Similar books to "The Gargoyle" by Andrew Davidson

[piscis]

Hi,

I haven't been reading much for the last 2 years and a half (since my daughter was born!), but I would really like to try and read more, even if it is just a couple of books per month.

As I haven't read for a while, I find it difficult to concentrate sometimes, or I lose interest very soon...so I really need something I feel drawn to from the start. I have been doing some research here and I am making a list of books I should read, but then I remembered that one of my favourite books of all times was "The gargoyle" by Andrew Davidson and I thought it would be amazing to find something similar...Does anyone have any recommendations?

[rosegoldwatcher]

I have never come across anyone else who has read The Gargoyle.
For the life of me I can't recall WHY I bought this; it isn't my usual style - it's a set in the US and I normally go for home grown stuff. Nonetheless, I did buy it in 2008(?) and then again in 2012 for my Kindle. I've read it at ;least twice and loved it. Over the years I have searched in vain for anything else written by Andrew Davidson - but it appears to be his only published work.
OK - for something with similar past lives shared try Ferney by James Long. I have recommended this countless times, and bought it for several friends. It is wonderful!
I would also recommend the Blasphemer by Nigel Farnsworth for a shot of other-worldliness.

[DarkerShrimpVase]

Tokyo by Mo Hayder

[Piglet208]

I had to respond as The Gargoyle is my absolute favourite book. It was recommended many years ago by my then 15 year old son. I had not expected such a complex, thought provoking story. We have never come across anyone else who has read it!

[GooseFeather]

I loved the Gargoyle. Read it for a book club and I think I was the only one who actually finished it. Fabulous book. If only I didn't have approaching 200 books to read on my Kindle already, or I might re-read, but life is too short and my book list too extensive!

[piscis]

@rosegoldwatcher It is funny because I actually I don't think it is my style either, but I absolutely loved it. I only read it because a friend recommend it and lend it to me, I don't think I would have ever bought it myself. Then I bought it and read it once more.

@GooseFeather. I can't believe you were the only person who read the whole book at the book club. Didn't they like it??

Thanks all for the recommendations, I am going to check them up!

[piscis]

@rosegoldwatcher I really want to read Ferney now, sounds great!

[mischiefthecat]

Another Gargoyle lover here, such an original book, never read anything like it before or since. I've always looked for other books by the same author but never had any success.
Not similar to the Gargoyle at all really but working on the assumption we have similar taste try Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant - another book I wasn't expecting to like from the blurb but ended up loving.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Read it years ago and loved it, but can remember very little about it.

Maybe some Stephen King?

Or his son, Joe Hill, but he's not a patch on his dad! 'Horns' and 'Heart Shaped Box' are the ones I found most readable.

[Benes]

Oh my goodness. The gargoyle!!! Loved this book. I really need to read it again. Sorry can't help though

[Saucery]

I loved The Gargoyle too. For some reason I want to recommend Himself, by Jess Kidd because the tone is similar (in my head, anyway!)

[ChristmasFluff]

Yup. another Gargolye lover here.

I'd recommend 'Perfume' by Patrick Suskind, Nocturnal Animals by Austin Wright, and Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. Dunno why, just the vibe.

[rosegoldwatcher]

Ooh yes - Perfume has a similar sinister quality to The Gargoyle.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Perfume is excellent. I couldn't get on with Cloud Atlas.

[DancelikeEmmaGoldman]

I’ve never heard of The Gargoyle, so looked it up. The next book suggested to me was Ted Hughes The Iron Man, so that’s well worth a try.

My suggestion would be one of Alan Garner’s adult novels Thursbitch or Boneland. You wouldn’t go wrong reading his YA novels either, and The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and Moon of Gomrath are beautiful in their own way.

[piscis]

You are making excellent suggestions, thanks!
I love Perfume, I have read it three or four times, but many years ago. I may read it again again at some point.
@ChristmasFluff Nocturnal Animals is the best suggestion ever! I watched the film a few months ago and it really stayed with me, it is definitely one of my favourite films, I didn't even think about checking if there was a book! I am definitely reading that one. Actually, I cannot wait...

[lekkerkroketje]

The Secret History by Donna Tartt has a similar blackness, but less 'what's real, what's not'. It's old though so you've possibly already read it. Some of Audrey Niffeneger's graphic novels are nicely black and twisted too.