Books Like...
Readers describe "The Island of the Day Before" as a fictional historical biography set in the 17th century, involving a protagonist stranded between two islands on opposite sides of the international date line. The book delves into themes of memory, love, loss, and redemption, with a narrative that includes flashbacks, philosophical discussions, and historical information. The writing style is praised for being highbrow, well-written, and featuring continuous digressions akin to "Moby Dick."
If you liked The Island of the Day Before, here are the top 88 books to read next:
- #1
'Baudolino' by Umberto Eco is a historical fiction novel set in medieval times, following the life of the titular character, Baudolino, who is known for his storytelling abilities. The book delves into Baudolino's adventures, which intertwine with historical events such as the Crusades and his quest to find Prester John. The plot is filled with fantastical elements, philosophical discussions, and a mix of truth and lies, creating a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Eco's writing style is described as creative, humorous, and engaging, with intricate world-building and a mix of historical accuracy and mythical storytelling.
ego habeo facto the greatest stealing of my life, I mean from the cabbinet of the Bishop Oto I have stollen many pages that may belong to the Immperial Chancellor and I have scraped clean almost all o... - #2
The Prague Cemetery by Umberto Eco is a historical novel depicting the life of an Italian forger and spy, Captain Simonini. The story revolves around Simonini's involvement in the creation of the controversial Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a document that fueled anti-Semitic sentiments leading up to the Holocaust. The book is set in the mid-1800s and includes real historical figures like Dr. Freud, exploring themes of conspiracy, anti-Semitism, and political manipulation.
The narrative style of The Prague Cemetery is intricate and dense, with a focus on historical accuracy and detailed storytelling. The book delves into the dark side of European history, touching on themes of anti-Judaism, anti-Masonic movements, Satanism, and murder. Eco weaves together a complex plot that incorporates real events and people, creating a portrait of a despicable character who plays a significant role in spreading hatred and corruption through forgery and manipulation.
A passerby on that gray morning in March 1897, crossing, at his own risk and peril, place Maubert, or the Maub, as it was known in criminal circles (formerly a center of university life in the Middle ... - #3
'The Oxford Murders' by Guillermo Martinez is a murder mystery set in Oxford, involving an Argentine mathematician who gets entangled in a series of murders that are linked to mathematical sequences. The plot revolves around deciphering cryptic clues left at the crime scenes and uncovering the pattern behind the killings. The writing style incorporates elements of mathematics and logic, making it an intellectually stimulating read for those interested in the intersection of math and mystery. While the characters and the mystery itself may have received mixed reviews, the book keeps the reader engaged through its clever plot twists and the unique angle of incorporating mathematical theories into a murder investigation.
Now that the years have passed and everything's been forgotten, and now that I've received a terse e-mail from Scotland with the sad news of Seldom's death, I feel I can break my silence (which he nev... - #4
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 SEALED ENVELOPE is an enigma containing further enigmas. This particular one was of the large, bulky manila variety with the name of the laboratory stamped in the lower left-hand corner. And, as she... - #5
The book follows Yambo, a rare book dealer who wakes up with amnesia, unable to remember his own life but can recall every book he's ever read. He embarks on a journey to reconstruct his memories by delving into his childhood books, records, and drawings, exploring Italian life during the 1930s and 1940s. The narrative intertwines Yambo's personal quest for identity with historical events and cultural artifacts, creating a rich tapestry of memories and self-discovery. The writing style is described as detailed, meandering, and at times overwhelming with extensive references to literature and cultural elements, while also incorporating illustrations to enhance the storytelling experience.
I felt as if I had awoke from a long sleep, and yet I was still suspended in a milky gray. Or else I was not awake, but dreaming. It was a strange dream, void of images, crowded with sounds. As if I c... - #6
"Foucault's Pendulum" by Umberto Eco is a complex and intricate novel that delves into conspiracy theories, history, religion, and the occult. The story follows three friends who create a ridiculous theory that begins to take on a life of its own, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The book weaves together elements of mystery, fact, fiction, and mythology, creating a dense and thought-provoking narrative that challenges the reader's intellect and perception of the world.
The writing style of Umberto Eco in "Foucault's Pendulum" is described as dense, challenging, and rich in detail. The novel is praised for its historical depth, intellectual underpinnings, and intricate plot that explores themes of conspiracy, hermeticism, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Eco's ability to merge conspiracy theories with real historical events and secret societies creates a compelling and engaging narrative that invites readers to delve deep into the complexities of the story.
I knew—but anyone could have sensed it in the magic of that serene breathing—that the period was governed by the square root of the length of the wire and by IT, that number which, however irrational ... 'How to Travel with a Salmon and Other Essays' by Umberto Eco is a collection of short articles and essays that offer a humorous and insightful look at various aspects of modern life. From witty commentary on gadgets and technology to humorous anecdotes about daily experiences, Eco's writing style blends intelligence with humor. The essays cover a wide range of topics, including rejection letters, gadgets like the Electric Nose Hair Remover, and advice on dealing with the absurdities of the modern world. Eco's writing is described as light, quirky, and filled with moments of laughter and wit.
In May of 1981, as I was passing through Amsterdam, I lost my wallet (or it was stolen: there are thieves even in Holland). It contained only a small amount of money, but a number of documents and car...- #8
'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a medieval murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery where Brother William of Baskerville investigates charges of heresy as monks begin to die one by one. The book delves into the complexities of religious factions, beliefs, and conflicts during a time of political and religious unrest, with a central mystery surrounding rare parchments in the library. Eco's writing style combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and intellectual discourse, exploring themes of doubt, belief, signs, meaning, and ambiguity.
ON AUGUST 16, 1968, I WAS HANDED A BOOK WRITTEN BY A CERTAIN Abbé Vallet, Le Manuscrit de Dom Adson de Melk, traduit en français d’après l’édition de Dom J. Mabillon (Aux Presses de l’Abbaye de la Sou... - #9
This novel by Emma Donoghue follows the journey of three monks who settle on Skellig Michael, with the landscape itself becoming a powerful character in the story. The plot revolves around the monks' struggles with faith, reason, obedience, and survival under the strict leadership of Prior Artt. Donoghue's writing style is described as engaging, detailed, and emotional, drawing readers into the characters' lives and the harsh realities of their isolated existence.
- #10
'The Invention of Morel' by Adolfo Bioy Casares is a novella set on an imaginary, nameless island where a criminal fugitive hides from its inhabitants. The story unfolds as the narrator falls in love with a mysterious woman named Faustine and uncovers the eternal secret that binds all to the island. The book delves into themes of love, immortality, and the blurred lines between reality and unreality, all while maintaining a sense of mystery and suspense. The writing style is described as clever, eerie, and reminiscent of early science fiction, with flashes of inspiration that keep the reader engaged throughout the tale.
ArOUND 1880 Stevenson noted that the adventure story was regarded as an object of scorn by the British reading public, who believed that the ability to write a novel without a plot, or with an infinit...