Discover books similar to "Appointment in Samarra"
John O'Hara
Appointment in Samarra
3.82
"Appointment in Samarra" by John O'Hara is a novel that explores the themes of fate, class, and social status in a small town in Pennsylvania during the 1930s. The story revolves around Julian English, a wealthy and well-connected young man who seems to have it all, but whose self-destructive tendencies and reckless behavior lead him down a path of ruin. The novel is named after a Middle Eastern folktale, which is retold in the opening pages, about a man who tries to escape death by fleeing to another town, only to find that death has already arrived and is waiting for him. This theme of inevitability and the futility of trying to escape one's fate is woven throughout the novel, as Julian's attempts to assert his independence and break free from the constraints of his social class ultimately lead to his downfall. O'Hara's writing is sharp and incisive, capturing the nuances of class and social status in a way that is both insightful and biting. He exposes the hypocrisy and snobbery of the upper class, while also highlighting the struggles and aspirations of those who are trying to climb the social ladder. The novel is also notable for its frank and unapologetic depiction of sexuality, which was considered quite daring for its time. "Appointment in Samarra" is a powerful exploration of the human condition, examining the ways in which our desires, fears, and insecurities can drive us to make choices that have devastating consequences. It is a novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world, or who has felt the weight of societal expectations and the pressure to conform. O'Hara's masterful storytelling and keen insights into human nature make this a timeless classic that is well worth reading...
List of books similar to "Appointment in Samarra":
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby
Like 'Appointment in Samarra', 'The Great Gatsby' explores themes of wealth, class, and the moral decay of the American Dream in the 1920s. The novel's protagonist, Jay Gatsby, shares similarities with Julian English in his pursuit of love and social status.
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F. Scott Fitzgerald
Tender Is the Night
Also by Fitzgerald, 'Tender is the Night' features complex characters and themes of self-destruction, much like 'Appointment in Samarra'. The novel's setting on the French Riviera and exploration of the darker side of the American elite will appeal to fans of O'Hara's work.
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Ernest Hemingway
A Farewell To Arms
Hemingway's 'A Farewell to Arms' shares the same time period as 'Appointment in Samarra' and explores themes of love, war, and death. The novel's spare, direct prose is similar to O'Hara's writing style.
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Ernest Hemingway
The Sun Also Rises
Like 'Appointment in Samarra', 'The Sun Also Rises' features a group of disillusioned expatriates and explores themes of love, death, and the futility of human endeavor. The novel's setting in Spain and France will appeal to fans of O'Hara's vivid descriptions of place.
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Sherwood Anderson
Winesburg, Ohio
'Winesburg, Ohio' features interconnected short stories that, like 'Appointment in Samarra', explore the inner lives of small-town characters. The novel's focus on the darker aspects of human nature will appeal to fans of O'Hara's complex characters.
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Sinclair Lewis
Main Street
Like 'Appointment in Samarra', 'Main Street' critiques small-town America and its narrow-mindedness. The novel's focus on the struggles of a young woman to find meaning in her life will appeal to fans of O'Hara's exploration of identity and purpose.
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Edith Wharton
The Age of Innocence
Like 'Appointment in Samarra', 'The Age of Innocence' explores themes of social class and the constraints placed on individuals by society. The novel's focus on the tension between love and duty will appeal to fans of O'Hara's complex characters and relationships.
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Theodore Dreiser
Sister Carrie
'Sister Carrie' shares themes of ambition, morality, and the corrupting influence of wealth with 'Appointment in Samarra'. The novel's exploration of the darker aspects of the American Dream will appeal to fans of O'Hara's work.
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Norman Mailer
The Naked and the Dead
Like 'Appointment in Samarra', 'The Naked and the Dead' explores themes of war, death, and the human condition. The novel's focus on the psychological impact of war on soldiers will appeal to fans of O'Hara's complex characters and themes.
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James Jones
From Here to Eternity
'From Here to Eternity' shares themes of war, love, and the human condition with 'Appointment in Samarra'. The novel's vivid descriptions of Hawaii and the military will appeal to fans of O'Hara's vivid descriptions of place and character.
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