Books Like...

"The Days of Abandonment" by Elena Ferrante is a raw and unflinching novel about a woman named Olga whose husband abruptly leaves her for a younger woman, plunging her into a chaotic world of madness and despair. The book vividly portrays Olga's emotional breakdown, her struggle to cope with the sudden abandonment, and her journey towards self-reinvention amidst the turmoil of her shattered family life. Ferrante's writing style is intense and graphic, delving deep into the disturbed mind of the protagonist as she grapples with anger, self-doubt, and the challenges of single-handedly caring for her children.

'One Italian Summer' by Rebecca Serle follows the journey of Katy Silver as she grapples with the loss of her mother and embarks on a solo trip to Positano, Italy, a place her mother held dear. Through a mix of grief and self-discovery, Katy encounters unexpected twists, time travel, and new perspectives on life and relationships, all while exploring the picturesque setting of Positano. The narrative delves into Katy's complex emotions, her evolving relationships with her mother and husband, and her quest to find herself amidst the backdrop of a vintage and glamorous Positano.

'The Man Who Saw Everything' by Deborah Levy is a complex and dreamlike novel that follows the story of Saul Adler, a young historian who experiences a life-altering event after being hit by a car at Abbey Road. The narrative shifts between 1988 and 2016, exploring themes of memory, love, fear, and interconnectedness. Levy's writing style is described as excellent, with a focus on examining and understanding one's own life and relationships, while incorporating elements of history and culture into the storyline. The second half of the book delves into surreal and unsettling territory, challenging the reader to navigate through shifting timelines and blurred realities.

"Ain't I a Woman" by bell hooks is a groundbreaking exploration of the complex relationship between black women and feminism. The book delves into the history of black women in America, addressing issues of objectification, dehumanization, and cultural divisions. Hooks critiques the shortcomings of first and second wave feminism, highlighting how racism and sexism have impacted black women's experiences. Through meticulously researched essays, she challenges the traditional feminist agenda and calls for true solidarity and definitive change within the movement.

Three lost souls meet in Athens, where their lives are destined to change forever. Rebecca is a young French painter, fleeing two years as a stewardess with Air France and a life bereft of personality and understanding. While trying to work out who she is, she stumbles upon two men her first friend in Athens is George, a lonely American Ivy League educated linguist in love with ancient languages, alcohol, and Rebecca herself. But then she stumbles upon Henry Bliss, a Welsh archaeologist, who she suspects can show her not only the secrets of the ancient city she lives in but of her own heart, even though he's hiding his own secrets from the distant past. Each of them is lost in some way each of their relationships defines who they are and what they will become in the years ahead.

First, I must say that Simon Van Booy's writing is exquisite. There is no other word for it. It is one of two traits that made me love his stories He can make the most mundane of topics into something gorgeous. The subject of Everything Beautiful Began After is not mundane, and Van Booy does not disappoint. The other trait that drew me to Van Booy's short stories is the buoyancy his tales achieve. No matter the subject, they are wrapped in a feeling of lightness that highlights poignancy and emphasizes a kind of magic and happiness that I fell in love with. I was a little disappointed to find that rare quality lacking in Everything Beautiful Began After, which seemed to sink slowly rather than rise. Overall I am happy to have read Simon Van Booy's debut novel. It was a lovely, bittersweet, and skillfully original book, if not quite on par, in my opinion, with his short stories.

'L'amore molesto' by Elena Ferrante follows the story of Delia, a daughter who returns to her hometown after her mother's mysterious death. Delia discovers her mother's secret life and embarks on a journey through Naples to uncover the truth about her mother's past. The narrative is described as emotionally claustrophobic and entwines Delia's memories with her mother's last hours, creating a dark and twisty exploration of family relationships and identity struggles. The writing style is noted for its brutal honesty about human nature, with a sparse yet compelling prose that evokes a strong sense of place in Naples.

The Family by Naomi Krupitsky is a debut novel that beautifully explores the lives of two best friends, Sofia and Antonia, growing up in 1920s Brooklyn amidst the backdrop of the Italian mafia. The story follows them as they navigate their friendship and familial ties, shaped by their fathers' involvement in organized crime. The plot is rich with emotional depth, focusing on themes of loyalty, identity, and the impact of their upbringing as they grapple with societal expectations and personal aspirations.

Krupitsky's writing is characterized by vivid descriptions and a reflective tone, but it receives mixed reviews for its pacing and stylistic choices. While some readers appreciate the intricate character development, others find the prose uneven and at times overly descriptive. Despite some criticism, the bond between the main characters shines through, making it a poignant coming-of-age tale that resonates with themes of resilience and the quest for independence against the backdrop of a tumultuous environment.

'The Women's Room' by Marilyn French is a profound and thought-provoking novel that follows the lives of a group of American women in the late sixties and early seventies as they struggle to find their own identities. Through the main protagonist Mira Ward, the book explores themes of feminism, self-awareness, and societal expectations. The narrative weaves through Mira's journey from a dissatisfied housewife to a graduate student at Harvard, highlighting her evolution and feminist consciousness. The book delves into the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society, emphasizing the importance of female relationships and empowerment.

The writing style of 'The Women's Room' is described as captivating and anchored in reality, making readers care deeply for the characters and their struggles. The book is praised for its ability to resonate with women from different generations, offering insights into the changes and challenges women have endured over the years. It is viewed as a significant work in the feminist canon, accurately depicting the era of the 1970s and the feminist movement with poignancy.