Books matching: alienation and disconnection
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- #1
Save:Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre is a philosophical novel that delves into the existential crisis of the protagonist, Antoine Roquentin. The book is written in a diary-like format, detailing Roquentin's thoughts and experiences as he grapples with the meaninglessness of life and his own existence. The narrative explores themes of existentialism, self-reflection, and the struggle to find purpose in a world devoid of inherent meaning. Sartre's writing style is introspective and contemplative, presenting a deep dive into the inner workings of the protagonist's mind.
I think I’m the one who has changed: that’s the simplest solution. Also the most unpleasant. But I must finally realize that I am subject to these sudden transformations. The thing is that I rarely th... - #2
Save:The Orange Eats Creeps by Grace Krilanovich is a dark and poetic novel that follows the fragmented mind of the anti-heroine as she wanders aimlessly with a gang of young men in search of her missing sister, who may or may not be a vampire. The writing style is described as hallucinatory and stream-of-consciousness, blurring the lines between reality, fantasy, and metaphor. The narrative lacks a clear plot or linear continuity, with the protagonist's thoughts shifting between past, present, and abstract musings.
THE SUN IS SETTING. THE HOBO VAMPIRES ARE waking up, their quest for crank and blood is just beginning. Over the course of the frigid night they will roam the area surrounding the train stop looking f... - #3
Save:"No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai is a bleak and introspective novel that delves into the life of Oba Yozo, a character struggling with feelings of alienation and disconnection from society. The book explores themes of loneliness, suicide, and existential dread through Yozo's eyes as he navigates a world where he feels like an outsider. The writing style is described as powerful and impactful, with a narrative that captures the protagonist's internal turmoil and despair in a poignant manner.
I can’t even guess myself what it must be to live the life of a human being. I was born in a village in the Northeast, and it wasn’t until I was quite big that I saw my first train. I climbed up and d... - #4
Save:"Sea Monsters: A Novel" by Chloe Aridjis follows the story of 17-year-old Luisa who embarks on an adventure with a boy named Tomas in Mexico City in the late 1980s. The plot revolves around Luisa's journey to Oaxaca Zipolite in search of Ukrainian dwarves who disappeared from a Soviet circus. As she explores the coastal town with Tomas, their relationship fades, and Luisa finds herself drawn to a mysterious sand castle builder. The narrative is rich in language and imagery, focusing on the evocative descriptions of the waves, landscapes, and symbolic elements like iguanas and the Antikythera Mechanism.
The novel is a coming-of-age tale that delves into Luisa's search for adventure and self-discovery as she navigates through different relationships and encounters in a unique time and place. The author's poetic writing style and vivid descriptions create a captivating atmosphere that immerses readers in the emotional journey of the protagonist.
During the day I’d roam the shore, aimlessly, purposefully, and in search of digressions. The dogs. A hut. Boulders. Nude tourists. Scantily clad ones. Palm trees. Palapas. Sand sifting umber and adre... 'The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick' by Peter Handke follows the story of Joseph Bloch, a former soccer goalie turned construction worker, who embarks on a seemingly senseless journey through Austria's border region after leaving his job site under the belief that he has been fired. Bloch's actions are observed through a narrative perspective that filters out emotional responses, showcasing his detachment and lack of empathy towards others. The story takes a dreamlike and surreal turn when Bloch befriends a young woman at a cinema and unexpectedly strangles her, highlighting his disengagement from reality and society. Handke weaves a narrative that critiques modern society by suggesting that experiences are fragmented and distorted by language, leaving the reader with a creepy and absorbing portrayal of Bloch's unsettling journey.
WHEN JOSEPH BLOCH, a construction worker who had once been a well-known soccer goalie, reported for work that morning, he was told that he was fired. At least that was how he interpreted the fact that...- #6
Save:"Meditations in Green" by Stephen Wright follows the journey of James Griffin, a war veteran fixated on foliage, as he navigates through his experiences in Vietnam and struggles with the delayed effects of war on modern soldiers. The narrative interlaces Griffin's time in Vietnam, his life after the war, and his contemplation of all things green and leafy. The writing style is described as challenging, often hallucinatory, and filled with sarcastic wit that resonates through the story, capturing the absurdity and incomprehensible aspects of military life.
Griffin's character is portrayed as intelligent, skeptical, and academically bored, viewing the world through a lens of sarcasm and wit. is structured by chapters, each loosely broken into three parts focusing on the musings of a plant, life after Vietnam, and life in Vietnam as a soldier. The writing style is laid back yet crisp, with well-developed characters that feel real, engaging the reader in a banter common to all. The author, Stephen Wright, is praised for his excellent prose that skillfully portrays the collision of the psychedelic age and the Vietnam War, creating a hip and stylish narrative that never patronizes the war or its victims.
Here I am up in the window, that indistinguishable head you see listing toward the sun and waiting to be watered. Through a pair of strong field glasses you might be able to make out the color of my l... - #7
Save:Set in 1940s Japan, 'The Face of Another' by Kobo Abe tells the story of a scientist who suffers terrible facial injuries after a workplace accident. Alienated by society and even shunned by his wife, he painstakingly creates a lifelike mask to conceal his scars. Chronicling his return to society through notebooks and a letter to his wife, the narrative delves into insightful philosophies about literal and societal loss of face, along with detailed side journeys that explore the complexities of identity and self-perception.
The book is written in a diary format, providing a deep dive into the protagonist's psyche as he grapples with the implications of his disfigurement and the creation of a new identity through the mask. Abe's writing style is detailed and observational, offering sociological commentary and shifting points of view that provide a unique perspective on the concept of persona and the masks individuals wear in different social environments.
AT LAST you have come, threading your way through the endless passages of the maze. With the map you got from him, you have finally found your way to my hideaway—the first room at the top of the creak... - #8
Save:'The Forever War' by Joe Haldeman is a classic science fiction novel that explores the concept of a thousand-year space war between humans and an alien species. The book delves into the ups and downs of war, the impact on soldiers returning to a society they no longer feel connected to, and the disillusionment that follows. Written by an ex-Vietnam soldier, the novel is a compelling work that reflects on themes of romance, sexuality, and social changes, all set against the backdrop of a futuristic war.
The narrative of 'The Forever War' follows the protagonist through near-light-speed travels to various battles, each time returning to an Earth that has drastically changed due to time dilation effects. The story skillfully combines elements of action, military intrigue, and social commentary, creating a thought-provoking exploration of war in space and the consequences of relativity on both military action and societal evolution.
“Tonight we’re going to show you eight silent ways to kill a man.” The guy who said that was a sergeant who didn’t look five years older than me. So if he’d ever killed a man in combat, silently or ot... The Boy in the Earth is a novella that delves deep into the life of an unnamed twenty-something taxi driver in Tokyo, who recounts his tumultuous past from abandonment to his current state. Written in an existentialist tone, the narrative offers flashes of his troubled childhood marked by abuse and instability. The protagonist's monologue, with interjections from his alcoholic girlfriend, slowly reveals his self-destructive tendencies and disturbing memories, ultimately exploring themes of depression, alienation, and the search for meaning in life.
The author, Fuminori Nakamura, skillfully crafts a narrative that is both introspective and psychologically gripping. Through spare prose and in-depth character exploration, Nakamura presents a story that forces readers to confront themes of existential angst, societal alienation, and the complexities of human nature. The novella, while short in length, offers a profound examination of the protagonist's inner turmoil and the impact of his traumatic past on his present existence.
In the flood of headlights surrounding me, I saw that there was no escape. The motorcycles were just gunning their engines and watching me as I stood there, helpless to do anything. But I doubted that...- #10
Save:"A Personal Matter" by Kenzabur? ?e is a dark and raw novel that follows the story of Bird, a young man in Japan dealing with the birth of his son with a brain injury. The book delves into Bird's emotional struggles, self-absorption, and escapism through alcohol and past relationships, ultimately leading to a journey of transformation from immaturity to responsibility. The narrative explores themes of shame, despair, and courage in the face of personal tragedy, offering a brutally honest portrayal of human emotions and dilemmas.
The writing style of the book is described as intense, direct, and evocative, drawing readers into the stark realities of Bird's life and inner turmoil. The author, Oe, is praised for his poignant portrayal of complex characters, dark humor, and unflinching examination of difficult subjects like decay, cowardice, and the brutality of life. Despite the challenging subject matter, the book is commended for its powerful language, emotional depth, and exploration of universal human experiences.
BIRD, gazing down at the map of Africa that reposed in the showcase with the haughty elegance of a wild deer, stifled a short sigh. The salesgirls paid no attention, their arms and necks goosepimpled ...
