Books Like...
"The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver is a novel that follows the life of Harrison Shepherd, a writer who navigates through the tumultuous events of the 1920s to the 1960s in Mexico and the US. The story delves into his relationships with historical figures such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Lev Trotsky, showcasing his journey from being a cook and journalist to a successful author. The narrative weaves through themes of friendship, betrayal, McCarthyism, and the complexities of identity, all portrayed through Shepherd's journals and the perspective of his secretary.
Kingsolver's writing style in "The Lacuna" is praised for its vivid prose, intricate character development, and the seamless incorporation of historical events. The novel expertly blends fiction with real-life figures, offering a glimpse into the lives of renowned artists and political figures while exploring Shepherd's personal struggles and triumphs. The multi-layered storytelling, shifting perspectives, and the use of journal entries and newspaper clippings add depth to the narrative, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
If you liked The Lacuna, here are the top 58 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"Flight Behavior" by Barbara Kingsolver follows the story of Dellarobia, an Appalachian woman who stumbles upon a population of monarch butterflies on her family farm, attracting various visitors including a scientist studying the phenomenon. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, small-town life, marriage, and climate change, all woven together in a delicate narrative. Kingsolver's writing style is described as beautiful and captivating, drawing readers into Dellarobia's world with vivid imagery and engaging storytelling.
A certain feeling comes from throwing your good life away, and it is one part rapture. Or so it seemed for now, to a woman with flame-colored hair who marched uphill to meet her demise. Innocence was ... - #2
Save:"Sea Monsters: A Novel" by Chloe Aridjis follows the story of 17-year-old Luisa who embarks on an adventure with a boy named Tomas in Mexico City in the late 1980s. The plot revolves around Luisa's journey to Oaxaca Zipolite in search of Ukrainian dwarves who disappeared from a Soviet circus. As she explores the coastal town with Tomas, their relationship fades, and Luisa finds herself drawn to a mysterious sand castle builder. The narrative is rich in language and imagery, focusing on the evocative descriptions of the waves, landscapes, and symbolic elements like iguanas and the Antikythera Mechanism.
The novel is a coming-of-age tale that delves into Luisa's search for adventure and self-discovery as she navigates through different relationships and encounters in a unique time and place. The author's poetic writing style and vivid descriptions create a captivating atmosphere that immerses readers in the emotional journey of the protagonist.
During the day I’d roam the shore, aimlessly, purposefully, and in search of digressions. The dogs. A hut. Boulders. Nude tourists. Scantily clad ones. Palm trees. Palapas. Sand sifting umber and adre... - #3
Save:"Mexico" by James A. Michener is a historical epic that delves into the rich tapestry of Mexican history, culture, and traditions. Through the intertwined stories of the Clay Palafox family spanning generations, the novel explores themes of courage, persistence, and optimism against the backdrop of bullfighting, which serves as a focal point. Michener expertly weaves together historical events, characters, and real-life figures to provide a comprehensive view of Mexico's past, from the colonization by Spain to the wars with America, offering readers a vivid and educational reading experience.
Despite some criticisms about the excessive focus on bullfighting and the book's length, "Mexico" is praised for its rich characterization, detailed plotting, and the insight it provides into upper-class Mexican life and culture. The novel is commended for its ability to bring history alive, capturing the essence of Mexico through its diverse characters and engaging plotlines, making it a worthwhile and enlightening read for those interested in Mexican history and heritage.
I was therefore burdened with unfamiliar gear—a large carrying case of Japanese cameras, some of which could photograph swift action occurring at a distance—and as my rickety bus trundled across centr... - #4
Save:The biography 'Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo' by Hayden Herrera delves into the life of the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The author meticulously researched Kahlo's life and skillfully painted a sensitive portrait of the artist, capturing her turbulent relationships, health struggles, and the inspiration behind her unique and symbolic paintings. The book not only narrates Kahlo's life story but also provides detailed insights into her complex marriage with Diego Rivera, her political beliefs, and the profound impact of her teenage accident on her artistry.
THE STORY OF FRIDA KAHLO begins and ends in the same place. From the outside, the house on the corner of Londres and Allende streets looks very like other houses in Coyoacán, an old residential sectio... - #5
Save:'Untamed Shore' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia tells the story of a life-changing summer in the life of 18-year-old Viridiana, who lives in a sleepy town in Baja California. Viridiana dreams of escaping her predictable existence and gets an opportunity when hired to translate for glamorous American ex-pats. The plot develops naturally, with surprises waiting in the second half of the book. The author expertly navigates the tropes of the thriller genre, offering a satisfying twist that keeps readers engrossed. The novel captures the yearning of youth, big questions of identity and fate, and the local community's expectations of proper behavior, all while being well thought out and believable.
The beach smelled of death. Half a dozen sharks lay under the sun, waiting to be salted. Whenever Viridiana saw them, glistening belly up in the midday heat, they reminded her of dominoes set upon a t... - #6
Save:'The Power and the Glory' by Graham Greene is a gripping tale set in 1930s Mexico during a period of intense religious persecution. It follows the journey of a flawed and complex whiskey priest who is on the run from the authorities seeking to eradicate the Catholic Church. The novel delves deep into themes of faith, suffering, redemption, and the struggle between the individual's weaknesses and strengths in the face of oppression. Greene's writing style is described as masterful, with vivid descriptions of the Mexican landscape and a unique ability to portray the inner turmoil of the characters.
Mr Tench went out to look for his ether cylinder, into the blazing Mexican sun and the bleaching dust. A few vultures looked down from the roof with shabby indifference: he wasn’t carrion yet. A faint... - #7
Save:Earthly Joys by Philippa Gregory follows the life of John Tradescant, a renowned gardener who served under various monarchs in the 16th and 17th centuries. The novel delves into John's relationships with influential figures like Lord Wootton and Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, as well as his passion for collecting and introducing new plant species to England. The book intertwines historical events with John's personal journey, exploring themes of loyalty, hierarchy, and self-discovery amidst the backdrop of a changing England.
The narrative of Earthly Joys is enriched with detailed descriptions of flowers, plants, and gardening techniques, showcasing Philippa Gregory's deep knowledge and research on the topic. Through John's experiences and interactions, the novel offers a unique perspective on the Stuart era, blending historical accuracy with compelling storytelling that immerses the reader in the vibrant world of gardens, politics, and personal relationships.
The daffodils would be fit for a king. The delicate wild daffodils, their thousand heads bobbing and swaying with the wind, light-petaled, light-stemmed, moving like a field of unripe barley before a ... - #8
Save:The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea is a gripping historical novel set in Mexico in the late 19th century. The story follows Teresita Urrea, a young girl with the power of healing, and her father Tomas as they navigate through life in Mexico and eventually flee to America. The book is based on the author's family history and is a rich blend of fact and fiction, showcasing the journey of Teresita as she develops her healing abilities and attracts a following of people seeking her help. The writing style is described as engaging, earthy, and reminiscent of Steinbeck, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the setting of Mexico.
ON THE COOL OCTOBER MORNING when Cayetana Chávez brought her baby to light, it was the start of that season in Sinaloa when the humid torments of summer finally gave way to breezes and falling leaves,... - #9
Save:'The Bean Trees' by Barbara Kingsolver follows the journey of Missy Taylor Greer, a young woman who leaves her Kentucky home and embarks on a road trip that takes her to Tucson, Arizona. Along the way, she acquires an abandoned toddler named Turtle and becomes responsible for her welfare. Through her travels, Taylor encounters a diverse cast of characters who help her navigate the challenges of motherhood and life on the road. The story touches on themes of adoption, undocumented immigrants, and the Southwest, all while exploring the bonds between parent and child.
Kingsolver's writing style in 'The Bean Trees' is described as well-written, with well-drawn characters that bring the narrative to life. is noted for its engaging plot, memorable characters, and the way it weaves real-life issues into the story. Readers appreciate the author's ability to create a compelling plot while exploring themes of family, compassion, and the search for belonging.
I have been afraid of putting air in a tire ever since I saw a tractor tire blow up and throw Newt Hardbine’s father over the top of the Standard Oil sign. I’m not lying. He got stuck up there. About ... - #10
Save:The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste is a historical fiction novel set during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. The story focuses on the role of women in the conflict, particularly Hirut and Aster, as they fight against the Italian soldiers alongside Ethiopian rebels. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, the brutality of war, and the resilience of the characters, offering a unique perspective on a lesser-known chapter of World War II history.
SHE DOES NOT WANT TO REMEMBER BUT SHE IS here and memory is gathering bones. She has come by foot and by bus to Addis Ababa, across terrain she has chosen to forget for nearly forty years. She is two ...
