Discover books similar to "The Book of Speculation"
Erika Swyler
The Book of Speculation
"The Book of Speculation" by Erika Swyler is a captivating and imaginative novel that weaves together the past and present in a tale of family, fate, and loss. The story follows Simon Watson, a lonely librarian who discovers a curious book that may hold the key to his family's mysterious past. The book, which is filled with circus folk and tarot card readings, reveals that Simon's ancestors were circus performers who drowned on the same day, many generations ago. As Simon delves deeper into the history of his family, he begins to fear that the curse may still be active and that his sister, Enola, who shares their family's strange ability to sense water, may be in danger. Swyler's writing is lush and descriptive, bringing the world of the circus and the small coastal town where Simon lives to life in vivid detail. The story alternates between Simon's present-day search for answers and the past, as we learn more about his ancestors and the curse that has haunted his family for generations. One of the strengths of "The Book of Speculation" is the way Swyler explores the themes of fate and free will. Simon is determined to break the curse that has plagued his family for centuries, but he must also come to terms with the idea that some things may be beyond his control. The novel also explores the idea of family and the bonds that connect us, even across generations. Overall, "The Book of Speculation" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, magical realism, and family sagas. With its richly drawn characters, vivid settings, and intriguing plot, it's a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
List of books similar to "The Book of Speculation":
Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus
Like 'The Book of Speculation', 'The Night Circus' features a mysterious circus and explores themes of fate and illusion. The story revolves around a magical competition between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who fall in love, despite the fact that their mentors have very different ideas about how the competition should end.
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V.E. Schwab
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Fans of 'The Book of Speculation' will enjoy 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' for its exploration of time, memory, and the supernatural. The story follows Addie, a young woman who makes a bargain with a dark entity and becomes immortal, but at a great cost. She must live her life in secrecy, unable to leave a mark on the world, until she meets a young man who remembers her name.
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Sarah Perry
The Essex Serpent
Like 'The Book of Speculation', 'The Essex Serpent' is a historical novel that explores the boundaries between science and superstition. Set in Victorian England, the story follows Cora Seaborne, a widow who becomes fascinated by reports of a mythical serpent that has been sighted in the Essex countryside. As she investigates the sightings, she becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships and intrigue.
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China Miéville
The City & the City
Fans of 'The Book of Speculation' will enjoy 'The City & The City' for its imaginative world-building and exploration of the boundaries between reality and illusion. The story is set in two cities, Besźel and Ul Qoma, which occupy the same physical space but are perceived as separate by their inhabitants. When a woman is murdered in Besźel, detective Tyador Borlú must navigate the complex politics and cultural differences between the two cities to solve the crime.
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Helene Wecker
The Golem and the Jinni
Fans of 'The Book of Speculation' will enjoy 'The Golem and the Jinni' for its exploration of the supernatural and the immigrant experience. The story follows Chava, a golem created by a Jewish mystic in Poland, and Ahmad, a jinni released from a bottle in the Syrian desert. When they both find themselves in New York City in the late 19th century, they must navigate the complexities of their new lives while grappling with their own natures and desires.
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David Mitchell
The Bone Clocks
Fans of 'The Book of Speculation' will enjoy 'The Bone Clocks' for its exploration of the supernatural and the interconnectedness of lives. The story follows Holly Sykes, a young woman who becomes embroiled in a centuries-long battle between two groups of immortals. As she grows older, she must confront the consequences of her own choices and the choices of those around her.
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Neil Gaiman
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Like 'The Book of Speculation', 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' is a magical realist novel that explores the boundary between childhood and adulthood. The story follows an unnamed narrator as he returns to his childhood home and remembers a summer when he befriended a young girl named Lettie Hempstock. As they explore a nearby farm, they encounter a sinister force that threatens to destroy their world.
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Jeffrey Eugenides
The Virgin Suicides
Fans of 'The Book of Speculation' will enjoy 'The Virgin Suicides' for its exploration of the mysterious and the tragic. The story follows the Lisbon sisters, five teenage girls who all commit suicide within a short period of time. As the neighborhood boys try to understand why, they become increasingly obsessed with the girls and their family, leading to a tragic and unforgettable conclusion.
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