8 Books to Read If You Like The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a powerful story about survival in a world after a disaster. It touches on love, loss, and the strength of the human spirit. If you were drawn to its moving and dark themes, you might enjoy these eight books that explore similar ideas.

1. Station Eleven by Emily St. John MandelSet in a world ravaged by a flu pandemic, Station Eleven follows a traveling theater troupe as they navigate a landscape transformed by disaster. The narrative weaves together the lives of various characters before and after the outbreak, exploring the importance of art and memory in maintaining humanity. Like The Road, it reflects on the fragility of civilisation and the enduring bonds between people. 2. The Dog Stars by Peter HellerIn a world where a flu pandemic has decimated the population, Hig, a pilot, lives in an isolated hangar with his dog and a paranoid survivalist. As he grapples with grief and loneliness, Hig embarks on a journey that brings hope, adventure, and the possibility of connection. Heller’s lyrical prose and exploration of love and loss make it a fitting companion to McCarthy's work. 3. The Road by Jack LondonWhile this title may be more commonly associated with adventure, London’s *The Road* captures the struggle for survival amidst adversity. Set against the backdrop of a harsh wilderness, it delves into themes of perseverance, the human condition, and the natural world's cruelty, echoing the existential questions posed in McCarthy's narrative. 4. The Road to Mecca by Athol FugardThis powerful play, while not a novel, offers a deep exploration of the human spirit's endurance through the story of an elderly woman who defies societal norms to create her own artistic vision. Themes of isolation, creativity, and resilience in the face of hardship resonate with the emotional depth found in The Road. 5. The Power by Naomi AldermanIn a world where women develop the power to emit electric shocks, societal structures shift dramatically. This speculative fiction novel examines themes of power, survival, and human relationships in a transformative world. Though more fantastical, it shares a similar sense of urgency and explores the consequences of a world in upheaval. 6. Suttree by Cormac McCarthyAnother McCarthy classic, Suttree tells the story of Cornelius Suttree, who leaves his privileged life to live in a community of drifters on the banks of the Tennessee River. The novel delves into themes of loss, poverty, and the search for identity, showcasing McCarthy’s signature prose style while capturing the rawness of life. 7. The Last Policeman by Ben H. WintersIn this unique detective novel set just before an asteroid is predicted to collide with Earth, Detective Hank Palace is determined to solve a murder despite the impending apocalypse. The story explores existential questions and the choices people make in the face of catastrophe, reminiscent of the emotional weight found in The Road. 8. The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsWhile more action-oriented, The Hunger Games presents a dystopian society where survival is paramount. Katniss Everdeen's journey through a brutal competition highlights themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the human spirit's fight against oppressive forces. The narrative’s intensity and focus on survival resonate with the core elements of McCarthy’s work.