Discover books similar to "The Swimming-Pool Library"
Alan Hollinghurst
The Swimming-Pool Library
3.77
"The Swimming-Pool Library" by Alan Hollinghurst is a powerful and provocative novel that explores the complexities of desire, class, and sexuality in 1980s London. The story follows William, a young, privileged gay man who leads a life of leisure and sexual freedom, until he meets an elderly man named Arthur in a public swimming pool. Arthur, a veteran of World War II and a member of the upper class, reveals to William the story of his own life, including his experiences of prejudice and discrimination. As William becomes increasingly drawn into Arthur's world, he begins to question his own values and assumptions about society, class, and sexuality. The novel is a rich and evocative portrayal of a world on the brink of change, as the AIDS crisis begins to take hold and the traditional social order begins to crumble. Hollinghurst's writing is both elegant and incisive, and he has a keen eye for the nuances of human behavior. The novel is also notable for its frank and unapologetic depiction of gay sexuality, which was still a taboo subject at the time of its publication. "The Swimming-Pool Library" is a complex and thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to confront their own assumptions and prejudices. It is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and a testament to Hollinghurst's skill as a writer. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature, gay studies, and social history...
List of books similar to "The Swimming-Pool Library":
Bret Easton Ellis
Less Than Zero
If you were drawn to the hedonistic atmosphere and exploration of identity in 'The Swimming-Pool Library', you may find 'Less Than Zero' compelling. This controversial novel delves into the lives of a group of disaffected young people in 1980s Los Angeles, offering a raw and unflinching look at the darker side of privilege and excess.
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Alan Hollinghurst
The Line of Beauty
If you enjoyed the intricate prose and exploration of sexuality in 'The Swimming-Pool Library', you'll appreciate 'The Line of Beauty'. This Booker Prize-winning novel delves into the intersection of politics, art, and desire in 1980s England, with Hollinghurst's signature elegant style.
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E.M. Forster
Maurice
For fans of Hollinghurst's examination of homosexuality in 'The Swimming-Pool Library', this classic novel by E.M. Forster explores similar themes. 'Maurice' is a poignant love story set in the repressive early 20th century, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of gay men in a less accepting time.
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Evelyn Waugh
Brideshead Revisited
If you were drawn to the historical and social commentary in 'The Swimming-Pool Library', you may enjoy 'Brideshead Revisited'. This acclaimed novel delves into the complexities of class, religion, and family dynamics in pre-WWII England, with richly drawn characters and evocative prose.
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Paul Bowles
The Spider's House
For those who appreciated the exotic setting and cultural exploration in 'The Swimming-Pool Library', 'The Spider's House' offers a similarly immersive experience. Set in Morocco during the turbulent period of French colonial rule, this novel weaves together personal stories against the backdrop of political upheaval.
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Michael Cunningham
The Hours
If you enjoyed the introspective and emotional depth of 'The Swimming-Pool Library', you may find 'The Hours' compelling. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel intertwines the lives of three women across different eras, all connected by Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway', exploring themes of identity, love, and mental health.
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Christopher Isherwood
A Single Man
For readers who appreciated the nuanced portrayal of homosexuality in 'The Swimming-Pool Library', 'A Single Man' is a must-read. This powerful novel follows a gay man in 1960s Los Angeles as he navigates grief, loneliness, and the complexities of identity in a world that often misunderstands him.
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Graham Greene
The End of the Affair
For those who appreciated the emotional intensity and complex relationships in 'The Swimming-Pool Library', 'The End of the Affair' offers a similarly engaging reading experience. This novel explores themes of love, faith, and obsession as it follows the story of a man who becomes consumed by his love for a married woman.
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F. Scott Fitzgerald
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For readers who enjoyed the examination of class and social dynamics in 'The Swimming-Pool Library', 'The Great Gatsby' is a classic exploration of these themes. Set in the Roaring Twenties, this novel follows the story of a wealthy man who becomes
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