Books Like...

Berlin Alexanderplatz by Alfred Doblin is a novel set in 1920s Berlin, following the story of Franz Biberkopf, a former criminal trying to lead an honest life amidst the chaos of the city. The book intricately weaves together elements of human damage, decline and fall plot, and a melancholic understanding of the human species against the backdrop of Berlin's societal struggles in the aftermath of World War I and the growing modernity of the era. Doblin's writing style incorporates a mix of narrative, headlines, mythological reflections, and popular military ditties, creating a rich and confusing collage effect that captures the essence of Berlin in that period.

"Bread Givers" by Anzia Yezierska is a story set in the early 1900s about a family of Russian Jews living on NY's Lower East Side. The plot revolves around the struggles of the Smolinsky family, particularly the four daughters - Bessie, Marsha, Fania, and Sara - with their father, Reb Smolinsky, who is portrayed as an abusive, narcissistic, and religious zealot. The daughters are forced to work from a young age and hand over their wages to their father, who manipulates them into marriages to benefit himself. The youngest daughter, Sara, rebels against her father's oppressive ways and strives to break free, pursue education, and achieve independence, despite the challenges she faces as an immigrant woman in that era.

The writing style of the book is described as melodramatic, with a focus on portraying the immigrant context in New York City in the 1920s. The narrative highlights the themes of feminism, family dynamics, immigrant struggles, and the clash between old traditions and new opportunities, providing a vivid depiction of the hardships faced by immigrant families during that time period.

The Big Money, the third novel in the U.S.A. trilogy by John Dos Passos, is a literary time capsule of American society in the 1920s, exploring themes of income disparity, monopolistic trusts, and government corruption. The book merges fictional narrative with biographical sketches of historical figures, stream of consciousness prose, and newspaper snippets to paint a vivid panorama of the era. Dos Passos weaves together overlapping portraits of American hucksterism and struggles against the Imperial American Empire, presenting a radical and relevant critique of societal issues.

'Shrines of Gaiety' by Kate Atkinson is a historical fiction novel set in 1920s London, focusing on the underworld of swinging Soho and the nightclubs owned by the enigmatic Nellie Coker. The story follows a cast of characters including Nellie herself, Detective Frobisher, librarian Gwendolen, and a runaway girl named Freda. The book delves into themes of corruption, abduction, gang warfare, and the decadent lifestyle of London's elites during the post-World War I era. Atkinson's writing style is described as atmospheric, with great character development and based on a real-life female speakeasy owner.

The plot of 'Shrines of Gaiety' is rich in action and interesting characters, drawing readers into the illicit world of London nightclubs and the challenges faced by Nellie Coker and her family. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines, including police corruption, missing teenagers, and revenge, creating a tapestry of intrigue and suspense. While some readers found the plot to be somewhat lacking in tension and depth, others appreciated the detailed period setting and the diverse range of characters brought to life by Atkinson's storytelling.

Dreamland by Kevin Baker is a historical novel set in New York City during the early Twentieth Century, focusing on the immigrant experience, political corruption, and societal struggles of the time. The story unfolds at Dreamland amusement park in Coney Island, intertwining real historical events like the Triangle Shirtwaist fire and figures like Sigmund Freud with fictional characters such as gangsters, performers, and politicians. Through a multi-perspective narrative, Baker delves into the gritty, dark underbelly of the era, portraying a world of exploitation, corruption, and survival amidst the chaos of New York City.

The novel presents a rich tapestry of interconnected lives, ranging from a prostitute, a factory worker, an immigrant, a gang member, to a politician, each offering a unique perspective on the harsh realities of the time. With meticulous historical research evident throughout the book, Baker skillfully weaves together various storylines, capturing the essence of New York in the early 20th century and exploring themes of love, tragedy, inhumanity, and the pursuit of the American dream against a backdrop of political intrigue and societal upheaval.

'The 42nd Parallel' in the series 'The U.S.A. Trilogy' by John Dos Passos paints a detailed picture of the United States during the early part of the twentieth century. The book explores the morphing idea of the American Dream from 1900 to 1918, capturing a period where revolution is in the air, capitalism is being questioned, and socialism is gaining attention. Dos Passos uses an innovative collage-like technique to create a journalistic atmosphere, interweaving fictional narratives, newspaper clippings, biographies of public figures, and semi-autobiographical text. The novel delves into the lives of various American men and women as they search for meaning and more in a society overshadowed by industrialization and the looming threat of a Great War.

Set in Bruges, Belgium, 'Bruges-La-Morte' follows widower Hugues Viane as he mourns his deceased wife by turning his home into a shrine to her memory. When he encounters a woman who resembles his late wife, he becomes tragically obsessed with her, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The novel is known for its atmospheric descriptions of Bruges, portraying the city as a melancholic and haunting backdrop that mirrors Viane's grief.

'1919' in 'The U.S.A. Trilogy' by John Dos Passos is a gripping narrative detailing the lives of ordinary and extraordinary American men and women during the aftermath of World War One. The author brings history to life through interconnected stories that read like a diary entry, news ticker, and a brilliant novel rolled into one. Dos Passos captures the sentiments of the times as they were lived, shedding light on the undercurrents of anti-war and anti-capitalist thinking, along with the fears they provoked. The characters in the book are portrayed dealing with public social, political, economical, ethical, and moral concerns, reflecting the charged and violent atmosphere of 1919.

The writing style of Dos Passos in '1919' is described as beautifully woven, bringing history to life in a way that reads like a diary entry and a brilliant novel rolled into one. The multiple styles used by Dos Passos to depict the period and the people may take some time to get used to, but once the rhythm is felt, readers are swept along, reacting to it in a way similar to how the body reacts to music. is praised for weaving new perspectives, characters, and settings that reveal new views of a country in its childhood, showing that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

'Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald' by Therese Anne Fowler is a fictionalized account of Zelda Fitzgerald's life, narrated in first person point of view. The book follows Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald's tumultuous relationship from their early days of love and fame to the strains that tested them emotionally and financially. Set in the Jazz Age, the novel portrays Zelda's struggles to establish herself as an artist and writer, separate from being known solely as the wife of her famous husband. The story delves into Zelda's aspirations, tragedies, love, adventures, and battles with mental illness, providing a captivating and emotional portrayal of her life.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos is a humorous novel that follows the diary entries of Lorelei Lee, a charming and witty young woman who navigates the world of 1920s high society. Lorelei, a self-proclaimed gold digger, uses her intelligence and charm to manipulate her wealthy gentlemen friends into showering her with gifts and luxury experiences. The book satirizes class, culture, and relationships as Lorelei travels from New York to London and Paris, all while maintaining her unique sense of self and humor. Written in a diary format, the book showcases Lorelei's adventures, mishaps, and witty observations about the world around her.