Books Like...

The Wings of the Dove by Henry James is a complex novel that follows the story of a young couple, Kate Merton and Merton Densher, who want to marry but lack the financial means. Their plan takes a twist when a wealthy American heiress, Milly, falls in love with Merton. Kate, realizing that Milly is terminally ill, orchestrates a scheme for Merton to woo Milly in hopes of inheriting her wealth. The plot is filled with intricate human emotions, guilt, and a journey to Venice, but some readers find the writing long-winded and filled with verbose observations, leading to a loss of emotional impact.

The novel is praised for its masterful characterization by Henry James, particularly in the creation of Milly, Kate, and Densher. While some readers appreciate the depth of the characters and the intriguing plot, others find the book challenging to get through due to James' verbose writing style, making it a tough read at times. Despite the intricate plot and character development, there are mixed opinions on whether the book lives up to James' other works or falls short in terms of readability and engagement.

'Call Me By Your Name' is a tender and intense love story between seventeen-year-old Elio and the older graduate student Oliver, set against the backdrop of a lazy Italian summer. The book beautifully captures the nuances of desire, fear, and illogical emotions experienced during first love. The narrative delves into Elio's deep-seated infatuation with Oliver, their mutual attraction, and the emotional turmoil of unrequited love, culminating in a bittersweet reflection on their relationship years later. Aciman's writing style is described as poetic, artfully artless, and masterful in portraying the emotions and thoughts of the characters.

'The Heart of the Matter' by Graham Greene is a psychological novel set in British Colonial West Africa, focusing on Deputy Police Commissioner Scobie and his struggles with love, religion, duty, and morality. The story follows Scobie's descent into crime and corruption as he grapples with personal responsibility and religious faith, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. The book delves into themes of Catholic guilt, existentialist tones, and the complexities of human relationships in a colonial backdrop.

The writing style of 'The Heart of the Matter' is described as graceful, engaging, and eloquent, with vivid descriptions of characters and settings. The narrative skillfully explores internal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and the emotional turmoil of the protagonist, creating a poignant and introspective story that delves into themes of loneliness, despair, and the clash between personal desires and religious obligations.

"Everything Here Is Beautiful" by Mira T. Lee follows the lives of two Chinese immigrant sisters, Miranda and Lucia, as they navigate the challenges of mental illness within their family. The story delves into Lucia's struggles with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and the impact it has on her relationships with her sister, friends, and lovers. The narrative moves back and forth in time, exploring Lucia's unpredictable illness that leads to drastic life changes such as leaving her husband, having a child with another man, and moving to Ecuador. portrays the complexities of supporting a loved one with mental illness while balancing personal desires and obligations.

Set in Italy at the end of WWII, 'The English Patient' is a story of four marred individuals in an abandoned villa. The exhausted nurse, Hana, the thief Caravaggio, the Indian sapper Kip, and the English patient, a critically burned man, all come together and interact with each other while dealing with their own needs and past traumas. The novel weaves together their stories using poetic and masterful language, creating a narrative that touches on themes of love, war, secrets, and healing in post-war Tuscany.

'The Power and the Glory' by Graham Greene is a gripping tale set in 1930s Mexico during a period of intense religious persecution. It follows the journey of a flawed and complex whiskey priest who is on the run from the authorities seeking to eradicate the Catholic Church. The novel delves deep into themes of faith, suffering, redemption, and the struggle between the individual's weaknesses and strengths in the face of oppression. Greene's writing style is described as masterful, with vivid descriptions of the Mexican landscape and a unique ability to portray the inner turmoil of the characters.

Set in 1950's French Indochina, 'The Quiet American' by Graham Greene follows the story of Thomas Fowler, a British journalist, and Alden Pyle, a young American idealist. The novel delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and the clash of East and West ideologies amidst the backdrop of war-torn Vietnam. Through the characters of Fowler, Pyle, and Phuong, Greene explores the themes of foreign meddling, political intrigue, and the consequences of idealism in a foreign land.

The narrative skillfully weaves together a tale of personal relationships and political turmoil, offering a prescient commentary on America's involvement in Vietnam. Greene's writing style is praised for its sharp insight, rich character development, and political undertones. The novel cleverly portrays the moral ambiguity of foreign interventions and the impact on both the individuals involved and the larger geopolitical landscape.

'Brighton Rock' by Graham Greene is a suspenseful novel that follows the story of Pinkie, a seventeen-year-old sociopath and murderer, who manipulates a naive waitress named Rose to cover his tracks. The plot revolves around Pinkie's criminal activities in Brighton and his tumultuous relationships with Rose and the justice-seeking Ida Arnold. The novel is heavily imbued with Roman Catholic themes of sin and grace, contributing to the dark and atmospheric setting of the story. Greene's writing style is praised for its vivid imagery and character development, particularly in portraying Pinkie's complex and morally ambiguous personality.

'Normal People' by Sally Rooney follows the complex relationship between two young individuals, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate through high school and college years, dealing with issues of miscommunication, self-worth, and emotional struggles. The story delves into the intricacies of their evolving friendship and love, portraying realistic dialogues and character interactions that highlight the challenges faced by the protagonists as they grow and change over time. Rooney's writing style captures the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of the characters, creating a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.

'The Bridges of Madison County' by Robert James Waller tells the story of Robert Kincaid, a photographer searching for covered bridges in Madison County, and Francesca Johnson, a farm wife waiting for the fulfillment of a girlhood dream. Their encounter leads to a passionate affair that resonates throughout their lives, impacting Francesca's children after her death. The novel explores themes of forbidden love, intense emotions, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of Iowa's landscape. The writing style is described as moving, spare, and evocative, with a focus on character development and first-person narration that immerses readers in the emotional journey of the protagonists.