Luster by Raven Leilani is a contemporary novel that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, race, and identity. If you loved its raw and unflinching narrative, you might be looking for other books that capture similar themes with the same intensity. Here are 20 books that you should consider adding to your reading list.
Books Similar to Luster Raven Leilani
1. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Such a Fun Age explores the intersections of race, privilege, and social justice through the story of a young Black woman who is wrongfully accused of kidnapping while babysitting a white child. Kiley Reid’s debut novel is both a sharp social commentary and an engaging, character-driven story. If you appreciated the nuanced exploration of race in Luster, you’ll find Such a Fun Age equally compelling.
2. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Queenie follows a young Jamaican-British woman navigating life, love, and her mental health in London. The novel is a candid and often humorous look at the struggles of young adulthood. Candice Carty-Williams’ debut is perfect for readers who enjoyed the candid and introspective journey of Luster‘s protagonist.
3. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
The Vanishing Half tells the story of twin sisters who choose very different paths in life, one living as a Black woman and the other passing as white. The book examines themes of identity, family, and the social constructs of race. Brit Bennett’s novel is a must-read for those who were captivated by the complex identity issues in Luster.
4. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
An American Marriage is a poignant exploration of love and loyalty, focusing on a couple whose lives are torn apart by a wrongful imprisonment. Tayari Jones masterfully delves into the emotional and societal impacts of incarceration. Fans of Luster will appreciate the deeply personal and socially relevant narrative.
5. Normal People by Sally Rooney
Normal People follows the intricate relationship between two young adults from different social backgrounds as they navigate life from high school to university. Sally Rooney’s exploration of intimacy and emotional complexity will resonate with those who enjoyed the relational dynamics in Luster.
6. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing traces the parallel paths of two half-sisters and their descendants over 300 years, from Ghana to the United States. Yaa Gyasi’s sweeping historical narrative offers a profound look at the legacy of slavery and racial identity. This book is ideal for readers who appreciate multi-generational stories with rich historical contexts.
7. Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Red at the Bone examines the effects of an unplanned teenage pregnancy on two families from different social classes. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical prose and deep character insights make this a compelling read for fans of Luster‘s intimate storytelling.
8. The Mothers by Brit Bennett
The Mothers is a story about the far-reaching consequences of a young woman’s decision to terminate a pregnancy and the secrets that bind a community. Brit Bennett’s debut novel is a beautifully written exploration of love, friendship, and community. Readers who enjoyed the emotional depth of Luster will find much to admire here.
9. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is a heartwarming and humorous story about a socially awkward woman whose routine life changes when she develops a crush on a musician. Gail Honeyman’s novel is a touching exploration of loneliness and human connection, perfect for those who enjoyed the character-driven narrative of Luster.
10. The Sellout by Paul Beatty
The Sellout is a satirical novel that tackles race relations in America through the eyes of a Black man who attempts to bring back slavery and segregation in a small town. Paul Beatty’s biting humor and sharp social critique make this a must-read for those who appreciated the bold themes in Luster.
11. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Girl, Woman, Other follows the lives of twelve characters, mostly women of African or Caribbean descent, as they navigate life in Britain. Bernardine Evaristo’s innovative narrative structure and rich character portrayals make this a compelling read for fans of Luster‘s diverse perspectives.
12. The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
The Nickel Boys is a harrowing tale based on the true story of a reform school in Florida that abused its students. Colson Whitehead’s powerful storytelling sheds light on systemic racism and injustice, making it a gripping read for those who appreciated the social commentary in Luster.
13. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is a letter from a son to his illiterate mother, exploring themes of race, class, and masculinity. Ocean Vuong’s poetic prose and deeply personal narrative will resonate with readers who loved the introspective and lyrical quality of Luster.
14. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give follows a young Black girl who witnesses the police shooting of her best friend and grapples with the aftermath. Angie Thomas’s powerful YA novel addresses issues of race, identity, and activism, making it a poignant read for those who appreciated the social relevance of Luster.
15. White Teeth by Zadie Smith
White Teeth is a sprawling, multi-generational story set in London that explores the lives of two families from different cultural backgrounds. Zadie Smith’s wit and keen observations on race and identity make this a must-read for fans of Luster‘s rich character studies.
16. The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
The Immortalists follows four siblings who learn the dates of their deaths from a fortune teller and how this knowledge shapes their lives. Chloe Benjamin’s novel is a thought-provoking exploration of fate, family, and destiny, perfect for those who enjoyed the existential themes in Luster.
17. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Little Fires Everywhere examines the intertwined lives of two families in a suburban Ohio town, delving into issues of race, class, and privilege. Celeste Ng’s compelling storytelling and intricate character dynamics make this a great pick for fans of Luster.
18. The Book of Night Women by Marlon James
The Book of Night Women is a powerful story about a slave revolt on a Jamaican plantation, led by a group of enslaved women. Marlon James’s vivid and brutal narrative provides a gripping look at resistance and resilience, making it an intense read for those who appreciated the rawness of Luster.
19. Swing Time by Zadie Smith
Swing Time follows the complicated friendship between two girls who dream of being dancers but end up on very different paths. Zadie Smith’s exploration of race, class, and identity through the lens of friendship makes this a must-read for fans of Luster.
20. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Americanah tells the story of a young Nigerian woman who moves to America for college and grapples with her identity and sense of belonging. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s insightful and richly detailed narrative will resonate with readers who enjoyed the cross-cultural themes in Luster.