Books Like...
'Exit West' by Mohsin Hamid follows the story of a young couple, Nadia and Saeed, as they navigate a war-torn city and eventually flee through mysterious doors to different countries. The writing style is described as beautifully written and introspective, exploring themes of love, war, and immigration in a straightforward and unsentimental manner. The use of magical realism is mentioned as a device to convey the complexities of immigration, while the characters of Nadia and Saeed are praised for their depth and evolution throughout the story.
If you liked Exit West, here are the top 100 books to read next:
"The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender" by Leslye Walton is a hauntingly beautiful tale that spans generations of the Roux family, focusing on the life of Ava Lavender, a girl born with wings. The novel weaves together themes of love, loss, and magical realism as it delves into the unique struggles and experiences of the Roux women. The writing style is lyrical and poetic, drawing readers into a world filled with sorrow, beauty, and touches of the fantastical.
Ava's story unfolds against a backdrop of tragedy and heartbreak, showcasing the strength and resilience of the characters in the face of adversity. The narrative explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the complexities of human emotions, offering a poignant and immersive reading experience that blends elements of magical realism with a lyrical prose that captivates the reader.
Born on March first in 1904, my grand-mère was the first of four children, all born on the first day of the third month, with René following Emilienne in 1905, Margaux in 1906, and ending with Pierett...- #2
Save:The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht is a novel set in an unnamed Balkan country, following the narrator, Natalia, a young doctor investigating her grandfather's death. Through a series of local legends and stories, including those of The Tiger's Wife and The Deathless Man, the book explores themes of death, relationships, and the impact of war on individuals and communities. The narrative weaves together past and present, magical realism, and rich characterizations, creating a tapestry of interconnected tales that delve into the human condition amidst a backdrop of historical turmoil.
THE FORTY DAYS OF THE SOUL BEGIN ON THE MORNING after death. That first night, before its forty days begin, the soul lies still against sweated-on pillows and watches the living fold the hands and clo... - #3
Save:'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende is an epic tale spanning three generations of the Trueba family, set against the backdrop of politically turbulent times in Latin America. The story revolves around the strong women of the family, their struggles for independence, and their interconnected lives filled with secrets, seduction, revenge, and forgiveness. Allende weaves magical realism into the narrative, creating a captivating journey of imagery and family ties, while exploring themes of love, power, politics, and the impact of historical events on personal lives.
The book delves into the lives of the Trueba family members, showcasing their complex relationships, personal growth, and the interplay between practicality and spirituality. Allende's vivid and descriptive writing style brings the characters to life, making the reader feel the importance of family in Latin American culture. Through a blend of magical realism and historical facts, the author creates a compelling narrative that explores themes of feminism, political upheaval, and the power of forgiveness.
Barrabás came to us by sea, the child Clara wrote in her delicate calligraphy. She was already in the habit of writing down important matters, and afterward, when she was mute, she also recorded trivi... - #4
Save:The Famished Road by Ben Okri is a surreal, magical realist novel set in Africa, focusing on the life of a spirit child named Azaro. The story delves into the struggles between the spiritual and earthly worlds, portraying the complexities of Azaro's existence and his interactions with both human and supernatural beings. The narrative weaves together themes of good versus evil, poverty, political power struggles, and the mystical realm, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience filled with allegory and symbolism. Okri's writing style is described as poetic, colorful, and at times surreal, drawing readers into a world where reality and fantasy blur seamlessly.
In that land of beginnings spirits mingled with the unborn. We could assume numerous forms. Many of us were birds. We knew no boundaries. There was much feasting, playing, and sorrowing. We feasted mu... - #5
Save:'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie is a monumental piece of fiction that intertwines the life of Saleem Sinai with the development of India after British rule. Born on the stroke of midnight as India gains independence, Saleem's destiny is tied up with that of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The narrative follows Saleem and the other children born at the same time, whose lives mirror the struggles and triumphs of the nations they are part of. The book delves deep into India's abundant mythology, blending magical realism with historical events to create a captivating and poignant tale.
The writing style in 'Midnight's Children' is described as dense, challenging, and at times surreal. Rushdie's use of language and metaphor is praised for its beauty and depth, making him one of the most literary authors of our time. The plot is ambitious in scope, weaving together magical elements, historical facts, and internal dialogues to create a rich and immersive reading experience that requires devotion and perseverance to fully appreciate.
I was born in the city of Bombay … once upon a time. No, that won’t do, there’s no getting away from the date: I was born in Doctor Narlikar’s Nursing Home on August 15th, 1947. And the time? The time... - #6
Save:'Pedro Paramo' by Juan Rulfo follows the story of Juan Preciado as he embarks on a journey to the town of Comala to find his father, Pedro Paramo, as his dying mother's final wish. Upon reaching Comala, Juan discovers a haunting and surreal town filled with ghosts and memories of the past. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear manner, with various characters narrating their perspectives and experiences, blurring the lines between the living and the dead. is described as a precursor to Magical Realist novels, exploring themes of death, memory, and the cultural landscape of rural Mexico.
Rulfo's writing style in 'Pedro Paramo' is often praised for its surreal and dreamlike quality, with abrupt shifts in time and perspective that enhance the novel's eerie and disturbing effect. The narrative is filled with haunting imagery and vivid descriptions, creating a sense of unease and mystery as the reader navigates through the fragmented storytelling and complex characters. Despite the challenging nature of the plot and structure, the book is commended for its beauty, symbolism, and the depth of its exploration of Latin American culture and literature.
I came to Comala because I had been told that my father, a man named Pedro Páramo lived there. It was my mother who told me. And I had promised her that after she died I would go see him. I squeezed h... - #7
Save:The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender follows the story of a girl who discovers on her tenth birthday that she can taste the emotions of the cook through the food she eats. The book delves into themes of magical realism, exploring the protagonist's journey from childhood to woman #adult, as she learns to cope with this unusual ability. The writing style is described as beautiful, sad, strange, and engaging, with a touch of raw emotion portrayed in an unconventional manner.
1 It happened for the first time on a Tuesday afternoon, a warm spring day in the flatlands near Hollywood, a light breeze moving east from the ocean and stirring the black-eyed pansy petals newly pl... - #8
Save:'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel is a captivating tale set in Mexico, blending elements of magical realism, romance, and family drama. The story follows Tita, a young woman forbidden to marry her true love Pedro due to family traditions, leading to a series of poignant events intertwined with Mexican recipes. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice, all expressed through the emotions and turmoil manifested in the food Tita cooks. The unique structure of the book, with each chapter starting with a recipe and spanning over years, creates a charming and engaging storyline that immerses readers into the world of Tita and her family.
Esquivel's writing style is rich and evocative, combining mystical elements with vivid descriptions of food and emotions. The novel seamlessly weaves together the drama of family life with the details of cooking, creating a delightful and sensuous reading experience. Through the use of magical realism, the author explores the complexities of relationships, the power of food, and the intertwining of love and life, making 'Like Water for Chocolate' a compelling and enchanting read that leaves a lasting impression.
Chrutnuw Ro/ INGREDIENTS 1 can of onion 1/2 choriw aaye oregano 1 can of chitej rrano 10 haro ro PREPARATION: Take care to chop the onion fine. To keep from crying when you chop it (which is so annoyi... - #9
Save:Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a novel that delves into the complexities of race, immigration, and cultural identity through the intertwined stories of Ifemelu and Obinze. The book switches between Ifemelu's experiences in the U.S. and Obinze's in the U.K., exploring the challenges and differences they face as immigrants. Adichie's writing style combines sharp observations with personal storytelling, creating a narrative that raises important questions about race relations and societal norms in Nigeria, America, and England. Through Ifemelu's successful blog about race, the reader is exposed to thought-provoking commentary on class, culture, and the immigrant experience.
Princeton, in the summer, smelled of nothing, and although Ifemelu liked the tranquil greenness of the many trees, the clean streets and stately homes, the delicately overpriced shops, and the quiet, ... - #10
Save:'The Reluctant Fundamentalist' by Mohsin Hamid follows the story of Changez, a young Pakistani man who recounts his life to an American stranger in Lahore. Changez's narrative dives into his experiences living in the US, falling in love with an American girl, navigating the aftermath of 9/11, and ultimately grappling with his identity and beliefs. The novel is presented as a monologue, creating a unique and engaging storytelling style that delves into themes of cultural clash, personal growth, and societal commentary.
explores Changez's internal struggle as he transitions from embracing the American Dream to questioning his place in a post-9/11 world. Through the protagonist's reflections, the author weaves a narrative that touches on themes of biculturalism, identity crisis, emotional turmoil, and the impact of historical events on individual lives. The story unfolds through a conversation between Changez and the American, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of complex emotions and conflicting loyalties.
Excuse me, sir, but may I be of assistance? Ah, I see I have alarmed you. Do not be frightened by my beard: I am a lover of America. I noticed that you were looking for something; more than looking, i...
