Books Like...
The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland tells the story of Caroline, a former Olympic runner whose life takes a dramatic turn after an accident ends her athletic career. As she recovers, she becomes entangled in the world of European royalty after getting engaged to a prince. However, her life in the principality is far from the fairytale she imagined. Instead of freedom, she finds herself in a gilded cage, where her every move is monitored. The comparison to real royal scandals makes the story relatable and timely.
The writing is engaging, capturing the claustrophobic atmosphere of royal life. Bourland delves into the dark realities faced by women in such positions, highlighting their lack of control, personal sacrifices, and the shallow nature of royal duties. While the book has a plot-driven focus, certain moments are steeped in emotional depth. Readers may find themselves reflecting on the true cost of beauty and status in the modern world.
If you liked The Force of Such Beauty, here are the top 13 books to read next:
- #1
Save:A previously unpublished novel of the reflections of a deeply scarred and reclusive woman, from the cult icon Katherine Dunn, the author of Geek Love.
Sally Gunnar has withdrawn from the world. She spends her days alone at home, reading drugstore mys
... - #2
Save:In "The Guest" by Emma Cline, the story follows Alex, a mysterious and complex character who navigates through different settings while keeping her secrets hidden. The plot revolves around Alex's attempts to escape a troubling past while moving through a world of affluent individuals in the Hamptons. The writing style captures the reader's attention with its taut and propulsive narrative, leading us through a week in Alex's life that is filled with intrigue and moral ambiguity.
- #3
Save:"The Life and Loves of a She Devil" by Fay Weldon is a dark and intense story revolving around Ruth Patchett, a woman who has been ignored and unloved her entire life. Ruth's husband, Bobbo, leaves her for the petite and rich romance novelist Mary Fisher, sparking Ruth's intense desire for revenge. Ruth embarks on a manipulative and ruthless journey to destroy Bobbo and Mary Fisher, using every person she encounters to achieve her goal. The book delves into themes of self-hatred, envy, and the lengths one will go to in order to transform themselves into someone they believe will be loved.
The narrative is anchored in a black, cosmic humor that never falters, creating a searing and intense reading experience. The story unfolds with a detached narration that cleverly collides with Ruth's transformation, leading readers through a journey of self-imposed hell and intense psychological exploration. Fay Weldon's writing style is described as well-crafted, engaging, and captivating, offering a unique blend of dark humor and tragedy that keeps readers engrossed until the very end.
Mary Fisher is forty-three, and accustomed to love. There has always been a man around to love her, sometimes quite desperately, and she has on occasion returned this love, but never, I think, with de... - #4
Save:Winter in Sokcho is a contemplative and character-driven novel set in a town near the North Korean border. The story follows a French Korean narrator working as a receptionist at a guest house where she forms a complex relationship with a graphic artist named Kerrand. The writing style is described as sparse yet engaging, focusing on the subtleties of human emotions and interactions rather than a traditional plot-driven narrative. The book delves into themes of culture, classism, and personal struggles, all set against the backdrop of a bleak winter in Sokcho.
He put his suitcase down at my feet and pulled off his hat. Western face. Dark eyes. Hair combed to one side. He looked straight through me, without seeing me. Somewhat impatiently, he asked me in Eng... - #5
Save:'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.
In the windowless back offices of a designer furniture showroom, women stand in a circle, stuffed into ill-fitting black jeans, gray jeans, olive jeans, the ass cloth sagging one inch, two, below wher... - #6
Save:'White Ivy' by Susie Yang follows the journey of Ivy Lin, a Chinese immigrant who struggles to fit in and navigate between her family's values and her aspirations for a wealthier lifestyle. The story delves into Ivy's complex character, her manipulative tendencies, and her relationships with Gideon, a wealthy classmate, and Roux, a mysterious figure from her past. The narrative weaves together themes of identity, ambition, and deception as Ivy grapples with her desires and past transgressions, leading to a gripping and suspenseful exploration of privilege and self-discovery.
The book is characterized by its intricate plot that unfolds through unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and intrigued until the very end. Susie Yang's writing style is praised for its ability to portray Ivy as a multifaceted and flawed protagonist, evoking a mix of emotions from readers as they witness her journey from a young girl yearning for acceptance to a woman entangled in a web of lies and secrets that threaten to unravel her carefully constructed facade.
IVY LIN WAS A THIEF but you would never know it to look at her. Maybe that was the problem. No one ever suspected—and that made her reckless. Her features were so average and nondescript that the brai... - #7
Save:'A Touch of Jen' by Beth Morgan is a novel that delves into the lives of a couple, Remy and Alicia, who become consumed by their obsession with a woman named Jen. Initially exploring themes of shallow lives and selfishness, the book takes a bizarre turn that leads to a nightmarish and hallucinatory experience for the characters. As they are drawn deeper into Jen's world, the story evolves into a blend of genres, offering a wild and unpredictable narrative that challenges traditional storytelling boundaries. The author's writing style is described as sharp, realistic, and sophisticated, with a focus on psychological states and character development that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.
Their movements are theatrical and corny. They mash their faces together like soap opera stars. Remy shuts his eyes and plays a movie in which Alicia has been replaced by Jen, with her freckled boobs ... - #8
Save:'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.
I looked like a girl you’d expect to see on a city bus, reading some clothbound book from the library about plants or geography, perhaps wearing a net over my light brown hair. You might take me for a... - #9
Save:"All's Well" by Mona Awad follows the story of Miranda Fitch, a former theater actress turned teacher, who is dealing with chronic pain after a career-ending fall. The plot revolves around her college's production of "All's Well that Ends Well," a choice that is met with resistance from her students. As Miranda navigates her personal struggles and the challenges within the theater department, she encounters mysterious strangers who offer her a cure for her pain, leading to unexpected consequences. The novel is described as darkly funny, empathetic, and infused with elements of magic, creating a unique and captivating narrative that explores themes of female pain, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships.
WHEN I GET to the theater, they’re already sitting on the stage as they were in my daymare. Legs swinging over the edge. Faces shining but unreadable. Mutinous? Maybe. Hard to tell. Still, they’re her... 'Rouge' by Mona Awad is a dark and haunting tale that delves into the toxic sides of beauty standards and the impact of body image on mental and physical health. The story follows Belle as she uncovers the mysterious death of her mother and the unsettling secrets behind their obsession with beauty. The narrative is nonlinear, filled with surreal imagery and a gothic atmosphere, akin to a dangerous Grimm fairytale, as Belle navigates through a macabre journey of self-discovery and uncovering dark truths about societal expectations.
The writing style of 'Rouge' is described as unique, adding to the creepy depths of the story. It is likened to a fever dream, with an unreliable narrator that keeps readers on edge, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. The book explores contemporary beauty regimens, intergenerational female relationships, and mental health, all wrapped in a mysterious and gothic narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.
