Read These Books If You Loved Severance by Ling Ma

Obsessed with the eerie, slow-burn dystopia of Severance by Ling Ma? The mix of capitalism, loneliness, and apocalyptic vibes hit hard. If you’re craving more books with that same unsettling brilliance, we’ve got the perfect list for you! 

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel 

If you loved Severance’s quiet apocalypse, Station Eleven will pull you in. A flu wipes out most of the world, but a traveling theater troupe keeps art alive. Haunting, hopeful, and unforgettable.

The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa 

Imagine a world where things—memories, objects, even people—vanish overnight. No one questions it. No one resists… except for a few. If Severance’s eerie monotony fascinated you, this one will haunt you.

Luster by Raven Leilani 

It’s not the end of the world, but it sure feels like it. A drifting millennial woman entangles herself in an unconventional family, all while battling the crushing weight of existence. If Candace’s lost, cynical energy resonated, this book is for you.

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica 

What happens when society legalizes human meat consumption? It’s grotesque, chilling, and as sharp in its critique of capitalism as Severance. Warning: this one is not for the faint of heart! 

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh 

An unnamed woman decides to sleep for an entire year. No apocalypse—just extreme self-isolation, detachment, and existential dread. Sound familiar? If you loved Severance’s themes of alienation, you’ll devour this. 

The New Me by Halle Butler 

A dead-end job. A bleak future. A protagonist who watches life pass her by with a mix of sarcasm and hopelessness. If Candace’s office-job horror hit too close to home, The New Me is your next must-read.

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata 

Meet Keiko, a woman who’s too good at being a convenience store employee. Society expects her to want more, but she’s happy with routine. If Severance’s critique of work culture fascinated you, this one is an unsettling gem.