Books Like...
'Ada, or Ardor: A Family Chronicle' by Vladimir Nabokov is a complex and challenging novel that delves into the intricacies of an incestuous relationship between siblings Ada and Van Veen. Set in a fictitious world reminiscent of Earth but with historical differences, the story follows the lifelong love affair between Ada and Van, who initially believe they are cousins. The narrative is filled with multilingual wordplay, literary references, and intricate storytelling that explores themes of taboo relationships, complex family dynamics, and the blurred boundaries of love and desire. Despite its challenging nature, the book offers a unique and surreal reading experience that blends lyrical prose with philosophical musings.
If you liked Ada, or Ardor: A Family Chronicle, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson is a modern retelling of the myth of Herakles and Geryon, exploring themes of love, identity, and isolation through a narrative that walks the line between myth and modernity. The book is a novel in verse that delves deep into the emotions and experiences of the characters, creating a story that is both haunting and beautiful. Carson's language is described as accessible and vivid, grounding the tale in myth while taking a very modern and ultimately moving turn.
The protagonist, Geryon, is portrayed as a complex and relatable character, with readers being pulled into his world through a blend of fantastical elements and introspective reflections. The book weaves together poetry, prose, narration, and emotion, creating a unique and special account that explores the myriad of human emotions in a touching and unforgettable way.
HE CAME after Homer and before Gertrude Stein, a diffi-cult interval for a poet. Born about 650 B.C. on the north coast of Sicily in a city called Himera, he lived among refugees who spoke a mixed dia... - #2
Save:'Pnin' by Vladimir Nabokov is a collection of self-contained short stories centered around the character Pnin, a hapless Russian emigrant teaching at an American university. The novel explores themes of exile, university life, and complex relationships, portraying Pnin as an endearing but eccentric character. Nabokov's prose is described as acrobatic and beautiful, with a focus on wordplay and clever observations.
The elderly passenger sitting on the north-window side of that inexorably moving railway coach, next to an empty seat and facing two empty ones, was none other than Professor Timofey Pnin. Ideally bal... - #3
Save:Pale Fire is a complex and unique novel that revolves around a 999-line poem written by John Shade, with added commentary and index by Charles Kinbote. The poem delves into Shade's personal life, particularly focusing on the death of his daughter, while Kinbote interprets it as a political commentary on the coup in his home country of Zenobia. The narrative unfolds through the interplay between Shade's poem and Kinbote's commentary, creating a multi-layered and intricate story that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
Nabokov's writing style in Pale Fire is characterized by its lush, pulpy prose that beautifully describes intricate details and creates vivid imagery. The novel's format challenges traditional storytelling by using the form of literary criticism to weave together the lives of three men: Shade, Kinbote, and Gradus. Through the use of unreliable narrators and metafictional elements, Nabokov crafts a narrative that is both humorous and thought-provoking, inviting readers to delve into the complexities of the text and uncover hidden meanings.
Pale Fire, a poem in heroic couplets, of nine hundred ninety-nine lines, divided into four cantos, was composed by John Francis Shade (born July 5, 1898, died July 21, 1959) during the last twenty day... - #4
Save:'Invitation to a Beheading' by Vladimir Nabokov is a surreal and Kafkaesque tale that follows the protagonist Cincinnatus C, who is sentenced to death for a crime that remains unspecified. The story unfolds in a dreamlike manner, blurring the lines between reality and imagination as Cincinnatus navigates his last days in prison, encountering bizarre events and characters. Nabokov's prose is described as uniquely beautiful, delving into the psyche of a man condemned to death by beheading, and inviting the reader to explore the freedom of imagination and the absurdity of life.
In accordance with the law the death sentence was announced to Cincinnatus C. in a whisper. All rose, exchanging smiles. The hoary judge put his mouth close to his ear, panted for a moment, made the a... - #5
Save:"Laughter in the Dark" by Vladimir Nabokov tells the tragic story of Albinus, a middle-aged man who becomes infatuated with a young woman named Margot, leading to a series of misfortunes that unravel his life. The novel explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and downfall, with a narrative style that is described as a mix of humor, tragedy, and unique prose that keeps the reader engaged. Set in Berlin during the 1930s, the book delves into the complexities of relationships and the consequences of pursuing one's desires at any cost.
Once upon a time there lived in Berlin, Germany, a man called Albinus. He was rich, respectable, happy; one day he abandoned his wife for the sake of a youthful mistress; he loved; was not loved; and ... 'Memories of My Melancholy Whores' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a short novella that follows a 90-year-old man who decides to make his birthday memorable by sleeping with a teenage virgin. However, the story takes unexpected turns, exploring themes of growing old, nostalgia, love, and regret. The writing style is described as poetic, with beautiful prose that captures the complex emotions and internal struggles of the protagonist.
The book delves into the protagonist's multi-layered character, driven by desires such as nostalgia, lust, denial, and longing. Despite the controversial subject matter, the book is praised for its ability to evoke deep emotions, with moments of beauty and wisdom intertwined with the protagonist's unconventional pursuit of love.
The year I turned ninety, I wanted to give myself the gift of a night of wild love with an adolescent virgin. I thought of Rosa Cabarcas, the owner of an illicit house who would inform her good client...- #7
Save:'Speak, Memory' by Vladimir Nabokov is an autobiography that delves into the author's early years, from his childhood in Russia to his life in exile. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of his family, friends, tutors, animals, and places, showcasing Nabokov's poetic writing style. Through a series of vignettes, Nabokov recounts his love for his family, his passion for butterfly collecting, and his experiences in pre-revolutionary Russia and Europe. The memoir is not a linear account but rather a collection of memories that paint a picture of Nabokov's upbringing and influences.
THE cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness. Although the two are identical twins, man, as a rule, vi... - #8
Save:'Oblomov' by Ivan Goncharov is a classic Russian novel that delves into the life of the protagonist, Oblomov, who is known for his extreme laziness and reluctance to engage in any form of activity. The plot revolves around Oblomov's struggles with everyday tasks, his relationships with other characters like Stolz and Olga, and his internal dilemmas. The writing style of the book is described as languorous, thorough, and discursive, capturing the essence of 19th-century Russian literature with detailed descriptions and deep character exploration.
ILYA ILYITCH OBLOMOV was lying in bed one morning in his flat in Gorohovy Street, in one of the big houses that had almost as many inhabitants as a whole country town. He was a man of thirty-two or -t... - #9
Save:"Gravity's Rainbow" by Thomas Pynchon is a complex and dense novel set in Europe at the end of World War II, focusing on the design, production, and dispatch of V 2 rockets by the German military. The story revolves around the quest of various characters to uncover the secret of a mysterious device named the Schwarzgerät, which is to be installed in a rocket with the serial number 00000. Pynchon's writing style is frequently digressive, subverting traditional elements of plot and character development, and incorporating detailed knowledge from various disciplines.
The novel is known for its innovation and complexity, often praised for pushing the boundaries of postmodern writing. However, some readers find the book challenging due to the multitude of characters, intricate plotlines, and the author's tendency to jump about seemingly at random. Despite its challenging nature, "Gravity's Rainbow" is recognized for its poetic and beautiful moments, as well as its exploration of themes related to the quest for being and the breaking down of social constructions.
It is too late. The Evacuation still proceeds, but it's all theatre. There are no lights inside the cars. No light anywhere. Above him lift girders old as an iron queen, and glass somewhere far above ... - #10
Save:'The Golden Gate' by Vikram Seth is a novel set in verse, telling the story of a group of friends, lovers, sons, and mothers living in San Francisco in the 1980s. The book weaves a tale of relationships, love, and personal struggles through a unique narrative style of sonnets. The writing style is described as clever, engaging, and impressive, with the use of structured verse enhancing the story's charm and making it a delight to read.
John's looks are good. His dress is formal. His voice is low. His mind is sound. His appetite for work's abnormal. A plastic name tag hangs around His collar like a votive necklace. Though well-paid, ...
