Books Like...

'The Confidence-Man' by Herman Melville is a novel set aboard a Mississippi riverboat, featuring a variety of characters engaging in philosophical discussions and con artistry. The plot revolves around a confidence man who assumes different disguises to deceive and trick people out of their money. The writing style is described as colorful, descriptive, and allusive, filled with complex language and wry insights into human nature.

'Bartleby the Scrivener' by Herman Melville is a short story set in a Wall Street law office in 1850s New York City. The plot revolves around Bartleby, a mysterious young clerk who initially works diligently but eventually starts refusing to do any work with his iconic phrase, "I would prefer not to." The story explores themes of insubordination, charity, mental illness, passive aggressiveness in the workplace, morality, and alcoholism. Through the character of Bartleby, Melville presents a deep and angsty narrative that delves into the complexities of human behavior and relationships within a confined office setting.

The opinions on 'Billy Budd' by Herman Melville provide a mixed perspective on the book. Some readers appreciate the classic nature of the story, describing it as a beautifully written look at life below decks in the British Navy during the early 1800s. The book delves into the tough choices and discipline required among the fighting forces, with the threat of mutiny looming on the minds of ship captains. Despite the wordy style of writing typical of Herman Melville, readers find that the plot of Billy Budd moves along swiftly, making them contemplate deeper aspects of human nature.

Typee by Herman Melville is a novel based on the author's experiences when he jumped ship from an American whaling vessel and found himself in the Marquesas Islands. The book presents a narrative of being held by a cannibal tribe, the Typee, and offers a detailed look at island life through the eyes of the protagonist. Melville's writing style combines themes of peace, beauty, and sensuality with a critique of Western intruders, creating a nuanced portrayal of the earthly paradise that gradually turns into a tale of dread, loneliness, and fear.

'Rappaccini's Daughter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a short story that explores themes of good and evil, human nature, and the consequences of meddling with nature. The plot follows the characters Giovanni and Beatrice, who meet in a garden reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, where toxic plants grow. As the story unfolds, Giovanni's perception of Beatrice changes from angelic to corrupt, leading to tragic consequences. Hawthorne's writing style is marked by ambiguity, symbolism, and complex themes that delve into the human condition.

Omoo by Herman Melville is a sequel to Typee, following the adventures of an American sailor in Polynesia. The narrator escapes from the Typee and boards a whaling ship, encountering a crew of rascals and poor living conditions. The story delves into the mutinous thoughts of the sailors, their eventual arrival in Tahiti, and the exploration of nearby islands. Melville's writing style is described as honest, intelligent, and observant, providing a window into the clash of cultures between Europeans and Polynesians, ultimately leading to the demise of the natives' traditional way of life.

White Jacket by Herman Melville is a detailed and immersive account of life aboard a man-of-war frigate in the United States Navy during the 1840s. The book delves into the minutiae of daily life on the ship, including the organization, professions, routines, and rituals of the crew. Melville's writing style is described as factual, complete, and detailed, painting a vivid picture of the challenges, hardships, and social dynamics experienced by the crew members. The book also touches on themes of oppression, abuse of power, and the horrors of flogging, ultimately leading to the abolition of the practice in the navy.

Vathek is a Gothic novel set in the opulent East, following the adventures of the dissolute Caliph Vathek and his evil mother Catharis, who seek ultimate knowledge and power. Tempted by a demon named the Giaour, Vathek embarks on a quest for dark treasures, leading to a series of atrocious actions and blind ambition. The plot is a moralistic tale with a fantastical and bizarre narrative, incorporating elements of Orientalism and Gothic fiction. The writing style is described as slyly humorous and ironic, with beautiful passages and great imagination, although some find it overly descriptive at times.

'The Complete Stories' by Franz Kafka is a collection of surreal and thought-provoking tales that delve into themes of absurdity, existentialism, and the human condition. Kafka's writing style is described as masterful, with the ability to create worlds that mirror our own but with unexpected twists. The stories feature extraordinary circumstances presented as mundane, such as waking up as an insect or being trapped in a machine that tattoos crimes on the body.