Books Like...

Some Do Not... is the first part of the Parade's End series by Ford Madox Ford, set against the backdrop of WWI. The novel intricately weaves together the complexities of English upper class society, human nature, and the impact of war on individuals. The story follows Christopher Tietjens, a principled man trapped in a difficult marriage, as he navigates through love, loyalty, and societal expectations amidst the chaos of war.

Ford Madox Ford's writing style in Some Do Not... is characterized by deep psychological perceptiveness and interweaving of present events with characters' thoughts. The narrative is rich in detail, offering a poignant exploration of human emotions, societal norms, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The novel delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the effects of war on individuals, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.

'Gillespie and I' by Jane Harris is a gripping tale narrated by an unreliable narrator, Harriet Baxter, set in Scotland in 1880 but recounted in 1933. The story revolves around Harriet's interactions with the Gillespie family, particularly with the talented artist Ned Gillespie. Through Harriet's narration, the author skillfully reveals the characters' complexities and keeps the reader engaged with unexpected twists and turns. is described as a page-turner that intricately weaves together mystery, deception, and psychological depth, making it a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on character development.

'Appointment in Samarra' by John O'Hara is a novel set in a small city in Pennsylvania during the Prohibition era, focusing on the life of Julian English, a wealthy and self-destructive young man. The story follows Julian's downward spiral over three days around Christmas 1930, shedding light on the dissolute upper middle class and their issues with alcoholism, social hypocrisy, and dishonesty. O'Hara's writing style is described as clear, poetic, and full of twists and turns, driving inexorably towards the fatal appointment that Julian seems destined for.

The book explores themes of class, self-destructiveness, inevitability of loss, suffocating social norms, and the intricacies of human relationships during the Jazz Age. O'Hara's storytelling is praised for its brilliance, ironies, and portrayal of characters slipping into inebriated blabbering, providing a pessimistic yet insightful look at the falsehoods of American life in that era.

'An Instance of the Fingerpost' by Iain Pears is a historical mystery novel set in 17th-century Oxford, England. The story revolves around a murder mystery involving the death of Dr. Robert Grove, told through the perspectives of four different narrators. Each narrator presents their version of events, leading to a complex and intriguing narrative filled with academic rivalry, political intrigue, espionage, and religious division. The author skillfully weaves together multiple viewpoints to create a rich and atmospheric portrayal of the turbulent times following the English Restoration.

The novel delves into themes of truth, betrayal, love, and redemption, all while exploring the complexities of human nature and the unreliability of perception. Through meticulous detail and intricate plotting, 'An Instance of the Fingerpost' offers readers a thought-provoking journey into Restoration England, blending historical facts with fictional elements to create a compelling and immersive reading experience.

Pale Fire is a complex and unique novel that revolves around a 999-line poem written by John Shade, with added commentary and index by Charles Kinbote. The poem delves into Shade's personal life, particularly focusing on the death of his daughter, while Kinbote interprets it as a political commentary on the coup in his home country of Zenobia. The narrative unfolds through the interplay between Shade's poem and Kinbote's commentary, creating a multi-layered and intricate story that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.

Nabokov's writing style in Pale Fire is characterized by its lush, pulpy prose that beautifully describes intricate details and creates vivid imagery. The novel's format challenges traditional storytelling by using the form of literary criticism to weave together the lives of three men: Shade, Kinbote, and Gradus. Through the use of unreliable narrators and metafictional elements, Nabokov crafts a narrative that is both humorous and thought-provoking, inviting readers to delve into the complexities of the text and uncover hidden meanings.

'What Was She Thinking?: Notes on a Scandal' by Zoe Heller is a psychological thriller that delves into the twisted dynamics of obsession, jealousy, and an inappropriate sexual relationship between a female teacher and her young male student. The story is narrated by Barbara Covett, a cynical and lonely teacher who becomes fixated on her colleague Sheba, leading to a web of betrayal, envy, and manipulation. Through Barbara's unreliable and creepy narration, the book explores themes of loneliness, human flaws, and the consequences of seeking affection in the wrong places.

"The Good Soldier Svejk" by Jaroslav Hasek is a satirical novel set during World War I, following the antics of a Czech soldier named Svejk who is portrayed as an idiot but may actually be a clever conman. The book humorously critiques the military, war, and authority figures through Svejk's absurd and farcical situations, showcasing the futility and absurdity of war. Hasek's writing style is described as witty, biting, and at times repetitive, with a focus on highlighting the stupidity of those around Svejk.

Set in the 1980s on a New England college campus, 'The Rules of Attraction' follows a period in the lives of Lauren, Paul, and Sean who get caught up in a love triangle. The book explores a bisexual love triangle filled with misinformation, misidentity, self-obsession, emotional blackmail, immaturity, substance abuse, and a lack of self-respect among privileged college students. The narrative style shifts between different characters' perspectives, offering insight into their personalities and relationships, often highlighting their delusions and self-inflicted struggles.

The story unfolds through multiple narrators, showcasing the same events from vastly different viewpoints, creating a Rashomon-like quality that delves into the complexities of personal relationships and individual interpretations. The novel provides an interesting study on how navigating personal relationships can be challenging, especially in an environment saturated with alcohol, drugs, and youthful beauty, resonating with college students across generations.

Set in South Africa in the 1940s, 'Cry, The Beloved Country' follows the journey of a Zulu pastor, Stephen Kumalo, as he searches for his son in the bustling city of Johannesburg. The story intricately weaves together the lives of two fathers and their sons, exploring the racial injustices and societal struggles faced by both black and white communities during the apartheid era. Through poignant storytelling and lyrical prose, Alan Paton creates a narrative that delves into themes of love, hope, forgiveness, and the enduring dignity of humanity.

'The Mill on the Floss' by George Eliot is a novel that follows the life of Maggie Tulliver, a free-spirited and passionate young woman torn between societal expectations and her desire for self-fulfillment. The story delves into the struggles of a middle-class family in Victorian England, particularly focusing on the complex relationship between Maggie and her brother Tom. As Maggie navigates through life, facing societal pressures and personal conflicts, the novel explores themes of family dynamics, gender roles, and moral responsibility. The narrative is filled with quirky and believable characters, providing a poignant portrayal of provincial life in the 19th century.

The book is known for its detailed character development, particularly in the portrayal of Maggie Tulliver as a beloved yet flawed heroine. The plot unfolds with Maggie's emotional journey, influenced by her relationships with others and the societal constraints she must confront. George Eliot's writing style combines humor and darkness, drawing parallels to the works of Charles Dickens but with a unique perspective on femininity, individuality, and the complexities of family dynamics.