Books matching: complex interpersonal relationships
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:A Trouble of Fools by Linda Barnes introduces readers to Carlotta Carlyle, an ex-cop turned private investigator who takes on a case from an elderly woman named Miss Margaret Devens to find her missing brother, Eugene. As Carlotta delves into the investigation, she uncovers a complex mystery that leads to unexpected twists and turns. The book is praised for its well-developed characters, engaging writing style, and a plot that keeps readers hooked until the end.
- #2
Save:The Broken Bubble by Philip K. Dick is a realist novel set in the 1950s that delves into the complexities of relationships and adultery. The story follows the intertwined lives of two couples, Jim and Patricia, and Art and Rachael, as they navigate love, infidelity, and emotional turmoil. Through seemingly unrelated incidents and characters, the novel explores themes of love, confusion, and the impact of societal norms on individual relationships. With a mix of believable characters and unexpected plot twists, Philip K. Dick weaves a tale that challenges traditional narratives of adultery and love.
- #3
Save:The Sunlight Dialogues is a novel set in upstate New York in the town of Batavia, published in 1972. The story revolves around the police chief and a mysterious drifter, with a multitude of various family members, town citizens, and officials drawn into unexplainable incidents. The book delves into issues that divided the country in the 1960s, exploring conservative fear of change, generational differences, and societal tensions. It is described as a cautionary tale similar to 1984, offering a thought-provoking examination of characters and themes set in a bucolic yet complex environment.
- #4
Save:"Searching for Caleb" by Anne Tyler delves into the lives of the Peck family, portraying a narrative filled with eccentric characters and intricate family dynamics. Justine and Duncan, cousins in the Peck family, embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration, grappling with the concepts of change versus stasis and the complexities of their family's history. Through the use of everyday events and interactions, Anne Tyler intricately weaves a tale that explores the themes of family ties, unconventional relationships, and the search for identity within the constraints of familial expectations.
- #5
Save:In "A Bride's Story, Vol. 4," readers are introduced to the bold and strong twins, Laila and Leily, who are loud, unpredictable, and always looking out for their best interest. The story is set near the Aral Sea and follows the mischievous and resourceful twins as they save Mr. Smith from drowning and bring him to their village under the pretense of him being a 'doctor.' This ploy is meant to attract potential suitors for the girls to inspect, as they feel their father isn't doing enough to find them husbands. The plot, although seemingly conventional and backwards, fits well with the time period and setting, showcasing the unique personalities of the characters.
The book is praised for its historically breathtaking artwork and a story described as gentle as a summer wind. Readers enjoy the stunning artistry that accompanies the narrative, with intricate details in the character's clothing and beautiful illustrations that bring the world to life. The intertwining of the story and artwork draws readers in, creating an immersive experience that is both engaging and educational about women in Asian culture during that time period.
- #6
Save:"Dhalgren" by Samuel R. Delany is a dense and challenging novel that defies easy categorization. Set in the city of Bellona, the book explores themes of post-apocalyptic surrealism, sexuality, race, and societal collapse through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist. The narrative is described as circular and dreamlike, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Delany's writing style is noted for its poetic descriptions, vivid imagery, and experimental structure that plays with the concept of time and space.
Beginning in this tone, for us, is a little odd, but such news stands out, to your editor's mind, as the impressive occurrence in our eccentric history. Ernest Newboy, the most notable English-languag... - #7
Save:'The Green Knight' by Iris Murdoch revolves around a complex web of relationships and events involving characters like Lucas, Clement, Bellamy, Louise Anderson, and her three daughters. The story explores themes of love, redemption, madness, and mysticism, all woven into a narrative that is sometimes funny and magically real. Set in England, the book features attempted murder, mysterious interventions, and a sense of impending loss that adds an odd edge to the plot.
‘I can. But your kind of unhappiness must cure itself. You have a healing substance in your own body and soul, it is called courage. Your mother has it too. Call upon it, let it flow. Besides you are ... - #8
Save:As She Climbed Across the Table by Jonathan Lethem is a quirky and satirical novel that follows the story of Philip, an anthropology professor, whose physicist girlfriend, Alice, falls in love with a mysterious void named Lack created in her physics lab. The book explores themes of love, academia, and the nature of reality through the lens of a unique love triangle involving a physicist, a social scientist, and 'nothing'. Lethem's writing style combines cleverness, humor, and wit to create a story that delves into the complexities of relationships and human emotions while incorporating elements of science fiction and academic satire.
I knew my way to Alice. I knew where to find her. I walked across campus that night writing a love plan in my head, a map across her body to follow later, when we were back in our apartment. It wouldn... - #9
Save:'The Broom of the System' by David Foster Wallace is a novel that delves into the life of Lenore Beadsman, a young woman dealing with a variety of complex relationships and personal struggles. The story is filled with bizarre characters, intricate plot threads, and a mix of humor and philosophical musings. The narrative explores themes of language, metaphysical reality, and the limitations of human experience through a blend of witty dialogue and clever storytelling techniques.
The writing style in 'The Broom of the System' is described as inventive, funny, and at times adolescent, showcasing Wallace's early enthusiasm for experimenting with language and narrative structure. The novel is praised for its complex storytelling, multi-layered plot, and humorous vignettes that offer insights into contemporary reality through a lens of absurdity and wit.
Most really pretty girls have pretty ugly feet, and so does Mindy Metalman, Lenore notices, all of a sudden. They’re long and thin and splay-toed, with buttons of yellow callus on the little toes and ... - #10
Save:'Nearly a Lady' in the series 'Haverston Family' by Alissa Johnson follows the story of Winnefred Blythe, a neglected ward who is living in poverty in Scotland. When Gideon Haverston, a war veteran with his own emotional struggles, is sent to make reparations on behalf of his family, Winnefred is taken to London for a season she never had, accompanied by her friend Lilly. Their relationship blossoms amidst social challenges and personal conflicts, leading to a heartwarming romance filled with witty dialogue and engaging characters.
During the long, long ride from London to Enscrum, Scotland, Lord Gideon Haverston had envisioned his reception at Murdoch House playing out in any number of ways. By most accounts, he was an optimist...
