If you’ve been captivated by Landman, the new Paramount+ series, you’re not alone. With its gritty portrayal of rural life, morally complex characters, and the dramatic backdrop of the oil industry, Landman has quickly drawn fans eager for more stories with similar themes. Luckily, plenty of books resonate with the show’s tone and subject matter. Whether you’re intrigued by the high-stakes drama of the oil industry, the stark beauty of rural settings, or tales of individuals navigating ethical gray areas, this list has something for you.
Oil! by Upton Sinclair
If you’re fascinated by the machinations of the oil industry and its intersection with morality and politics, Sinclair’s Oil! is a must-read. Published in 1927, the novel is a scathing critique of greed and corruption in the oil industry, set against the backdrop of California’s oil boom. The story follows Bunny Ross, the son of an oil tycoon, as he grapples with the ethical conflicts of his father’s business practices.
- Sinclair, Upton (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 608 Pages – 04/18/2023 (Publication Date) – Penguin Classics (Publisher)
Sinclair masterfully blends fictional drama with historical commentary, providing readers with an immersive look at the societal and environmental impacts of the oil rush. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of how wealth and power shape human behavior, much like the themes explored in Landman.
A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley
Jane Smiley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel A Thousand Acres delivers in spades for fans of Landman’s rural setting and family-driven moral conflicts. This modern retelling of Shakespeare’s King Lear is set on a sprawling farm in Iowa. The story unfolds through the eyes of Ginny, the eldest daughter of a domineering father, as long-buried secrets and tensions within the family come to light.
- Smiley, Jane (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages – 12/02/2003 (Publication Date) – Vintage (Publisher)
Smiley’s rich prose and layered characters explore themes of power, land ownership, betrayal, and generational trauma. The novel’s intense focus on interpersonal relationships and moral ambiguity makes it a compelling read for anyone drawn to the dramatic undertones of Landman.
The Executioner’s Song by Norman Mailer
If you appreciate Landman’s raw, unvarnished realism, you’ll find much to admire in Norman Mailer’s The Executioner’s Song. This Pulitzer Prize-winning true crime masterpiece recounts the life and execution of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer who famously demanded to be executed after his sentencing. Mailer crafts a gripping narrative that delves into the social, psychological, and legal complexities surrounding Gilmore’s case.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Mailer, Norman (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 1136 Pages – 05/08/2012 (Publication Date) – Grand Central Publishing (Publisher)
The book is a deeply personal story and a broader commentary on America’s justice system and cultural contradictions. Its unflinching portrayal of human nature and moral ambiguity aligns closely with the tone of Landman, offering readers a similarly gritty and thought-provoking experience.
The Revenant by Michael Punke
While not directly tied to the oil industry, The Revenant shares Landman’s themes of survival, resilience, and man’s struggle against nature and his fellow man. Based on the true story of frontiersman Hugh Glass, the novel takes readers on a harrowing journey through the uncharted American wilderness of the early 19th century.
- Audible Audiobook
- Michael Punke (Author) – Holter Graham (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 01/06/2015 (Publication Date) – Macmillan Audio (Publisher)
After being mauled by a bear and left for dead by his companions, Glass embarks on an epic quest for revenge and survival. Punke’s vivid descriptions and intense pacing capture the harsh realities of frontier life, making it a perfect choice for fans of Landman’s stark, rugged settings and exploration of human endurance.
Why These Books?
Oil Industry Drama: Oil! by Upton Sinclair offers a historical perspective on the ethical and environmental dilemmas tied to oil, much like the modern concerns addressed in Landman.
Rural Setting with Moral Dilemmas: A Thousand Acres captures the tension and complexity of life in rural communities, exploring themes of family loyalty and betrayal that will resonate with show fans.
Gritty Realism: The Executioner’s Song and The Revenant both take unflinching looks at their respective subjects, reflecting Landman’s raw, uncompromising tone.
Based on Real-Life Events: Boomtown provides a factual foundation for the drama of Landman, connecting the fictionalized world of the show to the realities of oil industry towns.
Closing Thoughts
Landman has struck a chord with viewers by combining gripping drama with real-world relevance. These books offer a deeper dive into similar themes, providing entertainment and insight. Whether you’re drawn to the history of the oil industry, the moral complexities of rural life, or the stark truths of human resilience, these titles will keep you hooked long after the credits roll.