3.66
"The Group" by Mary McCarthy is a compelling novel that offers a fascinating look into the lives of eight Vassar College graduates in the 1930s as they navigate their way through post-college life in New York City. The book follows the women as they experience the trials and tribulations of marriage, career, and sexuality, and the ways in which their experiences are shaped by the societal expectations of the time. McCarthy's writing is sharp, witty, and insightful, providing a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of female friendship and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated world. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique voice and perspective. The group dynamics are also well-explored, highlighting the ways in which the women both support and compete with each other. One of the standout aspects of "The Group" is its historical context. The novel provides a vivid portrayal of New York City in the 1930s, from the fashion and music to the political climate and social norms. McCarthy also addresses important social issues of the time, such as birth control and abortion, with a refreshing honesty and candor. Overall, "The Group" is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on the lives of young women in the 1930s. Its themes of friendship, ambition, and identity continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless classic. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, women's literature, or just a well-written story, "The Group" is a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression...
Donna Tartt
The Secret History
If you enjoyed the complex character dynamics and sense of foreboding in 'The Group', you'll appreciate Donna Tartt's debut novel. 'The Secret History' follows a group of classics students at a small college in Vermont as they become increasingly obsessed with the occult and Greek tragedy, leading to a shocking act of violence.
Learn MoreGeorge V. Higgins
The Friends of Eddie Coyle
If you enjoyed the gritty realism and moral ambiguity of 'The Group', you may appreciate the similarly unsentimental portrayal of criminal underworld in 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle'. The novel follows a aging gunrunner named Eddie Coyle as he becomes ensnared in a dangerous web of crime and betrayal in Boston.
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The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Fans of 'The Group' will appreciate the sharp wit and incisive social commentary of 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie'. The novel follows a charismatic and unorthodox teacher named Jean Brodie as she inspires and manipulates a group of young girls at a Scottish boarding school in the 1930s.
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The Corrections
Like 'The Group', 'The Corrections' explores the complex and often fraught relationships between members of a dysfunctional family. The novel follows the lives of the Lambert family - Enid, Alfred, Gary, Chip, and Denise - as they navigate the challenges of modern life and try to come to terms with their past.
Learn MoreMargaret Drabble
The Millstone
If you enjoyed the frank and unflinching portrayal of female friendship and sexuality in 'The Group', you may appreciate the similarly candid depiction in 'The Millstone'. The novel follows a young academic named Rosamund as she navigates the challenges of single motherhood after an unplanned pregnancy.
Learn MoreClaire Messud
The Emperor's Children
Fans of 'The Group' will appreciate the sharp social commentary and complex character dynamics of 'The Emperor's Children'. The novel follows a group of privileged and ambitious young people in New York City in the months leading up to the September 11 attacks, as they navigate the challenges of adulthood and try to find their place in the world.
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The Line of Beauty
If you enjoyed the sophisticated prose and exploration of class and privilege in 'The Group', you may appreciate the similarly themed 'The Line of Beauty'. The novel follows a young gay man named Nick Guest as he becomes embroiled in the world of London's upper classes in the 1980s.
Learn MoreEdith Wharton
The House of Mirth
Fans of 'The Group' will appreciate the sharp social commentary and exploration of class and gender in 'The House of Mirth'. The novel follows a young woman named Lily Bart as she navigates the treacherous waters of New York high society in the early 20th century, trying to find a husband and maintain her place in the world.
Learn MoreEdith Wharton
The Age of Innocence
If you enjoyed the exploration of social class and gender in 'The Group', you may appreciate the similarly themed 'The Age of Innocence'. The novel follows a wealthy lawyer named Newland Archer as he becomes engaged to a respectable young woman named May Welland, but finds himself increasingly drawn to her unconventional cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska.
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