Discover books similar to "The Natural"
Bernard Malamud
The Natural
3.63
"The Natural," a novel by Bernard Malamud, explores the complexities of the human experience through the story of Roy Hobbs, a talented baseball player with a troubled past. The book, published in 1952, delves into themes of ambition, redemption, and the corrupting influence of power. Hobbs, a young pitcher with prodigious talent, is on the cusp of a promising career when he is derailed by a series of misfortunes, including a shooting by a mysterious woman. Years later, Hobbs reemerges as a slugger for the New York Knights, a struggling major league team. As he leads the Knights towards a pennant, Hobbs grapples with his past and the temptations of fame. Malamud's lyrical prose and vivid characterizations bring the world of 1950s baseball to life, while also exploring deeper philosophical questions. The novel asks whether it is possible to overcome one's past and achieve redemption, and whether the pursuit of success is ultimately worth the cost. "The Natural" is a classic of American literature, and has been adapted into a successful film starring Robert Redford. However, the novel offers a more nuanced and complex portrayal of Hobbs and his struggles than the film version. Readers interested in sports, morality tales, and character-driven narratives will find much to enjoy in "The Natural." The book is also a valuable exploration of the American Dream and the consequences of ambition, making it a worthy addition to any literary collection...
List of books similar to "The Natural":
Chad Harbach
The Art of Fielding
A compelling novel about baseball and the American dream, The Art of Fielding explores the struggles and triumphs of a group of young men at a small college in the Midwest. With its rich characters and evocative prose, this book will appeal to fans of The Natural who enjoy stories of personal growth and redemption on the ballfield.
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W.P. Kinsella
Shoeless Joe
This magical realist novel tells the story of a Iowa farmer who hears a voice in his cornfield instructing him to build a baseball diamond. Soon, Shoeless Joe Jackson and other long-dead players appear to play on the field. A love letter to the game of baseball and the power of dreams, Shoeless Joe is a must-read for fans of The Natural.
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David James Duncan
The Brothers K
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, this sweeping novel tells the story of the Chance family, whose lives are shaped and defined by their love of baseball. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, The Brothers K is a powerful exploration of family, faith, and the American pastime.
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John Steinbeck
East of Eden
While not strictly a baseball novel, East of Eden features a memorable scene in which two brothers play a game of catch that becomes a metaphor for their strained relationship. With its richly drawn characters and exploration of themes such as good and evil, this classic novel is a must-read for fans of The Natural.
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Eric Rolfe Greenberg
The Celebrant
Set in the early days of professional baseball, this novel tells the story of Josh Landsman, a talented young player who must navigate the treacherous waters of fame, fortune, and personal relationships. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, The Celebrant is a must-read for fans of The Natural.
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F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby
While not strictly a baseball novel, The Great Gatsby features a memorable scene in which the titular character plays a game of golf with Nick Carraway. With its richly drawn characters and exploration of themes such as the American dream and the corrupting influence of wealth, this classic novel is a must-read for fans of The Natural.
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W.P. Kinsella
The Iowa Baseball Confederacy
In this magical realist novel, a team of minor league baseball players from 1908 travel to Iowa to play a game against a team of all-stars from the past. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, The Iowa Baseball Confederacy is a must-read for fans of The Natural.
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J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye
While not strictly a baseball novel, The Catcher in the Rye features a memorable scene in which the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, reflects on his love of the game. With its richly drawn characters and exploration of themes such as alienation and the human condition, this classic novel is a must-read for fans of The Natural.
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