Books Like...

'The Piano Man's Daughter' by Timothy Findley is a poignant tale of Lily Kilworth, a woman plagued by illness and madness, whose life unfolds through the eyes of her son, Charlie. The narrative spans generations, delving into Lily's tragic past, her mother's sacrifices, and the mysterious identity of Charlie's father. Set in Canada from the late 1800s to World War II, the story weaves through Lily's struggles, her relationships, and the haunting legacy of her family.

Findley's writing style immerses the reader in the atmospheric setting of 1890 to 1920 Canada, creating a bond with the characters through intimate storytelling that reveals their human complexities and secrets. The novel captures the emotional journey of Lily and Charlie, exploring themes of love, loss, family wounds, and the search for identity amidst madness and despair.

"Headhunter" by Timothy Findley is a dark and complex novel set in near-future Toronto during an epidemic of sturnusemia. The story follows a former librarian with paranoid schizophrenia who believes she has released the evil Kurtz from "The Heart of Darkness" and must find Marlow to help her return him to his proper place. As the plot unfolds, various characters are introduced, blurring the lines between good and evil, sanity and insanity. The narrative weaves together elements of magic powers, the plague, pedophiles, and schizophrenia, creating a gripping and multifaceted tale.

The writing style of Timothy Findley in "Headhunter" has been praised for its uniqueness and dark humor, reminiscent of Kurt Vonnegut but with a distinctly Canadian touch. is lauded for its exploration of somber and difficult themes while remaining engaging and thought-provoking, leaving readers contemplating its intricacies long after finishing it.

'Musclebound' by Liza Cody is the third book in the 'Eva Wylie' series, featuring the tough and unconventional protagonist, Eva Wylie. The book follows Eva's journey as a former professional wrestler turned night watchman, who finds herself entangled in a series of events after coming into possession of a bag full of counterfeit money. Through a first-person narrative, readers get a glimpse into Eva's raw and unapologetic character, filled with sarcastic comebacks and a no-nonsense attitude towards life. As Eva navigates through unexpected challenges and unwelcome visitors, readers are taken on a wild and crazy ride that showcases the complexities of Eva's world.

Far Tortuga by Peter Matthiessen is a novel that delves into the lives of a diverse crew of turtle fishermen navigating the challenges of declining sea life in the Caribbean. The book is written in a unique format, described as an extended imagistic prose poem that evokes the Romantic lyricism of Coleridge's works. The story follows the crew's struggles, superstitions, and the encroaching modern world, all portrayed through vivid descriptions of the sea and the characters' dialects.

'Not Wanted on the Voyage' by Timothy Findley is a retelling of the story of Noah and the Flood, set in a parallel universe where the characters are portrayed in a dysfunctional and human-like manner. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, power struggles, and the fragility of relationships amidst a world filled with talking animals, angels, and magical realism. Findley's writing style is described as thought-provoking, entertaining, and imaginative, offering a unique perspective on a well-known biblical tale.

The Wars by Timothy Findley is a powerful and evocative novel set during World War I, following the story of Robert Ross, a young Canadian officer who enlists after a family tragedy. The book delves into the horrors of trench warfare, vividly portraying the brutal conditions and emotional turmoil experienced by soldiers on the front lines. Through a combination of interviews, diary entries, and flashbacks, the narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, providing glimpses into Robert's life before, during, and after the war. Findley's writing style is described as spare yet impactful, with vivid descriptions that bring to life the grim reality of war without shying away from its complexities.

In Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden, the narrative unfolds through the intertwining perspectives of Xavier and Niska, detailing the experiences of two Cree snipers during World War I. The book vividly portrays the horrors of trench warfare, the struggles of Native Canadians fighting for Canada, and the impact of war on the characters' lives. Through Xavier's reticence and Elijah's bloodlust, the story delves into themes of friendship, cultural heritage, addiction, and resilience. The writing style is described as haunting, immersive, and evocative, seamlessly blending present-day narratives with past memories to create a poignant and powerful storytelling experience.

'In the Skin of a Lion' by Michael Ondaatje is a historical fiction novel set in Toronto in the early 20th century, focusing on the lives of immigrant workers involved in building the city's infrastructure. The book weaves together diverse characters and their intertwined paths, exploring themes of love, survival, adaptation, and the immigrant experience. Ondaatje's writing style is described as poetic, dreamlike, and vividly descriptive, with a narrative that jumps through time and characters, creating a rich tapestry of stories.

'Invitation to a Beheading' by Vladimir Nabokov is a surreal and Kafkaesque tale that follows the protagonist Cincinnatus C, who is sentenced to death for a crime that remains unspecified. The story unfolds in a dreamlike manner, blurring the lines between reality and imagination as Cincinnatus navigates his last days in prison, encountering bizarre events and characters. Nabokov's prose is described as uniquely beautiful, delving into the psyche of a man condemned to death by beheading, and inviting the reader to explore the freedom of imagination and the absurdity of life.

'Pnin' by Vladimir Nabokov is a collection of self-contained short stories centered around the character Pnin, a hapless Russian emigrant teaching at an American university. The novel explores themes of exile, university life, and complex relationships, portraying Pnin as an endearing but eccentric character. Nabokov's prose is described as acrobatic and beautiful, with a focus on wordplay and clever observations.