Books Like...

The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence is a novel that delves into the life of Hagar Shipley, a 90-year-old woman reflecting on her past as she faces old age and death. The story is told from Hagar's point of view, as she reminisces about her childhood, marriage, and motherhood in rural Manawaka. The book explores themes of pride, stubbornness, family dynamics, and the challenges of aging, all portrayed through Hagar's unfiltered and direct narrative style.

The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler is a character-driven novel set in 1950s Montreal, following the ambitious and morally complex protagonist, Duddy Kravitz. Duddy is portrayed as a conniving and relentless individual who stops at nothing to achieve his goal of owning land, even if it means betraying those closest to him. The book delves into themes of greed, ambition, family dynamics, and the struggles of the Jewish community during that time period, offering a raw and honest portrayal of a young man's relentless pursuit of success, regardless of the consequences.

Richler's writing style in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is praised for its sharp and engaging dialogue, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor and intensity, drawing readers into Duddy's world of hustling and manipulation as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. The book captures the essence of a specific time and place, showcasing the intricacies of human relationships and the complexities of individual ambitions in a close-knit community.

St. Urbain's Horseman by Mordecai Richler is a character-driven novel following the life of Jake Hersh, a Canadian film director living in London. The story delves deep into Jake's past as he reflects on his life, including his scandalous trial and his enigmatic cousin Joey, known as the Horseman. The book explores themes of family relationships, self-reflection, and the struggles of an expat navigating the Canadian TV business and London's film industry. Richler's writing style immerses the reader in Jake's thoughts and experiences, with elements of humor, introspection, and frank depictions of sex and aging that are characteristic of the author's work.

'Godan' by Munshi Premchand is a masterpiece that delves into the social realities of rural India, portraying the struggles of farmers, caste discrimination, gender inequality, and economic exploitation. The book provides a poignant commentary on life in villages during the early 20th century, highlighting themes such as extreme poverty, the unjust system of taxes, and the plight of women. Through vivid storytelling, Premchand captures the complexities of rural life, shedding light on relationships within families and the harsh realities faced by the marginalized sections of society.

The narrative in 'Godan' is known for its realistic portrayal of Indian society, touching on various themes such as the caste system, love marriages, idolism, pride, struggles, women's rights, and social reform. Premchand's writing style is thought-provoking, insightful, and thought to reflect the true essence of life, emphasizing the importance of basic humanity and providing a deep insight into the rural India of the past.

'Peace' by Gene Wolfe is a layered narrative chronicling the life story of Alden Dennis Weer, set in a small town in the Midwest. The book delves into Weer's memories, blending ghost stories, tragedies, romantic entanglements, and supernatural elements in a languidly matter-of-fact tone. The first-person narrator, Weer, is revealed to be unreliable, leading the reader through a maze of incomplete yet interconnected stories that hint at a deeper, darker secret lurking beneath the surface.

The book is structured like a memoir, with Weer's rambling narrative transitioning between past and present, blurring the boundaries between memories and reality. As the stories unfold, a sense of unease and dread builds, hinting at a horrific revelation that never quite materializes, leaving readers questioning the true nature of Weer's tale and the enigmatic events that unfold within it.

'Still Alice' by Lisa Genova is a heart-wrenching story that follows the life of Alice Howland, a talented Harvard professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The novel chronicles Alice's journey as she rapidly loses her memory and sense of self, all written from her own point of view. The reactions of Alice's husband, children, colleagues, and friends are portrayed in a human and illuminating manner, showcasing the impact of the disease on their lives. provides a compassionate and insightful look into the struggles of living with Alzheimer's, offering a unique perspective on the disease.

'Zodiac: The Eco-Thriller' follows the story of Sangamon Taylor, an eco warrior fighting against corporations dumping toxic waste into the waters off Boston. The plot involves Taylor investigating and taking action against polluters in the Boston area, exposing the environmental crimes committed by unscrupulous corporations. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with a mix of humor and detailed scientific explanations of pollution and its effects on the environment and human health.

'Elizabeth Is Missing' by Emma Healey tells the story of Maud, an elderly woman suffering from dementia, who is on a quest to find her missing friend Elizabeth while also grappling with the unsolved disappearance of her sister Sukey many years ago. Through Maud's fragmented memories and confusion between past and present, the reader is taken on a journey of mystery and emotional depth, exploring themes of aging, memory loss, and family relationships. The narrative style, told through Maud's perspective, offers a poignant and realistic portrayal of dementia, blending past events with the present struggles of the protagonist.