Books Like...

'As the Crow Flies' by Jeffrey Archer is a saga type novel that follows the journey of Charlie Trumper, a young boy from the East End of London, who inherits his grandfather's fruit and vegetable barrow. Through hard work, perseverance, and facing various challenges including World War I and a vengeful enemy, Charlie rises from poverty to build a successful department store empire. The book spans over many years and locations, showcasing Charlie's ambitious dream and the triumphs and disasters he encounters along the way. The writing style includes unexpected twists, emotional depth, and engaging character development that keeps the readers hooked throughout the story.

'Kane and Abel' by Jeffrey Archer is a gripping saga spanning almost a century, following the lives of two men, William Kane and Abel Rosnovski, born on the same day in 1906 but into vastly different circumstances. William is born into wealth in Boston, while Abel is born into Polish poverty. The plot revolves around their intertwined lives, bitter rivalry, and relentless struggle to build an empire, fueled by deep-seated hatred and misunderstandings. The story covers major historical events of the twentieth century and is cleverly woven with emotionally rich family histories, reflecting Archer's staccato writing style.

The narrative unfolds with a compelling conflict that captivates readers, drawing them into a tale of pride, vendetta, and misplaced hatred that spans over 30 years, tearing apart a family due to a wild coincidence. delves into the characters' ambitions, motivations, and eventual emergence as powerful competitors, showcasing the author's flair for storytelling and his ability to create suspenseful and emotionally engaging plots that keep readers hooked till the end.

'The Princes of Ireland' in the series 'The Dublin Saga' by Edward Rutherfurd is a historical fiction novel that spans centuries of Irish history, from the time of ancient Celtic druids to the reign of Henry VIII. The book follows the lives of multiple families through the generations, intertwining their stories with major historical events in Ireland, such as the arrival of Christianity, Viking invasions, and political struggles. Rutherfurd's writing style combines fictional storytelling with well-researched historical details, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of early Ireland and the city of Dublin.

'The Prodigal Daughter' is a continuation of the story from the previous book, focusing on the next generation of the Kane and Abel families. The plot follows the love story between Florentyna, Abel's daughter, and Richard, Kane's son, as they navigate a power struggle between their families. As Florentyna aims to become the first female president, the book delves into themes of betrayal, deception, and the price of power. The writing style blends narrative prose with strong character development, drawing readers into a tale that spans corporate life, political ambitions, and personal relationships.

"The Evening and the Morning" by Ken Follett is a prequel to his popular novel "The Pillars of the Earth" and is set in England during the Middle Ages, specifically in the year 997 AD. The story follows the lives of three main characters - Edgar, a gifted boatbuilder's son who faces tragedy due to Viking raids, Ragna of Normandy who struggles with her marriage to a British earl, and Brother Aldred, a monk with aspirations of creating a renowned center for education. The novel is described as a completely modern historical fiction with explicit sex, a mix of sweet romance and villainy, and strong, competent female characters, vividly portraying medieval society and ordinary life details.

Follett's storytelling in "The Evening and the Morning" is hailed as masterful, engaging readers with a mix of Vikings, power-hungry family members, slaves, and monks. is praised for its rich historical details, intense plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and the ability to transport readers into the setting with vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses. The writing style is noted for its ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and emotions of each character, making it an immersive reading experience.

"A Dangerous Fortune" by Ken Follett follows the lives of the Pilaster Family, particularly focusing on Hugh, over a span of 30 plus years. The story revolves around family conflict, tensions, and manipulation set against the backdrop of the late 1800s English banking scene. The plot includes elements of mystery, intrigue, treachery, and character development, with a narrative that spans generations and intertwines various relationships and events.

delves into themes of deception, family dynamics, financial chicanery, loveless marriages, murder, and the impact of individual decisions on the future. It is described as a page-turner with a fast-paced plot, rich and believable characters, and a blend of suspense, greed, retribution, and complex relationships. The writing style is praised for its detail, historical accuracy, and the ability to engage readers with a well-crafted storyline that balances darkness with humor.

Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family by Thomas Mann is a multi-generational family saga that follows the decline of the Buddenbrook family over four generations, from 1835 to 1977. The novel portrays the lives of the Buddenbrooks with a focus on their business dealings, family dynamics, and societal changes. The characters are vividly realized, with a particular emphasis on daughter Tony and her relationships with her family members and suitors. The book delves into themes of wealth, status, family honor, and the impact of capitalism on society, offering a study of character development and the passage of time.

The writing style of Buddenbrooks is praised for its realism, psychological depth, and detailed descriptions of 19th-century German society. Thomas Mann's narrative unfolds slowly, drawing readers into the lives of the Buddenbrooks with rich detail and compelling character development. The novel is noted for its exploration of themes such as family decline, societal evolution, and the clash between pragmatism and idealism within the context of a changing world.

In the autumn of 1746, a mysterious young man named Mr. Smith arrives in New York with a credit bill for a thousand pounds sterling, causing a stir among the locals. He keeps his motives hidden, leading to speculation and intrigue about his true identity and intentions. As Smith navigates through the bustling and chaotic world of colonial New York, he encounters a mix of adventures, misadventures, friendships, and enemies, ultimately leading to a surprising and cleverly plotted conclusion. The novel captures the essence of 18th-century New York, portraying the historical context and societal attitudes with a rich and engaging narrative style.

Set in the early 18th century, "Golden Hill: A Novel of Old New York" follows the enigmatic Mr. Smith as he interacts with a diverse cast of characters, including the Lovell family, a fading actress, a quiet slave woman, and a range of other intriguing personalities. The story unfolds over two months as Smith awaits the payment of his bill, facing challenges, social shifts, and unexpected revelations along the way. The novel combines elements of humor, mystery, historical detail, and a twist at the end, offering readers a captivating and immersive journey through colonial New York.

"Fall of Giants" by Ken Follett is the first installment in The Century Trilogy, a sweeping historical novel set in the early 20th century. The story revolves around five interconnected families from different countries, including England, America, Russia, and Germany, as they navigate through the tumultuous events of World War I. delves into the political landscape of the time, touching on topics such as labor unions, suffragettes, and the causes of the war, while portraying the personal lives and relationships of the characters against the backdrop of historical events.

Ken Follett's writing style in "Fall of Giants" is praised for its rich historical detail and compelling storytelling. The narrative seamlessly moves from Washington to St. Petersburg, capturing the dirt and danger of a coal mine as well as the opulence of a palace. The characters, ranging from Welsh miners to Russian aristocrats, are vividly portrayed, and their diverse perspectives on the war provide a multifaceted view of the era. Despite some criticism for historical inaccuracies and lengthy war scenes, the book is lauded for its immersive depiction of the time period and the intricate connections between the characters.

'Glittering Images' by Susan Howatch is a novel that delves into the lives of clergymen in the Church of England in the 1930s. The story follows Charles Ashworth, a clergyman sent to spy on Bishop Alex Jardine by the Archbishop of Canterbury. As Charles uncovers the secrets and struggles of the Bishop and his own past, he is forced to confront his own inner demons and 'glittering image' he presents to the world. The book explores themes of faith, ambition, personal identity, and the complexities of human relationships within the backdrop of the Church hierarchy and political intrigue.

The narrative in 'Glittering Images' is rich in detail and psychological depth, offering a compelling exploration of the characters' internal struggles and the facade they maintain to hide their vulnerabilities. Susan Howatch weaves a complex plot that combines elements of mystery, spirituality, and personal transformation, inviting readers to reflect on their own 'glittering images' and the true selves they often conceal beneath the surface.