Discover books similar to "Casting Off"

Iris Murdoch

The Sea, The Sea

This novel, which won the Booker Prize in 1978, tells the story of Charles Arrowby, a successful and charismatic director, who retreats to a remote house by the sea to live a life of solitude and self-sufficiency. However, his past refuses to let him go, and he becomes increasingly obsessed with an old love affair. Like 'Casting Off', this book explores themes of self-discovery, memory, and the complexities of human relationships.

Edith Wharton

The House of Mirth

This classic novel by Edith Wharton tells the story of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent woman who is trapped by the social conventions of her time. As she navigates the treacherous waters of New York high society, she becomes increasingly desperate to find a wealthy husband and secure her place in the world. Like 'Casting Casting Off', this book offers a sharp critique of social class and gender roles, and explores the struggles of a woman trying to find her place in a world dominated by men.

Tove Jansson

The Summer Book

This charming and poignant novel tells the story of a young girl and her grandmother, who spend a summer on a remote island in the Gulf of Finland. As they explore the island and each other, they develop a deep and abiding bond that transcends the boundaries of age and experience. Like 'Casting Off', this book celebrates the beauty and power of female relationships, and the simple pleasures of life in nature.

Nancy Mitford

The Pursuit of Love

This classic novel tells the story of the Radlett family, a eccentric and unconventional aristocratic family in England between the two world wars. The novel focuses on the lives and loves of the Radlett daughters, particularly Linda, who is determined to find her own way in the world, despite the expectations of her family and society. Like 'Casting Off', this book offers a sharp and satirical critique of social class and gender roles, and celebrates the power of female friendship and independence.

Edna O'Brien

The Country Girls

This classic novel tells the story of two young girls, Cait and Baba, who grow up in rural Ireland in the 1950s. As they come of age, they become increasingly restless with their narrow and oppressive surroundings, and dream of escaping to the bright lights of Dublin. Like 'Casting Off', this book explores themes of female friendship, sexuality, and the struggle for independence in a world dominated by men.

Elizabeth Bowen

The House in Paris

This complex and beautifully written novel tells the story of two children, Henrietta and Leopold, who are sent to stay with a series of relatives in Paris while their parents sort out their affairs. As they navigate the strange and unfamiliar world of adult relationships, they uncover a series of secrets and lies that threaten to unravel the fabric of their lives. Like 'Casting Off', this book explores themes of memory, identity, and the fragile nature of human relationships.

Sarah Waters

The Paying Guests

This gripping and suspenseful novel tells the story of Frances Wray, a young woman who is forced to take in lodgers - a young couple, Leonard and Lilian Barber - in order to make ends meet after her father's death. As they become increasingly entangled in each other's lives, they uncover a series of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy them all. Like 'Casting Off', this book explores themes of class, gender, and the fragile nature of human relationships, and offers a rich and nuanced portrait of life in post-World War I England.

Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible

This powerful and moving novel tells the story of the Price family - father Nathan, mother Orleanna, and their four daughters - who travel to the Belgian Congo in 1959 to spread the word of the Baptist faith. As they become increasingly entangled in the political and social upheavals of the country, they must also confront their own demons and learn to survive in a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. Like 'Casting Off', this book explores themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, and offers a rich and evocative portrait of a particular time and place.

Donna Tartt

The Secret History

This gripping and suspenseful novel tells the story of a group of classics students at a small liberal arts college in Vermont who become increasingly obsessed with the ancient Greek ideals of beauty, truth, and perfection. As they descend into a world of darkness and violence, they must confront the consequences of their actions and the true nature of their desires. Like 'Casting Off', this book explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of human relationships, and offers a rich and nuanced portrait of a particular time and place.