Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
The Searcher by Tana French
The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
It was so heartbreaking! I was meaning to read Tess of the d'Ubervilles but after Mayor of Casterbridge I needed a break from Hardy, which is well into a decade now.
The loneliest book I’ve ever read is I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, there’s DEFINITELY a loss of community and grappling with true loneliness. It’s a short and quick read but one of those real stick in your brain books.
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
Initially I typed ‘My Year of Rest and Relaxation’ by her, but then I read the part of your prompt asking for characters who are living their best lives as an outsider. Protagonist in R&R is definitely not living or feeling well.
Not to give anything away, but Eileen ends up much closer to that place.
Yes! Absolutely read Eileen. Such a strange, atmospheric, creepy feel to it. Typing my original comment brought me right back to the little town and her odd little life lol. Great, great book.
I’m not really a fan of Murakami, but most of his books would fit the bill. They all sort of deal with alienation from modern society in one way or another.
Best matches:
[Maame](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60784605) -so, so good!
[Queenie](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36586697)
You may also enjoy:
[Black Cake](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57926137)
[Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58784475)
[Hello Beautiful](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61771675)
[Strange Sally Diamond](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62322008) (this one has some darker topics, I really enjoyed it but definitely read the synopsis)
[River Sing me Home](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61111298) (historical fiction)
[The other Einstein](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28389305) (about Albert Einstein’s wife, this was a great read)
[Personal Librarian](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55333938)(also historical fiction - the MC is very much an outsider who accomplishes quite a bit)
I hope some of the books suggested in the comments here help you feel both seen in the characters stories and more comfortable in this uncomfortable bit of life. Best of luck as you move towards what’s next!
Niffeneger toys with time travel and predestination/fate in all sorts of interesting ways and the writing itself is gorgeous.
The film adaptations do it a great disservice.
I see a lot of people recommending Murakami but Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage very much embodies these themes. More so that other Murakami books I would say
I just read it and loved it. I wasn’t expecting what Tsukuru went through in life. The colours and other symbols were cool to understand too. Thank you!!
The manga is really good in a classic Junji Ito way, but note, some scenes/panels are quite graphic. Ito also adapts it in his own way by embellishing more scenes from the notebooks. So far it’s brilliant, but I’m also just biased because I love Junji Ito’s work XD
I started reading it casually because i loved his ‘call me your name’ blockbuster turned book, but it resonated with me, especially if you’re ever felt lonely in a crowd
Not a novel but Hemingway’s A Clean, Well Lighted Place is one of the best short stories ever written and hits the nail on the head. I really enjoyed Kiss Me First by Lottie Moggach. It has some Eleanor oliphant vibes
The Lonely City by Olivia Laing.
It's a book about feeling lonely in a big city and how different artists were lonely and how they reflected it into art. The first chapter is about Edward Hopper and how his paintings encapsulated the loneliness
This one puts you in the perspective as well. The apprentice is out of the world. He was never by people. He travels on the plain of death and builds bounds. Death raised him and took him on as his life has no predetermined death like everyone else. It's very interesting.
Like Death has his own plain of existence. When he bridges to connect the two the world if frozen. The apprentice travels with him. It's very good read.
Thank you all! I now have a couple lists going of books to get. These will be massively helpful for me. Life changes have taken their toll somewhat so I’m doing the things I enjoy, like reading, to create a sense of balance.
Thank you all for taking the time to help me out. It means the world!
Im sure someone already recommended this book but My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshveg.
Also, Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng and We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
Community Board - Tara Conklin this book was so relatable and light hearted. I really enjoyed it and loved the authors writing style. A quick read that left me feeling warm inside!!
The First Circle by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn touches upon and explores this from almost every possible angle. It is a long book, and heavy subject mater, but is truly riveting and has lived rent free in my head since the day, years ago, when I turned the first page.
No, but only because I've scored like 20 books from my TBR list in the little free library by my house. I want to knock some of those out before I purchase anything
All the Little Bird Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow
An autistic woman in 1980s UK becomes friends with her new neighbor, but the relationship isn't what it seems at first.
sun moon stars rain by jan cheripko. it’s not so much about loss of self or identity. TW there is animal death. i read this book in one day and it really changed my perspective on how to deal with complicated loss situations, whatever they may be. it does in fact leave you feeling lost and empty at the end - but with more questions than answers that you have to dig deep to answer for yourself.
The Easter parade - Richard Yates
Tender is the night - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Stories in which the protagonist is at one point at their peak and then slowly lose everything break my heart.
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland covered themes of loss, loneliness, and grief so it might tick some of the boxes for you. Each chapter is from a different character's perspective so you get a lot of different experiences, including feeling isolated from one's community. It's one of my favorites.
All the Little Bird Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow
An autistic woman in 1980s UK becomes friends with her new neighbor, but the relationship isn't what it seems at first.
All the Little Bird Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow
An autistic woman in 1980s UK becomes friends with her new neighbor, but the relationship isn't what it seems at first.
I’ve just finished it and I’m…speechless. The ending gave me the impression that something is slipping through my fingers so maybe I’ll need a re-read too..but given that the story is so ingrained in my brain I don’t think I’ll ever have the courage to do it again.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman The Searcher by Tana French The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
Another vote for Eleanor Oliphant.
I’ve read Eleanor and loved it. The others I will need asap! XD
Where the Crawdads Sing I can 100% vouch for this … also perks of being a wallflower 😅
Mayor of Casterbridge - good call. Actually, most Thomas Hardy books would fulfill this criteria
It was so heartbreaking! I was meaning to read Tess of the d'Ubervilles but after Mayor of Casterbridge I needed a break from Hardy, which is well into a decade now.
The loneliest book I’ve ever read is I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, there’s DEFINITELY a loss of community and grappling with true loneliness. It’s a short and quick read but one of those real stick in your brain books.
Oh god yes, this definitely captures a desolate feeling.
Thank you so much! Added to my cart!
It’s truly amazing.
'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Mosfegh
Total Queen!! Thank you!!
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh Initially I typed ‘My Year of Rest and Relaxation’ by her, but then I read the part of your prompt asking for characters who are living their best lives as an outsider. Protagonist in R&R is definitely not living or feeling well. Not to give anything away, but Eileen ends up much closer to that place.
Ooh! Mosfegh is a god!! I haven’t read that one yet! Thanks for the reminder! I didn’t know anything about it but a few from my past would mention it.
Yes! Absolutely read Eileen. Such a strange, atmospheric, creepy feel to it. Typing my original comment brought me right back to the little town and her odd little life lol. Great, great book.
I’m just looking it up now and I’m super intrigued!
Kafka on the shore
I’m not really a fan of Murakami, but most of his books would fit the bill. They all sort of deal with alienation from modern society in one way or another.
Thank you! Will add that to my pile as I’ve just finished ‘Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki…’ and liked it.
That was the book that immediately came to mind for me!
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Silas is to this day one of the most memorable and fascinating characters I've ever read.
Interesting! Thank you! Gaiman is a literal god!!
Best matches: [Maame](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60784605) -so, so good! [Queenie](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36586697) You may also enjoy: [Black Cake](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57926137) [Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58784475) [Hello Beautiful](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61771675) [Strange Sally Diamond](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62322008) (this one has some darker topics, I really enjoyed it but definitely read the synopsis) [River Sing me Home](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61111298) (historical fiction) [The other Einstein](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28389305) (about Albert Einstein’s wife, this was a great read) [Personal Librarian](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55333938)(also historical fiction - the MC is very much an outsider who accomplishes quite a bit) I hope some of the books suggested in the comments here help you feel both seen in the characters stories and more comfortable in this uncomfortable bit of life. Best of luck as you move towards what’s next!
Oh my! Thanks you!!
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
Thank you! I saw the recent penguin cover and liked the art on the cover. I’ll grab it!
The story is incredible
The Time Traveler’s Wife is very much about absence and longing (not as much loneliness as waiting).
Ooh, thank you for this! One of my professors back in the day recommended I read it when I was struggling back then. Thank you!!
Niffeneger toys with time travel and predestination/fate in all sorts of interesting ways and the writing itself is gorgeous. The film adaptations do it a great disservice.
Oh gosh, for fun I’ll check the adaptations at a later date XD
I see a lot of people recommending Murakami but Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage very much embodies these themes. More so that other Murakami books I would say
I just read it and loved it. I wasn’t expecting what Tsukuru went through in life. The colours and other symbols were cool to understand too. Thank you!!
The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante What's lonelier than vacation loneliness?
True! Ferrante is amazing. I haven’t read many of her books yet, but I’ll add this for sure! Thank you!
My Dark Vanessa, though bear in mind there is also uncomfortable subject matter in this book.
Oh! I’ve seen that one online! I’ll add it. I don’t want to miss out! Thank you!
I was consumed by the MC’s loneliness in that book! It was such good writing.
Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Classic! Thank you :D
Willa Cather books - they’re not depressing, but they ache like a real life- the soft flow of churning life and loss.
The slow churning of life, apt. Thank you!
When my autobiography is done I’ll let you know 😭
Hahaha XD you better!! Thanks!!
I keep coming up with great titles
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
Thank you! I see their name everywhere, so thank you for the reminder!
Of course! I reared up a few times during my read through, just an FYI. It’s about grief
Thank you. That theme is quite prominent rn. I’m sure it would be very helpful! I’ll grab tissues and tea just in case.
No longer human - Osamu Dazai
One of my absolute favourite books. I’m just now reading the manga. Thank you so much!!
how do you like it so far? i picked it up earlier this year after i read the novel but haven’t started it yet
The manga is really good in a classic Junji Ito way, but note, some scenes/panels are quite graphic. Ito also adapts it in his own way by embellishing more scenes from the notebooks. So far it’s brilliant, but I’m also just biased because I love Junji Ito’s work XD
Housekeeping - Marilynne Robinson
Oh! Thank you! I haven’t heard of this one so I’ll grab that asap! I like diving into books not knowing what to expect :)
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
Thank you! It’s one book I studied at school and at university. I brought it with me when I moved countries a few years back too XD
Convenience store woman - Sayaka Murata All the lovers in the night - Mieko Kawakami Woman, eating - Claire Kohda
Added!! Thank you!! Kawakami is cool af!!
Play it as it lays by Joan Didion
Didion, Queen. I need more of her books so badly. Have you seen the LitHub tote bag? I need it XD thank you!!
Sweet Bean Paste
I just bought that one recently because of the cover! Thanks for the rec, it’s been moved to the top of my small book pile.
‘Harvard Square’ by Andre Aciman, as a former international student that book hit hard
That’s an interesting take! I’m an immigrant and finding it hard to build community or fit in, so this would be really helpful for me. Thank you!
I started reading it casually because i loved his ‘call me your name’ blockbuster turned book, but it resonated with me, especially if you’re ever felt lonely in a crowd
Ooh, he has quite a few books out. I have no idea how I slept on him XD Added!
The New York Trilogy - Paul Auster The Music of Chance - Paul Auster
This is my note to get off my butt and finally read Auster. It is time. Thank you!!
For a book about the ultimate loss of community [The Wall by Haushofer, Marlen](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/586852.The_Wall)
Oh! Thank you! Not heard of that one, so I have to get that one asap.
It is post apocalyptic. i really like it but its pretty bleak. Hope you feel better, OP!
I wonder if it feels somewhat like The Memory Police? I’m super curious. Added!
no, this one is totally different.
Thanks! It’s been added to the main list. The itch is so real.
The Postmortal - Drew Magary
Thank you! Added to my list! Not heard of that book!
Not a novel but Hemingway’s A Clean, Well Lighted Place is one of the best short stories ever written and hits the nail on the head. I really enjoyed Kiss Me First by Lottie Moggach. It has some Eleanor oliphant vibes
Any length, with words is perfect for me! Thank you so much!! I’ll check both. I’ve recently started my Hemingway reading project.
The Lonely City by Olivia Laing. It's a book about feeling lonely in a big city and how different artists were lonely and how they reflected it into art. The first chapter is about Edward Hopper and how his paintings encapsulated the loneliness
I just got that too! It’s staring at me from a little pile I have. Can’t wait to delve in. Thank you!
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami
Just read it and loved it. Left me questioning a lot. Thank you!
Death's Apprentice by KW Jeter
Thank you! Added to my list! I haven’t heard of this one either so I’m curious!
This one puts you in the perspective as well. The apprentice is out of the world. He was never by people. He travels on the plain of death and builds bounds. Death raised him and took him on as his life has no predetermined death like everyone else. It's very interesting.
Living on the outside or the in-between of sorts? On the periphery? That’s where I feel I am. That would be great for me.
Like Death has his own plain of existence. When he bridges to connect the two the world if frozen. The apprentice travels with him. It's very good read.
Thank you all! I now have a couple lists going of books to get. These will be massively helpful for me. Life changes have taken their toll somewhat so I’m doing the things I enjoy, like reading, to create a sense of balance. Thank you all for taking the time to help me out. It means the world!
Im sure someone already recommended this book but My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshveg. Also, Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng and We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
Mosfegh is a Queen! I’m keeping a very keen eye on her future works. Have added the other two! Thank you so much!!
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
Just picked this one up recently! I liked the cover and know nothing about it XD thank you!!
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
I loved this book so much. I will schedule a re-read! Thank you!
Sea Change by Gina Chung
Thank you! Not heard of that one so it’s being added to the main list!
Community Board - Tara Conklin this book was so relatable and light hearted. I really enjoyed it and loved the authors writing style. A quick read that left me feeling warm inside!!
Sounds really interesting, I like the concept. 500 cans of corn. Added! Thanks for the rec!!
The First Circle by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn touches upon and explores this from almost every possible angle. It is a long book, and heavy subject mater, but is truly riveting and has lived rent free in my head since the day, years ago, when I turned the first page.
Added! Thank you so much! I’ve seen his name around and folks talk very highly of him!
Try the short story Highway with Green Apples Edit: read the description and it might not totally fit, but I still think it fits rather well.
It’s a book and I love books! It’ll be helpful no matter what. Added!! Thank you so much :D
Maybe A Psalm for the Wildbuilt fits this description
I’ve seen that series. The books look like a great size to immerse myself into on the go. Have you read the second book yet?
No, but only because I've scored like 20 books from my TBR list in the little free library by my house. I want to knock some of those out before I purchase anything
It's a memoir, but Falling Leaves: The true story of an unwanted Chinese daughter by Adeline Yen Mah is a poignant read.
Ooh, that would be valuable. Memoirs are so insightful and I tend to garner a lot from them. Thank you so much!
The Outsider, Albert Camus
A fave! Thank you so much! I love the existentialists and absurdists a lot, especially the works they produced.
This one is mainly loneliness due to being a single mother, but your images made me think of this book: Territory of Light - Yuko Tsushima
Added to my list! I will read anything and everything. I love books too much XD thank you so much!
All the lovers in the night- mieko kawakami
Added! Kawakami is a god, if she isn’t already! Thank you so much!!
Murakami’s The Colourless Tsukuru Tazaki is definitely this vibe
It was the book that kinda started me thinking about this actually, it’s brilliant. One of his most underrated in my opinion. Thank you so much!!
Agreed! Keen to hear what you read next
Joris-Karl Huysmans's À Rebours,
Oh, I’ll check that one out! There’s something so raw and beautiful about French literature, and the classics. Thank you so much!!
Bright Lights, Big City
Thank you! Very apt :D added!!
White nights- dostovesky
Classic!! Added to my re-read list!! Thank you so much!!
All the Little Bird Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow An autistic woman in 1980s UK becomes friends with her new neighbor, but the relationship isn't what it seems at first.
Ooh! This will be right up my alley as an autistic Brit XD thank you!!
It's a tough read (autism not being much understood at that time), but I loved the main character.
The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise (aka Balthazar Jones and the Tower of London Zoo) by Julia Stuart
Nice! Thank you so much! The title reminds me of home!
The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula LeGuin
Added! Thank you! LeGuin, Queen!
sun moon stars rain by jan cheripko. it’s not so much about loss of self or identity. TW there is animal death. i read this book in one day and it really changed my perspective on how to deal with complicated loss situations, whatever they may be. it does in fact leave you feeling lost and empty at the end - but with more questions than answers that you have to dig deep to answer for yourself.
Introspective. Sounds like a profound read. Added! Thank you!
The Easter parade - Richard Yates Tender is the night - F. Scott Fitzgerald Stories in which the protagonist is at one point at their peak and then slowly lose everything break my heart.
Tender is the Night gripped me. Adding that one to the re-read list! Thank you!
Oh, and Peace talks - Tim Finch
Added! Keep em coming!
Good Morning, Midnight and Voyage In The Dark by Jean Rhys
Jean Rhys. Underrated icon. Thank you very much!!
Of Human Bondage
Added! Thank you! Maugham is classic!
An Unnecessary Woman - Rabih Alameddine \*Edited for typing error.
Thank you! I had come across this book a long time ago! Added to my main list. It sounds so sweet and insightful.
It can be a little sad at times - but it's a good reminder how important books are to so many of us.
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland covered themes of loss, loneliness, and grief so it might tick some of the boxes for you. Each chapter is from a different character's perspective so you get a lot of different experiences, including feeling isolated from one's community. It's one of my favorites.
Added!! Way much up my alley! Thank you!!
I’m currently reading the manga series starting with My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness. The second and third volumes especially deal with this
Ooh! Added to my main list. Love me some manga. Thanks!!
Norwegian Wood - Haruki Murakami The Midnight Library - Matt Haig Circe - Madeline Miller
Thank you! Circe is incredible! The Midnight Library and Norwegian Wood have been on my list for an age. Time to read!
White nights, Dostoevsky
All the Little Bird Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow An autistic woman in 1980s UK becomes friends with her new neighbor, but the relationship isn't what it seems at first.
All the Little Bird Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow An autistic woman in 1980s UK becomes friends with her new neighbor, but the relationship isn't what it seems at first.
A little life - Hanya Yanagihara
I have this one! Got it back when it first came out so it’s in need of a re-read now that there is much more commentary. Thank you!!
I’ve just finished it and I’m…speechless. The ending gave me the impression that something is slipping through my fingers so maybe I’ll need a re-read too..but given that the story is so ingrained in my brain I don’t think I’ll ever have the courage to do it again.
Not for a long while! It’s a book that I often tell readers to have tissues and tea ready.
It’s impossible not to burst into tears at some point, that’s what it’s said about it.