Alice Sebold’s acclaimed coming-of-age novel, The Lovely Bones, tells the story of Susie Salmon and her life between heaven and earth after her untimely death.
With its honest yet whimsical exploration of grief, loss, virtue, and justice, The Lovely Bones has won over readers ever since it was released.
The Lovely Bones is an amazing novel that has gone on to become one of the most popular and enduring books of the last two decades.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other books out there with similar themes that can also tug at your heartstrings and inspire lively discussions.
Here we will discuss some of the best books, like The Lovely Bones.
If you’re a big fan of The Lovely Bones, then you simply cannot miss out on engaging novels such as The Virgin Suicides, Room, The Afterlife, Speak, and Falling Into Place.
Themes In The Lovely Bones
Guilt
Susie’s parents feel an immense amount of guilt over her disappearance.
Her father, Jack Salmon, has the most guilt, as he feels responsible for not being there when she needed him most.
He is determined to find Susie’s killer and avenge her death, no matter the cost.
Len Fenerman feels intense guilt about the cases, including Susie’s and the suicide of his wife.
The Power Of The Photograph
The power of photographs lies in their ability to capture an emotion or feeling that cannot be expressed through words alone.
The photograph of Abigail serves as a reminder of how powerful images can be when used correctly.
It also serves as a reminder that everyone has their own interpretation of what they see in an image, which can lead to different reactions from each person who views it.
Photographs have the power to evoke emotions and feelings that words cannot express, making them an invaluable tool for storytelling and conveying messages.
Surviving Grief
The death of Susie Salmon has left her family in a state of shock and grief.
Every character deals with the loss differently, as they all have their own unique way of surviving the tragedy.
Jack, Susie’s father, wants justice for her death by tracking down her killer.
Lindsey, Susie’s sister, wants to be away from the death of her sister and create her own identity.
Jeffery Eugenides’ novel The Virgin Suicides is a powerful and thought-provoking story that focuses on the Lisbon family and the suicide of one of their daughters.
The point of view is from the perspective of a group of anonymous teenage boys, who particularly struggle to find any explanation.
It explores themes of isolation, teenage angst, and coming-of-age uniquely that have captivated readers for decades.
The novel also examines how society can be complicit in creating an environment where young people feel so desperate that they take drastic measures like suicide to escape it.
Jeffery Eugenides’s novel is a must-read for anyone looking for titles similar to these classic works of literature.
Pros
Thrilling novel.
Great use of word building.
Captures the reader’s attention easily.
Cons
Some readers may find there is a lack of pacing.
Themes Similar To The Lovely Bones: Isolation, Coming Of Age, Teenage Angst, and Thriller.
Emma Donaghue’s novel Room written in 2010 is an empowering book that has been adapted into a critically-acclaimed film.
The story is told from Jack’s perspective, who is a five-year-old boy.
He has grown up with his mother in an isolated room, and Old Nick, the man who abducted her in earlier years, has been keeping them confined ever since.
Jack’s mother does her best to make their life as normal as possible, but it is clear that they are both prisoners in this tiny space.
The novel explores themes of captivity and freedom, as well as the power of love between a mother and son.
It is an emotionally charged story that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it.
Room is an excellent choice for those looking for books that explore difficult topics with sensitivity and insight.
Pros
Explores some very sensitive topics in a well-written manner.
Well-written characters.
Thrilling plot.
Cons
Some readers may find the plot distressing.
Themes Similar To The Lovely Bones: Isolation, Kidnapping, and Suspense.
Gary Soto’s novel The Afterlife follows the story of Chuy, a young man who dies in the opening scenes of the book.
Much like Alice Sebold’s Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones, Chuy is able to observe his hometown and the life he left behind from his perspective after death.
Throughout this journey, he reflects on how he lived his life.
The Afterlife is an emotional rollercoaster that captures both heart-wrenching moments and humorous ones.
Despite its similarities in structure to other works that have come before it, Soto’s novel stands out with its unique blend of emotions.
As Chuy looks back on his life, readers are taken along for a ride as they experience both sorrowful memories and funny anecdotes from his past.
It is through these reflections that we gain insight into what it means to live a meaningful life and appreciate all that we have while we still can.
Pros
Captivating plot line.
Well-written character dynamic.
Intense and exciting read.
Cons
Some topics may be distressing for readers.
Themes Similar To The Lovely Bones: Isolation, Death, Grief, and Suspense.
Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang is a highly anticipated novel that has already been gathering buzz for its unique structure and narrative.
The story follows Liz Emerson, a high school junior who attempts to commit suicide by running her car off the road.
As she hovers between life and death, readers are taken on a journey through time as they explore the events that led up to her decision.
Through flashbacks, readers get an intimate look into Liz’s life, including her relationships with family and friends, as well as her imaginary friend.
The novel promises to be an emotional roller coaster ride as readers experience the highs and lows of Liz’s life.
It will also provide insight into the struggles of teenage life and how even small moments can have a lasting impact on our lives.
Pros
An engaging plot line with twists.
Insights into teenage struggles and real-life situations.
Well-written relationships.
Cons
May be overwhelming.
Themes Similar To The Lovely Bones: Grief, Loss, and Suspense.
Final Thoughts
The Lovely Bones is a powerful and emotional story that has captivated readers for years.
If you’re looking for books like The Lovely Bones, then you should definitely check out our top picks above.
All of these novels explore similar themes such as family relationships, mental health issues, and the effects of our decisions on our lives.
With their vivid descriptions and compelling characters, these books will leave you feeling both disturbed and moved at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Readers Often Say About Room?
Readers have praised Room for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth, making it one of the most beloved books of recent times.
Those who enjoyed Room can also find book recommendations like those above, ensuring they will never run out of captivating stories to explore.
Do Readers Think Room By Emma Donaghue Is As Compelling As The Lovely Bones?
Room has been widely acclaimed by readers for its captivating plot and characters.
Readers have praised it for its beautiful writing style and its exploration of themes such as family bonds, and unconditional love.
Many have found themselves moved by this story about the mother and son who are determined to escape despite all odds.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
