Books matching: atmosphere of unease
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- #1
Save:'Lost Boys' by Orson Scott Card follows the Fletcher family as they move to a small North Carolina town, facing challenges with their new jobs, school, and mysterious occurrences. The story delves into themes of family dynamics, religious beliefs, and the unsettling disappearance of young boys in the town. The writing style is described as slow-building, with a mix of horror elements, emotional depth, and a focus on the intricate details of the characters' lives.
This is the car they drove from Vigor, Indiana, to Steuben, North Carolina: a silvery-grey Renault 18i deluxe wagon, an '81 model with about forty thousand miles on it, twenty- five thousand of which ... 'Ancient Sorceries and Other Weird Stories' by Algernon Blackwood is a collection of eerie and fantastic tales that mix creepy and fantastic elements to create exciting stories. The stories feature supernatural encounters, psychological tension, and a deep connection to nature, drawing readers into a world of nameless dread and mysterious forces beyond comprehension. Blackwood's writing style is described as imaginative, charming, and accessible, reminiscent of Stephen King's original short stories and novellas.
The best of Blackwood’s short story collections are his early volumes: The Empty House and Other Ghost Stories (1906), The Listener and Other Stories (1907), John Silence—Physician Extraordinary (1908...- #3
Save:The Comfort of Strangers by Ian McEwan is a short, intense novel set in Venice, following the story of Colin and Mary, an unmarried couple on vacation. Their holiday takes a dark turn when they meet a mysterious and charismatic man named Robert, leading to a series of disturbing events that challenge their relationship. The book is described as a psychological thriller with elements of suspense, violence, and manipulation, expertly crafted to evoke a sense of foreboding and tension. McEwan's writing style is praised for its haunting atmosphere, descriptive powers, and ability to delve into the inner workings of personal relationships while maintaining a sense of unease throughout the narrative.
EACH AFTERNOON, when the whole city beyond the dark green shutters of their hotel windows began to stir, Colin and Mary were woken by the methodical chipping of steel tools against the iron barges whi... - #4
Save:"History of Wolves" by Emily Fridlund is a haunting novel that follows the life of Linda, a teenage girl with a complex upbringing in rural Minnesota. Raised in the aftermath of a failed commune, Linda navigates through isolation, strange relationships, and dark secrets. The story weaves together themes of parental neglect, cult beliefs, and the destructive power of ideologies, all seen through Linda's unique perspective as she tries to make sense of the world around her.
The narrative unfolds through multiple timelines, blending Linda's teenage years with her adult reflections, creating a layered exploration of loneliness, harm, and the search for belonging. Fridlund's evocative writing style captures the eerie beauty of the Minnesota woods, setting the stage for a gripping tale that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the lasting impact of our formative experiences.
IT’S NOT THAT I NEVER THINK ABOUT PAUL. He comes to me occasionally before I’m fully awake, though I almost never remember what he said, or what I did or didn’t do to him. In my mind, the kid just plo... - #5
Save:'The Inverted World' by Christopher Priest is a science fiction novel that follows Helward Mann as he navigates a mysterious world where the city he lives in must constantly move on rails to survive. The book presents a unique setting where the laws of physics are distorted, and the narrative unfolds through a series of revelations that challenge both the protagonist and the reader's perception of reality. Priest's writing style is described as detailed, scientific, and intricate, creating a surreal and compelling atmosphere that keeps readers engaged till the end.
I had reached the age of six hundred and fifty miles. Beyond the door the guildsmen were assembling for the ceremony in which I would be admitted as a guild apprentice. It was a moment of excitement a... - #6
Save:'The House Next Door' by Anne Rivers Siddons is a haunting tale of a malevolent house that brings out the worst in its inhabitants. Set in a suburban Atlanta neighborhood, the story follows the Kennedy family and their neighbors as they witness mysterious and horrifying events unfold in the modern house next door. As families come and go, tragedy strikes each one, leading Colquitt and Walter Kennedy to uncover the evil force dwelling within the walls of the house. Written in a suspenseful and eerie style, the book explores themes of fear, unease, and the consequences of living near a house that seems to feed on the people around it.
The narrative is filled with tension and a sense of escalating eerieness, drawing readers in with its atmospheric horror elements. Through the eyes of the characters, readers experience the chilling effects of the haunted house, where deepest desires manifest and nightmares come true. Siddons' skillful writing captures the psychological terror of the situation, keeping readers on edge and anxious as they navigate the malevolent forces at play in 'The House Next Door.'
CLAIRE SWANSON from two doors up was the first one to tell me about the Harralson house. She and Roger have lived in the yellow Dutch colonial for years, far longer than we’ve been in ours. Claire is ... - #7
Save:'The Twelve' by Stuart Neville, also known as 'The Ghosts of Belfast', delves into the dark and violent world of Northern Ireland after the Troubles, where former paramilitaries have turned to organized crime. The protagonist, Gerry Fegan, haunted by the ghosts of his past victims, seeks redemption by taking on a mission of vengeance against those who ordered him to commit heinous acts. The novel intricately weaves together themes of guilt, violence, corruption, and the complexities of maintaining peace in a politically turbulent region. Through a gripping and intense narrative, Stuart Neville paints a vivid picture of a post-conflict society grappling with its violent past.
Stuart Neville's writing style in 'The Twelve' is described as gritty, captivating, and complex, offering a nuanced look at a politically difficult period in Ireland's evolution. The novel is praised for its immersive storytelling, rich character development, and its ability to shed light on the historical and sectarian violence that has shaped the city of Belfast. expertly navigates the themes of revenge, redemption, and the psychological toll of past atrocities, providing readers with a thought-provoking and compelling narrative that explores the blurred lines between good and evil in a morally ambiguous world.
Maybe if he had one more drink they’d leave him alone. Gerry Fegan told himself that lie before every swallow. He chased the whiskey’s burn with a cool black mouthful of Guinness and placed the glass ... - #8
Save:The Night of the Moonbow by Thomas Tryon is a compassionate and gripping tale set in a boys' summer camp during the mid-30s. The story follows characters like Leo and Tiger, offering a view into life at a 1930s boys camp, complete with engaging characters and historical accuracy. The book delves into themes of friendship, adolescence, courage, and trauma, all beautifully written with a touch of psychological horror that adds depth to the narrative.
- #9
Save:'The Chain of Chance' by Stanisław Lem is a mystery novel that delves into philosophical and scientific issues, involving a series of strange deaths that lead to a former astronaut deciding to investigate. The story is described as a blend of science fiction and mystery, with a unique premise that explores the concept of a crime resulting from an improbable but possible chain of chance circumstances. Lem's writing style is noted for its complexity and precision, with the novel challenging readers' preconceptions about how the world works through a thought-provoking storyline that involves chaos theory and patterns in life and nature.
The last day was by far the longest and most drawn out. Not that I was nervous or scared; I had no reason to be. Surrounded by a multilingual crowd, I felt lonely the whole time. No one took any notic... - #10
Save:'The Cannibal' by John Hawkes is a masterpiece of oblique anxiety and despair, featuring events that are much more unhinged than in Kafka, with whom Hawkes is sometimes compared. The writing style is described as heavy on symbolism, shooting back and forth from Germany in 1918 to 1945, reminiscent of Ageyev or Böll. The novel presents a surreal nightmare atmosphere, with a plot that is challenging and compelling, set in the chaotic aftermath of Post World War II Germany and earlier in World War I. The narrative is described as fragmented, with intensely poetic detail that the reader must stitch together to make sense of the story.
Beyond the edge of town, past tar-covered poor houses and a low hill bare except for fallen electric poles, was the institution, and it sent its delicate and isolated buildings trembling over the grav...
