Left entranced and appalled by the philosopher's apprentice? (Spoiler Alert)?

I just finished the Philosopher's Apprentice by James Morrow and at the beginning I loved his writing style. His elegant word use and amazing ability to evoke an image really had me enthralled, but I was upset by the ending. Something about solving the ultimate problem by tricking a man into with a clone of your mother who then kills you just bothered me. I realize his books aren't meant to be touchy-feely but that was just to heavy for everyday. I love the writing style though so does anyone know of a similar author, or know if his other books are less gruesome in their completion? I find that I may enjoy a book untill about the middle wherein the tone becomes just a bit too outlandish for me and I am dismayed (Stranger in a Strange Land- still haven't read past him deciding to become a deity). Any advice would be welcome, I'm tired of juvenille fiction but can't commit to a book so strong.