Books Like...
'The Man Who Spoke Snakish' by Andrus Kivirahk is a unique adult fairy tale set in medieval Estonia, exploring themes of colonialism, modernity, faith, and inevitable change. The story follows Leemet, a boy who grows up in the forest speaking Snakish, an ancient language that allows him to communicate with animals. As colonization and Christianity spread, Leemet's traditional way of life is threatened, leading to a clash between old and new beliefs. is described as a mix of fantasy and allegory, filled with fantastical elements, odd characters, and black humor, making it a captivating and thought-provoking read.
If you liked The Man Who Spoke Snakish, here are the top 9 books to read next:
- #1
Save:The novel 'The Bridge on the Drina' by Ivo Andrić is a rich tapestry of stories spanning over 400 years, centered around a stone bridge in the heart of the Balkans. The bridge serves as a silent witness to the lives and struggles of the people who inhabit the region, reflecting the intersecting histories of various nationalities, religions, and empires. Through a series of vignettes, the author captures the essence of Balkan history, exploring themes of cultural diversity, religious tensions, and the impact of war on civilian populations. The writing style is evocative and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of life in the region from the Ottoman era to World War I.
For the greater part of its course the river Drina flows through narrow gorges between steep mountains or through deep ravines with precipitous banks. In a few places only the river banks spread out t... - #2
Save:'Small Country' by Gael Faye is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in Burundi during the 1990s, revolving around the life of Gabriel, a young boy caught in the midst of war and genocide. Through Gabriel's eyes, the author explores themes of childhood innocence shattered by conflict, the impact of ethnic identity on relationships, and the loss of home and belonging. Faye's writing style is described as poetic and honest, effectively portraying the transformation of a once idyllic life into a harrowing tale of survival and loss.
I’ll never know the true cause of my parents’ separation. There must have been some fundamental misunderstanding from the outset—a manufacturing flaw in their encounter, an asterisk nobody saw or want... - #3
Save:'The Year of the Hare' by Arto Paasilinna follows the story of Kaarlo Vatanen, a journalist who hits a young hare with his car, leading to a drastic change in his life. Vatanen decides to leave his job and wife behind, embarking on a journey through the Finnish countryside with the hare as his companion. The narrative is a mix of adventure and introspection, as Vatanen encounters various eccentric characters and experiences while rediscovering himself in the wilderness. The writing style is described as quirky, amusing, and occasionally farcical, capturing the essence of Finnish culture and landscape with a touch of dark humor.
Two harassed men were driving down a lane. The setting sun was hurting their eyes through the dusty windshield. It was midsummer, but the landscape on this sandy byroad was slipping past their weary e... - #4
Save:'The Serpent and the Rainbow' by Wade Davis is an exploration of Haitian Vodou, zombies, and magic through the eyes of an anthropologist. Davis delves into the origins of zombies in Haiti, investigating the mysterious zombie drug and the cultural practices surrounding it. The narrative combines elements of adventure, anthropology, and personal reflection, shedding light on the complex relationship between society, folklore, and the supernatural.
MY FIRST MEETING with the man who would send me on my quest for the Haitian zombi poison occurred on a damp miserable winter’s day in late February 1974. I was sitting with my roommate David in a café... - #5
Save:'Night Watch' by Sergei Lukyanenko is a urban fantasy novel that delves into the eternal battle between the forces of Light and Dark, represented by the Night Watch and the Day Watch in Moscow. The book follows Anton, a Light magician, as he navigates through political intrigues, magical conflicts, and moral dilemmas while trying to maintain the delicate balance between good and evil. Divided into three interconnected stories, the novel presents a world where supernatural beings coexist with humans, blending elements of fantasy with Russian history and humor.
It was barely even dark when I woke up. I just lay there, watching the final gleams of daylight fading away in the cracks of the blinds, thinking things over. This was the fifth night of the hunt—and ... 'The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida' by Shehan Karunatilaka is a unique and imaginative tale set in Sri Lanka during the troubled times of the civil war. The story is narrated by a deceased photographer, Maali, who observes the living from the afterlife. Through a mix of fantasy and reality, the book explores the harsh realities, desires, and brutalities of war, while also incorporating elements of wry humor. The narrative delves into the complexities of the human experience, focusing on the aftermath of the war and the mystery surrounding Maali's death, making it a captivating and thought-provoking read.
- #7
Save:'Let the Right One In' by John Ajvide Lindqvist is a dark and haunting novel that revolves around the relationship between Oskar, a lonely and bullied boy, and Eli, a peculiar girl who turns out to be a vampire. The story delves into themes of love, friendship, rejection, and the struggles of growing up, all set against a backdrop of horror and supernatural elements. Lindqvist's writing style is described as funny, disturbing, romantic, bloody, and terrifying, capturing the reader's attention with its unique take on the vampire genre and its exploration of complex characters dealing with cruelty and darkness.
“And you mean to say that someone who is capable of doing this to a child wouldn’t be able to go two subway stations? Or walk? Walk all the way here to Blackeberg and do the same thing again? Do you s... In "Drive Your Plow over the Bones of the Dead" by Olga Tokarczuk, the story revolves around Janina Duszejko, an elderly woman living in a rural Polish village near the Czech border. The novel combines elements of a murder mystery with philosophical musings, astrology, and a deep connection to nature. Janina, an eccentric and opinionated character, becomes convinced that the deaths of hunters in her town are the result of animals seeking revenge, leading to a unique exploration of justice, grief, and the human condition. The writing style is described as quirky, reflective, and lyrical, with a touch of dark humor and elements of magical realism woven into the narrative.
Had I examined the Ephemerides that evening to see what was happening in the sky, I wouldn’t have gone to bed at all. Meanwhile I had fallen very fast asleep; I had helped myself with an infusion of h...- #9
Save:'Split Tooth' by Tanya Tagaq is a genre-defying book that delves into the raw and brutal experiences of a young Inuit girl growing up in the far north. The story is a blend of coming-of-age narrative, magical realism, and poetry, exploring themes of abuse, violence, and the harsh realities of life in the Arctic. The writing style is described as visceral, electric, and haunting, with scenes that seamlessly shift between the mundane and the mythical, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
We are picking up stale old cigarette butts and smoking the last puffs off them, burning our lips and fingers on the indignity of it all. There are always plenty of butts around the Bay or the Co-op, ...
