For me, currently, it is Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors. There is a lot of hate about this book. I don’t know why, the book for me is awesome. First few pages and I’m already hooked. Some chapters got me guessing on the relevance of it in the story but it all made sense at the end. Though it’s a debut novel by Mellors and some writing needs to be improved. Looking forward for her future books.
The grapes of Wrath is immersive because the author lived during those times (pre ww2), and the dialogue is spot on. And so is the world building. It’s all spot on.
Also, there’s a unique, damn near patented execution of “inner chapters” where you read about the world completely outside of the characters. Oddly enough those were my favorite parts.
There’s also incredible characterization. Masterful characters that makes you care about them deeply.
There’s a wise preacher, too.
There’s tragedy. Really deep tragedy.
There’s symbolization like no other.
It’s a simple story that you can’t forget either. Characters are going from A to B. There’s no muddling around.
And then there’s Ma’s cookin’.
Tldr: its a perfect book. My top 5.
Ma Toad may just be my favorite fictional character ever.
Yeah, she’s symbolic and utterly seems like a real person.
Ma Toad may just be my favorite fictional character ever.
Sounds amazing! I love the idea of having a window into that time period.
It also does sound a lot like Lonesome Dove. You should read that if you haven’t. I thought it was amazing. I’m also eyeballing Shogun.
Sounds amazing! I love the idea of having a window into that time period.
It also does sound a lot like Lonesome Dove. You should read that if you haven’t. I thought it was amazing. I’m also eyeballing Shogun.