Books Like...
Set in Victorian England, "The Essex Serpent" by Sarah Perry follows the story of Cora Seaborne, a widow who is determined to forge her own path in a time of changing social norms. The novel intricately weaves together themes of superstition, religion, science, and women's rights, all set against the backdrop of the Victorian era. As Cora navigates her newfound freedom, she becomes entangled in a web of relationships with a diverse cast of characters, from the vicar and his wife to a surgeon and a Marxist assistant. The narrative unfolds in the Essex countryside, where rumors of a mysterious sea serpent add an element of suspense and intrigue to the story.
If you liked The Essex Serpent, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Sarah Perry's 'Melmoth' is a haunting tale that weaves together the stories of translator Helen Franklin and her encounters with the mythical figure of Melmoth. Set in Prague, the novel delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and human brokenness, as Helen is drawn into the dark legend of Melmoth, a ghostly woman who bears witness to the cruelty of humanity throughout history. Through accounts of various characters who have crossed paths with Melmoth, the narrative unfolds in a blend of present-day events and historical tales, building towards a powerful and evocative ending that leaves the reader haunted by the characters' stories.
My name is Josef Adelmar Hoffman. This was my father’s name, and the name of my father’s father. I was born in 1926, in a village east of the River Eger, in the independent state of Czechoslovakia. Th... - #2
Set in 1870s London, "The Crimson Petal and the White" follows the lives of various characters navigating the stark realities of both poverty and wealth during the Victorian era. The story revolves around Sugar, a prostitute striving to improve her circumstances, and William, a complex character whose actions disappoint and intrigue readers. Michel Faber's writing style immerses readers in the sights and sounds of London, offering a detailed portrayal of the time period.
Watch your step. Keep your wits about you; you will need them. This city I am bringing you to is vast and intricate, and you have not been here before. You may imagine, from other stories you’ve read,... - #3
Affinity by Sarah Waters is a dark and atmospheric novel set in Victorian London, focusing on the unlikely relationship between Margaret Prior, a spinster recovering from a nervous breakdown, and Selina Dawes, a convicted medium in Millbank prison. The story unfolds through diary entries, revealing the complex dynamics between the characters and the suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged until the surprising ending. Waters' writing style captures the mood of the era and delves into themes of spiritualism, forbidden relationships, and societal constraints, creating a gripping and authentic narrative that explores themes of love, obsession, and deception.
Pa used to say that any piece of history might be made into a tale: it was only a question of deciding where the tale began, and where it ended. That, he said, was all his skill. And perhaps, after al... - #4
Possession by A.S. Byatt is a novel that intricately weaves together the stories of two contemporary literary scholars who uncover a hidden love affair between two Victorian poets. Through letters, journals, and poems, the scholars delve into the mystery of the poets' relationship, while also reflecting on their own connections. The book combines elements of romance, academia, and literary criticism, creating a multi-layered narrative that explores themes of passion, possession, and the power of language. Byatt's writing style is described as rich, textured, and engaging, with the inclusion of poetry and multiple writing forms adding depth to the storytelling.
If you fight or question she will toss you on the thorns and it will go ill with you before you come out of there. If she will take you, you will be set down in a bare heath, on a great stone, which i... - #5
'Remarkable Creatures' by Tracy Chevalier is a historical fiction novel that brings to life the story of Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot, two women who were pioneers in the field of paleontology during the 19th century. The book explores the challenges they faced as female fossil hunters, the societal expectations they defied, and the deep bond that formed between them as they navigated a male-dominated scientific community. Through alternating chapters, the voices of Mary and Elizabeth provide a rich narrative that intertwines themes of friendship, scientific discovery, societal norms, and religious beliefs. The book beautifully captures the essence of a time when the clash between science and religion was at its peak, while shedding light on the remarkable achievements of these two women.
Lightning has struck me all my life. Just once was it real. I shouldn’t remember it, for I was little more than a baby. But I do remember. I was in a field, where there were horses and riders performi... - #6
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd is a Victorian supernatural mystery following Bridie Devine, a flame-haired detective in London, as she investigates the kidnapping of a strange and supernatural child. With the help of her unusual entourage including a seven-foot housekeeper and the ghost of a tattooed boxer, Bridie navigates through a dark and atmospheric world filled with folklore, oddities, and mysteries from the past.
The narrative of Things in Jars shifts between two timelines, exploring Bridie's investigations into the missing child as well as her complex relationships with her companions. Set in a magical realism version of Victorian England, the book weaves together elements of myth, anatomy, and specimen collecting, creating a richly atmospheric tale that delves into the supernatural while maintaining a compelling mystery at its core.
The raven levels off into a glide, flight feathers fanned. Slick on the rolling level of rising currents and down-draughts, she turns her head, this way and that. To her black eye, as black as pooled ... - #7
"The Signature of All Things" by Elizabeth Gilbert is a historical novel that spans generations, focusing on the life of Alma Whittaker, a woman ahead of her time in the 19th century. The story follows Alma's journey of self-discovery through her passion for botany, particularly mosses, while navigating themes of love, family, and scientific exploration. The narrative delves into Alma's relationships, adventures, and inner struggles, painting a vivid portrait of a complex and compelling protagonist. The writing style is described as lush, detailed, and engaging, drawing readers into Alma's world of intellect, curiosity, and growth.
For the first five years of her life, Alma Whittaker was indeed a mere passenger in the world—as we all are passengers in such early youth—and so her story was not yet noble, nor was it particularly i... - #8
Gracie, the protagonist, lives a lonely life on the run after her parents' indiscretions with a cartel forced her into hiding. When a superhero named The Defender crashes into her yard, injured and grumpy, Gracie takes him in, risking her carefully constructed world. As their relationship evolves, they discover commonalities and unearth the true reason behind The Defender's arrival. The story unfolds in a modern world where superhero figures coexist with ordinary individuals, blending elements of romance and superheroism in a slow-burn narrative style.
Grimacing, I pressed my hand against my abdomen as I tried to stop panting… but fuck, that didn’t feel right. It wasn’t a cramp. It was a twisty kind of pain that made me push my hand harder against m... - #9
'Sleep Pale Sister' by Joanne Harris is a gothic novel set in Victorian England, telling the story of a painter, Henry Chester, who marries his favorite model, Effie. The book explores themes of lust, drugs, madness, revenge, and murder, with a narrative that is described as dreamlike and murky. The plot unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, revealing dark secrets, obsessions, and a chilling high gothic tale.
DON’T LOOK AT me that way – I can’t bear it! You’re thinking how much I have changed. You see the young man in the picture, his clear, pale brow, curling dark hair, his untroubled eyes – and you wonde... - #10
"Jamaica Inn" by Daphne du Maurier is a gothic novel set in Cornwall, featuring the young protagonist Mary Yellan who goes to live with her aunt and uncle at the eerie Jamaica Inn after her mother's death. The inn, once a respectable place, is now home to evil deeds and mysterious characters like smugglers and thieves. Mary uncovers dark secrets and must navigate through a suspenseful and atmospheric plot filled with danger and intrigue. The writing style is described as suspenseful, dark, and powerful, with vivid descriptions of the Cornish moors and a gothic atmosphere reminiscent of classic literature.
It was a cold gray day in late November. The weather had changed overnight, when a backing wind brought a granite sky and a mizzling rain with it, and although it was now only a little after two o’clo...