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Books matching: absurdist tale

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Showing 1 - 10 of 12 
  1. #1

    Amerika by Franz Kafka
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    'Amerika' by Franz Kafka is a novel that delves into the journey of Karl Rossman, a young immigrant who finds himself in America after being sent away from home. The book captures Karl's struggles as he navigates through a strange land filled with newcomers seeking happiness and wealth. Despite facing challenges and being taken advantage of by those he encounters, Karl's story unfolds through surreal and dreamlike scenes that touch on industrialization, modern technology, and social relations in a fragmented narrative style that reflects Kafka's signature writing.

    The novel paints a vivid picture of America through Kafka's unique perspective, showcasing the absurdities and complexities of immigrant life in a land of opportunities. Through Karl's experiences, the book explores themes of naivety, survival, and the loss of identity in a foreign land, offering a darkly humorous and thought-provoking commentary on the struggles faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world.

    Karl soon got used to his new circumstances in his uncle’s house, and his uncle was also very kind to him in every little matter, so Karl never had to learn from bitter experience, which is the lot of...

  2. #2

    The Dog of the South by Charles Portis
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    The Dog of the South by Charles Portis is a humorous and absurdist tale following the journey of Ray Midge, a man whose wife runs off with his best friend, taking his car and credit card. Determined to track them down, Ray embarks on a road trip from Arkansas to Belize, encountering eccentric characters like Dr. Reo Symes along the way. The plot is filled with quirky conversations and preposterous situations, creating a unique and entertaining narrative style that blends humor with subtle observations about human nature.

    MY WIFE NORMA had run off with Guy Dupree and I was waiting around for the credit card billings to come in so I could see where they had gone. I was biding my time. This was October. They had taken my...

  3. #3
    The Colour of Magic
    Book 1 in the series:Discworld

    The Colour of Magic - Discworld by Terry Pratchett
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    'The Colour of Magic' by Terry Pratchett is the first book in the Discworld series, introducing readers to the adventures of Twoflower, the Disc's first tourist, and Rincewind, a failed wizard who becomes his guide. The book is a humorous and whimsical fantasy satire that cleverly turns fantasy tropes on their heads, featuring a variety of eccentric characters and imaginative situations. The writing style of Terry Pratchett is described as witty, clever, and full of clever wordplay that creates a detailed and fantastical world for readers to explore.

    FIRE ROARED through the bifurcated city of Ankh-Morpork. Where it licked the Wizards’ Quarter it burned blue and green and was even laced with strange sparks of the eighth color, octarine; where its o...

  4. #4

    Look Who's Back by Jamie Bulloch, Timur Vermes
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    In "Look Who's Back," Adolf Hitler mysteriously wakes up in Berlin in 2011, alive and well, and gives his views on life in modern Germany. Mistaken as a comedian, he becomes a celebrity with his own television program, all the while remaining deadly earnest about his beliefs. The book cleverly satirizes modern German society, media culture, and the deification of celebrities, while also delving into the absurdity and blandness of present-day society through the eyes of the infamous historical figure.

    The novel provides a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of how Hitler would navigate contemporary Germany, shedding light on the more ridiculous aspects of modern life and society. Through Hitler's interactions with the public, politicians, and TV executives, the book challenges readers to reflect on the absurdity, susceptibility, and unaddressed issues of our current society.

    I remember waking up; it must have been early afternoon. Opening my eyes I saw above me the sky, which was blue with the occasional cloud. It felt warm, and I sensed at once that it was too warm for A...

  5. #5

    The Seven Madmen by Roberto Arlt
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    The Seven Madmen by madman Roberto Arlt is a Latin American classic that follows the anti-hero Erdosain on an unhappy trip through Buenos Aires. The novel delves into themes of despair in modern society without spirituality or purpose, exploring the lives of criminals, sociopaths, and man babies who aim to take over the Argentinian government through false propaganda and establish a society based on industry and forced labor. The plot revolves around Erdosain's involvement in a bizarre criminal conspiracy orchestrated by The Astrologer, leading to a mysterious plan for a secret society and the takeover of the country.

    Waiting for him were the director, a short squat man with the head of a wild boar, grey hair cropped short in the style of Umberto I of Italy, and an implacable gaze that filtered through grey fish ey...

  6. #6

    Submission by Michel Houellebecq
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    Submission by Michel Houellebecq is a satirical novel set in a near future France where the Muslim Brotherhood forms a coalition and becomes the ruling party, leading to major societal changes such as the enforcement of Sharia law. The protagonist, Francois, a literature professor at the Sorbonne, navigates the new reality where women are marginalized, polygamy is encouraged, and non-Muslims face discrimination. The book delves into themes of societal exhaustion, political upheaval, and the protagonist's apathetic response to the changing world around him.

    Houellebecq's writing style in Submission is described as provocative, satirical, and thought-provoking. The novel offers a commentary on modern French society, secular values, and the impact of political shifts on individuals like Francois. Through dark humor and sharp observations, the author explores themes of cultural clash, ideological surrender, and the protagonist's self-absorbed perspective amidst societal transformation.

    A noise recalled him to Saint-Sulpice; the choir was leaving; the church was about to close. “I should have tried to pray,” he thought. “It would have been better than sitting here in the empty church...

  7. #7

    Invitation to a Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov
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    'Invitation to a Beheading' by Vladimir Nabokov is a surreal and Kafkaesque tale that follows the protagonist Cincinnatus C, who is sentenced to death for a crime that remains unspecified. The story unfolds in a dreamlike manner, blurring the lines between reality and imagination as Cincinnatus navigates his last days in prison, encountering bizarre events and characters. Nabokov's prose is described as uniquely beautiful, delving into the psyche of a man condemned to death by beheading, and inviting the reader to explore the freedom of imagination and the absurdity of life.

    In accordance with the law the death sentence was announced to Cincinnatus C. in a whisper. All rose, exchanging smiles. The hoary judge put his mouth close to his ear, panted for a moment, made the a...

  8. #8

    Undermajordomo Minor by Patrick deWitt
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    'Undermajordomo Minor' by Patrick deWitt is a quirky and whimsical tale that follows the adventures of Lucien Lucy Minor as he takes on the role of an apprentice majordomo at the Castle Von Aux. The story is described as a fable, with elements of a fractured fairy tale, magical realism, and dark humor. Readers encounter a cast of eccentric and offbeat characters in a setting that is both charming and bizarre, reminiscent of a European folk tale with a modern twist. DeWitt's writing style is noted for its humor, wit, and unique narrative voice that keeps readers engaged as they follow Lucy's journey through strange and unexpected encounters in the castle and the surrounding village.

    The plot unfolds slowly, with moments of charm, tenderness, and dark humor interspersed throughout the story. Readers are taken on a journey filled with surreal scenes, unexpected plot twists, and a touch of magical realism that adds depth to the narrative. Despite its whimsical nature, the book touches on themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a unique and entertaining reading experience that keeps readers guessing until the end.

    Lucien Minor’s mother had not wept, had not come close to weeping at their parting. All that day he’d felt a catch in his throat and his every movement was achieved in chary degrees, as though swift a...

  9. #9

    The Time Regulation Institute by Ahmet Hamdi Tanpinar
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    'The Time Regulation Institute' by Ahmet Hamdi Tanpinar is a novel set in early 20th-century Istanbul, depicting the clash between tradition and modernity in Turkey. Through a satirical lens, Tanpinar explores the challenges of merging old beliefs with modern ideologies, portraying a society in transition. The narrative follows the creation and downfall of an enterprise focused on regulating timepieces, reflecting the broader theme of globalization and societal change. The story is told through the eyes of a complex anti-hero, offering a blend of farce, philosophy, and political commentary.

    Tanpinar's writing style in 'The Time Regulation Institute' is characterized by vivid characters, eccentricities, and satirical humor. The novel captures the essence of Turkish society during a period of transformation, intertwining local color with universal themes. Despite challenges in translation, the book manages to resonate with readers by evoking a sense of recognition of their own world within the historical context of early 20th-century Turkey.

    Following my discharge from the army, I returned to Istanbul, where I found the city and its people much changed. Signs of poverty were everywhere; chaos and desperation reigned. My father had died in...

  10. #10

    Out There by Kate Folk
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    'Out There' is a collection of fifteen short stories that delve into bizarre and disturbing realities, exploring oddities within common experiences. The narratives range from interdimensional sleepwalking to reimaginings of Edgar Allan Poe, showcasing an over-caffeinated imagination that pushes boundaries. Each story presents a unique, speculative premise that challenges readers to consider how far the author, Kate Folk, is willing to take them into these surreal realms. The writing style is marked by a blend of humor and horror, often leaving readers captivated and unnerved, reminiscent of shows like Black Mirror.

    Folk's stories are rich with character development, presenting relatable yet flawed individuals navigating absurd situations that reflect deeper truths about technology, desire, and morality. The collection's diversity in storytelling approaches and lengths keeps readers engaged, from quick, frenetic tales to more introspective narratives. With themes of magic realism and speculative fiction, the stories resonate with familiar sentiments while twisting them into unsettling reflections of alternate realities, making 'Out There' a thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.


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