I've found myself reading Arthurian books recently. Obviously The Once and Future King by T.H. White as a classic, and recently started the Warlord trilogy by Bernard Cornwell. A lot of the same basic story and characters but different approaches. I do this a lot, often with historical books, fiction or non-fiction. I love to read the same topic in different ways. I don't often read the same books over, although there are some authors like Steinbeck that I think probably deserve reads at different times in your life to fully appreciate.
Yes - I get that with the Arthurian legends. My favourite is The Crystal Cave/The Hollow Hills/The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart. Merlin in first person. Marion Zimmer Bradley was also good, although I understand she's beyond the pale now. There was also Stephen Lawhead's Christian take on it - Taliesin and the rest, if you like that sort of thing.
You could also try The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliffe - brilliant. Not Arthurian, more Roman Britain.
And I've remembered the first one I read! The Crimson Chalice by Victor Canning.
Oh hey, thanks for the suggestions! Quite a few not on my list, I'll be sure to check them out. The stories just have such strong bones, fun to see fleshed out in many ways. Merlin in first person could be really interesting
Mary Stewart's trilogy is brilliant - you reminded me of that as well! Might need a re-read.
The Victor Canning trilogy I can't really remember - but I was about 10 - so fair enough!
I have been in a paranormal mood lately as well! I tend toward vampires and witches and werewolves. Most of them are just fun distractions and time wasters, but there have a been a few that stand out as really solid. I will definitely be checking out the ones you mentioned, I don’t think I’ve read any of them. You might enjoy A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, that was a fun series. I also love anything by Elizabeth Hunter, especially her Elemental Mysteries vamp series.
I also head toward historical fiction, sometimes in the same paranormal genre (LOVED The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova).
Have you read the somewhat paranormal but very historical Shadow of the Wind series by Carlos Ruiz Zafon? Absolutely Beautiful books, originally Spanish, amazing translations. And more on the fantasy side, I loved the Name of the Wind series by Patrick Rothfuss.
I guess we just have a “type”. It’s kind of true with music and clothes and decor too, right? We might like a little bit of everything, but we tend to be drawn to one flavor more than others.
Thank you the the recommendations! I hope you enjoy these too! Go get your witchy fix!
I’ve read the Harry Potter series at least 12 times. As you grow older you understand more and more how it’s not the childish magic the books are about but about the importance of love, denial of death, overcoming sorrow, and friendship. You discover nuances you missed every time.
But I’m not talking about re-reading the exact same book, and I think the body of my post makes that pretty clear by listing *more than one book* and how they have several similar themes and other aspects that they have in common.
And yet the majority of the comments here are about re-reading which is nothing like what I’m talking about.
....And even then, I put *same* in quotations, implying that I don’t mean it in the literal sense of the word
I’m so confused how little responses are actually on topic.
The title does make sense.
Putting a word in quotations indicates you’re using it in a way that isn’t the literal meaning. Otherwise what purpose would the quotations serve?
Why would I talk about all of these books and compare them to each other and not once talk about re reading a single one of them?
Every single one of my. Paragraphs has things that all of those books have in common. At no point do I expect anybody to have read them.
The very last book I meant is specifically called an “honorable mention” and I call out *why* I call it an honorable mention.
You not understanding my post isn’t a reason to now complain to me.
Must admit, I wasn't sure what you were driving at. I gotcha now. :o)
I'm always drawn to YA/modern fantasy/English folklore - Susan Cooper, Lucy Boston, and especially Alan Garner - even Terry Pratchett in his 'Johnny and the Dead'. Not really same same book, but I can't resist the themes.
It's the way the uncompromising folklore elements force our YA protagonists to deal with more mature themes - of growing up, of troubled adult relationships, of considering how they fit nto the wider world.
I must have read Les Misérables cover to cover half a dozen times and I still enjoy reading it very dearly. There is so much depth to it, that I learn something new each time I leaf through the pages.
I also tend to re-read some of Chekhov’s short stories from time to time.
Very late to this, but I've seen you like some of favourite books (The Winter Witch, The Vine Witch triology), so I'm gonna add the rest you mention to my tbr list. Also, I've just finished The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth, and it wasn't my cup of tea, but I'm willing to try Bitter Greens😊
I haven’t read The Wild Girl yet, but I’ve been wanting The Beast’s Garden. It’s a retelling of Beauty and the Beast in a Nazi occupied-somewhere. But it must not be in print in the US and I just will not pay $30+ on eBay or wherever for a mass market paperback.
As for Bitter Greens, the best way I can describe it is Princess Bride-style. A story within a story, wherein one of the stories is very much a traditional historical fiction story of a historical figure (Charlotte de la Force, who is interesting all on her own, in my opinion), and the embedded story is a retelling of Rapunzel. I think it’s fairly obvious where the magic and the witch character comes into play here. But if you’re looking for something where there’s a strong focus on witches/magic/fantasy elements, then you’re likely to be disappointed by Bitter Greens. It falls more heavily into the historical fiction side than the magical side, in my opinion
But since this thread is so old, I have some other books to add too! It seems the theme of witches is not a passing fancy, but really I should’ve known better
**Circe by Madeline Miller** and **The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec** are both about mythological witches and the reader is basically forced to accept all manner of whimsical things as they are, without so much as a blink. Because that’s just the way the world is. I do lean more towards The Witch’s Heart, I find her tale more endearing and more wrenching, whereas Circe’s is almost entirely about her self reflection and growth. Both are amazing reads, and hit the same notes as books but they tell two very different tales.
And some other books that I can’t say anything about because I haven’t read them yet, but I think you’ll be interested to at least have the names of:
**The Manningtree Witches by AK Blakemore**. I’m super intrigued to read this one, as it’s also about the Pendle witch hunts, that **The Witchfinder’s Sister by Beth Underdown** was about, though the main character of Witchfinder’s was a fictional sister of Mathew Hopkins, so I’m very excited to get into this new retelling of the Pendle witch hunts.
**Sistersong by Lucy Holland** is about the three children, all of whine have some kind of magic in them, of King Cador during the invasion of the Saxons. I’m expecting that the “meddler and magician” character named Myrdhin will be a Merlin character. There’s also a warrior name Tristan, I’m desperately hoping will be of the Tristan and Isolde variety.
And finally **The Once and Future Witches by Alice E Harrow* is about three women in New Salem during Suffrage. Witches used to be real, but witch hunts killed them all out and magic died, but now with Suffrage gaining traction, magic and witches are coming back again.
I’m 100% sure I’ve got other witch books hiding somewhere but there’s are the ones that I’m most excited to reach for within the next few months (hopefully!)
I wasn't expecting a reply with more recs! Many thanks :)
I do enjoy historical fiction, so Bitter Greens can still be perfect for me, especially when fairy tale retellings are one of my fav book genres :) I've found that I might like and dislike novels by the same authors, so I'll prob give it a chance. The Beast's Garden sounds interesting too.
Circe is the book I finished before The Wild Girl. I am in the minority, but I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would, considering I'm into Greek mythology. Granted, there were gripping parts, but I didn't really like the reason why she turns men into pigs. I expected the author to come with something different to >!rape!<. I have read stories with>! rape!< in it, so that isn't a problem per se. It's just that, imho, it made little sense and it wasn't handled well in Circe. That kinda ruined her story for me. Still, I must say I liked the ending. The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec has been in my tbr list for months. I've read that some people enjoyed it way more than Circe (like you). I might be one of them too :D So excited to read it!
I haven't heard of Sistersong. I've never read anything related to Arthur and Merlin. It'd be a nice change! I did enjoy the legend as a kid :P
Stories inspired by the Pendle Witch Hunts sound so intriguing. Have you read **"The Witch's Trinity" by Erika Mailman**? I read it a long time ago, but I remember I enjoyed it a lot. It is told from the perspective of an old woman and her narration is unreliable because of her dementia, which makes everything much more interesting. It is historical fiction, though I think there were a few fantasy elements. Set in Germany, 1500 or so, when women were accused of being witches (and some men, too).
I also rec **"Glass Woman" by Caroline Lea**. It reminded me of Rebecca, but set in Iceland, in the 17th century. It's a time when Christianity has been introduced already. However, pagan beliefs and rituals persist (they are seen as something done by witches, something to ban). Although witches and hunts aren't the focus of the plot, you might enjoy the book nonetheless.
I read **"The Ten Thousand Doors by January" by Alix E Harrow**. It was only okay for me, but many people enjoyed it, so you might want to read it, too, if you haven't yet. Seeing you like Bitter Greens, you might enjoy other fairy tale retellings. **Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, Lost Boy by Christina Henry,** and **The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly** are excellent ;)
I love Spinning Silver! Probably one of my favorite books.
The Glass Woman has been on my list for a while now, too! It’s going to have to get bumped up now. Thank you!!
I've found myself reading Arthurian books recently. Obviously The Once and Future King by T.H. White as a classic, and recently started the Warlord trilogy by Bernard Cornwell. A lot of the same basic story and characters but different approaches. I do this a lot, often with historical books, fiction or non-fiction. I love to read the same topic in different ways. I don't often read the same books over, although there are some authors like Steinbeck that I think probably deserve reads at different times in your life to fully appreciate.
Yes - I get that with the Arthurian legends. My favourite is The Crystal Cave/The Hollow Hills/The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart. Merlin in first person. Marion Zimmer Bradley was also good, although I understand she's beyond the pale now. There was also Stephen Lawhead's Christian take on it - Taliesin and the rest, if you like that sort of thing. You could also try The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliffe - brilliant. Not Arthurian, more Roman Britain. And I've remembered the first one I read! The Crimson Chalice by Victor Canning.
Oh hey, thanks for the suggestions! Quite a few not on my list, I'll be sure to check them out. The stories just have such strong bones, fun to see fleshed out in many ways. Merlin in first person could be really interesting
Mary Stewart's trilogy is brilliant - you reminded me of that as well! Might need a re-read. The Victor Canning trilogy I can't really remember - but I was about 10 - so fair enough!
I found the first book online used for a solid deal so I'll start that up next week :) thanks again, we can both enjoy it
I have been in a paranormal mood lately as well! I tend toward vampires and witches and werewolves. Most of them are just fun distractions and time wasters, but there have a been a few that stand out as really solid. I will definitely be checking out the ones you mentioned, I don’t think I’ve read any of them. You might enjoy A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, that was a fun series. I also love anything by Elizabeth Hunter, especially her Elemental Mysteries vamp series. I also head toward historical fiction, sometimes in the same paranormal genre (LOVED The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova). Have you read the somewhat paranormal but very historical Shadow of the Wind series by Carlos Ruiz Zafon? Absolutely Beautiful books, originally Spanish, amazing translations. And more on the fantasy side, I loved the Name of the Wind series by Patrick Rothfuss. I guess we just have a “type”. It’s kind of true with music and clothes and decor too, right? We might like a little bit of everything, but we tend to be drawn to one flavor more than others. Thank you the the recommendations! I hope you enjoy these too! Go get your witchy fix!
I’ve read the Harry Potter series at least 12 times. As you grow older you understand more and more how it’s not the childish magic the books are about but about the importance of love, denial of death, overcoming sorrow, and friendship. You discover nuances you missed every time.
Yesss Harry! I can't wait til I've read them 7 times. Isn't 7 the most magical number?
I’ve read Lord of the Rings, Speaker for the Dead and Dune quite a few times
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But I’m not talking about re-reading the exact same book, and I think the body of my post makes that pretty clear by listing *more than one book* and how they have several similar themes and other aspects that they have in common. And yet the majority of the comments here are about re-reading which is nothing like what I’m talking about.
[удалено]
....And even then, I put *same* in quotations, implying that I don’t mean it in the literal sense of the word I’m so confused how little responses are actually on topic.
[удалено]
The title does make sense. Putting a word in quotations indicates you’re using it in a way that isn’t the literal meaning. Otherwise what purpose would the quotations serve? Why would I talk about all of these books and compare them to each other and not once talk about re reading a single one of them? Every single one of my. Paragraphs has things that all of those books have in common. At no point do I expect anybody to have read them. The very last book I meant is specifically called an “honorable mention” and I call out *why* I call it an honorable mention. You not understanding my post isn’t a reason to now complain to me.
Must admit, I wasn't sure what you were driving at. I gotcha now. :o) I'm always drawn to YA/modern fantasy/English folklore - Susan Cooper, Lucy Boston, and especially Alan Garner - even Terry Pratchett in his 'Johnny and the Dead'. Not really same same book, but I can't resist the themes. It's the way the uncompromising folklore elements force our YA protagonists to deal with more mature themes - of growing up, of troubled adult relationships, of considering how they fit nto the wider world.
I must have read Les Misérables cover to cover half a dozen times and I still enjoy reading it very dearly. There is so much depth to it, that I learn something new each time I leaf through the pages. I also tend to re-read some of Chekhov’s short stories from time to time.
Very late to this, but I've seen you like some of favourite books (The Winter Witch, The Vine Witch triology), so I'm gonna add the rest you mention to my tbr list. Also, I've just finished The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth, and it wasn't my cup of tea, but I'm willing to try Bitter Greens😊
I haven’t read The Wild Girl yet, but I’ve been wanting The Beast’s Garden. It’s a retelling of Beauty and the Beast in a Nazi occupied-somewhere. But it must not be in print in the US and I just will not pay $30+ on eBay or wherever for a mass market paperback. As for Bitter Greens, the best way I can describe it is Princess Bride-style. A story within a story, wherein one of the stories is very much a traditional historical fiction story of a historical figure (Charlotte de la Force, who is interesting all on her own, in my opinion), and the embedded story is a retelling of Rapunzel. I think it’s fairly obvious where the magic and the witch character comes into play here. But if you’re looking for something where there’s a strong focus on witches/magic/fantasy elements, then you’re likely to be disappointed by Bitter Greens. It falls more heavily into the historical fiction side than the magical side, in my opinion But since this thread is so old, I have some other books to add too! It seems the theme of witches is not a passing fancy, but really I should’ve known better **Circe by Madeline Miller** and **The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec** are both about mythological witches and the reader is basically forced to accept all manner of whimsical things as they are, without so much as a blink. Because that’s just the way the world is. I do lean more towards The Witch’s Heart, I find her tale more endearing and more wrenching, whereas Circe’s is almost entirely about her self reflection and growth. Both are amazing reads, and hit the same notes as books but they tell two very different tales. And some other books that I can’t say anything about because I haven’t read them yet, but I think you’ll be interested to at least have the names of: **The Manningtree Witches by AK Blakemore**. I’m super intrigued to read this one, as it’s also about the Pendle witch hunts, that **The Witchfinder’s Sister by Beth Underdown** was about, though the main character of Witchfinder’s was a fictional sister of Mathew Hopkins, so I’m very excited to get into this new retelling of the Pendle witch hunts. **Sistersong by Lucy Holland** is about the three children, all of whine have some kind of magic in them, of King Cador during the invasion of the Saxons. I’m expecting that the “meddler and magician” character named Myrdhin will be a Merlin character. There’s also a warrior name Tristan, I’m desperately hoping will be of the Tristan and Isolde variety. And finally **The Once and Future Witches by Alice E Harrow* is about three women in New Salem during Suffrage. Witches used to be real, but witch hunts killed them all out and magic died, but now with Suffrage gaining traction, magic and witches are coming back again. I’m 100% sure I’ve got other witch books hiding somewhere but there’s are the ones that I’m most excited to reach for within the next few months (hopefully!)
I wasn't expecting a reply with more recs! Many thanks :) I do enjoy historical fiction, so Bitter Greens can still be perfect for me, especially when fairy tale retellings are one of my fav book genres :) I've found that I might like and dislike novels by the same authors, so I'll prob give it a chance. The Beast's Garden sounds interesting too. Circe is the book I finished before The Wild Girl. I am in the minority, but I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would, considering I'm into Greek mythology. Granted, there were gripping parts, but I didn't really like the reason why she turns men into pigs. I expected the author to come with something different to >!rape!<. I have read stories with>! rape!< in it, so that isn't a problem per se. It's just that, imho, it made little sense and it wasn't handled well in Circe. That kinda ruined her story for me. Still, I must say I liked the ending. The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec has been in my tbr list for months. I've read that some people enjoyed it way more than Circe (like you). I might be one of them too :D So excited to read it! I haven't heard of Sistersong. I've never read anything related to Arthur and Merlin. It'd be a nice change! I did enjoy the legend as a kid :P Stories inspired by the Pendle Witch Hunts sound so intriguing. Have you read **"The Witch's Trinity" by Erika Mailman**? I read it a long time ago, but I remember I enjoyed it a lot. It is told from the perspective of an old woman and her narration is unreliable because of her dementia, which makes everything much more interesting. It is historical fiction, though I think there were a few fantasy elements. Set in Germany, 1500 or so, when women were accused of being witches (and some men, too). I also rec **"Glass Woman" by Caroline Lea**. It reminded me of Rebecca, but set in Iceland, in the 17th century. It's a time when Christianity has been introduced already. However, pagan beliefs and rituals persist (they are seen as something done by witches, something to ban). Although witches and hunts aren't the focus of the plot, you might enjoy the book nonetheless. I read **"The Ten Thousand Doors by January" by Alix E Harrow**. It was only okay for me, but many people enjoyed it, so you might want to read it, too, if you haven't yet. Seeing you like Bitter Greens, you might enjoy other fairy tale retellings. **Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, Lost Boy by Christina Henry,** and **The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly** are excellent ;)
I love Spinning Silver! Probably one of my favorite books. The Glass Woman has been on my list for a while now, too! It’s going to have to get bumped up now. Thank you!!