Books Like...
The Singer's Gun by Emily St. John Mandel is a novel that delves into the life of Anton Waker, a man trying to escape his family's criminal past but is pulled back in by his cousin Aria for one last job. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, weaving together themes of love, crime, and moral complexity. The plot moves between New York, the Arctic Circle, and an Italian island, exploring the characters' struggles with identity and the consequences of their past actions.
The writing style of Emily St. John Mandel in The Singer's Gun is praised for its ability to create complex and believable characters, shifting timelines that illuminate rather than confuse the story, and a subtle yet suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged. The book is described as having a melancholic feel, with a mix of eerie existential thriller elements that add depth to the storytelling.
If you liked The Singer's Gun, here are the top 6 books to read next:
- #1
Save:The Lola Quartet by Emily St. John Mandel is a novel that delves into the lives of the members of a jazz band from high school, exploring themes of loneliness, desperation, and the consequences of choices made. The plot moves through flashbacks and investigations, revealing the intertwined lives of the quartet members over a span of ten years. The writing style of Mandel is described as moody, descriptive, and shifting between perspectives and timelines, creating a compelling and suspenseful narrative.
Anna had fallen into a routine, or as much of a routine as a seventeen-year-old can reasonably fall into when she's transient and living in hiding with an infant. She was staying at her sister's frien... - #2
Save:"Last Night in Montreal" by Emily St. John Mandel tells the story of Lilia, a young girl who was abducted by her father at the age of seven and spends years on the run with him, constantly moving from place to place. The narrative unfolds through multiple points of view, including Lilia, her boyfriend Eli, a private investigator named Christopher, and his daughter Michaela. The story moves back and forth in time, gradually revealing the secrets and emotions of the characters involved, ultimately leading to a ringing conclusion that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
The novel beautifully weaves together the lives of four individuals whose paths are intertwined by Lilia's actions. The characters are deeply developed, and the story is told with a subtle but persistent force that keeps the reader engaged. explores themes of love, loss, obsession, and hope, with a touch of philology, all presented in a dreamlike, atmospheric style that captures the complexities of the characters' emotions and relationships.
Eli was up already, and working on his thesis; while he was typing up the previous day’s research notes he heard the sounds of awakening, the rustling of the duvet, her bare footsteps on the hardwood ... - #3
Save:In 'The Glass Hotel' by Emily St. John Mandel, the plot revolves around a highroller's Ponzi scheme and its aftermath, with the focus on the interconnected lives of various characters. The narrative shifts between different narrators and timelines, exploring themes of money, beauty, wealth, and loss against the backdrop of a luxury hotel in Western Canada. The writing style is described as hauntingly dreamlike, with intricate storytelling that weaves together past and present, creating a complex yet engrossing tapestry of imagery and language.
2 Sweep me up. Words scrawled on a window when I was thirteen years old. I stepped back and let the marker drop from my hand and still I remember the exuberance of that moment, that feeling in my ches... - #4
Save:Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter is a captivating novel that weaves together multiple storylines across time and continents. Set in Italy in the 1960s during the filming of Cleopatra, the book explores the lives of various characters connected to that era. The plot moves back and forth between the past and the present, from Italy to America, delving into themes of love, dreams, and unexpected fulfillment. With evocative language and complex characters, the book takes readers on a journey through Hollywood life, Italian fantasy, and the pursuit of human connection.
The story follows the lives of characters like Dee Moray, Pasquale, and Richard Burton, highlighting their individual struggles, dreams, and relationships. Through a mix of humor, romance, and nostalgia, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected tales that span generations and continents. Beautiful Ruins is a beautifully written narrative that touches on the complexities of life choices, the power of human connection, and the intertwining paths of individuals seeking meaning and love.
The dying actress arrived in his village the only way one could come directly—in a boat that motored into the cove, lurched past the rock jetty, and bumped against the end of the pier. She wavered a m... - #5
Save:The Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel is a unique blend of science fiction, time travel, and post-apocalyptic themes. The novel spans centuries and explores the consequences of altering timelines, the mysteries of time travel, and the interconnectedness of characters across different time periods. Mandel's writing style is described as intricate and focused, with a narrative structure that weaves together different story arcs leading to a meaningful conclusion. The book delves into philosophical questions, such as the validity of Simulation Theory, the ethical implications of time travel, and the constant battle between bureaucracy and humanity.
Edwin St. John St. Andrew, eighteen years old, hauling the weight of his double-sainted name across the Atlantic by steamship, eyes narrowed against the wind on the upper deck: he holds the railing wi... - #6
Save:Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a post-apocalyptic novel set 20 years after a deadly flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The story weaves together the lives of various characters before, during, and after the outbreak, exploring themes of survival, hope, community, and the importance of art in a devastated world. The narrative jumps between different timelines, offering glimpses into how individuals adapt to the new reality and find connections amidst chaos.
The novel is praised for its beautiful writing style, rich character development, and intricate plot structure that moves back and forth in time. It incorporates elements like theater, Shakespeare, a symphony, a comic book, and intertwining storylines to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and resilience in the face of catastrophe.
THE KING STOOD in a pool of blue light, unmoored. This was act 4 of King Lear, a winter night at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Earlier in the evening, three little girls had played a clapping game ons...
