Books Like...

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a haunting and beautifully written novel that delves into the descent of Esther Greenwood into madness and depression. The story follows Esther, a young woman with a bright future, as she struggles with her mental health, ends up in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, and navigates her way back to normalcy. Plath's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and sparse, perfectly capturing the delicate yet powerful essence of the subject matter.

The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of depression, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s America. Plath's storytelling is poignant, dark, and at times morbidly funny, offering a deep insight into Esther's internal struggles and the challenges she encounters on her journey towards self-discovery and recovery.

'Eileen' by Ottessa Moshfegh is a dark and weird novel that follows the story of the titular character, Eileen, as she navigates her unhappy life living with her alcoholic father and working at a juvenile prison. The book is character-oriented, delving deep into Eileen's psyche and odd thoughts, creating a mysterious and uncomfortable atmosphere. The plot, although loose and non-linear, keeps the reader engaged by revealing Eileen's inner life and her impending departure from her small town.

The narrative style of 'Eileen' is described as absorbing, weird, and unsettling, resembling a psychological thriller with a strong focus on character development. The book explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and transformation, with unexpected twists and dark alleys that lead the reader through Eileen's disturbing journey towards self-discovery.

'Boy Parts' by Eliza Clark is a darkly comic novel that follows the protagonist, Irina, a photographer in her late twenties who takes explicit photos of random men in Newcastle. The book delves into Irina's downward spiral as she immerses herself in photography, drugs, alcohol, and self-destruction. The narrative explores Irina's relationships, her grip on reality, and her constant spirals and blackouts, all while integrating texts, emails, and blog entries to portray how people react to her and how she interprets their words. The writing style is intense, sometimes violent, and sometimes strange, with a strong voice that brings out the intriguing and complex character of Irina.

'Convenience Store Woman' by Sayaka Murata is a quirky and atmospheric novel that delves into the life of Keiko, a woman who has worked at a convenience store for 18 years. Keiko finds comfort and satisfaction in her job, despite societal pressures to conform and lead a more traditional life. The book explores themes of societal norms, individuality, and the struggle to fit in, all through the lens of Keiko's unique perspective. The writing style is described as fresh, simple, and emotionally charged, making it a quick and absorbing read that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Little Marek, the abused and delusional son of the village shepherd, never knew his mother his father told him she died in childbirth. One of life's few consolations for Marek is his enduring bond with the blind village midwife, Ina, who suckled him as a baby, as she did so many of the village's children. Ina's gifts extend beyond childcare she possesses a unique ability to communicate with the natural world. Her gift often brings her the transmission of sacred knowledge on levels far beyond those available to other villagers, however religious they might be. For some people, Ina's home in the woods outside of the village is a place to fear and to avoid, a godless place. Among their number is Father Barnabas, the town priest and lackey for the depraved lord and governor, Villiam, whose hilltop manor contains a secret embarrassment of riches. The people's desperate need to believe that there are powers that be who have their best interests at heart is put to a cruel test by Villiam and the priest, especially in this year of record drought and famine. But when fate brings Marek into violent proximity to the lord's family, new and occult forces upset the old order. By year's end, the veil between blindness and sight, life and death, the natural world and the spirit world, civility and savagery, will prove to be very thin indeed.

'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' by Gail Honeyman is a novel that delves into the life of Eleanor Oliphant, a socially isolated and awkward office worker with a traumatic past. The story follows Eleanor as she navigates through her daily routines, forming unexpected friendships, confronting her past, and gradually undergoing a transformation towards self-discovery and healing. The narrative style provides insights into Eleanor's quirky and complex personality, showcasing her struggles, growth, and interactions with those around her.

The book combines elements of humor, poignancy, and personal triumph as it unravels Eleanor's journey towards overcoming her deep sense of loneliness and guilt. Through subtle storytelling and engaging character development, the author paints a vivid picture of Eleanor's life, highlighting the power of small acts of kindness, the importance of human connection, and the themes of resilience and hope that resonate throughout the novel.

'Normal People' by Sally Rooney follows the complex relationship between two young individuals, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate through high school and college years, dealing with issues of miscommunication, self-worth, and emotional struggles. The story delves into the intricacies of their evolving friendship and love, portraying realistic dialogues and character interactions that highlight the challenges faced by the protagonists as they grow and change over time. Rooney's writing style captures the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of the characters, creating a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.

'The New Me' by Halle Butler follows the life of Millie, a disaffected millennial working as a temp in an office setting. The book delves into Millie's struggles with personal hygiene, social interactions, and her aspirations to become a better version of herself. Through a darkly humorous lens, the narrative explores themes of office life, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by young adults in finding their place in the world.

The author, Halle Butler, adopts a sharp and biting writing style to portray the mundane yet chaotic life of Millie. The novel offers a glimpse into the millennial experience, showcasing the protagonist's internal monologues, self-absorbed behaviors, and the subtle cruelties of everyday social interactions. As the story unfolds, Butler skillfully navigates Millie's journey towards self-improvement and self-awareness, painting a convincing portrait of a young woman at a crossroads in her life.

'Sorrow and Bliss' by Meg Mason is a poignant and immersive novel that delves into the complexities of mental illness, family relationships, and self-discovery. The story follows Martha, a character grappling with her own mental struggles, as she navigates through life with a mix of humor, wit, and heartbreak. The book provides a raw and honest look at Martha's journey of understanding herself and the impact of her mental health on her relationships, especially her marriage. Through a first-person narrative, readers are drawn into Martha's world, filled with emotional ups and downs that leave a lasting impact.

The book beautifully captures the essence of Martha's internal turmoil, her relationships with her family members, and the challenges she faces in accepting herself. With a blend of humor, tenderness, and poignancy, 'Sorrow and Bliss' explores themes of love, mental illness, and the complexities of human emotions. The narrative style moves seamlessly between heartbreakingly sad moments and laugh-out-loud funny instances, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read that lingers in the reader's mind long after finishing the book.

In the book "Girl, Interrupted" by Susanna Kaysen, readers are taken on a journey through the author's stay at a mental institution in the 1960s. The narrative provides a raw and honest insight into Kaysen's experiences, offering a glimpse into the mind of a young woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. The writing style is described as lucid and profound, with short, focused chapters that delve into Kaysen's life during her time at the psychiatric hospital and the period following her release.

Kaysen's memoir not only sheds light on her personal struggles but also raises questions about the definitions of sanity and insanity, challenging societal norms and perceptions surrounding mental health. Through vivid portrayals of fellow patients and caregivers, the author paints a detailed picture of life within the psychiatric ward, showcasing both the horrors and moments of introspection that shaped her perspective on mental illness and recovery.