Books Like...

'The Beauty of Humanity Movement' by Camilla Gibb is a beautifully written novel that delves into the history of Vietnam, moving back and forth between different time periods like the French colonial period, the war with America, and the present. The story revolves around Old Man Hung, an unchanging center of the novel, whose memories tie together a group of artists, writers, and their descendants, offering a moving experience to those seeking to understand the history of North Vietnam. Through well-developed characters and rich storytelling, the book explores themes of family, loyalty, art, and resilience in the face of political upheaval.

The novel "As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow" by Zoulfa Katouh is a heartbreaking story set amidst the Syrian Revolution. The plot revolves around Salama, a Pharmacy student who is torn between loyalty to her country and the conviction to survive amidst the war. The story is a poignant portrayal of the pain, hunger, poverty, and death experienced by the Syrian people during the war. The writing style is described as realistic, offering a glimpse into the lives of the characters facing unimaginable circumstances in war-torn Syria.

Salama's relationship with Khawf, the physical embodiment of her fear, is highlighted as a realistic and unique aspect of the story. The narrative takes the readers back and forth between the characters' current struggles and their previous lives, providing a deep insight into the impact of war on individuals. The novel is praised for being an eye-opener, offering a raw and unapologetically sad yet hopeful depiction of life in a war-torn country.

'King Leopold's Ghost' by Adam Hochschild is a powerful and disturbing account of King Leopold II's colonization of the Congo. The book delves into the atrocities committed during this period, shedding light on the exploitation, violence, and greed that characterized Leopold's rule. Through meticulous research and clear, journalistic writing, Hochschild brings to life the horrors faced by the Congolese people, while also highlighting the heroes who fought against such injustices. The narrative is chilling, revealing a dark chapter in history that continues to impact the region even today.

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese is an enthralling and epic story that follows the lives of Marion and Shiva Stone, conjoined twins born in Ethiopia. The narrative explores their tumultuous journey from birth, their upbringing in a mission hospital, their separation, and their individual paths towards becoming accomplished doctors. The book delves into themes of family, betrayal, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of Ethiopia, New York, and the world of medicine. Verghese's writing style is described as beautifully crafted, meticulously detailed, and enriched by his medical knowledge, which enhances the authenticity of the hospital scenes portrayed in the novel.

In 'The Poisonwood Bible' by Barbara Kingsolver, a missionary family led by the fervent Baptist preacher Nathan Price moves to the Belgian Congo in 1959. The story unfolds through the perspectives of the four daughters and the wife as they navigate survival and adaptation in a vastly different culture amidst the backdrop of political upheaval during the Congo Independence movement. Each character develops uniquely in response to their exposure to the Congolese environment, creating a rich tapestry of family dynamics and individual growth.

Kingsolver masterfully weaves historical context with compelling storytelling, drawing readers into the vividly portrayed lives of the Price family and the Congolese people. Through her poignant writing style, she explores themes of faith, cultural clashes, family relationships, and personal evolution, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after they have turned the final page.

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a novel that delves into the life of a Vietnamese man who works as a spy for the North Vietnamese Viet Cong while residing in South Vietnam and the United States. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the fall of Saigon and portrays the struggles faced by Vietnamese refugees in America. The narrative is characterized by a mix of dark humor, biting satire, and vivid descriptions of war-torn Vietnam, offering a unique perspective on the Vietnam War and its aftermath.

The protagonist, a complex character with mixed heritage, is caught in a web of personal conflicts revolving around loyalty, friendship, identity, and the blurred lines between good and bad. Through the protagonist's journey, the book explores themes of colonialism, American culture, immigration, and the devastating impact of war on individuals and societies. The writing style is sharp, insightful, and at times brutal, immersing readers in a narrative that challenges simplistic notions of morality and patriotism.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Korean family's struggles and hardships from the early 20th century in Korea to their migration to Japan and eventually the United States. The story delves into the historical context of the Japanese occupation of Korea, discrimination against Koreans in Japan, and the challenges faced by the family through wars, poverty, and cultural clashes. The narrative spans several generations, portraying the characters' resilience, sacrifices, and the impact of world events on their lives. The writing style is straightforward, with a focus on character development and exploring themes of identity, belonging, and survival.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who find themselves married to the same abusive man, Rasheed. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan from the 1970s to the 2000s, the book delves into the struggles and sacrifices these women endure, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in a male-dominated society. The narrative captures the strength, resilience, and unlikely friendship that blossoms between the two women amidst the turmoil they face, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive conditions and violence experienced by women in the region.

Hosseini's storytelling in A Thousand Splendid Suns is described as captivating, moving, and powerful, as he skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience. Through the eyes of Mariam and Laila, the reader gains insight into the plight of women in Afghanistan, the impact of war and political unrest on ordinary people, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book offers a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters, providing a window into the complexities of life in Afghanistan during tumultuous times.