Books matching: classic influences
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- #1
In "A Study in Charlotte," the modern-day descendants of Holmes and Watson, Charlotte Holmes and James Watson, meet at a New England boarding school and find themselves framed for murder. The story blends a Holmesian mystery with young adult romance, offering a fresh twist where Charlotte is portrayed as a troubled drug user and Jamie as a rugby player. The plot progresses with a mix of Sherlock Holmes references and a dark, contemporary narrative, exploring themes of drug addiction, mystery-solving, and teenage relationships.
THE FIRST TIME I MET HER WAS AT THE TAIL END OF ONE OF those endless weekday nights you could only have at a school like Sherringford. It was midnight, or just after, maybe, and I’d spent the last few... - #2
'The Odyssey: A Modern Sequel' by Nikos Kazantzakis is a lengthy and intense epic poem that has been compared to the works of Dante and Goethe. The writing style is described as powerful and poetic, with rich metaphors and philosophical depth. follows the character Odysseus on a journey that blends elements of reality and dreamlike sequences, offering a unique perspective on the hero's adventures.
Just before Kazantzakis began to write the Odyssey, he completed a small book, perhaps best titled The Saviors of God and subtitled Spiritual Exercises, where in a passionate and poetic style, yet in ... - #3
'Sunburn' by Laura Lippman follows the story of Polly Costello, a mysterious woman with a troubled past, who leaves her family and ends up in a small town in Delaware. There, she meets Adam, a private investigator hired to follow her, and as they become emotionally involved, their secrets gradually unravel. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing layers of deception, betrayal, and unexpected twists reminiscent of classic noir fiction. Lippman's writing style intricately weaves details about the characters' pasts, motivations, and relationships, creating a compelling and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engrossed until the surprising conclusion.
It’s the sunburned shoulders that get him. Pink, peeling. The burn is two days old, he gauges. Earned on Friday, painful to the touch yesterday, today an itchy soreness that’s hard not to keep fingeri... - #4
In "Banewreaker" by Jacqueline Carey, the story unfolds in a world sundered during a war between seven Shapers, leaving one shaper on the world while the others flee to an island. As a prophecy that could bring an end to the world begins to unfold, the author introduces a cast of characters with intricate storylines. The narrative delves into a mythology that challenges the notions of good and evil in a typical epic fantasy setting, focusing on the hearts and minds of every side, especially that of the Enemy. The book offers a deep and striking reimagining of a classic quest tale, with a heavy, portentous tone that carries the reader along, exploring themes of passion, morality, fate, loyalty, honor, love, and hatred.
Carey's writing style in "Banewreaker" is described as eloquent and suitable for the fantasy genre, showcasing her ability to create a world filled with unique elements and complex characters. The book presents a deliberately derivative mythology that weaves together remarkable nuances and emotional depth, offering a fresh perspective on the traditional fantasy narrative through the lens of the villains, challenging readers to question the traditional notions of good and evil.
It was like an unlit mirror, that floor, polished to a high gleam. The archways were vast, not built to a human scale. All along the walls the marrow-fire burned, delicate veins of blue-white against ... - #5
'Why Read the Classics?' by Italo Calvino is a collection of essays where the author explores and analyzes various classic literary works, ranging from Homer to Borges and many other authors. Calvino delves into the significance of classic literature, providing personal insights and reflections on the timeless nature of these works. The essays cover a wide array of authors and genres, offering readers a deep dive into the Western Canon and the importance of revisiting classic texts.
Calvino's writing style in 'Why Read the Classics?' is described as engaging, insightful, and thought-provoking. He combines literary criticism with personal anecdotes, making the essays both informative and entertaining for readers. is structured around the author's reflections on classic works, offering a unique perspective on the value and relevance of timeless literature.
Eleven of the thirty-six essays in this book have appeared in English before. The justification for retranslating those eleven pieces stems from the desire to provide an integral English version that ... - #6
Darker Than You Think by Jack Williamson is a classic horror novel that delves into the world of shapeshifters and werewolves. The story follows Will Barbee, a newspaper writer, as he unravels a mysterious murder and discovers his own connection to the supernatural events unfolding around him. Set in the 1940s, the novel weaves elements of folklore, anthropology, archeology, and quantum physics into a gripping narrative that blurs the lines between reality and madness. Williamson's writing style captures the essence of a bygone era, creating a dark and atmospheric tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The girl came up to Will Barbee while he stood outside of the glass-and-stucco terminal building at Trojan Field, Clarendon's new municipal airport, hopefully watching the leaden sky for a glimpse of ... - #7
Set during the late 1930s at the height of the Stalinist purges, 'The Case of Comrade Tulayev' follows the aftermath of the assassination of a high party official, Comrade Tulayev, by an anonymous clerk. The book delves into the series of prosecutions of innocent party members, the elicitation of false confessions, and the far-reaching effects of the purges on ordinary Soviet people. Through a diverse cast of characters, the novel explores the senseless horror and justification of the purges, shedding light on the complexities of the aftermath of the October Revolution.
Victor Serge's writing style in 'The Case of Comrade Tulayev' is described as broad, empathetic, and reminiscent of classical Russian narrative, moving through a selection of characters who serve as metaphors for the unity of the Soviet people. The book is praised for its exploration of the utopian ideals of the October Revolution, the philosophical punch in the concluding pages, and the author's ability to intertwine individual stories within the broader context of Stalin's Russia.
How to explain the obscurity of one of the most compelling of twentieth-century ethical and literary heroes, Victor Serge? How to account for the neglect of The Case of Comrade Tulayev, a wonderful no... - #8
'Inkdeath' is the final installment in the 'Inkworld' trilogy by Cornelia Funke. The book delves into a dark and intense narrative where characters from the real world interact with those from a fictional adventure story. The plot is filled with action, complex relationships, and magical elements. The writing style is described as immersive, with detailed world-building and well-rounded characters that evolve throughout the story.
Hark, the footsteps of the night Fade in silence long. Quiet chirps my reading light Like a cricket’s song. Books inviting us to read On the bookshelves stand. Piers for bridges that will lead Into fa...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Inkworld ) - #9
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke is a collection of ten letters written to a young aspiring poet, Franz Xaver Kappus. Rilke imparts his thoughts on living life to its fullest potential while staying true to oneself. The book provides insights into the philosophies of writing and life in general, offering practical advice, reflections on solitude, love, personal growth, and the nature of being an artist or a writer. Rilke's writing style is characterized by its wisdom, compassion, and poetic prose, delving into topics such as the value of solitude, the pursuit of art, and the essence of human existence.
Your letter only reached me a few days ago. Let me thank you for the great and endearing trust it shows. There is little more I can do. I cannot go into the nature of your verses, for any critical int... - #10
Brethren is a historical fiction novel set in the late 1600s Caribbean, following the adventurous journey of William Marsdale, a buccaneer who finds unexpected love and companionship with Gaston. The story is rich in detail, featuring well-developed characters and intricate relationships, all set against a backdrop of action-packed adventures at sea. The writing style is immersive, with descriptive language that brings the time period to life and a plot that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.
To my dismay, I was apprised in a little market in Turin that France was at war with England. I abandoned my identity as Ulysses, adopted Austrian papers and accent, and headed for Paris anyway, as I ...