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Books matching: biting satire

96 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 96 
  1. #1

    The Sellout by Paul Beatty
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    'The Sellout' by Paul Beatty is a satirical novel that challenges societal norms and explores themes of race, belonging, and identity through the lens of a protagonist seeking to reinstitute segregation and slavery in his community. Set in an agrarian community in Los Angeles, the book delves into African American politics, using humor and irreverence to confront uncomfortable truths about racism in America. The novel features a unique writing style that blends biting satire, clever imagery, and provocative language to deliver a thought-provoking narrative that pushes readers to question societal conventions.

    I suppose that’s exactly the problem—I wasn’t raised to know any better. My father was (Carl Jung, rest his soul) a social scientist of some renown. As the founder and, to my knowledge, sole practitio...

  2. #2
    Indecent Exposure
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    Book 2 in the series:Piemburg

    Indecent Exposure - Piemburg by Tom Sharpe
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    Indecent Exposure by Tom Sharpe is a darkly humorous novel that satirizes the apartheid era in South Africa. The book follows a bungling South African police force navigating through chaotic situations in an apartheid-held state. Tom Sharpe's writing style is described as witty, original, and politically incorrect, with real laugh-out-loud moments that involve exploding ostriches and absurdly hilarious scenarios. The author's ability to mix apartheid and aversion therapy in a potable manner while maintaining a midnight black misanthropy and uproarious misanthropy sets the tone for this comedic masterpiece.

    It was Heroes Day in Piemburg and as usual the little capital of Zululand was quite unwarrantably gay. Along the streets the jacarandas bloomed unconscionably beside gardens flamboyant with azaleas wh...

    (Also, see 47 recommendations for the series Piemburg )

  3. #3

    The New Me by Halle Butler
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    'The New Me' by Halle Butler follows the life of Millie, a disaffected millennial working as a temp in an office setting. The book delves into Millie's struggles with personal hygiene, social interactions, and her aspirations to become a better version of herself. Through a darkly humorous lens, the narrative explores themes of office life, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by young adults in finding their place in the world.

    The author, Halle Butler, adopts a sharp and biting writing style to portray the mundane yet chaotic life of Millie. The novel offers a glimpse into the millennial experience, showcasing the protagonist's internal monologues, self-absorbed behaviors, and the subtle cruelties of everyday social interactions. As the story unfolds, Butler skillfully navigates Millie's journey towards self-improvement and self-awareness, painting a convincing portrait of a young woman at a crossroads in her life.

    In the windowless back offices of a designer furniture showroom, women stand in a circle, stuffed into ill-fitting black jeans, gray jeans, olive jeans, the ass cloth sagging one inch, two, below wher...

  4. #4
    Catch-22
    Book 1 in the series:Catch-22

    Catch-22 - Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
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    'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of a bombardier named Yossarian. The story delves into the absurdity and insanity of military life, highlighting the struggles of individuals trying to navigate through a world where life is cheap and the rules seem designed to ensure no escape from the horrors of war. Through a fragmented narrative style, the author weaves a darkly humorous tale that provides insights into the futility of war and the importance of self-preservation amidst chaos.

    The writing style of 'Catch-22' is characterized by its witty banter, dark humor, and satirical take on the bureaucracy and illogical reasoning prevalent in wartime. The narrative jumps between characters, time periods, and locations, creating a chaotic yet engaging reading experience. Heller's exploration of the themes of insanity, morality, and the absurdity of life is delivered through a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on the human condition.

    Yossarian was in the hospital with a pain in his liver that fell just short of being jaundice. The doctors were puzzled by the fact that it wasn’t quite jaundice. If it became jaundice they could trea...

  5. #5

    A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh
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    A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh is a darkly humorous satire focusing on the lives of the British aristocracy in the 1930s. The story revolves around the Last family, particularly Tony and Brenda Last, as their marriage disintegrates due to infidelity and moral decay. The novel transitions from a light drawing-room comedy to a deeper exploration of selfishness and amorality, culminating in a disturbing vision of the consequences of societal decadence. Waugh's keen observational writing style captures the shallow social niceties and moral depravity of the characters, leading to unexpected and unsettling plot twists.

    “No one I am thankful to say,” said Mrs. Beaver, “except two housemaids who lost their heads and jumped through a glass roof into the paved court. They were in no danger. The fire never properly reach...

  6. #6

    Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart
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    Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart is a satirical novel that follows the story of Misha Vainburg, an obese and almost Oedipal character, as he navigates the absurdities of trying to return to the US but getting stuck in the fictional former Soviet bloc country of Absurdistan. The book blends humor, satire, and dark themes while exploring the transition from socialism to capitalism in Eastern Europe. The narrative is filled with witty observations on modern and Soviet-era Russian culture, quirky characters like Alyosha Bob and Rouenna, and a mix of farce and satire set against a backdrop of political turmoil.

    I am Misha Borisovich Vainberg, age thirty, a grossly overweight man with small, deeply set blue eyes, a pretty Jewish beak that brings to mind the most distinguished breed of parrot, and lips so deli...

  7. #7

    Apathy and Other Small Victories by Paul Neilan
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    'Apathy and Other Small Victories' by Paul Neilan follows the life of a middle-aged man named Shane who is portrayed as apathetic, directionless, and cynical. The story revolves around Shane's encounters with suspected murder, dysfunctional relationships, and his mundane job as a temp in an insurance agency. The writing style is described as politically incorrect, irreverent, and full of dark humor, with the main character narrating his absurdly apathetic and comedic experiences.

    I was stealing saltshakers again. Ten, sometimes twelve a night, shoving them in my pockets, hiding them up my sleeves, smuggling them out of bars and diners and anywhere else I could find them. In th...

  8. #8

    Love in a Cold Climate - Radlett and Montdore by Nancy Mitford
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    'Love in a Cold Climate' by Nancy Mitford is a satirical novel set in the 1920s and 30s, revolving around the lives of the wealthy Montdore family and their social circle. The story is narrated by Fanny, who provides insights into the extravagant lifestyles, gossip, and societal norms of the aristocratic class. The plot follows the central character, Polly, as she navigates love, marriage, and societal expectations, while introducing colorful characters like Cedric Hampton, who bring humor and charm to the narrative.

    IAM OBLIGED TO begin this story with a brief account of the Hampton family, because it is necessary to emphasise the fact once and for all that the Hamptons were very grand as well as very rich. A sho...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Radlett and Montdore )

  9. #9

    The Penelopiad - Canongate's The Myths by Margaret Atwood
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    'The Penelopiad' by Margaret Atwood is a retelling of the myth of Penelope from Homer's Odyssey, narrated by Penelope herself from the Underworld in present day. The book provides a cleverly told autobiography, focusing on Penelope's perspective on Odysseus' adventures and the twelve maids hanged by Odysseus, who act as a traditional Greek chorus. Atwood's unique take on the story includes the theory that Penelope had the maids act as spies, adding a fascinating new dimension to this old tale.

    The narrative of 'The Penelopiad' offers a fresh and feminist perspective on the classic Greek myth, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggles faced by Penelope during Odysseus' absence. Through a combination of prose, verse, and chorus elements, Atwood weaves a story that delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of Penelope, shedding light on her character and the challenges she faced while waiting for her husband's return.

    Now that I’m dead I know everything. This is what I wished would happen, but like so many of my wishes it failed to come true. I know only a few factoids that I didn’t know before. Death is much too h...

  10. #10

    Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
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    Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a satirical novel that delves into themes of madness, racism, economic disparity, and free will. The story follows the meeting of Kilgore Trout, a science fiction writer, and Dwayne Hoover, a Pontiac dealer, at an art festival. Through a series of absurd and chaotic events, Trout ends up changing Hoover's life, leading to a journey that touches on various social issues and critiques American culture. Vonnegut's writing style is described as witty, satirical, and unconventional, with elements of dark humor and profound observations about humanity.

    The book features Vonnegut's signature style of short, simple sentences, interspersed with illustrations that break the fourth wall and add to the quirky nature of the narrative. Vonnegut's unique approach to storytelling includes meta elements where he appears as a character within the novel, manipulating the fate of the characters. Despite its meandering plot and unconventional structure, Breakfast of Champions offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and societal norms through Vonnegut's satirical lens.

    Actually, the sea pirates who had the most to do with the creation of the new government owned human slaves. They used human beings for machinery, and, even after slavery was eliminated, because it wa...

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