Books Like...

'Purge' by Sarah Darer Littman tells the story of Janie, a 16-year-old girl struggling with bulimia and her time in treatment. Readers appreciated the detailed portrayal of Janie's journey through her eating disorder, from the realistic shock and denial upon entering treatment to the challenges and breakthroughs she experiences. addresses the underlying issues of bulimia and the complexities of recovery, exploring family relationships, long-term support, and the psychological implications of the disorder.

The writing style of 'Purge' is described as a mix of funny, serious, and sad elements, tackling the subject of bulimia truthfully and respectfully. Readers found the main character, Janie, to be authentic and relatable, capturing the feelings of being unseen and unheard. Despite some criticisms of the portrayal of bulimia, the book is commended for its positive ending and the light it sheds on the struggles faced by individuals with eating disorders.

The Passport by Martin Chalmers, Herta Muller is a short novel set in a small village in communist Romania, depicting a German family's struggle to obtain passports to emigrate to West Germany during Ceausescu's dictatorship. The story revolves around Windisch, a miller, who faces corruption and moral dilemmas in his quest to secure the necessary documents, including resorting to selling his daughter's virginity. The writing style is characterized by short, staccato sentences, rich symbolism, and a poetic, surreal atmosphere that reflects the bleakness and despair of the characters' lives in the decaying village.

'Moominpappa at Sea' explores themes of loneliness, middle age, and radical life changes as the Moomin family navigates unfamiliar territory on a small island. The book delves into the characters' struggles with identity, purpose, and the complexities of family dynamics, all set against a backdrop of eerie and unsettling surroundings. The writing style is described as deep, thoughtful, and philosophical, offering a blend of melancholy, warmth, and insight that resonates with readers on both a psychological and emotional level.

'The Unknown Soldier' by Vaino Linna is a dark and gritty novel set in 1941 during the Finnish Continuation War against the Soviet Union. The story follows a Finnish machine gun company as they fight along the border, aiming to push back the Russians and regain lost territory. The narrative delves into the messy, bloody, and horrifying realities of warfare, portraying the experiences of young soldiers facing the pointlessness of conflict. The book captures the struggles, sacrifices, and camaraderie of the soldiers, providing insight into the complexities of the war and the characters' evolving relationships amidst the chaos of battle.

The novel is a masterful portrayal of the Finnish soldiers' tenacious struggle against the overwhelming forces of Stalin's Red Army. Through a mix of comedy, tragedy, and farce, the author paints a poignant picture of ordinary men thrust into extraordinary circumstances, showcasing their bravery, resilience, and humanity amidst the brutal military setting. Linna's writing style is both accessible and deeply moving, offering a searingly honest depiction of the wartime experiences and emotions of the soldiers, making 'The Unknown Soldier' a compelling and immersive read.

"Circles in a Forest" by Dalene Matthee is set in South Africa in the 1880s and revolves around the themes of environmental conservation, exploitation of resources, and the interconnectedness between humans and nature. The story follows Saul Barnard, a woodcutter who takes a stand against the destruction of the forest by loggers and gold prospectors, particularly focusing on his bond with the legendary elephant bull, Old Foot. Through Saul's journey, the book explores the changing social climate of the Outeniqua region, shedding light on the historical struggles of the Afrikaaner woodcutters and the endangered Knysna elephants. Matthee's writing style intricately weaves together elements of nature, human emotion, and societal commentary, creating a poignant narrative that resonates with readers.

Celestial Bodies by Jokha Alharthi is a multigenerational family saga set in a village in Oman, following the lives of three sisters and their extended family. The novel explores the evolving cultural landscape of Oman, the impact of historical events such as the abolition of slavery, and the complexities of family relationships. Through non-linear storytelling and multiple perspectives, the book delves into themes of tradition versus modernity, societal changes, and the interconnected lives of the characters.

'Primeval and Other Times' by Olga Tokarczuk is a novel that delves into the lives of the inhabitants of a Polish village, exploring themes such as religion, fate, and the impact of historical events like World War I and the end of communism. The book is divided into sections titled "The Time of Such and Such," each narrating a story of a character or place in the village of Primeval. The narrative follows a small group of villagers over eighty years through the 20th century, portraying their survival through wars and occupations from an internal perspective.

The writing style of 'Primeval and Other Times' is described as postmodern, with a tale told by many voices that eventually come together to create a collage of life in the Polish village. The book features a mix of realistic and fantastical elements, exploring the complexities of human existence, the impact of changing times on individuals, and the interplay between myth and reality. Tokarczuk's prose is praised for its depth, beautiful storytelling, and ability to capture the essence of life in a small village amidst significant historical events.

'Zuleikha' by Guzel Yakhina is a compelling novel set in 1930s Soviet Russia, following the story of Zuleikha, a young Tatar woman who is exiled to Siberia after witnessing the murder of her husband. The narrative unfolds as Zuleikha navigates the harsh realities of forced labor and survival in a brutal environment, showcasing her transformation from a victim of circumstances to a resilient and strong-willed individual. The book offers a vivid portrayal of Zuleikha's journey towards self-discovery and empowerment amidst the challenging historical backdrop of Stalin's Russia.

The writing style of 'Zuleikha' is lauded for its detailed prose, immersive descriptions of nature, and the emotional depth of the characters. The novel captures the essence of Zuleikha's evolution as she faces numerous obstacles and forms unexpected connections with fellow exiles in Siberia. Through Zuleikha's experiences, the author skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of survival, resilience, and the human capacity for love and endurance in the face of adversity.

'A House for Mr Biswas' by V.S. Naipaul revolves around the life of Mohun Biswas, a Trinidadian man of Indian descent, who struggles to find his place in a society dominated by his wife's influential family. Mr. Biswas faces numerous challenges, from his difficult upbringing to his constant battle for independence and dignity. The story follows his journey through various jobs and relationships as he strives to achieve his dream of owning a house of his own, a symbol of freedom and self-sufficiency. Naipaul's writing style captures the humor, sadness, and resilience of Mr. Biswas' character, painting a vivid picture of Trinidadian culture and family dynamics.

'The Year of the Hare' by Arto Paasilinna follows the story of Kaarlo Vatanen, a journalist who hits a young hare with his car, leading to a drastic change in his life. Vatanen decides to leave his job and wife behind, embarking on a journey through the Finnish countryside with the hare as his companion. The narrative is a mix of adventure and introspection, as Vatanen encounters various eccentric characters and experiences while rediscovering himself in the wilderness. The writing style is described as quirky, amusing, and occasionally farcical, capturing the essence of Finnish culture and landscape with a touch of dark humor.