Discover books similar to "The Given Day"
Dennis Lehane
The Given Day
"The Given Day" by Dennis Lehane is a historical fiction novel that takes place in Boston during the early 20th century. The story follows the lives of two men, Danny Coughlin, an Irish-American police officer, and Luther Laurence, an African-American man who has fled Oklahoma after a violent confrontation with a white mob. Lehane expertly weaves together the personal stories of these two men against the backdrop of major historical events, including the Spanish Flu pandemic, the Boston Police Strike of 1919, and the rise of the American Labor movement. Danny, a member of a prominent Boston police family, struggles with his loyalty to his job and his growing awareness of the corruption and racism within the force. Meanwhile, Luther, searching for a new life in the North, becomes embroiled in the struggles of the city's African-American community and the fight for workers' rights. Lehane's writing is rich and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of early 20th century Boston. His characters are complex and fully realized, and the author doesn't shy away from exploring the racial and ethnic tensions that defined the era. The Given Day is a sweeping epic that offers a fascinating look at a pivotal moment in American history, and the ways in which the personal and the political intersect. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, complex characters, and richly detailed settings will find much to love in The Given Day. Fans of authors such as E.L. Doctorow, Don DeLillo, and Colum McCann will also appreciate Lehane's literary style and ambitious storytelling. At over 700 pages, The Given Day is a substantial read, but one that is well worth the investment for those who enjoy immersive, thought-provoking fiction.
List of books similar to "The Given Day":
Dennis Lehane
Mystic River
If you enjoyed the intricate plotting and deep character development in 'The Given Day,' you'll love 'Mystic River.' This novel, also by Dennis Lehane, tells the story of three childhood friends who are brought together again by a terrible crime. The novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the weight of the past, all while delivering a gripping and suspenseful plot.
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Dennis Lehane
Shutter Island
For fans of 'The Given Day' who are looking for a psychological thriller, 'Shutter Island' is a great choice. The novel is set on a remote island where a psychiatric hospital houses the criminally insane. When a U.S. Marshal is sent to investigate the disappearance of a patient, he begins to unravel a series of shocking secrets that threaten to destroy his sanity.
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George V. Higgins
The Friends of Eddie Coyle
For readers who enjoyed the criminal underworld depicted in 'The Given Day,' 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle' is a must-read. The novel tells the story of a small-time gunrunner who becomes embroiled in a dangerous world of organized crime. The novel's spare, dialogue-driven style and morally ambiguous characters make it a classic of the crime genre.
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Bill Bryson
A Walk in the Woods
If you're looking for a change of pace after 'The Given Day,' 'A Walk in the Woods' is a great choice. The book tells the story of Bill Bryson's attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, one of the longest and most challenging hiking trails in the world. Bryson's wry humor and keen observations make for a delightful and entertaining read.
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John Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath
For readers who enjoyed the historical setting and exploration of social issues in 'The Given Day,' 'The Grapes of Wrath' is a classic novel that explores the plight of migrant workers during the Great Depression. The novel's powerful prose and unforgettable characters make it a must-read for anyone interested in American literature.
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Erik Larson
The Devil in the White City
If you're interested in historical true crime, 'The Devil in the White City' is a gripping account of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and the serial killer who used the fair as a hunting ground. The novel's vivid descriptions and attention to detail make it a fascinating read for anyone interested in American history.
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Chad Harbach
The Art of Fielding
For readers who enjoyed the richly drawn characters and sense of community in 'The Given Day,' 'The Art of Fielding' is a novel about a college baseball team and the complicated relationships between its players. The novel explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the search for meaning in life, all while delivering a compelling and engaging story.
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