Books Like...

'Pure Colour' by Sheila Heti is a novel that challenges traditional storytelling structures, delving into themes of life philosophy, existentialism, and metaphysical speculations. The book follows the character Mira on a journey filled with heart, grief, humor, and complex thoughts about existence. Through innovative writing, Heti explores the concept of creation attempts by a dissatisfied God, leading to reflections on the purpose of human existence and the possibility of a second draft of reality.

The novel 'Build Your House Around My Body' by Violet Kupersmith is a slow burn puzzle of a mystery that combines Vietnamese mythology and folklore. The story follows Winnie, an American with a Vietnamese father, as she becomes involved in a complex web of family history, Vietnamese society, magic, and horror. The narrative skillfully weaves together multiple timelines, exploring themes of colonialism, trauma, and revenge against the backdrop of Vietnam. The book is described as a masterful novel with a haunting atmosphere, vivid descriptions of settings, and deeply written female characters.

'The Memory Theater' by Karin Tidbeck is a collection of dark and imaginative fairy tale vignettes that are described as distinctive, visually focused, and thematically rich. The book is likened to a blend of Grimm's fairy tales and Tim Burton's style, creating a world that is beautiful, horrifying, and haunting. The narrative follows children Dora and Thistle as they navigate a world filled with evil adults, magical creatures, and dark adventures.

The writing style in 'The Memory Theater' is praised for its spellbinding, lyrical prose and richly imagined worlds. Tidbeck's ability to create sharp and vibrant characters, along with poignant emotional adventures, adds depth to the story. The book is noted for its brevity, yet it manages to encompass all necessary elements within its 183 pages, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott is a captivating novel that weaves together Russian folklore, Jewish history, and modern-day storytelling. The story follows siblings, Bellatine and Isaac Yaga, who inherit a mysterious house on chicken legs from their great grandmother. As they embark on a journey with Thistlefoot, they encounter malevolent entities and delve into their family's past, all while exploring themes of bearing witness and preserving memory. Nethercott's writing style is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into a world that blends fantasy with reality, creating a fairytale that resonates with themes of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

'Prague' by Arthur Phillips is a novel that follows the lives of five American expatriates living in Budapest in the spring of 1990 after the Velvet Revolution. The book delves into themes of ennui, homesickness, culture shock, and the complexities of being young and restless in a foreign country. The writing style of Arthur Phillips is described as exquisite, evocative, and expertly weaving the story of Budapest's past into the lives of the characters.

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.

"A Little Love Story" by Roland Merullo is a beautifully written novel that follows the love story of two main characters over the course of less than 3 months. Despite the quick timeline, the deep connection between the characters makes it feel like they have been involved for a much longer time. The book is set in Boston and features real and relatable characters, with the writing style described as almost poetic in many passages. The plot is a mix of sad, funny, romantic, and bittersweet moments, creating a captivating and emotional narrative.

'The Green Knight' by Iris Murdoch revolves around a complex web of relationships and events involving characters like Lucas, Clement, Bellamy, Louise Anderson, and her three daughters. The story explores themes of love, redemption, madness, and mysticism, all woven into a narrative that is sometimes funny and magically real. Set in England, the book features attempted murder, mysterious interventions, and a sense of impending loss that adds an odd edge to the plot.