Books Like...

The Third Hotel is a multi-layered and strange novel about a woman named Clare who sees her dead husband while in Cuba for a film festival. Clare, grieving the recent death of her husband, embarks on a journey to Havana where she encounters strange apparitions and experiences that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. The plot tends to go round and round, focusing on Clare's increasing difficulties in discerning what is real and what is not, ultimately leaving readers questioning what truly happened in the story.

'Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead' by Barbara Comyns is a darkly comedic novel set in a small English village plagued by a mysterious illness following a devastating flood. The story revolves around the eccentric Willoweed family, ruled by the malevolent Grandmother Willoweed, and their interactions with the quirky villagers as they navigate madness, death, and bizarre occurrences. Comyns' writing style is described as unflinching, deadpan, and filled with moments of both macabre humor and tragedy, creating a unique blend of grotesque imagery and unexpected plot twists.

The Sundial by Shirley Jackson is a dark and witty novel that follows the Halloran family and their eccentric group of companions as they prepare for the end of the world. After a vision from deceased family members, the characters stockpile supplies, burn books, and confine themselves in their mansion, all under the imperious leadership of Orianna Halloran. The story unfolds with a mix of humor and tension, satirizing class pretensions and exploring the dynamics of a dysfunctional family in the face of an impending apocalypse. Jackson's writing style is described as perfect, with not a word wasted, as she weaves a tale that blurs the lines between reality and magic, creating a sense of creepiness and suspense throughout the narrative.

'The Bird's Nest' by Shirley Jackson is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of a woman, Elizabeth, who suffers from multiple personalities. The novel follows Elizabeth as she navigates her different personas - the meek Elizabeth, the polite and happy Beth, and the angry and funny Betsy - while dealing with a mysterious past and the interventions of her psychiatrist, Dr. Wright. Shirley Jackson's writing style in this book is described as subtle, clear, and precise, with a creepy undertone that adds to the disorienting and eerie atmosphere of the story.

The novel 'Man and Wife' by Wilkie Collins explores the complexities of marriage laws in the 19th century, focusing on the legal loopholes surrounding Irish and Scottish marriages. It follows the intertwined fates of two generations of friends, Anne and Blanche, as they navigate the consequences of marriages declared null and void by English law. The plot is filled with deadly secrets, tragic events, and characters caught in a web of legal and social injustices, culminating in a thrilling tale of betrayal, love, and sacrifice.

Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson is a psychological novel that follows Natalie Waite, a 17-year-old college freshman, as she navigates the challenges of her dysfunctional family life and the unsettling experiences she encounters at an all-girls college. The book delves into Natalie's inner turmoil, her struggles with fitting in, and her descent into paranoia and confusion. Jackson's writing style is described as dense, interior, and almost motionless, with a focus on character introspection and psychological tension.

A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe is a gothic romance novel set in a mysterious and eerie Sicilian castle. The story revolves around the unhappy love romances of the daughters of the castle, filled with elements like ruined wings, hidden passages, mysterious lights, and ghostly secrets. The plot takes unexpected turns, incorporating standard tropes of the gothic genre such as suspenseful moments, ghostly apparitions, and tragic love stories set in exotic Sicily. The writing style reflects the author's Gothic influences, with dreamlike descriptions of landscapes, fainting women, handsome heroes, and dastardly villains.

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.

'Expensive People' by Joyce Carol Oates is a novel that delves into the life of adolescent Richard Everett, who narrates his troubled childhood leading up to committing a murder. The story is set in the 1960s American suburbs, portraying the dynamics within a dysfunctional family, the struggles of affluent parents, and the awakening of a troubled youth from a privileged background. Oates uses a first-person narrative style to explore themes of social class, family dysfunction, and the psychological complexities of the characters, creating a darkly humorous and satirical commentary on suburban life.

"Jamaica Inn" by Daphne du Maurier is a gothic novel set in Cornwall, featuring the young protagonist Mary Yellan who goes to live with her aunt and uncle at the eerie Jamaica Inn after her mother's death. The inn, once a respectable place, is now home to evil deeds and mysterious characters like smugglers and thieves. Mary uncovers dark secrets and must navigate through a suspenseful and atmospheric plot filled with danger and intrigue. The writing style is described as suspenseful, dark, and powerful, with vivid descriptions of the Cornish moors and a gothic atmosphere reminiscent of classic literature.