Discover books similar to "The Meaning of Night"

Michael Cox

The Meaning of Night

3.71

"The Meaning of Night: A Confession" by Michael Cox is a rich and intricate novel that combines elements of gothic fiction, mystery, and historical drama. The story is set in 19th century England and follows the life of Edward Glyver, a man who is haunted by his past and driven by a desire for revenge. The novel begins with a gripping and memorable first line: "After killing the red-haired man, I took myself off to a Soho hotel to consider the matter further." From there, the reader is drawn into a complex web of intrigue and deception, as Glyver's quest for vengeance leads him down a dark and dangerous path. Cox's writing is elegant and evocative, transporting the reader to a time and place that is both familiar and foreign. The attention to detail is impressive, with the author painting a vivid picture of Victorian London, from its foggy streets to its grand houses and institutions. At its heart, "The Meaning of Night" is a novel about identity and the struggle to define oneself in the face of adversity. Glyver is a complex and compelling protagonist, a man who is both sympathetic and deeply flawed. As he uncovers the truth about his past, the reader is left questioning the nature of justice and the true meaning of revenge. The novel is also a meditation on the power of literature and the written word. Glyver is a scholar and a bibliophile, and his love of books is a recurring theme throughout the story. The author's own passion for literature is evident in the many references to classic works and authors, which add depth and richness to the narrative. In conclusion, "The Meaning of Night" is a masterful work of historical fiction that combines compelling characters, intricate plotting, and beautiful writing to create a truly immersive reading experience. Fans of gothic fiction, mystery, and historical drama will find much to enjoy in this captivating and thought-provoking novel...

List of books similar to "The Meaning of Night":

Donna Tartt

The Secret History

This psychological thriller follows a group of classics students at a small New England college who become involved in a series of murders. The novel shares the same gothic atmosphere and exploration of morality as 'The Meaning of Night'.

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Wilkie Collins

The Woman in White

This classic sensation novel follows the story of a drawing teacher who becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a woman in white and a sinister plot. The novel shares the same gothic atmosphere and exploration of identity as 'The Meaning of Night'.

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Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray

This classic novel follows the story of a young man who remains youthful while his portrait ages, reflecting his sins and corruption. The novel shares the same themes of obsession, corruption, and the darker side of human nature as 'The Meaning of Night'.

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Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca

This psychological thriller follows a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and moves into his estate, only to be haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. The novel shares the same gothic atmosphere and exploration of identity as 'The Meaning of Night'.

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Robert Louis Stevenson

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This classic novella follows the story of a doctor who discovers a potion that transforms him into a sinister alter ego. The novel shares the same themes of duality, morality, and the darker side of human nature as 'The Meaning of Night'.

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Diane Setterfield

The Thirteenth Tale

This gothic novel follows a biographer who is tasked with uncovering the truth behind a reclusive author's mysterious past. The novel shares the same gothic atmosphere and exploration of identity as 'The Meaning of Night'.

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Sarah Perry

The Essex Serpent

This historical novel follows a widow who moves to Essex and becomes involved in the search for a mythical serpent. The novel shares the same gothic atmosphere and exploration of science and superstition as 'The Meaning of Night'.

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Laura Purcell

The Silent Companions

This gothic novel follows a young widow who moves to her husband's estate and discovers sinister painted wooden figures. The novel shares the same gothic atmosphere and exploration of identity and corruption as 'The Meaning of Night'.

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Shirley Jackson

The Haunting of Hill House

This classic horror novel follows a group of researchers who investigate a haunted house. The novel shares the same gothic atmosphere and exploration of fear and the unknown as 'The Meaning of Night'.

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Michel Faber

The Crimson Petal and the White

This historical novel follows a prostitute in Victorian London who rises to wealth and power. The novel shares the same gothic atmosphere and exploration of morality and the darker side of human nature as 'The Meaning of Night'.

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