery, and real-life drama. The book explores themes of family dysfunction, grief, abandonment, loyalty, and the unpredictable nature of life. John Irving's writing style is described as funny, outrageous, and sad, with a knack for creating vivid characters and engaging storylines that keep readers invested in Ruth's tumultuous life journey.
A salesgirl who was also a waitress had been found dead in her apartment on Jarvis, south of Gerrard. It was an apartment within her means, but only because she had shared it with two other salesgirls... - #4
Save:'Last Night in Twisted River' by John Irving is a multi-generational tale that follows the life of Daniel Bacigalupo and his father Dominic. The story revolves around a tragic incident where Daniel accidentally kills Injun Jane, leading to a lifelong pursuit by her violent boyfriend, Cowboy. The narrative spans over 50 years, exploring themes of family, escape, and the consequences of accidents. Irving's writing style weaves together reality and fiction, showcasing the growth of Daniel as an author and offering insights into the author's own writing process.
THE YOUNG CANADIAN, WHO COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE than fifteen, had hesitated too long. For a frozen moment, his feet had stopped moving on the floating logs in the basin above the river bend; he’d sli... - #5
Save: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... - #6
Save:'A Prayer for Owen Meany' by John Irving is a novel that follows the story of two young boys, Owen Meany and John Wheelwright, growing up in Gravesend, New Hampshire. The pivotal moment in the story occurs when a foul ball hit by one of the boys during a Little League baseball game results in the death of the other boy's mother. This event sets off a chain of extraordinary occurrences, with Owen Meany believing himself to be an instrument of God and having unwavering faith in his destiny. The novel beautifully portrays their friendship, the mysteries surrounding Owen Meany's fate and John Wheelwright's paternity, and delves into themes of faith, God, fate, and predestination.
John Irving's writing style in 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' is described as roomy, intelligent, exhilarating, and darkly comic, reminiscent of Dickensian scope. The novel features unforgettable characters, such as the titular character Owen Meany, who is small in stature but full of confidence and foresight. The story weaves together powerful themes of predestination and faith with compelling characters and a rare sense of humor, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.
I AM DOOMED to remember a boy with a wrecked voice-not because of his voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because ... - #7
Save:"The Fourth Hand" by John Irving is a novel that follows the story of Patrick Wallingford, a journalist who loses his hand to a lion and undergoes a hand replacement surgery. The book explores themes of love, life, and responsibilities, while delving into the eccentricities of its characters. The plot is set against real-life events, offering a satirical portrayal of the news media and its portrayal of sensational stories. The writing style combines wit, oddities, and moments of humor, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
As a schoolboy, he was a promising student, a fair-minded and likable kid, without being terribly original. Those classmates who could remember the future hand recipient from his elementary-school day... - #8
Save:"Hotel" by Arthur Hailey is a compelling story set in a high-end hotel in New Orleans during the 1960s. The plot revolves around the assistant manager's challenges in running the hotel without proper authority, providing insights into the intricate workings of a large hotel. intricately weaves together various personal dramas, public events, and private interactions among a diverse cast of characters, creating a vivid cultural portrait of the era. Hailey's detailed descriptions of the hotel's operations and the character-driven narrative make the story engaging and immersive, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the hospitality industry.
If he had had his way, Peter McDermott thought, he would have fired the chief house detective long ago. But he had not had his way and now, once more, the obese ex-policeman was missing when he was ne... - #9
Save:Edith Hope, a romance writer, finds herself at the Hotel du Lac in Switzerland, sent away by friends to reflect on her recent scandalous behavior. The book delves into Edith's observations of the other guests at the hotel, her internal struggles, and her journey towards making a life-changing decision. Anita Brookner's writing style is described as exquisite, introspective, and evocative, focusing on the musings of the protagonist and the interactions with the eccentric characters she encounters.
From the window all that could be seen was a receding area of grey. It was to be supposed that beyond the grey garden, which seemed to sprout nothing but the stiffish leaves of some unfamiliar plant, ... - #10
Save:In 'The Glass Hotel' by Emily St. John Mandel, the plot revolves around a highroller's Ponzi scheme and its aftermath, with the focus on the interconnected lives of various characters. The narrative shifts between different narrators and timelines, exploring themes of money, beauty, wealth, and loss against the backdrop of a luxury hotel in Western Canada. The writing style is described as hauntingly dreamlike, with intricate storytelling that weaves together past and present, creating a complex yet engrossing tapestry of imagery and language.
2 Sweep me up. Words scrawled on a window when I was thirteen years old. I stepped back and let the marker drop from my hand and still I remember the exuberance of that moment, that feeling in my ches...
