Books Like...
If you liked Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall, here are the top 29 books to read next:
An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro is a poignant novel that delves into the life of Masuji Ono, an aging Japanese artist grappling with his past actions during World War II. Through subtle prose and intricate storytelling, Ishiguro navigates the complexities of post-war Japan, exploring themes of guilt, memory, and redemption. The narrative unfolds with a mix of nostalgia and regret as Ono reflects on his role in propagandizing for a regime that led to devastating consequences, all while attempting to reconcile his past with his present reality.
The book offers a deep exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by Ono, highlighting the internal conflicts and external pressures he encounters as he navigates a changing society. Ishiguro's writing style is marked by its clarity, economy, and emotional depth, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Ono's introspective journey as he grapples with the repercussions of his past actions and seeks to find peace amidst the shifting landscapes of post-war Japan.
- #2
Save:In 'A Thousand Years of Good Prayers', Yiyun Li presents a collection of short stories that offer insight into life in modern China and among Chinese Americans. The stories touch on themes such as the impact of political and cultural upheaval, the struggles of daily life, and the clash of generations. The narrative style is spare and controlled, emphasizing the often bleak conditions the characters face, while providing intimate portraits of lives affected by societal changes.
Yiyun Li's writing delves into the personal lives of her characters against the backdrop of significant historical events and societal shifts. Through her stories, she paints a picture of China over the last century, exploring human behavior under extreme circumstances and offering poignant reflections on the aftermath of Mao's era. The stories are emotionally deep and offer a close-up snapshot of how individuals navigate the complexities of evolving traditions and changing societal norms.
GRANNY LIN WALKS IN THE STREET ON A November afternoon with a stainless steel lunch pail in her hand. Inside the lunch pail is an official certificate from her working unit. “Hereby we confirm Comrade... - #3
Save:Gorgeous, dreamlike, and highly imaginative - but often enigmatic and best suited for those who love ambiguous, magical realism. Not for folks who want their stories straightforward or plot-driven, but a feast for anyone who craves beautiful writing and unusual, interlocking tales.
Once upon a time in Catalonia a baby was found in a chapel. This was over at Santa Maria de Montserrat. It was an April morning. And the baby was so wriggly and minuscule that the basket she was found... Strange, smart, and captivating - these stories linger in the mind, even if a few may unsettle or perplex. Worth picking up if you’re looking to shake up your usual read with something gutsy and different.
I don’t have much time so I must dispense with the obvious. Helicopters clatter overhead, men with cameras leaning from their open doorways. Their footage must be numbingly familiar to you, and might...- #5
Save:Delightfully strange, dark, and thought-provoking - if you’re ready for a collection of short fiction that breaks the rules (and maybe your comfort zone), Unclean Jobs for Women and Girls is a bold literary experience you won’t soon forget.
Across the kettle a man is trying to cry, but his tears keep mixing with his sweat and instead of looking sad he just seems extra warm. For a moment, I have the romantic thought that maybe we are actu... A dazzlingly weird and inventive story collection for fans of speculative fiction with a dark, satirical edge. Not every story is a hit, but the best ones are unforgettable.
- #7
Save:Weird, whimsical, and wonderfully inventive - Kelly Link’s stories embrace the strange and leave you questioning reality (in a good way). Not for everyone, but if you vibe with magical realism and dream-logic plots, this book is pure delight.
Eric was night, and batu was day. The girl, Charley, was the moon. Every night, she drove past the All-Night in her long, noisy, green Chevy, a dog hanging out the passenger window. It wasn’t ever the... - #8
Save:A haunting, elegantly written mystery that’s more about the shadows of memory than solving a crime. Recommended for fans of subtle, nuanced fiction - but may not satisfy if you need your stories tied up with a bow.
IT WAS THE SUMMER of 1923, the summer I came down from Cambridge, when despite my aunt’s wishes that I return to Shropshire, I decided my future lay in the capital and took up a small flat at Number 1... - #9
Save:Brilliantly weird and hypnotic - either a masterpiece of unsettling dream logic or an interminable labyrinth. Wholly unique and rewarding for the adventurous reader, but approach with patience and an open mind!
The taxi driver seemed embarrassed to find there was no one – not even a clerk behind the reception desk – waiting to welcome me. He wandered across the deserted lobby, perhaps hoping to discover a st... A heartfelt, fascinating exploration of the mysterious connection between music and the brain - brimming with stories, insights, and empathy. Best for readers curious about music, mind, and humanity (and who don't mind a few digressions).
Tony Cicoria was forty-two, very fit and robust, a former college football player who had become a well-regarded orthopedic surgeon in a small city in upstate New York. He was at a lakeside pavilion f...
