Discover books similar to "People of the Book"

Anita Diamant

The Red Tent

Fans of 'People of the Book' who are interested in stories about women in the Old Testament might enjoy 'The Red Tent' by Anita Diamant. This novel tells the story of Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob and Leah, and her four mothers, Rachel, Zilpah, Bilhah, and Leah. The Red Tent is a beautifully written and evocative novel that explores the lives of women in biblical times, their traditions, secrets, and struggles.

Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose

If you appreciated the historical and cultural depth of 'People of the Book', you may enjoy 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. This novel is a historical mystery set in a medieval monastery in Italy, where a series of murders takes place during a theological debate. The novel is rich in historical and cultural details, and it explores themes such as heresy, censorship, and the power of language.

Diane Setterfield

The Thirteenth Tale

If you enjoyed the intricate plot and the exploration of the power of storytelling in 'People of the Book', you may like 'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield. This novel is a gothic mystery about a reclusive author named Vida Winter, who hires a young biographer to tell her life story. As the biographer delves into Vida's past, she uncovers a series of secrets and lies that challenge her assumptions about identity, family, and the power of storytelling.

Barbara Kingsolver

The Lacuna

If you appreciated the themes of identity, exile, and the search for meaning in 'People of the Book', you may enjoy 'The Lacuna' by Barbara Kingsolver. This novel tells the story of Harrison Shepherd, a half-Mexican, half-American man who grows up in Mexico during the turbulent years of the Mexican Revolution and the early years of the Cold War. The novel explores themes such as the power of art, the role of politics in shaping identity, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible

If you enjoyed 'People of the Book' for its exploration of different cultures and time periods, you may like 'The Poisonwood Bible' by Barbara Kingsolver. This novel tells the story of the Price family, a Baptist missionary family from Georgia, who move to the Belgian Congo in 1959. The novel explores the clash of cultures, the impact of colonialism, and the struggles of the Congolese people for independence. The novel is told from the perspective of the four Price daughters, each of whom has a distinct voice and perspective.

Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

If you appreciated the themes of history, science, and ethics in 'People of the Book', you may enjoy 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot. This non-fiction book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black tobacco farmer whose cancer cells were taken without her consent and used to create the first immortal human cell line. The book explores the ethical issues surrounding medical research, the history of cell culture, and the impact of scientific discovery on individuals and communities.

Sarah Perry

The Essex Serpent

If you enjoyed the themes of history, science, and the search for meaning in 'People of the Book', you may like 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry. This novel is set in Victorian England and tells the story of Cora Seaborne, a widowed woman who becomes obsessed with the legend of a sea serpent that is said to inhabit the Essex marshes. The novel explores themes such as science, religion, and the role of women in society, and it features a richly drawn cast of characters, including a charismatic vicar, a brilliant scientist, and a mysterious healer.

Elizabeth Gilbert

The Signature of All Things

If you enjoyed the themes of history, science, and the search for meaning in 'People of the Book', you may like 'The Signature of All Things' by Elizabeth Gilbert. This novel tells the story of Alma Whittaker, a brilliant and curious woman who grows up in a wealthy botanical family in 19th century Philadelphia. Alma's passion for science and her quest for knowledge lead her on a journey around the world, where she encounters new ideas, cultures, and loves. The novel explores themes such as evolution, botany, and the nature of existence.

Sue Monk Kidd

The Invention of Wings

If you enjoyed 'People of the Book' for its exploration of different cultures and time periods, you may like 'The Invention of Wings' by Sue Monk Kidd. This novel tells the story of Sarah Grimké, a wealthy white woman from Charleston, South Carolina, and Handful, her slave. The novel explores the lives of women in the antebellum South, their struggles for freedom and equality, and the complex relationships between masters and slaves. The novel is based on the true story of the Grimké sisters, who were prominent abolitionists and women's rights activists in the 19th century.

Adam Johnson

The Orphan Master's Son

If you appreciated the themes of identity, exile, and the search for meaning in 'People of the Book', you may enjoy 'The Orphan Master's Son' by Adam Johnson. This novel tells the story of Pak Jun Do, a young man who grows up in an orphanage in North Korea and becomes a spy for the regime. The novel explores the brutal and oppressive nature of the North Korean regime, the human cost of totalitarianism, and the search for identity and meaning in a world of lies and deception. The novel is based on extensive research and interviews with North Korean defectors.