Discover books similar to "The Greengage Summer"
Rumer Godden
The Greengage Summer
4.03
"The Greengage Summer" by Rumer Godden is a coming-of-age novel set in the picturesque French countryside. The story follows the experiences of the Eliot family, who consist of the young and adventurous siblings Joss, Hester, Eliot, and Cecil, and their widowed mother, Mrs. Eliot. During a summer holiday in France, the Eliot children are left to fend for themselves when their mother falls ill and is taken to the hospital. The children are forced to grow up quickly as they navigate the challenges of living in a foreign country, managing their finances, and dealing with the unexpected arrival of a mysterious Englishman named Mr. Grey. The novel explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the complexities of human relationships. The character of Joss, the eldest of the siblings, is particularly well-drawn, as she grapples with her feelings of guilt, jealousy, and love throughout the story. Godden's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the French countryside create a rich and immersive atmosphere that transports the reader to another time and place. The novel is also notable for its nuanced portrayal of the class dynamics between the English tourists and the French locals, as well as the tensions that arise when different cultures collide. Overall, "The Greengage Summer" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong sense of place. It is a timeless exploration of the human condition that continues to resonate with readers today...
List of books similar to "The Greengage Summer":
L.P. Hartley
The Go-Between
Like 'The Greengage Summer', 'The Go-Between' is a coming-of-age story set in a nostalgic, bygone era. The novel explores the class divide and the consequences of manipulation, as a young boy named Leo is coerced into acting as a messenger between two illicit lovers.
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E.M. Forster
A Room with a View
Fans of 'The Greengage Summer' will enjoy 'A Room with a View' for its vivid depiction of Italy and exploration of class and social expectations. The novel follows Lucy Honeychurch as she navigates her own desires and societal conventions while on a trip abroad.
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Nancy Mitford
The Pursuit of Love
Much like 'The Greengage Summer', 'The Pursuit of Love' is a nostalgic, witty novel that delves into the lives of an eccentric family. The story follows the Radlett family, particularly the eldest daughter Linda, as they navigate love, marriage, and societal expectations.
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Daphne du Maurier
Rebecca
'Rebecca' shares the gothic atmosphere and psychological tension found in 'The Greengage Summer'. The novel follows a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and moves into his estate, only to be haunted by the memory and legacy of his first wife, Rebecca.
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Donna Tartt
The Secret History
'The Secret History' and 'The Greengage Summer' both delve into the darker side of idyllic settings and close-knit groups. Tartt's novel follows a group of classics students at a small, elite college as they become increasingly entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and tragedy.
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Barbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible
'The Poisonwood Bible' and 'The Greengage Summer' both explore the impact of a foreign environment on a family. Kingsolver's novel follows the Price family, missionaries who move to the Belgian Congo in 1959, as they grapple with the political and personal consequences of their decision.
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Shirley Jackson
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
Like 'The Greengage Summer', 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' features a claustrophobic atmosphere and a focus on the dynamics of a unique family. The novel follows the Blackwood sisters, who live in isolation on their family's estate, as they confront the dark secrets of their past.
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Sarah Perry
The Essex Serpent
'The Essex Serpent' shares the gothic atmosphere and exploration of societal expectations found in 'The Greengage Summer'. Set in 1893, the novel follows Cora Seaborne, a widow with a passion for natural history, as she investigates rumors of a mythical creature in Essex.
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Sarah Waters
The Paying Guests
'The Paying Guests' and 'The Greengage Summer' both explore the complexities of class, gender, and social expectations. Set in 1922, the novel follows Frances Wray, a young woman who takes in lodgers to make ends meet, and her growing relationship with one of the
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