Books matching: alienation and isolation
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- #1
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... - #2
Save:The novel 'The Moviegoer' by Walker Percy follows the protagonist Binx Bolling, a young man living in New Orleans, who finds solace in movies and struggles with existential questions. Set during Mardi Gras week, Binx's introspective journey through alienation, faith, and the search for meaning is intertwined with his relationships and encounters in post-WWII New Orleans. The author's interest in existential philosophy is evident as Binx navigates his way through a world where reality and fantasy blur, leading to a deeper exploration of the human condition.
Percy's writing style in 'The Moviegoer' is described as exquisite, thought-provoking, and evocative, with a focus on character study and exploring existential themes. The novel presents a quiet yet striking narrative, filled with elegant prose that captures the complexities of Binx's inner struggles and the mundane extraordin or extraordinary world around him.
THIS MORNING I GOT a note from my aunt asking me to come for lunch. I know what this means. Since I go there every Sunday for dinner and today is Wednesday, it can mean only one thing: she wants to ha... - #3
Save:'Act of Passion' by Georges Simenon is a psychological thriller that takes the form of a letter written by a convicted killer to the judge who sentenced him. The killer narrates his descent into madness, detailing his troubled relationships with women and the events that led to the murder. The writing style is spare and devoid of unnecessary suspense-building tropes, yet it captivates the reader with its narrative tension and exploration of the killer's twisted mind.
- #4
Save:'After the Quake' by Haruki Murakami is a collection of short stories set between the Kobe earthquake and the Tokyo gas attacks of 1995. The stories delve into how these events have rippling effects on characters, exploring themes of loneliness, emptiness, and introspection. Murakami weaves magical realism and surreal elements into his narratives, creating a unique blend of the ordinary and supernatural that captivates readers.
The characters in the stories observe the earthquake through TV and news, leading to introspective journeys that touch on themes of love, friendship, and self-identity. Murakami's writing style is described as imaginative, creative, and masterful, painting intricate worlds with carefully chosen words. The collection provides a mix of surreal, realistic, and emotional stories that leave a lasting impact on readers, showcasing Murakami's ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate on both emotional and intellectual levels.
“So Masakichi got his paws full of honey—way more honey than he could eat by himself—and he put it in a bucket, and do-o-o-wn the mountain he went, all the way to the town to sell his honey. Masakichi... - #5
Save:"Burning Chrome" by William Gibson is a collection of short stories that define the subgenre of cyberpunk science fiction. The stories feature tech-savvy characters engaging in hacking, heists, and questionable behavior in a near-future dystopian setting. The writing style is described as gritty, real, and filled with sensory details that create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
Mercifully, the whole thing is starting to fade, to be-come an episode. When I do still catch the odd glimpse, it’s peripheral; mere fragments of mad-doctor chrome, confining themselves to the corner ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sprawl ) - #6
Save:'Die, My Love' by Ariana Harwicz is a dark and compelling novella that delves into the psyche of a woman struggling with depression and motherhood. The unnamed narrator, living in a rural French village, experiences a descent into madness with homicidal and suicidal thoughts, as well as recurrent delusions. The narrative explores the protagonist's internal struggles, her complex relationships with her family, and her desperate search for freedom and independence amidst a life she finds suffocating.
’m in my son’s room, lit by a faint blue light. I watch my nipple satisfying him with every slurp. My husband – I’ve got used to calling him that by now – is smoking outside. I hear the puffs at regul... - #7
Save:The novel 'The Dangling Man' by Saul Bellow is set in 1942, during World War II, where the protagonist, Joseph, a Canadian waiting to be called up for the US army, reflects on his situation and struggles to find purpose. The book delves into themes of alienation, existentialism, and the challenges of self-determination. Through Joseph's diary, readers experience his descent into madness and his internal conflicts as he navigates through a society that he feels disconnected from.
Bellow's writing in 'The Dangling Man' showcases flashes of brilliance, with a focus on existentialist themes and the inner turmoil of the protagonist. The narrative style is introspective, engaging, and thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the struggle for identity in a changing world.
- #8
Save:The novella 'Chess' by Stefan Zweig is a gripping and fascinating story about the world of chess, showcasing the different obsessions and experiences of individuals connected by the game. Set on a passenger ship bound for Buenos Aires, the narrative unfolds with the introduction of the world chess champion, Mirko Czentovic, and a mysterious amateur chess player who challenges him. As the story progresses, the depth of human emotions, the impact of obsession, and the symbolism of chess in relation to war and power are intricately explored, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking read.
The book delves into the psychological depths of its characters, particularly focusing on Dr. B and his experiences of solitary confinement, paralleling his struggles with the darker aspects of humanity. Through the lens of chess, Zweig skillfully weaves a tale that not only captures the excitement of the game but also delves into themes of power, obsession, and the complexities of the human mind, leaving readers enthralled by the intricacies of the narrative.
- #9
Save:"The Broken Bridge" by Philip Pullman is a coming-of-age novel that follows Ginny, a biracial teenage girl living in a small Welsh village with her white father. When secrets from the past emerge, Ginny's world is turned upside down as she discovers hidden truths about her family and herself. The book delves into themes of identity, race, family secrets, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque yet haunting Welsh landscape. Pullman's narrative skill captures teenage emotions of alienation and isolation, with a touch of the supernatural woven into the storyline.
ONE HOT DAY toward the end of the summer term in which Ginny had her sixteenth birthday, she got home from school to find Dad already there, talking to a stranger. Normally he didn’t get home till six... - #10
Save:Return From the Stars is a science fiction novel by Stanisław Lem that follows the story of Hal Bregg, an astronaut who returns to Earth after a 10-year space journey, only to find that over 100 years have passed due to time dilation effects. The book explores Hal's struggle to adapt to a radically changed society, filled with technological advancements and societal transformations. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, alienation, and the psychological impact of returning to a future Earth that is both familiar and unfamiliar to the protagonist.
The writing style in Return From the Stars has been described as thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating, offering a dystopic vision of the future that challenges readers to consider societal norms and human behavior. The book presents a nuanced portrayal of a future world where progress comes with real costs, intertwining social commentary with elements of high-speed space exploration and technological advancements.
I took nothing with me, not even a coat. Unnecessary, they said. They let me keep my black sweater: it would pass. But the shirt I had to fight for. I said that I would learn to do without things grad...
