📚 Books to Read After The Night Watch
Just finished the night watch? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
Rating: 3.89 / 5 (105,000 ratings), Published: 1992
When to read it: When you crave a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the healing power of storytelling.
Set in an Italian villa at the end of World War II, this novel weaves together the lives of four individuals haunted by their pasts. Just like "The Night Watch," this book beautifully captures the complexities of human relationships and the impact of war on personal histories.
Genres: Historical Fiction, War, Romance, Literary Fiction
After reading: Readers will be left contemplating the profound ways that love and suffering shape our identities.
📘 Atonement by Ian McEwan
Rating: 3.90 / 5 (465,000 ratings), Published: 2001
When to read it: When you're in the mood for a gripping story that delves into the consequences of betrayal and the fragility of truth.
This novel follows the lives of two lovers torn apart by a lie and the devastating ripple effects that follow. Much like "The Night Watch," "Atonement" skillfully navigates themes of guilt, redemption, and the capacity for forgiveness in the face of trauma.
Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance
After reading: Readers will find themselves reflecting on the power of storytelling and the ways in which we seek absolution for our past mistakes.
📘 The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
Rating: 4.21 / 5 (37,000 ratings), Published: 2010
When to read it: When you want to immerse yourself in a sweeping family saga that explores love, resilience, and the impact of war on personal lives.
Spanning from 1937 to 1945, this novel follows a Hungarian-Jewish architecture student as he navigates love and loss amidst the backdrop of World War II. Like "The Night Watch," it delves into the intimate lives of characters against the tumultuous historical events of the time.
Genres: Historical Fiction, War, Romance, Family Drama
After reading: Readers will feel a deep connection to the characters and contemplate the enduring power of love and hope in the face of adversity.
📘 The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
Rating: 3.94 / 5 (128,000 ratings), Published: 2000
When to read it: When you're looking for a multi-layered narrative that seamlessly blends mystery, love, and tragedy.
Atwood's novel intricately weaves together the story of two sisters and a mysterious science fiction novel within a novel. Much like "The Night Watch," this book explores the complexities of family ties, secrets, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery, Literary Fiction
After reading: Readers will be left pondering the ways in which storytelling can shape our understanding of the past and the present.
📘 The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
Rating: 4.43 / 5 (74,000 ratings), Published: 2018
When to read it: When you seek a moving portrayal of friendship, resilience, and the enduring impact of loss.
Set in 1980s Chicago during the AIDS crisis, this novel follows the lives of a group of friends grappling with love and grief in the face of an epidemic. Like "The Night Watch," it delves into themes of love, loss, and the bonds that sustain us during times of darkness.
Genres: Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+, Friendship, Literary Fiction
After reading: Readers will be touched by the characters' journeys and gain a deeper appreciation for the strength found in human connections during times of adversity.