Books Like...

Denis Diderot's 'La Religieuse' follows the story of Suzanne, a young girl forced into a nunnery due to her family's circumstances. The novel delves into themes of religious hypocrisy, sexual repression, and the challenges faced by women in the 18th century convent life. Written in the form of letters and narrated by Suzanne herself, the book portrays her struggles, from trying to resist taking her vows to facing pressures to conform within the convent walls. The story unfolds with a mix of love and hatred, cruelty and lesbianism, showcasing Suzanne's journey towards seeking freedom and autonomy in a world that seeks to control her.

'The Corner That Held Them' by Sylvia Townsend Warner is a unique historical novel that delves into the lives of nuns in a convent in Norfolk from the 12th to the 14th century. The book focuses on the daily struggles, relationships, and power dynamics within the convent, set against the backdrop of historical events like the Black Death and the Peasants' Revolt. Warner's writing style is described as atmospheric and evocative, painting a vivid picture of medieval convent life with intricate details and authentic conditions.

Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood is a contemplative novel about a middle-aged woman who leaves her city life to live among nuns in a small community on the Monaro Plains. The narrative reads like a diary, depicting her daily life and experiences, interspersed with reflective memories of her past. While navigating the challenges of COVID and a mouse plague, the protagonist revisits themes of grief, forgiveness, and self-discovery that resonate deeply with her journey of healing and understanding her past.

Black Narcissus by Rumer Godden is a tale set in the Himalayas where a group of Anglican nuns strive to establish a school and dispensary in a former palace of the General's harem. The novel explores the challenges faced by the nuns as they are haunted both physically and spiritually by the grandeur of the mountains and the cultural differences they encounter. The book delves into the clash of cultures, the psychological effects of their pious living, and the dark desires that surface among the nuns as they struggle to impose their beliefs in a remote and exotic location.

The story follows Sister Clodagh and her fellow sisters as they navigate the complexities of their new environment, dealing with local traditions, superstitions, and their own internal conflicts. The narrative is rich in imagery, portraying the majestic Himalayan landscape and the interactions between the nuns and the inhabitants of the region. As the nuns face challenges and tragedies, the novel explores themes of forbidden passions, cultural clashes, and the inevitable consequences of trying to impose Western ideals in a foreign land.

In "In This House of Brede" by Rumer Godden, the story revolves around Philippa Talbot, a successful businesswoman who decides to become a Benedictine nun at the age of 42. The novel delves into Philippa's journey of self-discovery, shedding her past life and embracing a new one within the enclosed community of Brede Abbey. The narrative not only focuses on Philippa but also explores the lives, struggles, and joys of the other nuns, providing a rich character study of the monastic community in England during the mid-1960s. Rumer Godden's writing style is described as beautiful, compelling, and personable, capturing the atmosphere and psychology of cloistered contemplative nuns with depth and authenticity.

'Agatha of Little Neon' by Claire Luchette follows the protagonist Agatha, a multidimensional nun, as she navigates her vocation, relationships, and personal growth. Agatha is portrayed as caring and compassionate, deeply involved in the lives of those around her. The story unfolds at a halfway house where Agatha and her fellow sisters are transferred, leading to encounters with residents facing various challenges. Through subtle and significant situations, the author reveals Agatha's internal struggles and her evolving sense of identity and purpose.

The novel delves into themes of community, identity, and personal growth, as Agatha grapples with questions about her vocation, relationships, and place in the world. The author's writing style is described as delightful, with memorable characters, realistic dialogue, and a blend of humor and insight that keeps readers engaged. The narrative explores the complexities of human connection and the ways in which individuals navigate life's uncertainties and challenges.

In "Matrix" by Lauren Groff, readers are transported to the 12th century, where the protagonist Marie navigates a world of power struggles, religious conflicts, and societal expectations. As a product of rape and a homely young woman, Marie finds herself in a run-down abbey in England, where she rises to become the prioress. Through intricate details of monastic life and the strength of women like Marie and Eleanor, the author paints a vivid picture of a feminist novel, showcasing the defiance and resilience of women in a male-dominated society. With themes of power, spirituality, and female autonomy, "Matrix" weaves a tale of transformation, growth, and the complexities of leadership within the confines of a medieval convent.

Groff's writing style in "Matrix" is praised for its poetic smoothness and meticulous attention to detail, creating a rich tapestry of characters and settings. The novel delves into Marie's journey as she builds a women's utopia guided by her visions of the Virgin Mary, challenging societal norms and forging her path as a powerful abbess. Through Marie's evolution from a novice to a formidable leader, readers are taken on a captivating exploration of female empowerment, resilience, and the pursuit of a different world within the walls of the abbey.

Sisters of the Vast Black by Lina Rather is a novella that follows a small community of nuns aboard a living spaceship as they travel to far-flung colonies, offering aid and comfort in the aftermath of a devastating war. The story delves into themes of faith, gender, colonialism, and features lesbian nuns in space, all while delivering a plot that is neatly executed with adherence to Chekhov's gun rule.

'World Without End' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction novel set in the 14th century, serving as a sequel to 'The Pillars of the Earth.' The book follows the lives of various characters in the town of Kingsbridge, 200 years after the construction of the medieval cathedral. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by the villagers during the outbreak of the plague, exploring themes of ambition, love, greed, revenge, and the role of the church in society. Despite being a lengthy tome, the book intricately weaves together multiple plots and characters, providing insights into the day-to-day struggles and ordeals of individuals living in the 12th century.