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Barney's Version by Mordecai Richler is a novel that delves into the life of Barney Panofsky, an aging Jewish businessman from Montreal who decides to write his memoirs after being accused of being an abusive husband, a drunk, and possibly a murderer by a famous writer. The story moves back and forth between the past and the present, with Barney's faltering memory making him an unreliable narrator. The narrative unfolds through his three marriages, revealing anecdotes, regrets, and reflections on his life, all while painting a vivid picture of Montreal during a period of identity struggle.

If you liked Barney's Version, here are the top 74 books to read next:

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  1. #1
    The Stone Angel
    Book 1 in the series:Manawka

    The Stone Angel - Manawka by Margaret Laurence
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    The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence is a novel that delves into the life of Hagar Shipley, a 90-year-old woman reflecting on her past as she faces old age and death. The story is told from Hagar's point of view, as she reminisces about her childhood, marriage, and motherhood in rural Manawaka. The book explores themes of pride, stubbornness, family dynamics, and the challenges of aging, all portrayed through Hagar's unfiltered and direct narrative style.

    ABOVE THE TOWN, on the hill brow, the stone angel used to stand. I wonder if she stands there yet, in memory of her who relinquished her feeble ghost as I gained my stubborn one, my mother's angel tha...

  2. #2

    Godan by Premchand
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    'Godan' by Munshi Premchand is a masterpiece that delves into the social realities of rural India, portraying the struggles of farmers, caste discrimination, gender inequality, and economic exploitation. The book provides a poignant commentary on life in villages during the early 20th century, highlighting themes such as extreme poverty, the unjust system of taxes, and the plight of women. Through vivid storytelling, Premchand captures the complexities of rural life, shedding light on relationships within families and the harsh realities faced by the marginalized sections of society.

    The narrative in 'Godan' is known for its realistic portrayal of Indian society, touching on various themes such as the caste system, love marriages, idolism, pride, struggles, women's rights, and social reform. Premchand's writing style is thought-provoking, insightful, and thought to reflect the true essence of life, emphasizing the importance of basic humanity and providing a deep insight into the rural India of the past.


  3. #3

    The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler
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    The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler is a character-driven novel set in 1950s Montreal, following the ambitious and morally complex protagonist, Duddy Kravitz. Duddy is portrayed as a conniving and relentless individual who stops at nothing to achieve his goal of owning land, even if it means betraying those closest to him. The book delves into themes of greed, ambition, family dynamics, and the struggles of the Jewish community during that time period, offering a raw and honest portrayal of a young man's relentless pursuit of success, regardless of the consequences.

    Richler's writing style in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is praised for its sharp and engaging dialogue, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor and intensity, drawing readers into Duddy's world of hustling and manipulation as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. The book captures the essence of a specific time and place, showcasing the intricacies of human relationships and the complexities of individual ambitions in a close-knit community.

    WHAT WITH HIS WIFE SO ILL THESE PAST FEW WEEKS and the prospect of three more days of teaching before the weekend break, Mr. MacPherson felt unusually glum. He trudged along St. Dominique Street to wi...

  4. #4

    One Foot in the Grave - James Pibble by Peter Dickinson
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    CWA Gold Dagger winner Peter Dickinson is back: Now-retired Scotland Yard superintendent James Pibble isn't about to go quietly into the night-not when there's a murder case or two (or three) to solve

    At Flycatchers, a well-to-do nursing home watc

    ...

  5. #5

    Wrinkles by Paco Roca
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    Admitted to a home for the elderly because he suffers from Alzheimer's disease, for Ernest community life feels like an ordeal. But soon he accepts his new environment and decides to fight to escape from giving in to his awful destiny. For the author

    ...

  6. #6

    Despair by Vladimir Nabokov
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    Despair by Vladimir Nabokov is a dark and strange murder tale that delves into the mind of an unreliable narrator named Hermann. The story follows Hermann, a Russian emigre businessman, who becomes obsessed with a tramp in Prague whom he believes to be his exact double. As Hermann hatches a plan to profit off their shared likeness, the narrative unfolds into a twisted plot of deception and madness. The book is narrated in a playful yet droll style, characteristic of Nabokov's intricate and dazzling prose.

    If I were not perfectly sure of my power to write and of my marvelous ability to express ideas with the utmost grace and vividness … So, more or less, I had thought of beginning my tale. Further, I sh...

  7. #7

    Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry
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    Sebastian Barry's 'Old God's Time' delves into the life of retired detective sergeant Tom Kettle, who is confronted with an unsolved murder case involving abusive Irish priests from his past. As Tom grapples with the haunting memories of his past and the tragedies that have befallen his family, the reader is taken on a journey through his stream of consciousness, navigating themes of love, loss, grief, memory, and the redemptive power of love. The novel weaves together a complex narrative structure, blending elements of a modern potential crime with an old murder mystery, all while exploring the distorted power of memory and the impact of man's capacity for evil on individuals' lives.


  8. #8

    Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey
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    'Elizabeth Is Missing' by Emma Healey tells the story of Maud, an elderly woman suffering from dementia, who is on a quest to find her missing friend Elizabeth while also grappling with the unsolved disappearance of her sister Sukey many years ago. Through Maud's fragmented memories and confusion between past and present, the reader is taken on a journey of mystery and emotional depth, exploring themes of aging, memory loss, and family relationships. The narrative style, told through Maud's perspective, offers a poignant and realistic portrayal of dementia, blending past events with the present struggles of the protagonist.

    You know there was an old woman mugged around here?” Carla says, letting her long, black ponytail snake over one shoulder. “Well, actually, it was Weymouth, but it could have been here. So you see, yo...

  9. #9

    Zodiac: The Eco-Thriller by Neal Stephenson
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    'Zodiac: The Eco-Thriller' follows the story of Sangamon Taylor, an eco warrior fighting against corporations dumping toxic waste into the waters off Boston. The plot involves Taylor investigating and taking action against polluters in the Boston area, exposing the environmental crimes committed by unscrupulous corporations. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with a mix of humor and detailed scientific explanations of pollution and its effects on the environment and human health.

    Wyman called. Wyman, the Scourge of Cars. He wanted the keys to the Omni so that he could drive to Erie, Pennsylvania to see his girlfriend, who was about to leave for Nicaragua. For God’s sake, she c...

  10. #10

    Still Alice by Lisa Genova
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    'Still Alice' by Lisa Genova is a heart-wrenching story that follows the life of Alice Howland, a talented Harvard professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The novel chronicles Alice's journey as she rapidly loses her memory and sense of self, all written from her own point of view. The reactions of Alice's husband, children, colleagues, and friends are portrayed in a human and illuminating manner, showcasing the impact of the disease on their lives. provides a compassionate and insightful look into the struggles of living with Alzheimer's, offering a unique perspective on the disease.

    Alice sat at her desk in their bedroom distracted by the sounds of John racing through each of the rooms on the first floor. She needed to finish her peer review of a paper submitted to the Journal of...

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