Books Like...

'Maurice' by E.M. Forster is a groundbreaking novel that focuses on homosexuality as a fact of life in Edwardian England. The story follows Maurice Hall as he discovers and comes to terms with his homosexuality, navigating relationships with his first love Clive and later finding happiness with a working-class man named Alec. Forster's writing style is praised for its depth and humanity, portraying the struggles and complexities of same-sex relationships in a society that condemns them.

Ocean Vuong's 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' is a lyrical and poignant novel that takes the form of a letter from a son to his illiterate immigrant mother. The story delves into themes of identity, family relationships, trauma, and the immigrant experience, all intertwined with beautiful prose and raw emotions. Through the protagonist's reflections on his childhood, sexual awakening, and struggles with loneliness, Vuong paints a vivid picture of survival and resilience in the face of adversity.

The novel is structured as a poetic exploration of the protagonist's life, moving between past and present, weaving together memories, experiences, and emotions. Vuong's writing style is described as dark, lyrical, and atmospheric, evoking visceral emotions and creating a compelling narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and memoir. The book captures the complexities of love, beauty, and the search for home, offering a unique and intimate portrayal of the human experience.

'Swimming in the Dark' by Tomasz Jedrowski is a poignant novel set in 1980s Communist Poland, following the forbidden gay love story between Ludwik and Janusz amidst the backdrop of political upheaval. The writing style is described as lush, evocative prose that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and growing up in a restrictive society. The book skillfully weaves together romance and social awakening, creating an immersive and compelling narrative that intertwines personal growth with historical context.

'The Heart's Invisible Furies' follows the life of Cyril Avery, a gay Irish man born out of wedlock in 1945, as he navigates through the challenges of growing up in a conservative Catholic Ireland. The novel spans over 70 years, depicting Cyril's struggles with his identity, relationships, and the societal prejudices he faces. Through vivid storytelling and emotional depth, the book explores themes of family, love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance, set against the backdrop of Ireland's history and cultural norms.

The narrative style of 'The Heart's Invisible Furies' is described as compelling, humorous, poignant, and informative, capturing the reader's attention with its Irish lilt and first-person immediacy. The story unfolds in seven-year intervals, similar to a documentary series, showcasing Cyril's journey from birth to old age, his experiences with love, loss, and acceptance, and the evolving social landscape of Ireland. The novel delves into the hypocrisies of the Catholic Church, the struggles of homosexuality in the mid-20th century, and the complex relationships that shape Cyril's life.

'A Single Man' by Christopher Isherwood is a poignant novella that delves into a day in the life of George, a gay Englishman living in California in 1962. The story follows George as he navigates through his seemingly normal day while dealing with the profound grief and rage stemming from the sudden death of his longtime partner, Jim. Isherwood's writing style is described as graceful, beautiful, and intimate, capturing George's inner turmoil and emotions with depth and authenticity. The book offers a character study that explores themes of loss, loneliness, aging, and the challenges of living as a minority in society.

'Less' by Andrew Sean Greer follows the journey of Arthur Less, a middle-aged gay writer who embarks on a worldwide trip to avoid attending his ex-boyfriend's wedding. Throughout his misadventures in various countries, including New York, Paris, Italy, and Morocco, Arthur reflects on his life, love, and aging. The novel is a blend of comedy, introspection, and self-discovery, with a narrative that jumps between past and present, offering a quirky and endearing portrayal of its protagonist.

'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.

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart is a gritty and heartbreaking story set in working-class Glasgow, focusing on the life of a 15-year-old boy named Mungo. Living with his alcoholic mother, abusive brother, and genius sister in the post-Thatcher years, Mungo navigates through domestic abuse, alcoholism, and sectarian violence in his community. The novel delves into themes of difficult family relationships, queerness, masculinity, and finding tenderness in harsh environments, particularly exploring Mungo's forbidden and dangerous love for his Catholic neighbor, James.

The writing style of Young Mungo has been praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, making them feel fully immersed in the scenes throughout the book. The narrative captures the innocence of young love, the brutal realities of life in 1990s Glasgow, and the complexities of relationships within a dysfunctional family, creating a hard but beautiful read that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.

'The Price of Salt', also known as 'Carol', by Patricia Highsmith is a 1952 romance novel set in the early 50s. The story follows a lesbian love affair between two women, Carol and Therese. The book is praised for its delicate and beautifully written portrayal of the relationship, which is considered one of the first mainstream literary lesbian novels. It captures the stifling gender roles of the 50s and the struggles faced by the characters in pursuing their forbidden love.

The book is known for its bittersweet and beautiful depiction of a 1950s gay romance. It explores themes of love, desire, and societal expectations, offering a tender and emotional narrative that resonates with readers. Despite being written decades ago, the book's powerfully written and delicate style still feels fresh and relevant, making it a timeless classic in LGBTQ literature.

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai is a novel that follows the lives of a group of friends in Chicago during the 1980s AIDS crisis. The story alternates between the past and present, exploring the impact of the epidemic on the characters and their relationships. The book delves into themes of death, family tension, love, and loss, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters as they navigate through the devastating effects of the disease.

Makkai skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including the struggles of the gay community, the art world, and family dynamics. The narrative moves between Chicago in the 1980s and Paris in 2015, following characters like Yale, Fiona, and Nico as they grapple with personal tragedies and search for meaning amidst the challenges they face. Through poignant storytelling and vivid character development, the novel offers a poignant exploration of friendship, grief, and resilience in the face of adversity.