Books matching: bizarre plot
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas by Tom Robbins is a whimsical novel that blends fantastical scenarios with social commentary. The book follows a stockbroker named Gwen who embarks on a journey with a mysterious man named Larry Diamond, exploring themes of materialism, spirituality, and absurdity. Robbins' writing style in this novel is described as maniacal, poetic, and hypnotic, with characters that defy Earth's physics and a narrative that mixes magic realism with eccentricity.
The day the stock market falls out of bed and breaks its back is the worst day of your life. Or so you think. It isnt the worst day of your life, but you think it is. And when you give voice to that t... - #2
The Dance Of The Voodoo Handbag by Robert Rankin is a hilarious and absurd tale that follows a megalomaniacal media mogul's attempts at world domination, with the protagonist, a hero of multiple identities, pursuing the controller of necrosoft media and the voodoo handbag, a bizarre supernatural force. The narrative is filled with bizarre plot twists, nonsensical happenings, and a truckload of gags, keeping the readers entertained and engaged. The book is a first-person account with the author or a character of the same name as the main character, featuring Voodoo gods, a Guardian Sprout, and a madman bent on taking over the world in a setting that can be labeled as 'comic science fantasy.'
Robert Rankin's writing style in The Dance Of The Voodoo Handbag is loose, playful, and seemingly at odds with constructing a coherent narrative, yet it draws readers in with its outrageous characters, outrageous situations, and laugh-out-loud moments. The book is a clever mix of technology and religion, with a clever plotline that is quirky, funny, dark at times, and slapstick at others, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy Rankin's brand of humor.
‘Really? Yet in a taped interview with me earlier this month you claimed that by moving a biro in your top pocket, or putting paperclips on your ear, you could cause major events to occur’ — more case... - #3
A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz is a rollicking and epic novel that follows the lives of the Dean family, focusing on the complex relationship between the eccentric father Martin, infamous criminal uncle Terry, and the reflective son Jasper. The book is filled with bizarre plots, sharp twists, and a mix of black humor and heartbreak, offering a unique combination of adventurous storytelling and deep humanistic tragedy. Set in Australia but with detours to Thailand, the novel delves into themes of family dynamics, misanthropy, philosophy, and the complexities of human relationships, all wrapped in a package of outrageous characters and unpredictable plot developments.
I’ve been asked the same question again and again. Everyone wants to know the same thing: What was Terry Dean like as a child? They expect tales of kiddy violence and corruption in the heart of an inf... - #4
The Ark Sakura by Kobo Abe is a surreal and bizarre story that follows a character named Mole, who believes the world is on the brink of a nuclear holocaust and decides to build an ark in an abandoned quarry to save humanity. The plot is filled with absurd and original elements, including strange characters like an insect seller, a couple of shills, and a group of old men known as The Broom Brigade. The writing style is described as mesmerizing, imaginative, and darkly humorous, with a mix of dystopian vision and slapstick humor.
Once a month I go shopping downtown, near the prefectural offices. It takes me the better part of an hour to drive there, but since my purchases include a lot of specialized items—faucet packing, spar... - #5
'Every Heart a Doorway' by Seanan McGuire is a fantasy novella set at Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, where children who have visited fantasy worlds and returned to the real world gather. The story follows Nancy and other misfit children as they navigate the challenges of adjusting to reality after experiencing magical realms. The writing style is described as beautiful, lyrical, and seamlessly weaving world-building and character development to explore themes of self-acceptance, fitting in, and longing for a place to call home.
THE HABIT OF NARRATION, of crafting something miraculous out of the commonplace, was hard to break. Narration came naturally after a time spent in the company of talking scarecrows or disappearing cat... - #6
'The Republic of Wine' by Mo Yan is a dark comedy, detective novel, and an existential exploration of China's transformation over the past thirty years. The book weaves together multiple threads, including the story of an investigator sent to Liquorland to investigate reports of babies being eaten, an exchange of letters between Mo Yan and a Doctor of Liquor Studies in Liquorland who is also an amateur writer, and the stories the amateur writer sends to Mo Yan. These threads culminate in a hallucinatory ending that leaves many aspects unresolved, creating an immersive and bizarre narrative experience. Mo Yan creates the world of Liquorland, a province characterized by extreme gluttony, alcoholism, and grotesque practices, utilizing absurd scenes filled with humor, horror, and satire to explore complex themes through the lens of food and drink.
Special Investigator Ding Gou’er of the Higher Procuratorate climbed aboard a Liberation truck and set out for the Mount Luo Coal Mine to undertake a special investigation. He was thinking so hard as ... - #7
'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang is a haunting and disturbing tale told in three parts from different perspectives, focusing on a young Korean woman named Yeong hye who decides to become a vegetarian after a disturbing dream. This decision sets off a series of events that lead to a slow decline in Yeong hye's mental and physical health, causing turmoil within her family and society. The writing style is stark, depressing, and beautifully constructed, delving into themes of alienation, mental illness, societal oppression, and the impact of personal choices on relationships.
The deep oxblood curtain fell over the stage. The dancers waved their hands so vigorously the whole row became a blur of movement, with individual figures impossible to make out. Though the applause w... - #8
'The Bridge' by Iain M. Banks is a surreal and complex novel that follows a man named John Orr who wakes up on a mysterious bridge with complete amnesia after a car crash. Throughout the book, Orr navigates through a world of dreams, reality, and unknown territories as he tries to piece together his identity and memories. The narrative weaves between different layers of consciousness, blurring the lines between dreams and waking life, ultimately leading to a surprising revelation at the end. Banks' writing style intricately explores themes of identity, memory, and the human experience within a fantastical and atmospheric setting.
The dark station, shuttered and empty, echoed to the distant, fading whistle of the departing train. In the grey evening light the whistle sounded damp and cold, as though the cloud of exhausted steam... - #9
Ian McEwan's 'The Children Act' follows the life of Fiona Maye, a family court judge facing both personal and professional challenges. Her husband requests an open marriage while she must decide whether a 17-year-old Jehovah's Witness should receive a life-saving blood transfusion against his wishes. Through Fiona's narrative, the book delves into themes of obsession, love, and the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The writing style is described as vivid, fluid, and dynamic, capturing Fiona's inner turmoil and the weight of her decisions.
LONDON. TRINITY TERM one week old. Implacable June weather. Fiona Maye, a High Court judge, at home on Sunday evening, supine on a chaise longue, staring past her stockinged feet toward the end of the... - #10
'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka is a dark and surreal novella that follows the story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. The narrative delves into how his family reacts to this bizarre event and explores themes of isolation, societal expectations, and the complexities of family dynamics. Kafka's writing style is described as absurd, realistic, and thought-provoking, with the ability to leave readers pondering over the deeper meanings and symbolism within the story.
WHEN GREGOR SAMSA WOKE ONE MORNING from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed right there in his bed into some sort of monstrous insect. He was lying on his back—which was hard, like a carapac...