Books Like...

Rizzio is a novella that delves into the brutal murder of Mary Queen of Scots' private secretary, David Rizzio, in a vivid and gripping manner. Denise Mina's writing style brings to life a night filled with deceit, loyalty, power struggles, and misogyny, leaving readers enthralled in a living chess game of intrigue and betrayal.

Mina's storytelling is described as precise, matter of fact, and well-researched, providing a modern take on Scottish history through a crime novelist's lens. The book captures the essence of a dark tale of greed, power struggles, and the vulnerability of women in society, all set against the backdrop of a historical event that is both shocking and emotional.

'Cathedral of the Sea' by Ildefonso Falcones is a historical novel set in 14th-century Barcelona during the construction of the Santa Maria del Mar cathedral. The story follows the life of Arnau Estanyol, a peasant freeman tradesman, as he navigates through the horrors of war, plague, and the Inquisition. The narrative covers various historical events and social classes, providing a vivid depiction of medieval Barcelona.

The writing style of the book is engaging and well-researched, offering readers an immersive experience into the life and struggles of the characters. The plot revolves around Arnau's journey from a humble beginning to significant wealth, intertwined with the challenges of the time period, such as feudal laws, religious authorities, and societal norms. While drawing comparisons to 'Pillars of the Earth,' the book stands out for its detailed descriptions of medieval Barcelona and its characters' compelling story arcs.

'River God' by Wilbur Smith is set in ancient Egypt and tells the story through the eyes of a talented slave named Taita. The plot focuses on the forbidden love between a young girl and boy amidst an invasion of Egypt, leading to a tale of true love and the challenges faced to protect it. The writing style is described as accessible and engaging, with a mix of romance, adventure, and action that brings ancient Egypt to life vividly.

'Ghost Wall' by Sarah Moss is a brief novel that delves into the story of Sylvie and her family as they join a group of anthropological students for an experiential archaeology course, living as ancient Britons. The book explores the toxic mesh between the ancient way of life and Sylvie's father's abusive nature, depicting the terror and abuse experienced by Sylvie and her mother. The writing style is outstanding, loaded with symbolism about our relationship with history and the rituals forced upon individuals for various reasons. The plot unfolds with a blend of psychological drama, social satire, and a dark exploration of family dynamics.

'The Penelopiad' by Margaret Atwood is a retelling of the myth of Penelope from Homer's Odyssey, narrated by Penelope herself from the Underworld in present day. The book provides a cleverly told autobiography, focusing on Penelope's perspective on Odysseus' adventures and the twelve maids hanged by Odysseus, who act as a traditional Greek chorus. Atwood's unique take on the story includes the theory that Penelope had the maids act as spies, adding a fascinating new dimension to this old tale.

The narrative of 'The Penelopiad' offers a fresh and feminist perspective on the classic Greek myth, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggles faced by Penelope during Odysseus' absence. Through a combination of prose, verse, and chorus elements, Atwood weaves a story that delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of Penelope, shedding light on her character and the challenges she faced while waiting for her husband's return.