Book cover of Children of Radium

Book description

Off-beat, irreverent and subversive - a Jewish family memoir about convenient delusions and unsayable truths, from the acclaimed author of the cult classic novel, Submarine

'The best book I've read in the past year . . . A masterpiece' Financial Times

'A slippery marvel [and] a quixotic voyage into the…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Children of Radium as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Dunthorne isn't the only writer of German Jewish descent who has explored a bewildering and tragic family history, circa World War II. (His Jewish great grandfather was a scientist who—bizarrely—helped the Nazis develop things like the poison gas used in holocaust mass murders—thus his family came through relatively unscathed.) The bleakness and unfathomability are leavened by Dunthornes' hesitations and bumbling as a researcher, which he happily shares. Odd to find myself smiling so often at a story like this...and a welcome change.

If you love Children of Radium...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Children of Radium?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 2 books like Children of Radium.

Browse books like Children of Radium

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,398

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Children of Radium, you might also like...

Book cover of New Rock New Rules

New Rock New Rules by Richard Sparks,

The epic saga continues. Jarnland is in a frenzy of excitement. After the eccentric demise of Old King Wyllard, his co-Majesty, young Queen Esmeralda, announces a Royal Tournament to celebrate the return of our heroes from their perilous quest. The Main Event will be a duel between the legendary warrior…

Book cover of Almost Home

Almost Home by Howard Means,

Almost Home is a fictional retelling of the last great tragedy of the Civil War.

In late April 1865, almost 2,000 newly freed Union prisoners of war are packed onto the steamer Sultana, in poor repair and with a listed capacity of 376 passengers. Among them are four Indiana soldiers…