Books Like...

Bangkok Wakes to Rain by Pitchaya Sudbanthad is a novel that intricately weaves together stories of characters spanning different time periods in Thailand, from colonial Siam to a future flooded Bangkok. Through loosely connected characters, the book explores themes of history, family, and the impact of time on individuals and a changing city. The writing style is described as superb, with each chapter carefully placed to contribute to the greater narrative, creating a coherent and pleasurable reading experience that delves into the layers of Bangkok's history and culture.

Ponti is a debut novel that experiments with an unusual and very original construct, inspired by the fractured nature of relationships. Set in Singapore over 50 years, the story revolves around three women - Amisa, her daughter Szu, and Szu's friend Circe. The narrative moves back and forth in time, unfolding through vivid and compelling storytelling that delves into the struggles and friendships of these characters against the backdrop of a constantly evolving city.

The novel is a character-driven exploration of women's friendships and struggles in Singapore, portraying the lives of outcasts navigating societal expectations and personal desires. Through the perspectives of Szu, Amisa, and Circe, the book captures the essence of Singaporean life, love for B-class cinema, and the challenges faced by women in a rapidly changing society.

We, The Survivors by Tash Aw is a poignant and intimate portrayal of Ah Hock's life in Malaysia, focusing on his struggle with poverty, ambition, and survival. The story delves into the effects of modernization on village life, the desire for obscurity, and the complexities of relationships with family, friends, and acquaintances. The narrative unfolds in a measured and nonlinear manner, exploring themes of hope, fate, heritage, and the class system, offering a finely wrought depiction of one man's journey through life.

Sour Heart by Jenny Zhang is a collection of interconnected short stories that focus on the lives of Chinese American immigrant families in New York City. The stories delve into the complexities of family relationships, particularly between parents and children, and explore themes of cultural identity, immigration, and the immigrant experience. Zhang's writing style is described as raw, personal, and poignant, capturing the voices of angsty kids and pre-teens as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a new country while holding onto their old traditions.

The stories in Sour Heart are characterized by their visceral and sometimes disturbing nature, offering a unique perspective on the Chinese American experience. The narratives are rich in detail, depicting the struggles and triumphs of immigrant families in a way that feels both authentic and emotionally resonant. Through the varied tones and voices of the characters, Zhang weaves a tapestry of interconnected stories that highlight the complexities of familial relationships and the search for belonging in a new land.

A Ghost In The Throat is a unique exploration of female experiences, intertwining the lives of two Irish women poets from different centuries. The book delves into themes of love, sacrifice, motherhood, and the struggle for recognition in a male-dominated world. Through a mix of autobiography, fiction, and translation, the author, Doireann Ni Ghriofa, creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level. The writing style is poetic and engaging, drawing the audience into a world where past and present collide in a beautiful and haunting way.

'The Door' by Magda Szabo is a compelling and complex tale that delves into the intricate relationship between a writer named Magda and her enigmatic housekeeper Emerence in post-Communist Hungary. The narrative follows the evolving dynamics between the two women, exploring themes of love, death, human dignity, and the boundaries we set in our relationships. Szabo's writing style is elegant and poetic, gradually revealing the layers of the characters and their intertwined lives.

In a small Mexican village, a witch is found murdered, sparking a chain of violent events that reverberate throughout the community. The story is told through the perspectives of various characters, highlighting the brutality and hopelessness of life in the village. The writing style, characterized by a lack of paragraphs and limited punctuation, presents a stream of consciousness narrative that delves into themes of poverty, violence, homophobia, sexual abuse, and the complexities of human nature.

'In a Lonely Place' by Dorothy B. Hughes is a classic noir psychological thriller set in post-war Los Angeles, narrated from the point of view of a serial killer named Dix Steele. The story follows Dix, a disturbed and misogynistic man, as he navigates his relationships with his old army friend turned detective, Brub Nicolai, Brub's wife Sylvia, and his new girlfriend Laurel. As the city is terrorized by a serial killer, the reader is taken on a suspenseful journey through Dix's twisted mind and dark actions, all while experiencing the vividly described Los Angeles setting of the 1940s.

The book is praised for its gripping plot, expertly crafted characters, and the unique perspective of being told from the killer's point of view. Dorothy B. Hughes' writing style is commended for its terse and hardboiled prose, effectively portraying Dix's psychological state, toxic masculinity, and the postwar male loneliness and rage prevalent throughout the narrative.

"Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi is a powerful novel that traces the descendants of two half-sisters, Esi and Effia, born in Ghana, whose lives take different paths during the 18th century. One sister is sold into slavery and taken to America, while the other remains in Ghana, married to a white slaver. The book follows successive generations from both lineages, providing a sweeping narrative that explores themes of family, identity, history, and the enduring impact of slavery on both African and American descendants. The novel is structured as a series of linked stories, each chapter focusing on a different character in the family tree, moving between Ghana and America, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and hardships faced by each generation.

Yaa Gyasi's writing style in "Homegoing" is praised for its beauty, descriptive prose, and captivating storytelling. The book seamlessly alternates between the two family branches, offering glimpses into the lives of each character over centuries, from the Gold Coast of Africa to present-day America. Gyasi skillfully weaves together historical events, familial connections, and individual experiences, creating a compelling narrative that sheds light on the complexities of race, heritage, and the enduring legacy of slavery across generations.

'The Years of Rice and Salt' by Kim Stanley Robinson is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Black Plague decimates Europe, leading to a timeline where Asia and the Middle East become dominant powers. The story follows interconnected souls reincarnated throughout centuries, offering a unique perspective on how history unfolds with Buddhism and Islam at the forefront. Readers experience a vast narrative spanning different eras, from the devastation of the plague to the rise of new civilizations, all intricately woven together through the reincarnations of characters and the exploration of philosophical themes like life, death, and progress.

The book presents a thought-provoking premise of a world shaped by different cultural influences and historical events, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that delve into themes of spirituality, reincarnation, and the complexities of human progress. Through vivid storytelling and intricate world-building, Kim Stanley Robinson presents a compelling vision of an alternate reality where familiar historical events take unexpected turns, inviting readers to contemplate the impact of different belief systems and societal structures on the course of civilization.