Books Like...

'The Street of Crocodiles' by Bruno Schulz is a collection of stories that revolve primarily around the narrator's childhood, focusing on his father, mother, and housekeeper. The book is set in a gloomy Eastern European city and portrays a world filled with decaying marvels, cryptic artifacts, and quirky characters. Schulz's writing style is described as exquisite, hallucinatory, dreamlike, and surreal, with very real characters and a unique blend of magical possibilities in a prosaic world.

Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre is a philosophical novel that delves into the existential crisis of the protagonist, Antoine Roquentin. The book is written in a diary-like format, detailing Roquentin's thoughts and experiences as he grapples with the meaninglessness of life and his own existence. The narrative explores themes of existentialism, self-reflection, and the struggle to find purpose in a world devoid of inherent meaning. Sartre's writing style is introspective and contemplative, presenting a deep dive into the inner workings of the protagonist's mind.

Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino is a collection of fantastical and imaginative descriptions of cities, as told by explorer Marco Polo to Kublai Khan. The book is filled with poetic and philosophical dialogue, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Each chapter presents a different city, each with its own unique qualities and symbolism, creating a dreamlike and mesmerizing reading experience.

The writing style of Invisible Cities is described as evocative, dreamy, and surreal, with intricate descriptions that transport the reader to these imaginary places. The book is a blend of prose, poetry, and philosophy, challenging traditional storytelling structures and inviting readers to contemplate the deeper meanings behind the cities and the conversations between Polo and Khan.

The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati is a novel that follows the story of Giovanni Drogo, a young soldier who is stationed at Fort Bastiani on the border of the Tartar Steppe. The book explores themes of solitude, the futility of military preparations in times of peace, and the struggle to find purpose in life while waiting for something significant to happen. Buzzati's writing is described as sparse yet beautifully told, capturing the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the isolated fortress and the desolate steppe.

The novel portrays the protagonist's journey of waiting for glory and purpose in a setting filled with absurd military bureaucracy, monotony, and the passage of time. The narrative delves into Drogo's internal conflicts, his gradual acceptance of his isolated existence, and the haunting realization of missed opportunities and wasted time as he becomes entrenched in the routine and hopelessness of his post at Bastiani fortress.

'The Man Without Qualities' by Robert Musil is a massive novel that delves into the exploration of consciousness and societal changes in pre-WWI Austria. Musil's writing style is described as thick with philosophy, interlaced with meaning, and full of depth in character development. The novel presents a profound and witty portrait of life, dissecting the individual's place in the modern world amidst a backdrop of a crumbling empire.

"No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai is a bleak and introspective novel that delves into the life of Oba Yozo, a character struggling with feelings of alienation and disconnection from society. The book explores themes of loneliness, suicide, and existential dread through Yozo's eyes as he navigates a world where he feels like an outsider. The writing style is described as powerful and impactful, with a narrative that captures the protagonist's internal turmoil and despair in a poignant manner.

The Tunnel by Ernesto Sabato is a psychological novel that delves into the mind of a deranged artist, Juan Pablo Castel, who becomes obsessed with a woman named Maria Iribarne. The book follows Castel's descent into paranoia, jealousy, and possessive love, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome. The narrative is presented as a confessional account by Castel, showcasing his obsessive thoughts, irrational actions, and the psychological turmoil that consumes him. The writing style is described as taut and powerful, with vivid descriptions, metaphors, and monologues that provide insight into the protagonist's inner turmoil.

'Notes from Underground' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novella that delves into the existential crisis of the unnamed protagonist, referred to as the Underground Man. The story is presented in a diary form, exploring the protagonist's self-loathing, bitterness, and feelings of insignificance. The narrative is a mix of philosophical musings, societal critique, and introspective reflections, showcasing the protagonist's struggles with alienation and his disdain for societal norms. Dostoyevsky's writing style is described as beautiful yet painful, capturing the essence of a man living a life of terrible insignificance.

The novella is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the Underground Man's philosophical ramblings and the second part providing a narrative that sheds light on the protagonist's background and descent into the underground. Dostoyevsky weaves themes of free will, existentialism, and the human condition throughout the narrative, presenting a character who grapples with his own sense of identity and purpose. The book is praised for its smooth writing style, compelling storytelling, and the profound insights it offers into the complexities of human nature and societal conventions.

'Austerlitz' by W.G. Sebald is a novel that delves into the life of the titular character, Austerlitz, who was sent away as a child to escape the Nazis. The book follows Austerlitz's journey of self-discovery, intertwined with themes of memory, identity, and the impact of the holocaust. Through a unique writing style that includes long sentences, meandering storytelling, and a blend of autobiography and fiction, Sebald creates a dreamlike narrative that immerses readers into Austerlitz's world, filled with poignant descriptions and profound insights.

'The Third Policeman' by Flann O'Brien is a surreal and absurd novel that takes readers on a bizarre journey filled with dark humor, whimsicality, and philosophical ponderings. The story follows a protagonist who commits a murder and ends up in a police station where strange events unfold, including policemen obsessed with bicycles, merging of humans with bicycles, and explorations of an underground world where anything is possible. The book is described as a blend of comedy, meta physics, satire, and rural Irishness, creating a unique and non-perpendicular narrative that challenges assumptions about society and identity. O'Brien's writing style is noted for its fine comic writing, psychedelic moments, and fusion of Kafka, Beckett, and Alice in Wonderland elements.

'The Third Policeman' is a delightfully weird and absurd tale that defies easy description, offering readers a mix of dark comedy, surrealism, and inventive storytelling. The book is praised for its originality, wild imagination, and brilliant writing that blends humor with unsettling themes. O'Brien's ability to craft a narrative that is both funny and profound, challenging readers to engage with its strange world and complex structure, makes this novel a standout work of postmodern literature.