Books Like...

A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam is a deeply moving and introspective novel that follows the protagonist, Krishan, on a journey to the North of Sri Lanka for a funeral. The book delves into Krishan's introspection, his struggles with grief, alienation, and longing, as well as his attempts to come to terms with the aftermath of war. The writing style is characterized by detailed historical anecdotes, interior monologues, and the absence of dialogue, creating a rich tapestry of personal loss intertwined with the country's tragic past.

Bubblegum by Adam Levin is a dense, full-on, experimental literary fiction that delves into the life of Belt Magnet, a man who still lives with his father and struggles with simple adult tasks. The book focuses on revealing Belt's life and his encounters with eccentric characters who engage in long-winded conversations about various topics. The narrative is largely written in a stream of consciousness style, interspersed with mentions of media that either exist in altered forms or are completely fabricated in the alternate world depicted in the book.

The story meanders through flashbacks, manuals, and transcripts of bizarre video collages, while also incorporating gruesome scenes of animal-like creatures being tortured. Despite the lack of a strong plot, the book is praised for its humor, philosophical depth, and linguistic prowess, challenging readers with its unconventional narrative style and thought-provoking content.

The Other Name: Septology I-II by Jon Fosse is a collection of novels that captivates readers with emotionally gripping storytelling and beautiful writing. The book delves into themes of otherness, melancholy, and introspection through the lens of various characters, offering a unique and haunting reading experience. Fosse's writing style is described as hypnotic, with a stream of consciousness narrative that immerses readers into the characters' minds and emotions. The book explores complex philosophical concepts while maintaining a melancholic and poetic tone throughout.

'The Man Without Qualities' by Robert Musil is a massive novel that delves into the exploration of consciousness and societal changes in pre-WWI Austria. Musil's writing style is described as thick with philosophy, interlaced with meaning, and full of depth in character development. The novel presents a profound and witty portrait of life, dissecting the individual's place in the modern world amidst a backdrop of a crumbling empire.

The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis is a novel that delves into the life of Ricardo Reis, a poet doctor who returns to Portugal from Brazil in 1936, amidst a backdrop of political unrest and fascism spreading across Europe. The book explores the complex relationship between Ricardo Reis and his creator, Fernando Pessoa, who communicates with him as a ghostly presence. Through a blend of historical, literary, and philosophical references, the novel navigates themes of poetry, death, politics, and the blurred boundaries between fantasy and reality. Saramago's writing style in this book is described as beautifully written but not immediately accessible, with a unique narrative that weaves together multiple layers of storytelling.

Fever and Spear, part of the series Your Face Tomorrow by Javier Marías, delves into a complex world where characters navigate through a gray London setting, working for an unnamed organization with unclear motives. The novel explores themes of trust, betrayal, memory, and the blurring of fact and fiction, all while drawing inspiration from Shakespeare, Cervantes, and Rilke. The protagonist, Jaime Deza, engages in lengthy conversations with an ex-MI6 agent and reflects on the Spanish Civil War, intertwining personal history with espionage.

'Hangman' by Maya Binyam follows the protagonist BT on a journey filled with confusion, illusion, and self-discovery as he navigates through different scenes and encounters a variety of characters with diverse outlooks. The narrative delves into themes of family dynamics, cultural nuances, political differences, and societal structures of BT's hometown, all while blurring the lines between reality and daydreams.

The author's writing style in 'Hangman' is described as daring and innovative, reminiscent of works by renowned authors like Frank McCourt, Toni Morrison, Franz Kafka, and James Joyce. The story unfolds through a series of philosophical dialogues with characters who share their theories, leaving the protagonist to question his own existence and purpose, ultimately leading to a profound realization at the end.

Zama by Antonio Di Benedetto is a novel set in the late 18th century, following the life of Don Diego de Zama, a government official representing Spain in South America. The story delves into Zama's descent into madness and existential despair as he struggles with isolation, paranoia, and unfulfilled desires in a remote colonial outpost. The writing style is described as lyrical and capturing the essence of Spanish colonial America, with a focus on the interiority of the main character and a slow-building narrative that culminates in a journey akin to Heart of Darkness.

The Society of Reluctant Dreamers by José Eduardo Agualusa follows journalist Daniel Benchimol, who faces personal and professional crises in post-colonial Angola. As Daniel struggles against political pressures and his crumbling marriage, he finds solace in his dreams, where he interviews historical figures and explores surreal realms. This duality of dream and reality is a central theme, emphasizing how dreams can reflect societal issues and inspire change.

The writing style combines surreal imagery with a multifaceted narrative. Agualusa's prose shifts between different perspectives and timelines, creating a rich tapestry of stories. While the book dives into real-world politics and activism, the earlier dreamy sections are more vibrant and imaginative. Although some readers find the later realistic focus dull, the interweaving of personal and political histories ultimately delivers a poignant message of hope.

The Dying Grass by William T. Vollmann is a novel that delves into the Nez Perce War, chronicling the battles, pursuits, and preparations of real-life protagonists Chief Joseph I and General O.O. Howard. The writing style of the book is described as a revolutionary orthography with nested indentations on the page, creating a unique reading experience that immerses the reader in the moment itself. The book is praised for its epic prose poem format, capturing moments of self-reflection, fantasies, and calumnies of the characters involved in the war.