A Book I will Love As Much As 'The Secret History'?

Question

I loved Donna Tartt's 'The Secret History' - it's one of the most haunting, original and evocative novels I've ever read.

Can anyone recommend another unusual novel? Please note: I'm NOT looking for purely 'commerical' books like Dan Brown etc etc, but rather something dark, haunting, clever, and beautifully written.

Thanks very much for your help with this.

Answer 1

Try Alice Sebold's, The Lovely Bones. A very alternate take on the tragic loss of a child by murder, stayed with me for months after I read it, Amazing book!

Answer 2

What a book! I feel just like you about it. Her next novel was so disappointing.
Two books to recommend - Behind The Scenes At The Museum by Kate Atkinson (although you've probably read it) and The Story Of My Face by Kathy Page, who is much under-rated. Oh No! One more - Happenstance by Carol Shields.
PS: I submitted this and was going to send it then I remembered Jonathan Coe's book What a Carve Up. Terrible title but terrific work.

Answer 3

3 of the best cutting-ingredient novels i've got examine at the instant are: The e book Thief with the aid of Markus Zusak. that is set in the time of WW2 and narrated with the aid of demise, it follows the story of a splash female stated as Liesel. city of Thieves with the aid of David Benioff. it particularly is likewise set in the time of WW2 in Leningrad, Russia. the story surely starts with our protagonist being sent to look for eggs for an significant colonel. Starter for Ten with the aid of David Nicholls (my very own primary), set in the 80's that could be a narrative approximately Brian Jackson and his experience with the aid of college, falling in love and being on the programme college challenge! A actual hilarious and touching tale. i won't be in a position to particularly supply this credit with the aid of description basically in spite of the undeniable fact that that is an particularly particular e book (to me besides!)

Answer 4

'Special Topics in Calamity Physics' by Marisha Pessi, will be right up your alley. You won't be disappointed.

Also 'Wind Up Bird Chronicle' by Haruki Murakami or Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenedies if you've not done so already.

Or you could try The Brooklyn Follies by Paul Auster or The Earthquake Bird by Susanna Jones.

All of them are a little strange, a little offbeat, but I'm certain you'll love them.

Answer 5

Set this house in order by Matt Ruff was excellent. It's loosely about someone with multiple personality. I also love Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson as the use of language is spellbounding.

Answer 6

Try "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. Although not the same genre per se as "The Secret History" it does fulfill the criteria you list.

It is not a book I will forget anytime soon.

Answer 7

Try the Fizz and Buchanan Mystery Series. Fantastic writing - use of metaphor - etc. Can't remember the author but he/she is quoted several times in the Oxford |English Dictionary.

Answer 8

I agree totally about 'The Secret History' - it was a marvellous book. Unique in its story line, and wonderfully well written.

Whilst not in the same class, 'The Pact' by Jodi Picault is excellent.

Answer 9

Try "The 5 people you meet in heaven".

I have to say I read secret history and was entranced.

Answer 10

I reccomend the book Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. It is the BEST book ever. It is wonderfully written and tells a captivating story. You will be entranced for days, weeks, months, maybe even years after you read this book. I gave it to my friends and they all agree with me as well. This book is amazing. Stephenie Meyer is a brilliant author. You should read this book. It has two sequels, New Moon, which is already out, and Eclipse, which is scheduled to come out in the August.