Books Like...
An Italian general arrives in Albania to retrieve the dead bodies of Italian soldiers that were killed and buried during WW2. The novel portrays the struggles and complexities of this task, set against a backdrop of a bleak and grey landscape. The story delves into themes of personal histories, the repercussions of war, and the emotional toll it takes on individuals involved.
If you liked The General of the Dead Army, here are the top 40 books to read next:
- #1
"Broken April" by Ismail Kadare is a haunting novel set in the high plateaus of northern Albania, focusing on the traditional code of blood feuds known as Kanun. The story follows characters like Gjorg, who is forced to avenge his brother's death under the Kanun, and a honeymooning couple exploring the region and learning about the customs firsthand. The narrative alternates between different perspectives, shedding light on the brutal and rigid laws governing life and death in the mountainous region, creating a compelling and bleak portrayal of existence under the Kanun.
His feet were cold, and each time he moved his numbed legs a little he heard the desolate grating of pebbles under his shoes. But the sense of desolation was really inside him. Never before had he sta... - #2
'Gods, Graves, & Scholars' by C.W. Ceram is a classic history of archaeology that takes readers on a journey through fascinating archaeological expeditions and discoveries. The book vividly describes notable archaeologists and their adventures, from Heinrich Schliemann in Troy to Sir Arthur Evans in Crete. Ceram's writing style is easily accessible, making it a good factual book for lovers of ancient civilizations and myths, as well as a valuable resource for scholars. The book covers various archaeological sites like Pompeii, Egypt, Babylon, and Chichen Itza, immersing readers in the excitement and challenges faced by the scientists during their groundbreaking discoveries.
My book was written without scholarly pretensions. My aim was to portray the dramatic qualities of archæology, its human side. I was not afraid to digress now and then and to intrude my own personal r... - #3
'The Palace of Dreams' by Ismail Kadare is a psychological novel set in an oppressive country, blending elements of Ottoman empirical rule with modern-day Communist rule. The story follows Mark Alem, a member of the Quprili family, as he takes a job in the mysterious and foreboding Palace of Dreams, where dreams from all over the empire are collected and analyzed to find the elusive master dream that could impact political rule. The novel delves into the surreal world of dream interpretation, bureaucratic mazes, and the intricate workings of a monolithic police state, drawing parallels to real historical and political contexts. Kadare's writing style is described as sombre, dark, and melancholic, reminiscent of Eastern European literature, with a tone that captivates readers and immerses them in a world filled with secrecy, fear, and power struggles.
The curtains were letting in the uncertain light of dawn, and as usual he pulled up the blanket in the hope of dozing on a while longer. But he soon realized he wouldn’t be able to. He’d remembered th... - #4
The novel 'The Pyramid' by Ismail Kadare delves into the construction of the great pyramid of Cheops in ancient Egypt, weaving a dark tale that serves as an allegory of terror and tyranny. The plot explores the manipulation of the populace through lies and oppression by a tyrannical state, drawing parallels between the totalitarian horrors of the pyramid's construction and modern authoritarian governments. Kadare's writing style is described as engaging, with Kafkaesque elements that are not derivative but uniquely his own, offering a chilling portrayal of societal control and the brutal consequences of political power.
For the rest of the autumn no one spoke again about the pyramid, not even at the ambassadors’ reception, where Cheops, intoxicated with drink, let out things that it is not fitting for a monarch to me... - #5
Measuring the World by Daniel Kehlmann is a fictional account of two real German scientists, the gifted Mathematician Gauss and the famous explorer Humboldt. Both men set out to measure the world using different approaches - Gauss uses mathematics to predict things while Humboldt physically explores and measures. The narrative alternates between the adventures of Humboldt in South America and the more domestic life of Gauss, showing the contrast between their characters and approaches to life and science. The writing style is described as quick-moving, spare on details, and characterized by humor and wit, making the book an engaging read that offers a postmodern take on historical events.
In September 1828, the greatest mathematician in the country left his hometown for the first time in years, to attend the German Scientific Congress in Berlin. Naturally he had no desire to go. He had... - #6
'The Star Diaries: Further Reminiscences of Ijon Tichy' by Stanisław Lem is a collection of short stories following the adventures of space traveler Ijon Tichy as he navigates through various philosophical and humorous situations. The stories delve into intellectual quandaries supported by motivated, believable characters, with endings that deliver startling revelations. Lem's writing style is characterized by wit, intelligence, clever wordplay, and a mix of science fiction and fantasy elements that operate on multiple levels, blending philosophy, satire, and social commentary seamlessly.
It was on a Monday, April second—I was cruising in the vicinity of Betelgeuse—when a meteor no larger than a lima bean pierced the hull, shattered the drive regulator and part of the rudder, as a resu... - #7
Spud by John van de Ruit is a coming-of-age novel set in a South African boarding school during the 1990s. The story follows John Milton, nicknamed Spud, as he navigates the ups and downs of teenage life surrounded by eccentric characters and facing typical adolescent challenges. The book is written in a diary format, providing insights into Spud's experiences with humor, teenage insights, and reflections on the unique setting of post-apartheid South Africa.
04:30 I am awake. The first streaks of light peep through the sides of my old-lady curtains. I think I feel nauseous. The sheet under my legs is sticky and my heart is beating like a bongo drum. I can... - #8
The Futurological Congress by Stanislaw Lem is a satirical and dystopian novel that follows the protagonist Ijon Tichy as he attends a conference of futurologists, only to end up in a future society where civilization is falling apart due to overpopulation and mass drugging by the government to maintain control. The story is filled with futuristic ideas, inventions, neologisms, and hallucinatory experiences, creating a dreamlike and disorienting narrative that challenges perceptions of reality and societal norms.
Lem's writing style in The Futurological Congress is described as unique, cutting, and humorous, permeating the book with a dark sense of humor that tackles serious themes such as societal control, drug-induced realities, and the consequences of technological advancements. The book explores multiple possible futures and realities through a series of nested hallucinations and delusions, inviting readers to question the nature of truth and the impact of societal manipulation through drugs and propaganda.
The Eighth World Futurological Congress was held in Costa Rica. To tell the truth, I never would have gone to Nounas if it hadn't been for Professor Tarantoga, who gave me clearly to understand that t... 'Moomin: The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip, Vol. 1' is a collection of nonsensical adventures featuring the well-loved Finnish characters Moomintroll, Moominpappa, Moominmamma, Snufkin, Sniff, and the Snork Maiden. The stories have a rambling quality with delightful illustrations in black and white line drawings reminiscent of the Moomin book illustrations. The comic strip showcases the quirky and charming personalities of the Moomin family and friends, bringing readers into the whimsical world of Moomin Valley.
offers a glimpse into the unique and imaginative world created by Tove Jansson, where the Moomins navigate through amusing and sometimes dark situations with humor and heart. The stories are lively, humorous, and educational, making them a great addition to the Moomin series. Readers who have grown up with the Moomin family will appreciate the comic strip's portrayal of the classic characters and their adventures, providing a nostalgic and entertaining experience for fans of all ages.
- #10
Dom Casmurro by Machado de Assis is a first-person narrative that delves into the life of Bento Santiago, who reminisces about his youth, friendships, romantic life, and family relationships. The book explores themes of love, betrayal, and jealousy through the lens of Bento's experiences with his childhood sweetheart, Capitu. Written in a unique style that blends elements of realism and metafiction, the novel captivates readers with its engaging characters and intricate storytelling. As the story unfolds, Bento grapples with the question of whether Capitu was unfaithful to him, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions about the truth of the matter.
When Dom Casmurro, sometimes rendered as ‘Lord Taciturn’, was first published in Paris in 1899, Machado de Assis was already established as Brazil’s foremost man of letters. He had written six novels,...