Books Like...
'Burning Bright' by Tracy Chevalier is a historical fiction novel set in London during the late 18th century. The story follows the Kellaway family who moves from the countryside to London, where they become neighbors with the poet William Blake. The plot revolves around the lives of the young protagonists, Jem and Maggie, as they navigate the complexities of everyday life in a bustling city, intertwined with historical events like the French Revolution and the presence of Astley's Circus. Despite some readers feeling that William Blake is portrayed as a minor character, the book offers a vivid portrayal of the period and the setting of Georgian London.
The novel is praised for its detailed depiction of London in the late 1700s, the historical context surrounding the French Revolution, and the everyday life of working-class teenagers. Tracy Chevalier's writing style is commended for its masterful dialogues, colorful period details, and the way it weaves together the lives of fictional characters with real historical figures like William Blake. While some readers found the plot lacking in depth or narrative drive, others appreciated the insights into life during that era and the lessons conveyed through the characters' experiences.
If you liked Burning Bright, here are the top 5 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Set in the transitional years between the death of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, "Falling Angels" follows the lives of two families, the Colemans and the Waterhouses, through the perspectives of multiple narrators. The story revolves around the friendship that develops between their daughters, Maude and Lavinia, as they navigate societal changes, women's suffrage, class issues, and personal growth against the backdrop of a cemetery in Victorian England.
The book delves into themes of death, societal customs, women's suffrage, class hierarchy, and transitions from Victorian to Edwardian culture. Tracy Chevalier's writing style is praised for its strong character development, multiple perspectives, and the way it weaves together various voices to create a rich narrative tapestry that captures the essence of the time period.
Then I remembered the evening before and felt rather sick. I wondered where Richard was in this huge house and how we were meant to swap back. Everyone else here – the man beside me included – was far... - #2
Save:'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is a historical fiction novel set in the 1890s in London, following the story of Nancy Astley, a young oyster girl who falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler. The book explores Nancy's journey as she follows Kitty into the world of theaters, working as a dresser before becoming a performer herself. The novel delves into themes of lesbian love, gender roles, and self-discovery in Victorian England. The writing style is described as sensual, detailed, and engaging, providing a vivid picture of the lesbian society in the 18th century.
The plot of 'Tipping the Velvet' is divided into three acts, each peopled with vibrant characters and told in lushly written prose. The book captures the sexual growing pains and challenges faced by Nancy as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. While some readers found the protagonist to be flat or the plot soap-operatic, others praised the realistic characters, compelling storytelling, and historical accuracy in depicting London's lesbian society during that era.
Have you ever tasted a Whitstable oyster? If you have, you will remember it. Some quirk of the Kentish coastline makes Whitstable natives - as they are properly called - the largest and the juiciest,... - #3
Save:Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is a historical fiction novel that blends elements of romance, time travel, action, and fantasy. The story follows Claire, a nurse from 1945 who is transported back in time to 1743 Scotland, where she meets and falls in love with a Scottish warrior named Jamie. The book weaves together historical events, detailed character development, and emotional relationships, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of love, family, and the complexities of time travel. The writing style is immersive, with a mix of vivid descriptions, well-researched historical details, and a strong focus on character dynamics.
It wasn’t a very likely place for disappearances, at least at first glance. Mrs. Baird’s was like a thousand other Highland bed-and-breakfast establishments in 1945; clean and quiet, with fading flora... - #4
Save:"Uprooted" by Naomi Novik is a fantasy novel set in a world where a wizard known as The Dragon takes a young girl every ten years to live with him and protect the area from the dangers of the nearby Wood. The protagonist, Agnieszka, unexpectedly chosen instead of her best friend, discovers her own magical abilities and becomes an apprentice to The Dragon. As they work together to combat the threats from the Wood, Agnieszka navigates themes of magic, friendship, self-discovery, and love in a richly imagined world filled with folklore elements and moral ambiguity.
The book is praised for its beautiful and descriptive prose, creating a vivid and realistic world for readers to immerse themselves in. The story unfolds slowly, subverting expectations and revealing surprising twists that keep readers engaged until the very satisfying end. The character development, particularly of Agnieszka, is highlighted as she embodies girl power, bravery, and independence, becoming her own hero in the face of challenges and mysteries presented by the magical world she inhabits.
Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley. We hear them sometimes, from travelers passing through. They talk as though we were doing human sacrific... Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West by Cormac McCarthy is a brutal and violent tale set in the American Southwest and Mexico during the 19th century. The story follows a young man known as The Kid who joins a group of scalp hunters led by the enigmatic and ruthless Judge Holden. The book delves into themes of violence, survival, and the darkness of human nature, all portrayed through McCarthy's haunting and vivid prose. The narrative is bleak and unrelenting, showcasing the harsh realities of life on the border between Mexico and America, where evil takes on human form in the physical world.
The book is described as a western where the Wild West is stripped of any heroic illusions, focusing instead on a group of merciless scalp hunters collecting bounties along the US-Mexico borderlands. McCarthy's writing style is elegant, detached, and breath-catching, rendering the beauty of the desert landscapes, the brutality of survival, and the emotional bankruptcy of the characters with exquisite detail. The characters, especially the enigmatic Judge Holden, provide a glimpse into mankind's addiction to violence, making the novel a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of morality and human nature.
See the child. He is pale and thin, he wears a thin and ragged linen shirt. He stokes the scullery fire. Outside lie dark turned fields with rags of snow and darker woods beyond that harbor yet a few ...
