Books matching: absurdism
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:"Pulp" by Charles Bukowski is a humorous and absurd novel that follows the misadventures of Los Angeles private investigator Nick Belane. The book combines elements of a classic noir detective tale with Bukowski's unique writing style, featuring quirky characters such as Lady Death, space aliens, and a dead French writer named Celine. Belane navigates through bizarre cases involving cheating spouses, vengeful bookies, and existential themes like identity and the meaninglessness of life. The story is a caricature of detective stories, filled with offhand comments, hard-boiled attitudes, and dark humor, making it a fun and unconventional read.
I was sitting in my office, my lease had expired and McKelvey was starting eviction proceedings. It was a hellish hot day and the air conditioner was broken. A fly crawled across the top of my desk. I... - #2
Save:'Suddenly, a Knock on the Door' by Etgar Keret is a collection of short stories that delve into the surreal and bizarre aspects of everyday life, often with a touch of humor and wit. Keret's writing style has been described as quirky, captivating, and inventive, drawing readers in with his unique storytelling techniques. The book features a variety of stories that explore themes such as alternate realities, human relationships, and the unexpected twists of fate.
"Autobiography of a Corpse" by Krzhizhanovsky is a collection of surreal and imaginative stories that delve into themes of identity, philosophy, and existentialism. The stories are set in Moscow and offer unique perspectives on Russian history and society, blending elements of fantasy, dark humor, and absurdity. The writing style is described as rough yet brilliant, reminiscent of other renowned authors like E.T.A. Hoffmann and Kafka, but with a distinctive voice that explores scientific topics, psychology, and philosophical musings.
Shtamm believed in his elbows and in the ability of Etal to swap drops of ink for rubles, but the question of living space worried him. He knew that on the metropolitan chessboard, squares had not bee...- #4
Save:'The Thing in the Snow' by Sean Adams is a satirical novel set in the Northern Institute, where a caretaker crew of three workers is isolated in an icy expanse. The story revolves around the obsession of the crew with a mysterious 'thing in the snow' outside, while they try to unravel the other mysteries of the institute. The book delves into themes of corporate life, isolation, and the absurdity of mundane tasks, all presented in a dry and subtly surreal writing style.
Adams crafts a creative exploration of life and work, highlighting how individuals may lose sight of what truly matters by focusing too much on their professional roles. The book's Kafkaesque undertones and dry humor are well-received by readers, offering a unique and engaging reading experience that blends elements of psychology, mystery, science fiction, and interpersonal relationships.
- #5
Save:'Hark! A Vagrant' by Kate Beaton is a collection of comic strips that humorously poke fun at historical figures, literature, and Canadian history. Beaton's writing style is witty, irreverent, and educational, blending humor with insightful commentary on various subjects. The book features comics on topics like classic literature, historical events, and iconic figures, presented in a charming and entertaining art style.
- #6
Save:Gutshot by Amelia Gray is a collection of short, strange, and surreal stories that evoke a sense of weirdness and disturbing imagery. The stories range from dark and macabre to bizarre and haunting, with exceptional imagination and strong, vivid images. Gray's writing style is unpredictable, disturbing, and magnificent, often leaving readers with more questions than answers as they navigate through a labyrinth of unsettling and mysterious narratives.
It had been a memorable date after such a long line of failures. Turns out they had hidden the same punk tapes in their closets as teenagers and had always secretly wanted to work as photographers for... - #7
Save:The Comforters by Muriel Spark is a playful and mischievous novel that delves into a carefully crafted web of coincidences led by a quirky cast of characters. The story follows Caroline, a character who starts hearing voices and believes she is a character in a novel. The plot becomes more complex with the introduction of Louisa and her gang involved in gem smuggling, adding layers of mystery and eccentricity. Spark's writing style is described as witty, inventive, and full of eccentric characters, creating a genre-bending tale that blurs the lines between mystery, metafiction, and spiritual crisis.
He followed his grandmother’s movements from the sounds which came clearly through the worn cottage floorboards. At seventy-eight Louisa Jepp did everything very slowly but with extreme attention, as ... - #8
Save:"The Stranger" by Albert Camus is a novel that delves into existentialism through the story of Meursault, a man who seems indifferent and detached from the world around him. The plot follows Meursault as he navigates through life events such as his mother's death, a murder he commits, and a trial he faces, all while displaying a lack of emotion and connection with those around him. The writing style is described as choppy, matter-of-fact, and detached, reflecting the character's own demeanor and emphasizing the themes of absurdity and alienation.
Camus' exploration of the absurdity of life and society's inability to understand a man like Meursault forms the core of the narrative. Through vivid storytelling and a compelling portrayal of existential themes, the book challenges readers to reflect on concepts of meaning, morality, and the human condition. The character of Meursault serves as a vehicle for Camus to question societal norms and beliefs, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of existential philosophy and the complexities of human existence.
The old people’s home is at Marengo, about eighty kilometers from Algiers, I’ll take the two o’clock bus and get there in the afternoon. That way I can be there for the vigil and come back tomorrow ni... - #9
Save:'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of a bombardier named Yossarian. The story delves into the absurdity and insanity of military life, highlighting the struggles of individuals trying to navigate through a world where life is cheap and the rules seem designed to ensure no escape from the horrors of war. Through a fragmented narrative style, the author weaves a darkly humorous tale that provides insights into the futility of war and the importance of self-preservation amidst chaos.
The writing style of 'Catch-22' is characterized by its witty banter, dark humor, and satirical take on the bureaucracy and illogical reasoning prevalent in wartime. The narrative jumps between characters, time periods, and locations, creating a chaotic yet engaging reading experience. Heller's exploration of the themes of insanity, morality, and the absurdity of life is delivered through a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on the human condition.
Yossarian was in the hospital with a pain in his liver that fell just short of being jaundice. The doctors were puzzled by the fact that it wasn’t quite jaundice. If it became jaundice they could trea... - #10
Save:'The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays' by Albert Camus delves into the concept of the Absurd, exploring the distressing match between man's ultimate questions and the silent universe. Camus argues against suicide as the only solution in a meaningless world, advocating for embracing freedom and taking responsibility for one's choices. Through essays and philosophical musings, Camus challenges traditional views of existence, finding meaning in the struggle itself and urging readers to live with dignity and acceptance of life's futility.
My field,” said Goethe, “is time.” That is indeed the absurd speech. What, in fact, is the absurd man? He who, without negating it, does nothing for the eternal. Not that nostalgia is foreign to him. ...
