Books Like...

The History of the Siege of Lisbon is a novel that follows the story of Raimundo Silva, a proofreader who impulsively changes a single word in a historical text, altering the course of history. The book interweaves the alternative history created by this change with a love story and explores the themes of rewriting the past, the power of language, and the transformative nature of love. The writing style is described as wordy and challenging, with long, swirling sentences that require careful attention but offer a unique and rewarding reading experience.

The Gospel According to Jesus Christ by Jose Saramago is a thought-provoking and darkly humorous retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, blending elements from the canonical gospels with the author's imaginative narrative. Saramago's writing style is characterized by a mix of satire, sarcasm, and wit, challenging traditional views on religion and exploring theological questions with a unique and captivating approach.

The book delves into the early life of Jesus, his transition into adulthood, and his eventual acceptance of his divine mission despite his doubts and struggles. Through inventive storytelling and clever reinterpretations of biblical events, Saramago crafts a narrative that questions the nature of God, humanity, and the complexities of faith, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar tale.

'Shame' by Salman Rushdie is a political novel set in an alternate universe loosely based on Pakistan. The story follows characters representing real-life figures like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, amidst events leading up to a military coup by Zia ul Haq. Written in Rushdie's signature magical realism style, the book is filled with satire, cynical intrigue, and black comedy, keeping the reader engaged till the last line. Despite being shorter in length compared to Rushdie's other works, 'Shame' touches on themes of shamelessness, guilt, and political turmoil, creating a vivid and allegorical narrative.

'The Overcoat' by Nikolai Gogol is a charming little story that portrays the life of a common worker in the bureaucracy of 19th century Russia. The plot revolves around Akaky Akakyevich, a minor official who leads a modest and solitary life until his overcoat begins to disintegrate. As he saves up to purchase a new coat, he experiences unexpected status and recognition from his peers, leading to a tragic turn of events that highlight the absence of recourse or justice in the contemporary bureaucracy. Gogol's writing style captures the inner life of Akaky, his struggles, and the societal dynamics of the time, blending humor and humanity in a pre-Modernist narrative that still resonates with modern readers.

'The Elephant's Journey' by Jose Saramago is a whimsical and delightful tale based on the true story of an elephant's journey from Lisbon to Vienna in 1551 as a gift from the King of Portugal to the Archduke of Austria. The book reflects on the symbolism of the elephant, the human condition, and the politics of the era. Saramago's unique writing style, characterized by long-winded sentences, lack of punctuation, and direct address to the reader, adds a layer of charm and wit to the story as it follows the elephant, Solomon, and his keeper, Subhro, on their long and eventful journey through Spain and Italy to their final destination.

The narrative of 'The Elephant's Journey' is filled with amusing episodes, moving scenes, and moments of social commentary. Saramago's ability to blend historical events with fictional elements, his satirical take on humanity, and his skillful narration that allows both characters and narrator to shine make this novella a compelling and engaging read. Despite the lack of traditional punctuation and formatting, the book offers a unique perspective on the sixteenth century, travel, and the complexities of human nature, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining literary work.

'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.

'Satantango' by Laszlo Krasznahorkai is a dark and allegorical novel set in a remote village in communist Hungary. The story revolves around a group of characters who are waiting for something to happen, pinned on a charismatic figure named Irimias. The novel delves into themes of atrophying humanity, cyclical occurrences, and the slow passage of time, all portrayed through the author's surreal and vivid writing style. The plot unfolds with a mix of black humor, bleakness, and allegorical elements, creating a complex narrative structure that requires patience to fully comprehend.

In 'Death with Interruptions', Jose Saramago presents an imagined scenario where death goes on strike, leading to social chaos in an unspecified year and country. The plot revolves around Death resuming her work with a new twist of sending advance notification letters, introducing philosophical reflections on life and death. The writing style combines dark humor, satire, and political commentary, with long, convoluted sentences creating a unique reading experience.

"Mao II" by Don DeLillo explores the link between terrorism and novelists, delving into themes of capital excess, terrorism, the media, and the cult of personality around writers. The story primarily follows a famous recluse writer named Bill Gray, his obsessive-compulsive assistant, a teenager brainwashed by the Reverend Moon, and a professional photographer. DeLillo's writing style is described as masterful prose with detached and philosophic dialog, filled with unrealistic but intentional character interactions. The novel is noted for its intense fascination with crowds and mass movements, as well as its exploration of how terrorists have supplanted the role of novelists in capturing the public's imagination.

The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis is a novel that delves into the life of Ricardo Reis, a poet doctor who returns to Portugal from Brazil in 1936, amidst a backdrop of political unrest and fascism spreading across Europe. The book explores the complex relationship between Ricardo Reis and his creator, Fernando Pessoa, who communicates with him as a ghostly presence. Through a blend of historical, literary, and philosophical references, the novel navigates themes of poetry, death, politics, and the blurred boundaries between fantasy and reality. Saramago's writing style in this book is described as beautifully written but not immediately accessible, with a unique narrative that weaves together multiple layers of storytelling.