How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu is a profound speculative fiction novel that explores themes of grief, humanity, and the interconnectedness of life through a series of interwoven stories. If you enjoyed this genre-bending masterpiece, here are 14 other books that you might find equally captivating and thought-provoking.
Books Similar to How High We Go in the Dark
1. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Station Eleven follows a troupe of actors and musicians navigating a post-apocalyptic world after a flu pandemic wipes out most of humanity. This novel beautifully intertwines the past and the present, exploring the resilience of art and civilization. It’s a poignant reminder of the enduring power of human connection and creativity.
2. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Cloud Atlas is a complex, multi-layered narrative that spans centuries and genres, connecting six different stories across time and space. Each tale is unique yet intricately linked to the others, creating a tapestry of human experience. Mitchell’s novel is a masterclass in storytelling and a profound meditation on fate and free will.
3. The Overstory by Richard Powers
The Overstory weaves together the lives of nine individuals, each with a unique connection to trees and the natural world. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is both an elegy for the environment and a call to action, urging readers to reconsider their relationship with nature. Powers’ lush prose and intricate plotting make this a deeply moving read.
4. The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi
Set in a near-future America ravaged by climate change, The Water Knife is a gripping thriller that explores the brutal consequences of water scarcity. Bacigalupi’s novel is both a cautionary tale and a fast-paced adventure, with well-drawn characters and a chillingly plausible setting. It’s a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction.
5. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
In Never Let Me Go, Ishiguro crafts a haunting narrative about a group of students at a seemingly idyllic boarding school, who slowly uncover the dark truth about their existence. This novel is a poignant exploration of memory, identity, and the ethical implications of scientific advancement. Ishiguro’s subtle, evocative prose will stay with you long after you finish reading.
6. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Road follows a father and son as they journey through a bleak, post-apocalyptic landscape, struggling to survive and maintain their humanity. McCarthy’s spare, poetic language and the novel’s stark, emotional intensity make it a powerful meditation on love, hope, and the will to endure. It’s a harrowing yet ultimately uplifting read.
7. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Oryx and Crake is the first book in Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy, set in a dystopian future where genetic engineering has gone awry. The novel follows Snowman, the last human survivor, as he reflects on the events that led to the collapse of civilization. Atwood’s sharp wit and incisive social commentary make this a thought-provoking and chilling read.
8. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness is a groundbreaking work of science fiction that explores themes of gender, sexuality, and human connection. The novel follows an envoy from Earth as he navigates the complex society of Gethen, a planet where inhabitants can change gender. Le Guin’s rich world-building and philosophical depth make this a timeless classic.
9. Severance by Ling Ma
Severance is a darkly humorous and eerily prescient novel about a global pandemic that turns people into zombie-like automatons. The story follows Candace Chen, a survivor who clings to her routine even as the world falls apart. Ma’s sharp social satire and keen observations on modern life make this a compelling and thought-provoking read.
10. The Book of M by Peng Shepherd
In The Book of M, a mysterious phenomenon causes people to lose their shadows—and with them, their memories. The novel follows several characters as they navigate a world transformed by this strange affliction. Shepherd’s lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling create a haunting, unforgettable tale about memory, identity, and the power of love.
11. The Power by Naomi Alderman
The Power imagines a world where women develop the ability to generate electric shocks, upending traditional gender dynamics. Alderman’s novel is a gripping and provocative exploration of power, gender, and societal change. It’s a thought-provoking and thrilling read that will challenge your perceptions and spark important conversations.
12. The History of Bees by Maja Lunde
The History of Bees weaves together three interconnected stories set in the past, present, and future, all centered around the fate of bees and their impact on humanity. Lunde’s novel is a poignant and timely exploration of environmental issues, family bonds, and the delicate balance of nature. It’s a beautifully written and deeply affecting read.
13. The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
The Dog Stars follows Hig, a pilot who survives a flu pandemic that wipes out most of humanity, as he navigates a post-apocalyptic world with his dog and a gun-toting neighbor. Heller’s novel is a lyrical and haunting meditation on loss, survival, and the search for meaning in a desolate world. It’s a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant read.
14. The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
In The Age of Miracles, the Earth’s rotation slows down, causing days and nights to lengthen and the environment to change drastically. The novel follows Julia, a young girl coming of age in this unsettling new reality. Walker’s poignant and lyrical storytelling captures the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a haunting and beautifully written read.