Discover books similar to "A God in Ruins"
Kate Atkinson
A God in Ruins
3.94
Part of "Todd Family" series
"A God in Ruins" by Kate Atkinson is a powerful and poignant novel that explores the life of one man, Teddy Todd, from his experiences as a bomber pilot in World War II to his later years as a family man and retiree. The novel is a companion piece to Atkinson's previous work, "Life After Life," but can also be read as a standalone book. The story is told in a non-linear fashion, with chapters that jump back and forth in time, providing a rich and complex portrait of Teddy's life. Atkinson's writing is vivid and engaging, bringing to life the horrors of war as well as the quiet moments of everyday existence. One of the novel's central themes is the impact of war on individuals and families, and Atkinson explores this theme with sensitivity and nuance. Teddy, who survives the war but loses many of his friends, struggles to come to terms with his experiences and the guilt he feels for having survived. At the same time, his family must also grapple with the legacy of war, as they deal with the aftermath of trauma and loss. Another notable aspect of the novel is its exploration of time and memory. Atkinson plays with narrative structure, using flashbacks and shifting perspectives to create a sense of disorientation and uncertainty. This technique serves to highlight the fragility and impermanence of memory, as well as the ways in which the past can continue to shape and haunt the present. Overall, "A God in Ruins" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page. Atkinson's masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this a book that is not to be missed.
List of books similar to "A God in Ruins":
M.L. Stedman
The Light Between Oceans
Fans of 'A God in Ruins' may enjoy 'The Light Between Oceans' by M.L. Stedman. This novel tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who rescue a baby girl and raise her as their own, only to have the child's biological mother come back into their lives. Like Atkinson's novel, it explores the moral complexities of family and the consequences of our actions.
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Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale
Kristin Hannah's 'The Nightingale' is a historical novel that tells the story of two sisters in France during World War II. Like 'A God in Ruins', it explores the impact of war on families and the moral complexities of making difficult decisions.
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Jamie Ford
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Jamie Ford's 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' is a historical novel that tells the story of a Chinese-American boy and a Japanese-American girl who fall in love in Seattle during World War II. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of cultural identity, making it a great match for fans of 'A God in Ruins'.
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Julie Orringer
The Invisible Bridge
Julie Orringer's 'The Invisible Bridge' is a historical novel that tells the story of a Jewish family from Hungary during World War II. Like 'A God in Ruins', it explores the impact of war on families and the moral complexities of making difficult decisions.
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Pam Jenoff
The Orphan's Tale
Pam Jenoff's 'The Orphan's Tale' is a historical novel that tells the story of a young Jewish girl who is hidden in a traveling circus during World War II. Like 'A God in Ruins', it explores the impact of war on families and the moral complexities of making difficult decisions.
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Mary Ann Shaffer
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a historical novel that tells the story of a group of friends who form a literary society during the German occupation of Guernsey in World War II. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection, much like 'A God in Ruins' does.
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J. Courtney Sullivan
The Engagements
J. Courtney Sullivan's 'The Engagements' tells the story of four different couples and the diamond engagement rings that symbolize their relationships. The novel explores themes of love, marriage, and the cultural significance of material possessions, making it a great match for fans of 'A God in Ruins'.
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