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Books matching: complex narrative structure

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  1. #1

    Omensetter's Luck by William H. Gass
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    'Omensetter's Luck' by William H. Gass is a dense and complex novel that delves into the themes of good and evil, innocence, and the fragility of love in human society. The story follows the characters Brackett Omensetter and Rev. Jethro Furber in an isolated community in Ohio, exploring their contrasting personalities and the unraveling of Furber's mind. The novel is written in a stream of consciousness style, filled with allusions, wordplay, and vivid descriptions that challenge the reader's interpretation of the plot and characters.

    Brackett Omensetter was a wide and happy man. He could whistle like the cardinal whistles in the deep snow, or whirr like the shy 'white rising from its cover, or be the lark a-chuckle at the sky. He ...

  2. #2
    Spiral
    Book 2 in the series:Ring

    Spiral - Ring by Koji Suzuki
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    'Spiral' in the 'Ring' series by Koji Suzuki is a gripping and thought-provoking continuation of the supernatural horror story. It delves into the world of the Ring curse, exploring new dimensions and adding a scientific element to the plot. The narrative follows Dr. Ando as he gets entangled in the mysteries surrounding Sadako Yamamura and the deadly events connected to her. The writing style is described as dry and scientific by some readers, while others praise Suzuki's ability to generate sympathy for the characters and convey a sense of realism that intensifies the horror elements.

    Today was Ando’s turn on autopsy duty. In the M.E.’s office, he ran his gaze over the file for his next corpse. As he compared the Polaroids of the scene, his palms started to sweat, and he had to wal...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ring )

  3. #3

    Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow by Peter Høeg
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    'Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow' by Peter Hoeg is a convoluted mystery thriller that delves into the life of a young half Inuit woman named Smilla living in Denmark. The story revolves around her longing to belong in a foreign land and her discovery that a little boy's death was not accidental. The novel is set against the backdrop of an engrossing Scandinavian mystery, with themes of culture, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.

    The writing style of the book is described as having lovely bits of writing, a fascinating rhythm, and language that instantly draws the reader in. The main character, Smilla, is portrayed as a tough yet relatable character, with comparisons drawn to other strong female leads in literature like Lisbeth Salander from the Dragon Tattoo series. The plot is complex and muddled at times, but the atmospheric setting and the depth of the main character add layers of intrigue to the narrative.


  4. #4

    Paradiso by Jose Lezama Lima
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    'Paradiso' by Jose Lezama Lima is a complex novel that delves into various themes such as politics, ethics, philosophy, homosexuality, love, and religion. The writing style is described as poetic, oneiric, and phantasmagoric, filled with rich sexual imagery. The novel is likened to a long, endless conversation with many asides, covering a wide range of topics and ideas. Lezama Lima's writing is compared to that of James Joyce, infused with animism, mysticism, and mythomania, creating a unique reading experience.

    BALDOVINA’S, hand separated the edges of the mosquito netting and felt around, squeezing softly as if a sponge were there and not a five-year-old boy. She opened the boy’s nightshirt and examined his ...

  5. #5

    Radiant Terminus by Jeffrey Zuckerman, Antoine Volodine
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    Radiant Terminus is a post-apocalyptic novel that delves into a world where time collapses on itself, blurring the lines between the living and the dead. Set in a nuclear wasteland after the fall of the second Soviet Union, the story follows characters existing in a dreamlike state, unsure of their reality. The narrative weaves through complexities of existence and fiction, exploring themes of despair, hope, and the persistence of human relationships amidst a backdrop of militant violence and shamanism.

    The writing style of Radiant Terminus is described as post-exotic, a genre that challenges traditional boundaries and expectations of literature. The author, Volodine, intricately crafts a narrative that manipulates time and reality, creating a unique and immersive reading experience. The novel is praised for its layered construction of a post-apocalyptic world, offering a blend of science fiction elements with revolutionary ennui and dark humor.

    • The wind came toward the plants again and it caressed them with nonchalant strength, it bent them harmoniously and it lay upon them with a purr; then it ran through several more times, and, whe...

  6. #6

    The Levanter by Eric Ambler
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    'The Levanter' by Eric Ambler is a thriller set in the 70s with an Arab Israeli background, focusing on the protagonist, an engineer, who forms an unusual relationship with Arab terrorists to manufacture explosive devices. The book delves into the complexities of the Middle Eastern conflict, portraying the hatred and blind ideologies of Palestinians against Israel. Ambler skillfully weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, providing a detailed insight into the manufacturing processes involved, while also highlighting the frightening methods used in the never-ending conflict.

    The story unfolds in Syria and Israel in the seventies, following Michael Howell, a businessman reluctantly entangled in a plot to aid a Palestinian terrorist in targeting Israelis. Ambler's writing style is praised for its excellent detailing, credible plot development, and intricate characterization, showcasing his prowess in crafting a complex narrative that keeps readers engaged till the surprising end.


  7. #7

    The Doll - Children's House by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir
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    'The Doll' by Yrsa Sigurdardottir in the 'Children's House' series revolves around a complex plot involving investigations into child abuse, possible murder cases, and the mysterious connection to a doll. The story follows the intertwined paths of detectives Huldar and Freyja as they navigate through a series of tragic events, unexpected twists, and personal struggles. The narrative is characterized by dark humor, well-developed characters, and a gripping writing style that keeps readers engaged until the gratifying finale where all subplots are seamlessly connected.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Children's House )

  8. #8

    Terminal Cafe by Ian McDonald
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    In the book 'Terminal Cafe' by Ian McDonald, the story unfolds in a futuristic setting where nanotechnology has led to the reanimation of the dead as a slave labor class. The narrative follows a group of artists who gather annually on the Day of the Dead at the titular cafe in Necroville, Tijuana. The plot weaves together complex narrative threads, exploring themes of rebellion, primal urges, and the consequences of manipulating life and death. The writing style is described as lush, poetic, and filled with alliteration and haikus, creating a unique reading experience.


  9. #9
    Use of Weapons
    Book 3 in the series:Culture

    Use of Weapons - Culture by Iain M. Banks
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    'Use of Weapons' by Iain M. Banks is a science fiction novel set in the 'Culture' series, delving into complex themes of morality, redemption, and the dark side of humanity. The narrative follows the character Zakalwe on a journey intertwined with flashbacks, revealing his past as a Special Circumstances agent and exploring his quest for salvation. The book employs a unique structure with alternating chapters going forward and backward in time, allowing for powerful character and plot insights. Banks' writing style is visually oriented, providing a grand and fun space opera experience while tackling challenging and thought-provoking concepts.

    She made her way through the turbine hall, surrounded by an ever-changing ring of friends, admirers and animals - nebula to her attractive focus - talking to her guests, giving instructions to her sta...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Culture )

  10. #10

    Floating Dragon by Peter Straub
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    Floating Dragon by Peter Straub is a horror novel that delves into a small coastal town, Hampstead, plagued by evil forces. A chemical weapon leak causes chaos while a malevolent presence aims to subvert the town towards a despicable end. The story unfolds with multiple plot threads, including an accident at a chemical plant, a child actor returning to his hometown, and a retired writer investigating Hampstead's dark past. As the supernatural forces take over the town, the residents find themselves in a nightmarish world of unspeakable horror, dealing with both man-made and supernatural threats.

    For Stony Baxter Friedgood, her infrequent adulteries were adventures—picking up a man who thought he was picking her up gave her life a sense of drama missing since she had been twenty and a student ...

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