Books Like...

'When We Were Birds' by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo is a captivating novel set in Trinidad, following the intertwined destinies of Yejide and Darwin as they navigate grief, love, and tradition. The book beautifully combines contemporary elements with myth and magic, creating a unique and compelling storyline that delves into themes of family, traditions, beliefs, and the journey to find one's own path. The characters are well-developed, with Yejide and Darwin portrayed as individuals connected to the dead in different ways, ultimately finding love in an unlikely setting.

The author, Ayanna Lloyd Banwo, skillfully weaves together a tale that explores the power of love, healing, and the complexities of life and death. Through rich descriptions of rural Trinidad, the Rastafarian culture, and the vivid portrayal of the spirits coexisting among the living, the book creates an immersive atmosphere filled with folklore and mystery. The dual perspectives of Yejide and Darwin offer a nuanced exploration of loss, redemption, and the enduring connections between the living and the dead.

A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power is a poignant and heartwrenching tale that spans three generations of Native American women, exploring the impact of generational trauma and the legacy of colonialism. The narrative weaves through time and space, from the mid-century metropolis of Chicago to the ancestral lands of the Dakota people, shedding light on the brutal reality of Indian boarding schools and the resilience of the Yanktonai Dakota women. Each woman's story is intricately connected through the dolls they carry, which serve as symbols of guidance and protection in the face of adversity. Power's writing style is described as imaginative, tender, and skillful, offering a blend of historical fiction and memoir that delves deep into the intergenerational trauma experienced by the Sioux tribe.

'The Downstairs Girl' by Stacey Lee is a historical fiction novel set in late 1800's post Civil War Atlanta, focusing on the life of Jo Kuan, a Chinese American teenager facing issues of racism, discrimination, and gender inequality. Jo, living with her adopted father, Old Gin, navigates through a society filled with suffragists, racial tensions, and societal expectations. The story unfolds as Jo works as a maid for a wealthy family while secretly writing an advice column, addressing the injustices and inequities of Atlanta society. The narrative delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and empowerment, offering a glimpse into the Chinese American experience during that era.

The Ground Beneath Her Feet is a modern retelling of the Orpheus myth, set in a slightly altered contemporary world. The story follows the love story of two musicians, Vina and Ormus, from Bombay in the fifties to the end of the 20th century. The novel spans several lifetimes, exploring cultures, mythologies, histories, and music across India, England, and America, creating a sweeping narrative that defies categorization into a single genre.

In 'All the Names' by Jose Saramago, the main character, Senhor Jos, works as a clerk at a town registry holding records of mostly dead individuals. A chance misplacement of a death record leads him to develop an obsession for learning more about a dead woman he never knew, sparking a solo investigation into her life and circumstances around her untimely death. Despite the gloomy backdrop of Jos's constrained freedom and powerlessness, the narrative is dry yet thought-provoking, exploring themes of isolation, identity, and the struggle between order and chaos in a bureaucratic world.

'The Arsonists' City' by Hala Alyan is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Lebanese family as they navigate their relationships and secrets across countries like the United States, Lebanon, and Syria. The story revolves around the family patriarch, Idris, who decides to sell his childhood home in Beirut, leading to a gathering of the far-flung family members for a belated memorial. As the family reunites under one roof, the complexities of their relationships unfold, delving into themes of guilt, atonement, and unconditional love.

The novel is praised for its beautifully crafted storytelling that weaves together themes of generational trauma, sibling rivalry, family secrets, and the impact of war on individuals living in Lebanon and Syria. Through rich character development and intricate relationships, 'The Arsonists' City' explores the dynamics of a second-generation immigrant family, reflecting on themes of love, music, intrigue, and compassion, while delving into the characters' past and present struggles.

The Mountains Sing is a multigenerational saga set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, following the Tran family through harrowing experiences of loss, resilience, and survival. The story alternates between past and present, narrated by grandmother Tran Dieu Lan and granddaughter H Noi, providing a poignant account of the impact of war on ordinary Vietnamese families. The book delves into the struggles faced by the characters during turbulent periods like the Land Reform, Japanese invasion, and the aftermath of the Vietnam War, highlighting themes of family bonds, sacrifice, and endurance.

The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht is a novel set in an unnamed Balkan country, following the narrator, Natalia, a young doctor investigating her grandfather's death. Through a series of local legends and stories, including those of The Tiger's Wife and The Deathless Man, the book explores themes of death, relationships, and the impact of war on individuals and communities. The narrative weaves together past and present, magical realism, and rich characterizations, creating a tapestry of interconnected tales that delve into the human condition amidst a backdrop of historical turmoil.

'The Night Tiger' by Yangsze Choo is a captivating blend of magical realism, historical fiction, and mystery set in British Malaya during the 1930s. The story follows Ren, a young houseboy on a mission to fulfill his master's dying wish by reuniting his severed finger with his body within 49 days. Alongside Ren, we meet Ji Lin, a determined young woman working to pay off her mother's debts, both of whom become entangled in a web of superstitions, Chinese folklore, and mysterious deaths involving a vengeful tiger. Choo's writing style weaves together elements of Chinese mythology, colonial Malaysia, and intricate character relationships to create a lush and atmospheric narrative filled with suspense and intrigue.

'Siren Queen' by Nghi Vo is a unique take on old Hollywood, blending magical realism with the gritty realities of the film industry in the 1920s. The protagonist, an American born Chinese girl, navigates the dangers of pursuing stardom while facing both magical and real-life challenges. The writing style combines beautiful and elegant prose to create a world filled with monsters, magic, and the complexities of love and ambition. However, some readers felt that the story's most interesting actions were often told through second-hand summaries, leaving certain aspects of the plot feeling distant and underdeveloped.