Books matching: absurd storytelling
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- #1
'The Death Club' by Caroline Peckham is a dark and suspenseful book that delves into the world of three bloodthirsty individuals, portraying a mix of mob meets cartel with a sprinkle of psychopathy. The story follows Brooklyn, a complex leading lady with a shabby personality, as she navigates a triangle of pain, passion, and mistrust with two dark characters, Niall and Mateo. The book is filled with violence, blood, and gore, but also includes heartwarming and funny moments, creating a compelling and addictive read that keeps readers hooked for more.
But not me. I believed the exact opposite of all those things. And you know what? I was happier for it. I’d shoot down Santa in a rain of blood and glory and find one hell of a freaking meaning to tha... - #2
In a quintessential, yet also satirical small Irish town, a woman walks into a gun shop, takes the first gun she sees, throws money at the appropriately dazed man, grabs some wrong ammo and gets in a cab. What follows is an often circumnavigated story about, again, a quintessential and satirized crime family that involves numerous murders both past and present, incest, intense trauma, bad coping mechanisms, and the creation and ending of multiple narratives that allows those involved to go about their day to day. The authenticity is evident, with no preaching or sermonizing, making it a remarkable treatment of the subjects. Narrated from an anonymous person within the town, clearly more integrated in the rumour mill, as they're able to elucidate on much more than all that, but conveys it all the same, implicating everyone in one way or another.
- #3
In "So You Had to Build a Time Machine" by Jason Offutt, the story unravels a chaotic yet ordered adventure through time and space. The plot revolves around a group of unlikely characters who navigate alternate realities and time loops, facing a catastrophic dilemma for the universe. The writing style is fast-paced, filled with humor, vivid imagery, and references to various scientific principles, movies, and TV shows, creating a fantastical world where reality blurs with fantasy.
It was a warm, pleasant Kansas City evening, the sun dropping below the skyline as Skid walked home from work. A drink in a friendly quiet place to unwind, she thought, would be nice. Slap Happy’s Dan... 'Today I Wrote Nothing: The Selected Writings' by Daniil Kharms is a collection of absurd and witty writings, comprising a mixture of poetry, short prose, and miniature plays. The book features stories that are both funny and thought-provoking, with elements of absurdism and dark humor. Kharms' writing style challenges traditional storytelling norms and delves into themes of existentialism and mysticism, set against the backdrop of a soulless period in history.
- #5
Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a satirical novel that delves into themes of madness, racism, economic disparity, and free will. The story follows the meeting of Kilgore Trout, a science fiction writer, and Dwayne Hoover, a Pontiac dealer, at an art festival. Through a series of absurd and chaotic events, Trout ends up changing Hoover's life, leading to a journey that touches on various social issues and critiques American culture. Vonnegut's writing style is described as witty, satirical, and unconventional, with elements of dark humor and profound observations about humanity.
The book features Vonnegut's signature style of short, simple sentences, interspersed with illustrations that break the fourth wall and add to the quirky nature of the narrative. Vonnegut's unique approach to storytelling includes meta elements where he appears as a character within the novel, manipulating the fate of the characters. Despite its meandering plot and unconventional structure, Breakfast of Champions offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and societal norms through Vonnegut's satirical lens.
Actually, the sea pirates who had the most to do with the creation of the new government owned human slaves. They used human beings for machinery, and, even after slavery was eliminated, because it wa... - #6
'Triggerfish Twist' by Tim Dorsey is a hilarious and inventive novel set in Tampa, Florida, featuring the irascible serial killer Serge A. Storms and his stoner friend Coleman. The story follows Jim Davenport, who moves his family to Tampa after reading an erroneous article about it being the third best place to live in America. However, they soon find themselves caught up in a web of crazy events on Triggerfish Lane, involving crime, murder, car salesmen, and urban renewal. Despite the dark themes, the book is a celebration of neighborhoods and traditional family values, with a large cast of characters expertly juggled by Dorsey.
Near the turn of the millennium, Florida had become either romantically lawless or dangerously stupid, and often both: Casablanca without common sense, Dodge City with more weapons, the state that gav...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series SergeA. Storms ) - #7
In 'Kill the Farm Boy', a group of misfit characters including a rogue, a bard, a warrior, a wizard, and a talking goat embark on a quest filled with wacky and subverted fantasy tropes. The story humorously plays with traditional fantasy elements, such as a farm boy meeting a fairy, a dark lord wizard creating bread rains, and a quest to cure the dead farm boy. The book is described as a lighthearted reversal of fantasy tropes that quickly sets them on their head as the plot progresses, with lots of puns and humor threaded throughout the narrative.
Many moons ago in a principality far, far away, a hirsute lady slept in a tower that was covered in thorns. In general, such an occurrence would not be considered worthy of note, for people slept in t... - #8
'List of the Lost' by Morrissey is a novel that showcases the author's unique writing style, described as poetic prose that resonates with readers. The plot delves into themes of camaraderie, dark secrets, and pushing the boundaries of language and storytelling. The narrative voice is described as gripping, half poetic, half apocalyptic, and always surprising, challenging conventional writing norms while exploring deep philosophical questions.
- #9
In "Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend," the story revolves around Shiels, a high school student who encounters a pterodactyl named Pyke. As Pyke integrates into the school community, his presence causes chaos and fascination among the students, with Shiels developing a special connection to him. The plot unfolds with unexpected events like Pyke joining a football game and the repercussions that follow, leading to a mix of humor, absurdity, and unexpected twists. The writing style mixes elements of satire, absurdity, and romance, creating a unique and intriguing narrative that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the consequences of embracing the unknown.
- #10
'Doppler' by Erlend Loe is a captivating tale about Andreas Doppler, a man who decides to reject civilization to live in the forest after a life-changing event. The story revolves around Doppler's journey of self-discovery, anti-consumerism beliefs, and his unconventional relationships with nature, his family, and an elk calf named Bongo. The writing style is described as radiant, humorous, and thought-provoking, blending elements of humor, tragedy, and everyday bliss. The book challenges societal norms and encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values through Doppler's unconventional actions and perspectives.
It was either her or me. I was starving. I’m beginning to get quite thin, I really am. The night before, I was down in the Maridalen district of Oslo and helped myself to some hay from one of the farm...