Books like 'The Great Believers'
Readers who enjoyed The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary queer 20th century
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Tired Tired Sea by MediaWhore
As a B&B owner on the most remote of all the British Isles, Louis Tomlinson is used to spending the coldest half of the year in complete isolation, with his dog and the sea as sole companions. Until, one day, a mysterious stranger on a quest to rebuild himself rents a room for the winter... -
![Therapy Game, Vol. 2 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡]()
Therapy Game, Vol. 2 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡
Shizuma finds out about Minato’s plan—and subsequent wager—to seduce and then dump him. But when he rushes to Minato's apartment, an unknown man opens the door! Meanwhile, Minato is stuck wavering between his ever-deepening feelings for Shizuma and his deep-seated fear of falling in love... -
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![The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante, Ann Goldstein]()
The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante, Ann Goldstein
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIn one volume, the New York Times–bestselling epic about hardship and female friendship in postwar Naples that has sold over five million copies. Beginning with My Brilliant Friend, the four Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante follow Elena and Lila, from their rough-edged upbringing in Naples, Italy, not long after WWII, through the many stages of their lives—and along paths that diverge wildly... -
![The Midnight Rose by Lucinda Riley]()
The Midnight Rose by Lucinda Riley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsSpanning four generations, The Midnight Rose sweeps from the glittering palaces of the great maharajas of India to the majestic stately homes of England, following the extraordinary life of a remarkable girl, Anahita Chaval, from 1911 to the present day . . -
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![Therapy Game, Vol. 1 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡]()
Therapy Game, Vol. 1 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsSparks fly in this spinoff of Secret XXX featuring Shouhei’s older brother Shizuma and Mito’s younger brother Minato after a drunken fling!Shizuma only drank that night to forget his heartbreak. He didn’t intend to also forget Minato, the one-night stand who soothed his broken heart... -
![Junjo Romantica, Volume 07 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 07 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsMiyagi finally gets over his obsession with his late high school teacher by confessing his love for Shinobu in front of her grave. When it comes time for Shinobu to choose which college to go to, his feelings seem to be swaying his decisions too strongly - even for Miyagi's liking... -
![The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy]()
The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsAn inspiring, uplifting story of love and loss, courage and adventure, from the bestselling author of The Skylark’s Secret.1927. Violet Mackenzie-Grant is embarking on her dream of studying at the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women... -
![Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland]()
Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsIt's the countdown to Christmas at Hedgehog Hollow Wildlife Rescue Centre, and everyone is gearing up for a festive season to remember...It should be the most wonderful time of the year for Samantha and Josh as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby... -
![The Girl with the Diary by Shari J. Ryan]()
The Girl with the Diary by Shari J. Ryan
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 24 ratings“What if you never come back?” I asked.“I will find you, Amelia. I promise I will find you.”“What if you die trying?”Nazi-occupied Prague, 1942: Amelia is hiding in her closet when flashlights blind her and she’s captured by the SS. Out on the cobblestone street, she is shoved onto a freight train with hundreds of others. Hours pass as they travel in darkness... -
![Woodworking by Emily St. James]()
Woodworking by Emily St. James
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 22 ratings“Big-hearted and hilarious, an ode to authenticity and a must-read in our current times.” —Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures“Writing a funny book is hard. Writing a convincing takedown of one of America’s most popular prejudices is harder still... -
![The Storyteller of Casablanca by Fiona Valpy]()
The Storyteller of Casablanca by Fiona Valpy
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIn this evocative tale from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift, a strange new city offers a young girl hope. Can it also offer a lost soul a second chance?Morocco, 1941. With France having fallen to Nazi occupation, twelve-year-old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca, where they await safe passage to America... -
![She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat, Vol. 4 by Sakaomi Yuzaki]()
She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat, Vol. 4 by Sakaomi Yuzaki
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsKasuga has realized she’s in love with Nomoto―and after the blast they had at their curry party, the two grow closer than ever! With Valentine’s Day approaching, Nomoto bakes up a storm and Kasuga hits the shops as they prepare the perfect treats to give each other, and they both turn to a friend for advice on expressing their feelings... -
![The Words We Whisper by Mary Ellen Taylor]()
The Words We Whisper by Mary Ellen Taylor
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsAs a hospice nurse, Zara Mitchell has already seen more death than most people will experience in a lifetime. So when her older sister asks her to help care for their ailing grandmother, Zara agrees—despite strained family relationships.Though pale and tired, Nonna has lost none of her sharp mind... -
![Junjo Romantica, Volume 06 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 06 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIt's the day of the award ceremony for Usami, but Usami's older brother, Haruhiko, can't keep his hands off Misaki. First an endless shipment of strawberries, then a "kidnapping" as Haruhiko drags Misaki off to his rich estate and locks him up! Meanwhile, a dramatic misunderstanding spooks Shinobu into leaving for Australia... -
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![Awaiting by Nicole Pyland]()
Awaiting by Nicole Pyland
This is book #4 in the Royalty Series.Alexandria – or Alex, as she preferred to be called – would one day be the next Queen of the United Kingdom. She would also be the first out lesbian who would take that title... -
![Snow Fairy by Tomo Serizawa, 芹澤知]()
Snow Fairy by Tomo Serizawa, 芹澤知
When Hokkaido-born Haruki meets animal photographer Akihito and finds out his accommodations have fallen through, he offers his home as a shelter for the winter. A city slicker, Akihito is smart, charming, and a smooth conversationalist; the polar opposite of country boy Haruki. Despite their differences, Akihito wants to close the gap between the two of them, before the snow thaws in the spring... -
![Therapy Game Restart, Vol. 1 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡]()
Therapy Game Restart, Vol. 1 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsSparks continue to fly in this Therapy Game sequel where Shizuma and Minato learn to navigate commitment—in both work and love!From a forgotten one-night stand to a plan for revenge, Shizuma and Minato have been through it all. But now that they’re officially a couple, new challenges await, and their fledgling relationship must learn to soar!Shizuma and Minato are officially a couple... -
![Semantic Error, Vol.2 by Soori Jeo]()
Semantic Error, Vol.2 by Soori Jeo
Computer science major Chu Sangwoo is the epitome of an inflexible and strict rule-abiding person. While working on a liberal arts group project with freeloaders who don’t put in any effort, Sangwoo reasonably decides to remove their names from the final presentation.But he didn’t imagine how involved he would become with the person whose study-abroad plans were messed up because of that project... -
![Someone Like You by Monica Walters, Latisha Burns]()
Someone Like You by Monica Walters, Latisha Burns
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsYou’re strong… You’re resilient… You’re an overcomer.Nesha Henderson knows what it means to fight through adversity and the horrible effects of abuse. She chooses to be an overcomer and not let her past define her. After years of struggling with her sexuality, she’s in a place of contentment with herself. However, love has seemed to escape her grasp every chance it gets... -
![Until I Meet My Husband by Yoshi Tsukizuki, Ryousuke Nanasaki]()
Until I Meet My Husband by Yoshi Tsukizuki, Ryousuke Nanasaki
The memoir of gay activist Ryousuke Nanasaki and the first religiously recognized same-sex marriage in Japan.From school crushes to awkward dating sites to finding a community, this collection of stories recounts the author’s “firsts” as a young gay man searching for love... -
![Junjo Romantica, Volume 11 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 11 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsMisaki just can't catch a break when it comes to the Usami family. Just when he thinks he escaped one mess, he falls right into another one... -
![The Lineman by Casey Morales]()
The Lineman by Casey Morales
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA brawny lineman, a ginger English teacher, and a horny pup. What could go wrong? Mike Albert hates moving. Absolutely hates it. But there he was, standing in the driveway of his brand-new home, exhausted, exasperated, and—thanks to his hyperactive Jack Russell, Homer—already causing a scene. Then he sees him. Eliot... -
![The Orphans of Berlin: The BRAND NEW heartbreaking World War 2 historical novel by Jina Bacarr for 2022 by Jina Bacarr]()
The Orphans of Berlin: The BRAND NEW heartbreaking World War 2 historical novel by Jina Bacarr for 2022 by Jina Bacarr
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 24 ratings'A moving novel of strength and resistance in the face of evil but also an inspiring journey of resilience after loss.' Erin Litteken, bestselling author of The Memory Keeper of KyivA heartbreaking World War 2 novel that tells the story of two women’s fight for love, family and hope, as the world crumbles around them... -
![The Fourth Daughter by Lyn Liao Butler]()
The Fourth Daughter by Lyn Liao Butler
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsIn Taiwan, the bond between grandmother and granddaughter opens up a healing world for them both in an inspiring family saga about the comfort of food, untold histories, and indomitable mother love.Chef Liv Kuo’s star is on the rise…until a traumatic incident leaves her emotionally unable to venture outside her Manhattan apartment... -
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![Call Me By Your Name - Screenplay by James Ivory, André Aciman]()
Call Me By Your Name - Screenplay by James Ivory, André Aciman
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIn Northern Italy in 1983, seventeen-year-old Elio begins a relationship with visiting Oliver, his father's research assistant, with whom he bonds over his emerging sexuality, their Jewish heritage, and the beguiling Italian landscape... -
![Censored Soul by Anne Malcom]()
Censored Soul by Anne Malcom
I give myself to strangers. When I'm on stage, and when I'm off it. Whether it's throngs of screaming fans or just one man, it's always outsiders. People who don't know me. Not the real me. It's easier, because then it's not so obvious that there is no real me. Just layers of lies. Then I'm peeled back to the nerve. Showing the world my ugly. Everyone sees me for what I am... -
![The Echoes of Her Silence by Skye Von Triessen]()
The Echoes of Her Silence by Skye Von Triessen
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTo the world, Dominique Fournier is the picture-perfect married to a powerful man, draped in wealth, and living a life most would envy. But behind closed doors, her world is anything but golden. Trapped in a loveless, suffocating marriage, each day is a carefully concealed nightmare—until the one person she never expects comes to her rescue... -
![Take What You Can Carry by Gian Sardar]()
Take What You Can Carry by Gian Sardar
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAn aspiring photographer follows her dreams and faces her fears in a poignant novel about finding beauty, promise, and love amid the chaos of war-torn Kurdistan.It’s 1979. Olivia Murray, a secretary at a Los Angeles newspaper, is determined to become a photojournalist and make a difference with her work... -
![The History of Sound: Stories by Ben Shattuck]()
The History of Sound: Stories by Ben Shattuck
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsA stunning collection of interconnected stories set in New England, exploring how the past is often misunderstood and how history, family, heartache, and desire can echo over centuriesIn twelve luminous stories set across three centuries, The History of Sound examines the unexpected ways the past returns to us and how love and loss are entwined and transformed over generations... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 6 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #6) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 6 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #6) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsWhen Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame. Ritsu's determined to leave all that in the past—but how can he when his boss is just as determined that they have a future?Masamune Takano is the boss—and first love—of rookie shojo manga editor Ritsu Onodera... -
![Under a Greek Moon by Carol Kirkwood]()
Under a Greek Moon by Carol Kirkwood
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe escapist Sunday Times bestselling debut from the nation’s best loved TV presenter, Carol Kirkwood.‘Loved it! It sizzles with secrets and passion... -
![The Artist and the Feast by Lucy Steeds]()
The Artist and the Feast by Lucy Steeds
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA captivating novel of love, art, food, desire and thwarted ambition, which builds propulsively over one scorching French summer in 1920s Provence.During a scorching summer in 1920s Provence, a young journalist, Joseph Adelaide, turns up at the farmhouse of reclusive artist Edouard Tartuffe, hoping to write an article about him... -
![Therapy Game Restart, Vol. 2 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡]()
Therapy Game Restart, Vol. 2 by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSparks continue to fly in this Therapy Game sequel where Shizuma and Minato learn to navigate commitment—in both work and love!From a forgotten one-night stand to a plan for revenge, Shizuma and Minato have been through it all... -
![The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson]()
The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsInspired by heartrending real events, a mother fights to find her son and a child battles for survival in this riveting debut novel.For readers of Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, The Letter by Kathryn Hughes, and Remember Me by Lesley Pearse.A woman is found wandering injured in London after an air raid.She remembers nothing of who she is... -
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![Secret XXX by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡]()
Secret XXX by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡
Shohei’s just trying to find love in a pet shop, so why are all these bunnies making it so difficult?Shohei loves bunnies! He loves them so much he’s even taken to volunteering at a local pet shop... -
![Red Dirt Heart Imago by N.R. Walker]()
Red Dirt Heart Imago by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen Charlie Sutton’s neighbour Greg is notified by the Queensland government that they intend to run a pipeline through his property, Charlie vows to help him fight it. Then Travis remembers seeing butterflies at the creek near their joining fence line - the same butterflies they couldn’t find in any Australian butterfly book... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 3: The Case of Ritsu Onodera (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #3) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 3: The Case of Ritsu Onodera (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #3) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhen Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
![Shifting Gears by Jazz Forrester]()
Shifting Gears by Jazz Forrester
A spicy, small-town, opposites attract lesbian romance about learning to let go, no matter the cost.Workaholic Eleanor Cromwell blows into rural Canada, laser focused on her real estate development project. Given the locals already hate her father’s company, she plans to hide away in a cabin and conceal her identity to get the job done... -
![The Sunrise Sisterhood by Cathy Bramley]()
The Sunrise Sisterhood by Cathy Bramley
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThree generations of women, and the summer that saved them.The holidays are here, and in Salcombe, Liz longs for the arrival of her god-daughters, Skye and Clare and Clare's daughter baby Ivy. After years on her own, she needs help to save the catering business she built with Clare's late mother, Jen... -
![Salad Days (Manhua) by Jing ShuiBian, Tang LiuZang]()
Salad Days (Manhua) by Jing ShuiBian, Tang LiuZang
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis is the story between a young innocent ballet boy and a passionate, determined boxing boy. The two met at the children's palace, and since then, they have grown up together supporting each other. May there be hardships, may there be obstacles, yet they never stopped pursuing their dreams. The beauty of the salad days is the sweat from the hard work and the bonding of friendship... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 3 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #3) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 3 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #3) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhen Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
![These High, Green Hills by Jan Karon]()
These High, Green Hills by Jan Karon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsFor years, Mitford's sixtysomething rector has been happily married to his parish. Now he's also married to Cynthia, his vivacious next-door neighbor. For Father Tim, life in Mitford has never been so full of surprises. His wife is "aging" his already ancient kitchen walls, not to mention burning his draperies. The mountain boy he's learned to love as his own makes a heartrending decision... -
![The Devil Be Damned by Ali Vali]()
The Devil Be Damned by Ali Vali
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsCain Casey is close to getting everything she wants. Her partner Emma is pregnant with their third child, her children are safe and happy, and her business is still thriving despite the FBI’s vendetta. Life is perfect on the surface, but it’s the underbelly that worries her... -
![The Dressmaker's Gift by Fiona Valpy]()
The Dressmaker's Gift by Fiona Valpy
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 55 ratingsA Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts bestseller.From the bestselling author of The Beekeeper’s Promise comes a gripping story of three young women faced with impossible choices. How will history – and their families – judge them?Paris, 1940. With the city occupied by the Nazis, three young seamstresses go about their normal lives as best they can... -
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![Honor Guards by Radclyffe]()
Honor Guards by Radclyffe
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhen you're the president's daughter and the closest thing the country has to a first lady, your life is never really your own. When you're the woman charged to guard the first daughter, and you also happen to be her lover, every moment of every day is filled with challenges—and a mistake could cost you everything... -
![28 Barbary Lane by Armistead Maupin]()
28 Barbary Lane by Armistead Maupin
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsArmistead Maupin's uproarious and moving Tales of the City novels—the first three of which are collected in this omnibus volume—have earned a unique niche in American literature and are considered indelible documents of cultural change from the seventies through the first two decades of the new millennium.“These novels are as difficult to put down as a dish of pistachios... -
![The Girl from H.O.P.P.E.R.S. by Jaime Hernández]()
The Girl from H.O.P.P.E.R.S. by Jaime Hernández
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe 25th anniversary Love and Rockets celebration continues withthis, the second of three volumes collecting the adventures of thespunky Maggie; her annoying, pixie-ish best friend and sometime loverHopey; and their circle of friends, including their bombshell friendPenny Century, Maggie's weirdo mentor Izzy—as well as the aging butstill heroic wrestler Rena Titañon and Maggie's handsome love... -
![Somebody to Hold by April Wilson]()
Somebody to Hold by April Wilson
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIn this second installment in the Tyler Jamison and Ian Alexander romantic suspense series, Tyler and Ian face their greatest challenge yet. Homicide detective Tyler Jamison is facing the unthinkable -- a prison sentence for beating the man who assaulted Ian... -
![The Flight Risk by Macon Leigh]()
The Flight Risk by Macon Leigh
Rated: 4.73 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThings are going great for Baylee Lawrence. Her writing has won awards, been adapted into an outrageously successful movie, and she’s just achieved her childhood dream of selling out a storytelling show at the Ryman. It’s incredible. Her life is perfect—a series of grand adventures. She has no intention of changing anything... -
![My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 3 by Niyama]()
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 3 by Niyama
Shin and Seiji have been living together in domestic bliss for over a year, but Seiji’s upcoming birthday is the first time Shin will get to celebrate with him...
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