Discover books similar to "The Idea of Perfection"

Kate Grenville

The Secret River

This novel, also by Kate Grenville, tells the story of William Thornhill, a man transported to New South Wales for theft. As he tries to make a life for himself and his family in the new colony, he must confront the consequences of his actions on the indigenous people of the land. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book explores themes of colonialism, identity, and the struggle to connect with others.

Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible

This novel follows the story of the Price family, Baptist missionaries who move to the Belgian Congo in 1959. As the country descends into chaos and the family falls apart, each member must come to terms with their own role in the destruction around them. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book examines the impact of colonialism and the difficulty of understanding and connecting with people from different cultures.

Jane Smiley

A Thousand Acres

This novel is a retelling of Shakespeare's 'King Lear' set on a farm in Iowa. The story follows the struggles of the Cook family, as the patriarch, Larry, decides to divide his land among his three daughters. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the family is torn apart. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book explores themes of family, identity, and the legacy of the past.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby

This classic novel tells the story of the mysterious Jay Gatsby and his doomed love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the novel explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book examines the gap between appearance and reality, and the difficulty of truly knowing another person.

Edith Wharton

The House of Mirth

This novel tells the story of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent woman who is determined to marry well and maintain her place in New York high society. However, her own pride and the constraints of society conspire against her, and she finds herself facing ruin. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book explores themes of identity, social class, and the difficulty of finding true happiness.

Edith Wharton

The Age of Innocence

This novel tells the story of Newland Archer, a wealthy lawyer engaged to the beautiful and conventional May Welland. However, when May's cousin, the unconventional Countess Olenska, returns to New York after a long absence, Newland finds himself torn between his duty to May and his attraction to the Countess. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book explores themes of social class, identity, and the difficulty of true love.

Henry James

The Portrait of a Lady

This novel tells the story of Isabel Archer, a young American woman who inherits a large fortune and sets off to explore Europe. However, when she marries the charming but manipulative Gilbert Osmond, she finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book explores themes of identity, independence, and the difficulty of finding true happiness.

Marilynne Robinson

Housekeeping

This novel tells the story of Ruth and Lucille, two sisters growing up in the small town of Fingerbone, Idaho, in the 1950s. When their mother dies and their grandmother is unable to care for them, they are left in the care of their eccentric aunt Sylvie. As they struggle to find their place in the world, they must come to terms with their own identity and the legacy of their family. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book explores themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning.

Elizabeth Strout

Olive Kitteridge

This novel is a collection of interconnected stories set in the small town of Crosby, Maine. The stories revolve around Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher who is both loved and feared by the townspeople. As we see Olive's life unfold over several decades, we come to understand her complex personality and the struggles she faces in her relationships with others. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book explores themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning.

Carol Shields

The Stone Diaries

This novel tells the story of Daisy Goodwill Flett, a woman born in rural Manitoba in the early 20th century. The novel follows Daisy's life as she moves from place to place, trying to find her place in the world. As we see Daisy's life unfold, we come to understand the complex web of relationships that shape her identity. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book explores themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning.

Virginia Woolf

Mrs. Dalloway

This novel tells the story of Clarissa Dalloway, a wealthy and influential woman in post-World War I London, as she prepares for a party she is giving that evening. As the day progresses, Clarissa reflects on her life, her relationships, and the choices she has made. Like 'The Idea of Perfection', this book explores themes of identity, memory, and the search for meaning.