Books Like...

'Engleby' by Sebastian Faulks is a character-based novel that delves into the life of Mike Engleby, a peculiar and mysterious individual who narrates his story through diary entries. The book explores themes of madness, obsession, and social isolation, offering a darkly funny and engaging portrayal of a disturbed protagonist. The narrative unfolds through a mix of past and present reflections, slowly revealing the complexities of Engleby's mind and his unsettling actions.

The writing style in 'Engleby' is described as subtle, moving, and suspenseful, with a focus on capturing the inner workings of the protagonist's mind. Faulks skillfully creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension, blurring the lines between reality and fiction as the reader navigates Engleby's unreliable narration. The novel offers insights into psychological science, university life in the '70s, and the complexities of human nature, leaving readers with a haunting and thought-provoking reading experience.

The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford is a tale of passion, miscommunication, and deception set in the late 1890s, focusing on the intertwined lives of two couples. Narrated by the deceived husband, the story unfolds in a non-chronological order, revealing the complexities of relationships and the unreliability of perception. The novel delves into themes of betrayal, hidden truths, and the facade of societal expectations, offering a nuanced portrayal of human nature and societal norms of the Edwardian era.

Magpie Lane by Lucy Atkins is a psychological thriller set in contemporary Oxford, England. The story revolves around Dee, an experienced nanny who takes a job with Nick Law and his Danish wife Mariah to look after their traumatized daughter, Felicity. Felicity is selectively mute and socially withdrawn, haunted by her mother's suicide. As Dee delves deeper into the family dynamics, secrets begin to unravel, leading to a gripping mystery filled with gothic elements, historical intrigue, and complex character relationships. The narrative style, characterized by a mysterious narrator slowly revealing her past, keeps readers engaged till the surprising epilogue.

Dom Casmurro by Machado de Assis is a first-person narrative that delves into the life of Bento Santiago, who reminisces about his youth, friendships, romantic life, and family relationships. The book explores themes of love, betrayal, and jealousy through the lens of Bento's experiences with his childhood sweetheart, Capitu. Written in a unique style that blends elements of realism and metafiction, the novel captivates readers with its engaging characters and intricate storytelling. As the story unfolds, Bento grapples with the question of whether Capitu was unfaithful to him, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions about the truth of the matter.

"Florence & Giles" by John Harding is a gothic novel set in the 1890s, narrated by a 12-year-old girl named Florence who lives in a large mansion with her younger brother Giles and their servants. The story revolves around Florence's fear of the governess, Miss Taylor, whom she suspects of being a supernatural being with ill intentions towards Giles. The book is a reimagining of Henry James' "The Turn of the Screw," with a unique writing style that includes Florence's own vocabulary and narration. As the plot unfolds, dark secrets, family mysteries, and eerie occurrences add to the tension and atmosphere of the story, keeping readers engaged till the unexpected twist at the end.

'What Was She Thinking?: Notes on a Scandal' by Zoe Heller is a psychological thriller that delves into the twisted dynamics of obsession, jealousy, and an inappropriate sexual relationship between a female teacher and her young male student. The story is narrated by Barbara Covett, a cynical and lonely teacher who becomes fixated on her colleague Sheba, leading to a web of betrayal, envy, and manipulation. Through Barbara's unreliable and creepy narration, the book explores themes of loneliness, human flaws, and the consequences of seeking affection in the wrong places.

Set in Victorian Scotland, 'The Observations' by Jane Harris follows the story of Bessy, a maid with a mysterious past who takes up a position in a country manor house. Her employer, Arabella, exhibits strange behavior that hints at sinister secrets lurking beneath the surface. The novel is narrated by Bessy, whose unique voice brings humor and depth to the tale as she navigates through a blend of comedy, gothic horror, and social commentary. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a world of hidden meanings, secrets, and unexpected twists, making it a compelling Victorian thriller that delves into the roles of women during that era.

Bessy's character shines through as a delightful mix of sassiness, sweetness, cruelty, and vulnerability, making her a relatable and believable protagonist. The interactions between Bessy and Arabella, along with the quirky sayings and phrases used by Bessy, add a touch of humor and lightness to the otherwise dark and mysterious narrative. Despite the slow build-up and the lack of a big reveal towards the end, 'The Observations' stands out as a captivating read that keeps readers guessing and invested in the fates of the characters.

Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough is a psychological thriller that follows Emma Averell, a successful attorney haunted by her past. As her fortieth birthday approaches, memories of her mother's psychotic breakdown resurface, leading to her own struggles with insomnia. Emma's disturbing behavior and sleepless nights cause tension with her family, who question her sanity. The book delves into themes of family trauma, psychological unraveling, and the blurred lines between reality and madness. With unexpected plot twists and unreliable characters, Insomnia keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring the complexities of the human mind and the impact of past traumas on present-day lives.

'The Affirmation' by Christopher Priest is a mind-bending read that delves into themes of mental illness, alternate realities, self-identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. The plot follows a self-absorbed protagonist navigating through a narrative filled with ambiguity and uncertainty, where the distinction between two parallel lives and identities is constantly blurred. The writing style is described as challenging, compelling, introspective, and thought-provoking, offering a unique exploration of memory, identity, and sanity through a narrative that gradually unravels the mind of the narrator.

Mrs. March is a psychological thriller that follows the titular character, a New York upper-class housewife, as she spirals into paranoia and madness after suspecting that her husband's bestselling novel is based on her. The book delves into Mrs. March's delusions, her descent into psychosis, and her increasing inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Set against the backdrop of New York's upper class society, the novel explores themes of identity, perception, and the weight of societal expectations.