Books matching: beautiful and lyrical writing
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.
MY FATHER WAS A KING AND THE SON OF KINGS. HE was a short man, as most of us were, and built like a bull, all shoulders. He married my mother when she was fourteen and sworn by the priestess to be fru... - #2
Save:'The Girl Who Drank the Moon' by Kelly Barnhill is a beautifully written tale that weaves together elements of good and evil, featuring characters like a swamp monster, a tiny dragon, a good witch, a bad witch, and babies left in the forest who drank starlight. The story follows Luna, a girl who was accidentally fed moonlight instead of starlight, and her coming of age journey through fairy tales. The plot unfolds in a magical world where Luna is raised by an adoptive family consisting of a kind witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon, while facing challenges from the oppressive village of the Protectorate.
Normally, the Day of Sacrifice came and went with all the pomp and gravity that it ought. The children were given over without protest. Their numb families mourned in silence, with pots of stew and no... - #3
Save:'Suttree' by Cormac McCarthy is a novel that follows Cornelius Suttree, a man who abandons his affluent family to live among outcasts along the Tennessee riverfront in Knoxville. The book delves into the episodic experiences of Suttree as he interacts with a variety of eccentric characters living on the fringes of society, showcasing a mix of tragedy and hope. McCarthy's writing style in 'Suttree' is described as dense, wordy, and filled with rich prose that vividly recreates the setting of Knoxville in the 1950s.
The novel is praised for its profound and surreal prose that transports the reader to the South, blending grim descriptions of poverty with punctuations of humor. It is noted for its depiction of Southern Gothic elements and the character of Cornelius Suttree, who leads a simple life as an impoverished fisherman amidst a cast of shady characters. The book is considered a must-read for fans of Southern literature, offering a unique exploration of societal outcasts and the complexities of human nature.
Peering down into the water where the morning sun fashioned wheels of light, coronets fanwise in which lay trapped each twig, each grain of sediment, long flakes and blades of light in the dusty water... - #4
Save:'The Surrendered' by Chang-rae Lee is a poignant novel that delves into the lives of three main characters - June, Hector, and Sylvie - whose paths cross at an orphanage during the Korean War. The narrative spans different time periods, exploring themes of war, love, loss, and the enduring effects of trauma. Lee's writing style seamlessly weaves together past and present, creating a compelling and emotionally charged story that captures the struggles and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
T H E J O U R N E Y W A S N E A R L Y O V E R . The night was unusually chilly, the wind sharpened by the speed of the train as it rolled southward through the darkened valley. The cotton blanket June... - #5
Save:The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a magical tale set in a mysterious circus that appears at night, showcasing wonders and illusions that captivate visitors. The story revolves around two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are pawns in a larger game orchestrated by their mentors. As the competition unfolds, the circus becomes the stage for their magical duel, intertwining their fates and the lives of those around them. The narrative weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that transports readers to a world filled with enchantment and intrigue.
The writing style of The Night Circus is described as rich in imagery, with vivid descriptions that bring the circus to life in the reader's mind. The book is praised for its unique structure, alternating between different points of view and time frames, creating a sense of fluidity and adding depth to the storytelling. Despite some opinions noting the complexity of the plot and characters, the book is commended for its imaginative world-building, engaging prose, and the magical love story between Celia and Marco that unfolds amidst the backdrop of the enchanting circus.
The man billed as Prospero the Enchanter receives a fair amount of correspondence via the theater office, but this is the first envelope addressed to him that contains a suicide note, and it is also t... - #6
Save:The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a novel that delves into the life of a Vietnamese man who works as a spy for the North Vietnamese Viet Cong while residing in South Vietnam and the United States. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the fall of Saigon and portrays the struggles faced by Vietnamese refugees in America. The narrative is characterized by a mix of dark humor, biting satire, and vivid descriptions of war-torn Vietnam, offering a unique perspective on the Vietnam War and its aftermath.
The protagonist, a complex character with mixed heritage, is caught in a web of personal conflicts revolving around loyalty, friendship, identity, and the blurred lines between good and bad. Through the protagonist's journey, the book explores themes of colonialism, American culture, immigration, and the devastating impact of war on individuals and societies. The writing style is sharp, insightful, and at times brutal, immersing readers in a narrative that challenges simplistic notions of morality and patriotism.
I am a spy, a sleeper, a spook, a man of two faces. Perhaps not surprisingly, I am also a man of two minds. I am not some misunderstood mutant from a comic book or a horror movie, although some have t... - #7
Save:'Call Me By Your Name' is a tender and intense love story between seventeen-year-old Elio and the older graduate student Oliver, set against the backdrop of a lazy Italian summer. The book beautifully captures the nuances of desire, fear, and illogical emotions experienced during first love. The narrative delves into Elio's deep-seated infatuation with Oliver, their mutual attraction, and the emotional turmoil of unrequited love, culminating in a bittersweet reflection on their relationship years later. Aciman's writing style is described as poetic, artfully artless, and masterful in portraying the emotions and thoughts of the characters.
I shut my eyes, say the word, and I’m back in Italy, so many years ago, walking down the tree-lined driveway, watching him step out of the cab, billowy blue shirt, wide-open collar, sunglasses, straw ... - #8
Save:Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen is a whimsical and enchanting tale set in North Carolina, focusing on the lives of two sisters, Claire and Sydney Waverley. The story revolves around their family's unusual gifts and the magical garden they tend to, including an apple tree that plays a central role in their lives. The book combines elements of love, family, magic, and self-discovery, creating a charming and heartwarming narrative that explores themes of relationships, acceptance, and the power of familial bonds.
The author, Sarah Addison Allen, weaves a story that is both light-hearted and magical, blending everyday life with mystical elements seamlessly. Through the characters of Claire and Sydney, readers are taken on a journey of reconnecting with the past, embracing their unique abilities, and finding solace in the bonds of sisterhood. With a touch of romance, a sprinkle of fantasy, and a dash of Southern charm, Garden Spells offers a delightful escape into a world where the ordinary is intertwined with the extraordinary.
Every smiley moon, without fail, Claire dreamed of her childhood. She always tried to stay awake those nights when the stars winked and the moon was just a cresting sliver smiling provocatively down a... - #9
Save:In a future where medical science has eradicated most diseases, 'The Continuous Katherine Mortenhoe' explores the life of Katherine Mortenhoe, a middle-aged woman diagnosed with a rare terminal illness. As she faces her impending death, she becomes the target of a reality TV show, highlighting the voyeuristic nature of society. The book delves into themes of mortality, privacy, and the exploitation of human suffering for entertainment. Through well-developed characters like Katherine and Roddie, the author, D.G. Compton, presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges societal norms and explores the impact of technology on human relationships.
The writing style in 'The Continuous Katherine Mortenhoe' is engaging and filled with deep and resonant ideas. Compton skillfully weaves together themes of voyeurism, human dignity, and the necessity of death and grief in our lives. The plot, set in a near-future world, offers a prescient commentary on reality television and the loss of humanity in a society obsessed with fame and voyeuristic sensationalism.
- #10
Save:'Of Beast and Beauty' by Stacey Jay is a unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in a dystopian world where two conflicting groups, the Smooth Skins and the Monstrous, struggle to coexist on a planet with a curse that could either unite or destroy them. The story follows Princess Isra, a blind queen, and Gem, a Monstrous boy, as they navigate their complex relationship amidst secrets, lies, and societal divides. The book combines elements of science fiction and fantasy, with a mix of romance, folklore, and world-building that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The narrative of 'Of Beast and Beauty' alternates between beautiful writing that delves into wondrous legends and plain storytelling that focuses on the evolving relationship between Isra and Gem. Readers are taken on a journey filled with plot twists, character development, and a blend of magical and dystopian elements that create a captivating and original retelling of a classic fairy tale. Stacey Jay's writing style immerses readers in a world where nothing is as it seems, exploring themes of prejudice, sacrifice, and the complexities of love in a visually rich and emotionally engaging manner.
THE city is beautiful tonight. I can tell by the smells drifting through Needle’s open window—the last of the autumn flowers clinging to their stalks, their perfume crisper and cleaner than the summer...
