Books Like...

The Grand Babylon Hotel is an old-fashioned mystery set in Edwardian England, featuring a cast of interesting characters including an American millionaire, his daughter, European minor nobility, eminences, and despicable villains. The plot is described as charming, approachable, and fast-paced, with a surprisingly modern strong and smart female protagonist. The story involves murder, kidnap, and a foreign prince, playing out like a John Buchan novel, making it a gripping and entertaining read.

"Hotel" by Arthur Hailey is a compelling story set in a high-end hotel in New Orleans during the 1960s. The plot revolves around the assistant manager's challenges in running the hotel without proper authority, providing insights into the intricate workings of a large hotel. intricately weaves together various personal dramas, public events, and private interactions among a diverse cast of characters, creating a vivid cultural portrait of the era. Hailey's detailed descriptions of the hotel's operations and the character-driven narrative make the story engaging and immersive, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the hospitality industry.

Anita Brookner's 'Look at Me' follows the life of Frances Hinton, a quiet and unassuming young woman working in a medical library. After meeting the charismatic couple Nick and Alix Fraser, Frances is drawn into their social circle, seeking excitement and love. However, as she becomes more involved with the Frasers, Frances realizes the shallowness and cruelty beneath their glamorous facade. The novel delves into Frances' loneliness, her yearning for connection, and her journey towards self-discovery in a bleak and poignant narrative. Brookner's writing style intricately captures Frances' inner turmoil, her observations of those around her, and the quiet tragedy of a life unfulfilled.

Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor is a poignant and touching novel that delves into the lives of elderly residents at a London residential hotel. The story follows Mrs. Palfrey, a widow who moves into the Claremont seeking companionship and connection in her later years. Through subtle humor and grace, the novel explores themes of aging, loneliness, and the human desire for significance. The interactions between Mrs. Palfrey and the other residents, as well as a young writer named Ludovic, offer a heartfelt portrayal of the challenges and moments of joy that come with growing old.

The novel 'Hotel Honolulu' by Paul Theroux follows the story of a disenchanted writer who takes on the role of a resident manager at a vintage hotel in Waikiki, filled with eccentric characters and bizarre tales. The book provides a glimpse into Honolulu's fading glory, portraying the interactions between guests and locals, as well as the challenges faced by those dealing with tourists. Through humorous and raunchy storytelling, the narrator navigates through the quirky world of the hotel, observing the unique personalities and situations that unfold within its walls.

The writing style of 'Hotel Honolulu' captures the essence of human behavior with a non-judgmental approach, exposing imperfect characters with compassion and humor. Paul Theroux's expansive prose delves into the complexities of life in Honolulu, blending humor, historical information, and vivid character descriptions to keep readers engaged from cover to cover.

'Hotel Ruby' by Suzanne Young is a fast-paced novel that revolves around Audrey and her family's stay at a gothic, creepy 1930s hotel. The story delves into the grief Audrey and her brother Daniel are experiencing after losing their mother, with the hotel serving as a mysterious setting that keeps the readers engaged. The author skillfully weaves a haunting atmosphere through the setting of the Hotel Ruby, making it come alive with its dark history and secrets that unfold as the plot progresses. Despite some predictable twists, the book manages to keep readers intrigued with its blend of thriller elements and emotional moments.

'The Hotel New Hampshire' by John Irving is a novel that follows the eccentric Berry family as they navigate through life's tragedies and triumphs. The story is set in hotels in New Hampshire and Vienna, where the family faces a range of bizarre and often disturbing situations. The novel features quirky characters like Franny, John, Frank, Lilly, Egg, and a pet bear, all of whom are richly developed and evoke a mix of emotions in the reader.

The writing style in 'The Hotel New Hampshire' is described as funny, sad, and quirky, with a touch of surrealism. John Irving presents a narrative that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, blending elements of humor and tragedy seamlessly. The novel explores taboo topics such as rape, incest, terrorism, and death, all while maintaining a whimsical and imaginative tone.

"At Bertram's Hotel" by Agatha Christie is a classic murder mystery featuring the beloved character Miss Marple. The story unfolds at the dignified and traditional Bertram's Hotel in London, where Miss Marple is vacationing. As she observes the guests and the happenings at the hotel, she becomes entangled in a web of emotional entanglements that inevitably lead to murder. The plot is described as a lively romp involving a luxurious hotel setting, where Miss Marple's keen observations and acute observations play a crucial role in helping unravel the mystery. The book captures the essence of an old-fashioned English hotel and its guests, blending nostalgia with sinister undertones as Miss Marple delves into the secrets hidden within the hotel's walls.

Set in a faded coastal village of Newby just after the Second World War, 'A View of the Harbour' by Elizabeth Taylor focuses on the lives of the inhabitants of various buildings along the harbour front. The novel delves into themes of love, betrayal, friendship, duty, loneliness, and death as the characters dally with and spy on each other. Through a broad scope and well-developed themes, Taylor paints a vivid picture of an entire community, capturing the nuances of ordinary life with deep insight and compassion.

Elizabeth Taylor's writing style is characterized by her remarkable powers of observation, dark humor, and ability to delve deeply into the human condition. She intricately portrays imperfect, flawed characters who navigate through somber moments with wit, humor, and insight into every human soul, even the least likeable. The novel provides a glimpse into the intricate relationships and interactions among the residents of the seaside town, offering a poignant and intimate exploration of human nature.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, originally titled These Foolish Things, follows a group of aging Brits who struggle with independence, money, and finding joy in England. The story revolves around their decision to move to India and live in a converted hotel, providing a fresh start in a new country. The book explores the complex lives of the characters, their reasons for the move, and their varied perspectives on aging and adapting to a different culture.

The characters in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel are well-developed and diverse, each with their own unique story and motivations for relocating to India. The narrative weaves together different perspectives, offering a detailed exploration of the characters' lives before and after their move, providing a realistic portrayal of aging and the challenges that come with it.