Books Like...

Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart is a heart-wrenching novel set in the impoverished neighborhoods of Glasgow in the 1980s. The story follows young Shuggie as he navigates life with his alcoholic mother, Agnes, and his dysfunctional family. The book delves into themes of addiction, poverty, courage, and love, painting a vivid and raw portrait of life in the slums of Glasgow. Through Stuart's poignant writing, readers are taken on a journey filled with despair, hope, and the unwavering love between a son and his troubled mother.

'Swimming in the Dark' by Tomasz Jedrowski is a poignant novel set in 1980s Communist Poland, following the forbidden gay love story between Ludwik and Janusz amidst the backdrop of political upheaval. The writing style is described as lush, evocative prose that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and growing up in a restrictive society. The book skillfully weaves together romance and social awakening, creating an immersive and compelling narrative that intertwines personal growth with historical context.

'The Heart's Invisible Furies' follows the life of Cyril Avery, a gay Irish man born out of wedlock in 1945, as he navigates through the challenges of growing up in a conservative Catholic Ireland. The novel spans over 70 years, depicting Cyril's struggles with his identity, relationships, and the societal prejudices he faces. Through vivid storytelling and emotional depth, the book explores themes of family, love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance, set against the backdrop of Ireland's history and cultural norms.

The narrative style of 'The Heart's Invisible Furies' is described as compelling, humorous, poignant, and informative, capturing the reader's attention with its Irish lilt and first-person immediacy. The story unfolds in seven-year intervals, similar to a documentary series, showcasing Cyril's journey from birth to old age, his experiences with love, loss, and acceptance, and the evolving social landscape of Ireland. The novel delves into the hypocrisies of the Catholic Church, the struggles of homosexuality in the mid-20th century, and the complex relationships that shape Cyril's life.

'In Memoriam: A novel' by Alice Winn is set during the first world war and follows the story of two teenagers, Ellwood and Gaunt, who enlist for the war and experience the horrors and tragedies of the conflict. The plot revolves around their relationship, love story, and the impact of war on their lives. The writing style of Alice Winn is described as subversive, electrifying, and attention to historical detail, capturing the essence of the characters and the events they go through during the war.

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin is a powerful and moving novel set in Paris in the 1950s, revolving around David, an American living in Paris who finds himself torn between his fiancée Hella and his passionate relationship with Giovanni, a young Italian man. The book explores themes of love, identity, societal expectations, and the struggles of embracing one's true self. Through Baldwin's masterful writing, the story delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and desires, painting a vivid picture of the characters' internal conflicts and external challenges they face in a society that is not accepting of their love.

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai is a novel that follows the lives of a group of friends in Chicago during the 1980s AIDS crisis. The story alternates between the past and present, exploring the impact of the epidemic on the characters and their relationships. The book delves into themes of death, family tension, love, and loss, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters as they navigate through the devastating effects of the disease.

Makkai skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including the struggles of the gay community, the art world, and family dynamics. The narrative moves between Chicago in the 1980s and Paris in 2015, following characters like Yale, Fiona, and Nico as they grapple with personal tragedies and search for meaning amidst the challenges they face. Through poignant storytelling and vivid character development, the novel offers a poignant exploration of friendship, grief, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Ocean Vuong's 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' is a lyrical and poignant novel that takes the form of a letter from a son to his illiterate immigrant mother. The story delves into themes of identity, family relationships, trauma, and the immigrant experience, all intertwined with beautiful prose and raw emotions. Through the protagonist's reflections on his childhood, sexual awakening, and struggles with loneliness, Vuong paints a vivid picture of survival and resilience in the face of adversity.

The novel is structured as a poetic exploration of the protagonist's life, moving between past and present, weaving together memories, experiences, and emotions. Vuong's writing style is described as dark, lyrical, and atmospheric, evoking visceral emotions and creating a compelling narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and memoir. The book captures the complexities of love, beauty, and the search for home, offering a unique and intimate portrayal of the human experience.

Lie With Me by Philippe Besson is a beautifully tragic novella that follows the story of two teenage boys, Philippe and Thomas, in a small French village in the 1980s. The book delves into their quiet, hidden relationship, exploring themes of first love, self-acceptance, and the struggles of living in a society that may not fully understand or accept their love. The narrative is split into three parts, spanning from 1984 to 2016, allowing readers to witness the evolution of the characters and their relationship over time. The writing style is described as poetic, emotional, and sensitive, with Molly Ringwald's translation capturing the essence of the original French text and bringing the story to life with simple yet sparkling language.

These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever is a dark and intense novel that follows the complex and twisted relationship between two young men, Paul and Julian. The story is set in 1970s Pittsburgh and delves into the deepening bond between Paul, a shy and artistic working-class student, and Julian, a wealthy and charismatic individual. As their friendship evolves into a passionate love affair, it spirals into obsession and violence, leading to a series of destructive events. The narrative unfolds through Paul's perspective, offering a raw and intimate portrayal of their tumultuous relationship and the psychological turmoil they both experience.

The novel is praised for its beautifully wicked prose, compelling character development, and the atmospheric content that immerses readers into the story. It explores themes of love, obsession, identity, and the destructive nature of relationships, culminating in a gripping and harrowing narrative that delves into the depths of human emotions and complexities. These Violent Delights is a psychological thriller that intricately weaves together elements of suspense, darkness, and profound character dynamics, creating a haunting and unforgettable reading experience.

'The Prophets' by Robert Jones Jr. is a powerful and lyrical novel set on an antebellum plantation called Empty, focusing on the lives of two young enslaved men, Samuel and Isaiah, who find solace in their deep love for each other amidst the brutality of their circumstances. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, the struggles faced by the enslaved individuals, and the interwoven narratives of various characters, both enslaved and slaveholders, across different timelines, creating a haunting and tragic story that sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery.

The writing style of 'The Prophets' is described as poetic, flowing, and deeply moving, with a mixture of prose and free verse that adds a layer of lyricism to the narrative. The author weaves together ancestral voices, historical forces, and spiritual elements to create a multi-dimensional story that explores themes of love, resilience, oppression, and the enduring humanity of those subjected to the horrors of slavery.