Books Like...

'Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots' by Deborah Feldman is a memoir that delves into the author's upbringing in a Hasidic Jewish community in New York and her subsequent escape from the repressive environment. The book explores the strict customs and traditions of the Satmar Hasidim, shedding light on the oppressive treatment of women and the limitations imposed on individuals within the community. Feldman narrates her journey of self-discovery and defiance against the norms of her insular society, highlighting the struggles she faced in breaking free from the constraints of her upbringing.

Feldman's writing style is described as straightforward and gripping, offering readers a personal and intimate look into her life as she navigates the complexities of her orthodox background and her quest for individual freedom. The book provides a fascinating glimpse into the closed world of the Hasidic community, revealing the author's courage in challenging societal norms and forging a new path for herself and her son outside the confines of her religious upbringing.

The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall is a groundbreaking novel that delves into the life of Stephen Gordon, a girl born into a wealthy English family who struggles with her lesbian identity from a young age. The book portrays the challenges and prejudices faced by GLBT individuals in the early 20th century, highlighting themes of self-acceptance, societal expectations, and the search for love and understanding. Through Stephen's journey, the author challenges traditional gender norms and explores the complexities of sexuality in a time when such topics were taboo.

Hall's writing style in The Well of Loneliness is described as overwrought and sentimental by some readers, while others appreciate its historical significance and the courage it took to publish such a controversial work in 1928. The novel combines elements of romance, tragedy, and social commentary, offering a window into a marginalized community and shedding light on the struggles faced by those who did not conform to societal expectations.

Notes of a Crocodile by Bonnie Huie, Qiu Miaojin is a novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships, self-discovery, and societal expectations. Through the lens of a group of outcasts and a woman navigating her college years, the book explores themes of love, loneliness, and the struggle to find one's place in a world where one feels like they do not belong. The author's writing style is described as eloquent, witty, and charming, drawing readers into a narrative that intertwines personal growth with philosophical reflections on life and society.

'Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?' by Jeanette Winterson is a powerful memoir that delves into the author's childhood and her struggles with love, identity, and mental health. Winterson reflects on her traumatic upbringing, being adopted by a strict and emotionally sick mother, and the impact it had on her ability to form healthy relationships. Through her eloquent prose, Winterson explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the healing power of literature as she navigates her past and present to find a sense of belonging and purpose.

Cantoras by Carolina De Robertis is a historical fiction novel set in Uruguay during the 1970s and 1980s, under a brutal dictatorship. The story follows a group of five queer women who create a haven in an isolated beach community to live authentically, away from the constant surveillance and danger of arrest. De Robertis intricately weaves together the women's individual histories while highlighting the struggles they face due to both political oppression and societal discrimination. The novel beautifully portrays the deep bond and fierce loyalty shared among the women as they navigate love, loss, and the fight for freedom in a repressive society.

The narrative style of Cantoras is praised for its ability to fully capture the reader's attention, with a slow revelation of the women's stories over the span of decades. The book skillfully balances shedding light on Uruguayan history for readers unfamiliar with the country, while keeping the focus on the central characters and their evolving relationships. Through poignant storytelling and vivid descriptions, De Robertis explores themes of love, friendship, resilience, and the quest for freedom amidst adversity.

In the second installment of the Feminine Pursuits series by Olivia Waite, "The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows," readers are introduced to Agatha Griffin, a respectable widow running a print shop, and Penelope Flood, a potentially widowed whaler's wife, in the early 1800s. The book delves into their blossoming romance, friendship, and shared passion for beekeeping, set against a backdrop of historical references and the vibrant town of Melliton. As the two women navigate societal expectations and their own personal struggles, a slow burn romance unfolds, intertwined with themes of queerness, rebellion, and the complexities of relationships in the 19th century.

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar follows the story of Nishat, a 16-year-old Bengali teen living in Ireland who comes out as a lesbian to her Muslim family. As she navigates her identity, she also deals with a crush on a Black Brazilian classmate, Flávia, while facing bullying and cultural appropriation. The book explores themes of coming out, racism, prejudice, cultural identity, and teenage relationships within the backdrop of a school business competition centered around henna art.

Nishat struggles with the decision to either stay closeted to appease her family or take a chance on a relationship with Flávia amidst the competitive atmosphere of the school project. The story delves into Nishat's journey of self-acceptance, familial acceptance, and the complexities of young love in the face of cultural differences and societal expectations.

'Nightwood' by Djuna Barnes is a modernist novel set in expat Paris during the 1930s. The story revolves around complex relationships and characters such as Baron Felix, Robin, Nora, Jenny, and the enigmatic doctor. The narrative delves into themes of love, passion, sexuality, and self-degradation, portrayed through dense prose and dramatic monologues. Barnes' writing style is described as exquisitely crafted, combining various prose styles from different eras, creating a dream-like and gothic atmosphere throughout the book.

'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures' by Anne Fadiman is a poignant exploration of the clash of cultures and beliefs that ensued when a young Hmong girl named Lia was diagnosed with severe epilepsy. Through a mix of storytelling, history, and cultural insights, the author delves into the challenges faced by both the Hmong immigrant family and the California doctors involved in Lia's care. Fadiman skillfully presents the complexities of the situation, shedding light on the misunderstandings, communication failures, and deeply rooted cultural differences that impacted the child's medical treatment.

The narrative of 'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down' is structured to provide a comprehensive view of the story, alternating between recounting the history of the Hmong people and detailing Lia's journey through the medical and foster care systems. Fadiman's writing style is empathetic, thought-provoking, and deeply researched, offering readers a glimpse into the struggles faced by both the caregivers and the family as they navigate the complexities of Western medicine and traditional Hmong beliefs in the pursuit of healing for Lia.

'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is a historical fiction novel set in the 1890s in London, following the story of Nancy Astley, a young oyster girl who falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler. The book explores Nancy's journey as she follows Kitty into the world of theaters, working as a dresser before becoming a performer herself. The novel delves into themes of lesbian love, gender roles, and self-discovery in Victorian England. The writing style is described as sensual, detailed, and engaging, providing a vivid picture of the lesbian society in the 18th century.

The plot of 'Tipping the Velvet' is divided into three acts, each peopled with vibrant characters and told in lushly written prose. The book captures the sexual growing pains and challenges faced by Nancy as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. While some readers found the protagonist to be flat or the plot soap-operatic, others praised the realistic characters, compelling storytelling, and historical accuracy in depicting London's lesbian society during that era.