Books Like...

The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland tells the story of Caroline, a former Olympic runner whose life takes a dramatic turn after an accident ends her athletic career. As she recovers, she becomes entangled in the world of European royalty after getting engaged to a prince. However, her life in the principality is far from the fairytale she imagined. Instead of freedom, she finds herself in a gilded cage, where her every move is monitored. The comparison to real royal scandals makes the story relatable and timely.

The writing is engaging, capturing the claustrophobic atmosphere of royal life. Bourland delves into the dark realities faced by women in such positions, highlighting their lack of control, personal sacrifices, and the shallow nature of royal duties. While the book has a plot-driven focus, certain moments are steeped in emotional depth. Readers may find themselves reflecting on the true cost of beauty and status in the modern world.

Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh is a short novel set in a post-war French town grappling with a mysterious mass poisoning linked to cursed bread. The plot revolves around Elodie, the baker's wife, who becomes obsessed with a glamorous newcomer named Violet, navigating her own desires and frustrations amidst the town's unraveling sanity. The narrative is fragmented and dreamlike, with heavy symbolism and moments of erotic tension, creating an intense yet confusing reading experience. Readers are left pondering unanswered questions and vague character motivations, making the book a blend of atmospheric literary fiction and surrealism.

'Priestdaddy' by Patricia Lockwood is a memoir that delves into the author's unusual upbringing as the daughter of a Catholic priest. The book explores her experiences of growing up in a religious household, the challenges of living with larger-than-life parents, and the complexities of returning to live with them as an adult. Lockwood's writing style is described as poetic, humorous, irreverent, and introspective, with a focus on exploring themes of religion, family dynamics, and personal growth.

Winter in Sokcho is a contemplative and character-driven novel set in a town near the North Korean border. The story follows a French Korean narrator working as a receptionist at a guest house where she forms a complex relationship with a graphic artist named Kerrand. The writing style is described as sparse yet engaging, focusing on the subtleties of human emotions and interactions rather than a traditional plot-driven narrative. The book delves into themes of culture, classism, and personal struggles, all set against the backdrop of a bleak winter in Sokcho.

"All's Well" by Mona Awad follows the story of Miranda Fitch, a former theater actress turned teacher, who is dealing with chronic pain after a career-ending fall. The plot revolves around her college's production of "All's Well that Ends Well," a choice that is met with resistance from her students. As Miranda navigates her personal struggles and the challenges within the theater department, she encounters mysterious strangers who offer her a cure for her pain, leading to unexpected consequences. The novel is described as darkly funny, empathetic, and infused with elements of magic, creating a unique and captivating narrative that explores themes of female pain, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships.

'Acts of Desperation' by Megan Nolan is a raw and emotionally heavy account of a psychologically abusive relationship, delving into themes of obsession, co-dependency, toxic relationships, and the struggles of women in male-dominated dynamics. The book is written with meticulous thought and care, drawing readers into the protagonist's inner turmoil and desperation to break free from a doomed relationship. Through short, poignant chapters, the unnamed narrator navigates through the complexities of love, obsession, low self-esteem, and the relentless self-reflection that comes with being in a toxic partnership.

The author, Megan Nolan, skillfully captures the inner monologue of the protagonist, offering a deeply relatable and immersive reading experience for those who have experienced similar struggles with love, obsession, and self-worth. The book challenges societal norms and expectations placed on women, highlighting the difficulty of saying no and the constant battle against men's control and influence in relationships. Nolan's writing style is described as artful, honest, and appealing, keeping readers engaged and emotionally invested in the protagonist's journey towards self-discovery and liberation.

Luster by Raven Leilani is a novel that delves into the complex relationships and messy realities of life, particularly focusing on the protagonist, Edie, a 23-year-old black woman. The story follows Edie as she becomes involved with a 46-year-old white man named Eric, who has an open marriage with Rebecca, a doctor dealing with autopsies. As Edie moves in with them, the dynamics of their relationships unfold, exploring themes of race, sex, isolation, and self-discovery. The narrative is described as a mix of dark humor, raw emotions, and compelling storytelling, capturing the struggles and growth of the characters amidst their unconventional circumstances.

The writing style of Luster is praised for its brutal beauty and unique voice, offering a blend of witty narration, dark humor, and poignant observations. Through Edie's perspective, the novel explores themes of creation, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, presenting a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking. The book navigates through Edie's journey of self-discovery, her interactions with Eric, Rebecca, and their adopted daughter Akila, and the various challenges she faces in her pursuit of purpose and connection.

In "The Guest" by Emma Cline, the story follows Alex, a mysterious and complex character who navigates through different settings while keeping her secrets hidden. The plot revolves around Alex's attempts to escape a troubling past while moving through a world of affluent individuals in the Hamptons. The writing style captures the reader's attention with its taut and propulsive narrative, leading us through a week in Alex's life that is filled with intrigue and moral ambiguity.

Milk Fed by Melissa Broder is a novel that delves into the complex relationship between food, love, and identity. The story follows Rachel, a woman with a restrictive eating disorder, who begins to explore a newfound sense of freedom and self-acceptance when she meets Miriam, an Orthodox Jewish woman. Their lesbian relationship serves as a catalyst for Rachel to embrace her body and soul, while also questioning elements of her religion and cultural background. The book is described as a mix of humor, wit, and insightful observations on women, daughterhood, and the struggles of forming one's own identity.

The narrative of Milk Fed is filled with graphic details, sharp writing, and a blend of cultural, religious, and nourishment-related themes. Through Rachel's journey of self-discovery and indulgence, the novel explores themes of desire, intimacy, and the importance of breaking societal and personal boundaries. The book offers a unique and sometimes controversial perspective on relationships, self-image, and the complexities of human connection.

Lisa Taddeo's first novel, 'Animal', delves into the disturbing story of Joan, a complex character whose sardonic and cryptic first-person account reveals a lost soul trapped in the prison of her own life. Joan's traumatic past and unwise choices force her to navigate two simultaneous lives - one superficial, necessary for survival in New York's tumultuous social scene, and the other filled with rage, insecurities, and mistrust. The book takes readers on a grimy and visceral journey through Joan's emotional and mental state, mirroring the chaos of her experiences.

The plot unfolds as Joan flees her past in New York to seek answers in the counter-culture world of Los Angeles, particularly in Topanga Canyon, where she embarks on a quest to uncover the mysterious Alice's secrets. Through a raw depiction of human experiences, the book explores themes of trauma, grief, anger, and love, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable emotions and societal constructs. Taddeo's writing style, characterized by genius descriptions and truncated, impactful sentences, immerses readers in a narrative that is both horrifying and beautiful, ultimately leading to a complex exploration of femininity, victimhood, and societal expectations.