So Brideshead Revisited is my favorite book of all time. I love Waugh’s writing style, I love the story. Every book I’ve read after doesn’t hit the same as this. I’m looking for a book that consumes me like this book. I’m looking for
-Doesn’t necessarily have to be a classic, catholic, or LGBT
-maybe a little extra romance, or a romance novel in general, but no (or very little) spice please
-I love heartbreak, I love yearning, I love pining for everything we can’t have but thought we were promised.
Looking forward to some new recs!!
Thanks!!
by pinkchromegelato
7 Comments
I am possibly going out on a limb (and possibly not) and say the Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman which is a mix of Brideshead, Harry Potter, and Narnia.
Brideshead is also one of my all time favourite classics! Nothing really comes close to it tbh, but sometimes ~dark academia can hit the spot if you’re into that. The Secret History is another favourite. If we were villains, The Lessons by naomi alderman, the bellwether revivals.
Reading more Waugh can’t hurt too if you haven’t already! Decline and Fall is v good too.
Maurice by E M Forster, and other Forster books tbh. Giovanni’s room by Baldwin.
The remains of the day by Ishiguro. Stoner by John Williams
Edith Wharton’s the age of innocence and house of mirth. They’re not similar to Brideshead but have their own kind of that heartbreak you’re looking for.
A Separate Peace by John Knowles has a Dead Poet’s Society vibe to it. I don’t know if that would help.
D. Tartt, The secret history
If you haven’t read E M Forster’s novels, think you’d enjoy them if you loved Brideshead!
Room With A View, Maurice, Howard’s End are my faves.
I prefer Waugh’s A Handful of Dust, if you haven’t read that one.
Have you ever read the short stories of Somerset Maugham?
Every one of them is a gem.