Books matching: contemporary british society
8 result(s)
- #1
'Amsterdam' by Ian McEwan opens at a woman's funeral where two of her past lovers, Clive and Vernon, are discussing her death and loss. The two men, a publisher and a famous composer, agree to protect each other from a lingering painful death, leading to moral challenges and disapproval of each other's decisions. The plot revolves around the unethical actions of the characters, the absurd conclusion, and the questionable recipient of the Booker Prize, with readers expressing disappointment in the predictability of the storyline.
Poor Molly. It began with a tingling in her arm as she raised it outside the Dorchester Grill to stop a cab—a sensation that never went away. Within weeks she was fumbling for the names of things. Par... - #2
'Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis' by Wendy Cope is a delightful collection of poetry that sparkles with wit, humor, and erudition. The book is divided into three sections, with the third section entirely devoted to the title poem, which is the only poem in that section and came from a dream. The first section of the book features puns, satire, and fun, including parodies of nursery rhymes in the style of famous poets like Wordsworth and T.S. Eliot. The second section consists of poetry written by a fictional poet created by Cope, Mr. Strugnell, which includes parodies of other poets. The collection is a mixture of literary parody, astute observations about life, and humorous takes on societal norms and personal relationships.
Why isn’t there an Engineers’ Corner in Westminster Abbey? In Britain we’ve always made more fuss of a ballad than a blueprint … How many schoolchildren dream of becoming great engineers? Advertisemen... 'Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued about' by Mil Millington is a humorous tale about British IT middle manager Pel, his German girlfriend Ursula, and their two sons. Pel finds himself unexpectedly promoted after his boss disappears following a conversation about extradition laws during a game of laser tag. This leads to a series of misadventures as Pel tries to navigate his new responsibilities at work while dealing with the chaotic and argumentative dynamics of his home life with Ursula. The plot is filled with witty commentary on relationships, outrageous situations, and the challenges of everyday life, all told with a skillful blend of humor and genuine affection.
The writing style of the book is characterized by rich, sarcastic humor, clever observations on life, and a layer of deadpan dryness typical of British humor. The story unfolds with a mix of absurdity and realism, as Pel faces missing colleagues, illegal deals, and escalating challenges both at work and at home. captures the essence of everyday struggles, love, and family dynamics through a lens of comedic storytelling, making it an engaging and entertaining read for those who appreciate English humor.
I’m now late. Ten minutes ago I was early. I was wandering about in a too-early limbo, in fact; scratching out a succession of ludicrously trivial and unsatisfying things to do, struggling against the...- #4
'Moranifesto' by Caitlin Moran is a collection of articles that cover a diverse range of topics including feminism, politics, personal experiences, and reflections on life. Moran's writing style is a blend of humor and seriousness, with strong moral opinions shining through. The book offers insightful observations on various aspects of life, challenging readers to think and question societal norms.
I have heard, in the last five years, the word “revolution” mentioned more times than I did in the preceding twenty. In protest groups, at meetings, and, overwhelmingly, online, I have heard people ta... - #5
'High Society' by Ben Elton is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the controversial topic of legalizing recreational drugs. The story follows a Labour MP, a rock star, and a teenage prostitute, each navigating their own encounters with drugs in a society plagued by drug-related issues. The book presents a compelling argument for drug legalization through a series of interconnecting tales, offering a humorous yet sensitive portrayal of the characters and their struggles.
Elton's writing style in 'High Society' is characterized by wit, humor, and drama, providing a courageous and satirical commentary on contemporary British youth culture. The narrative weaves together various storylines, including the MP's proposal to legalize all recreational drug use, to shed light on the complexities of the drug problem and the societal attitudes towards it.
The young man had risen from his place in the circle of grey plastic chairs and now, having thus announced himself, surveyed the ring of expectant faces. The atmosphere in the little church hall, whic... - #6
'Kingdom Come' by J.G. Ballard is a dystopian novel that delves into the societal implications of consumerism, violence, and fascism. Set in a suburban shopping mall, the story follows Richard Pearson as he investigates his father's death, uncovering a disturbing world where consumer culture has evolved into a form of religion intertwined with atavistic violence. The book explores themes of societal decay, cult-like behavior, and the dark underbelly of commercialism, offering a prophetic allegory of a society on the brink of fascism. Ballard's poetic and haunting prose weaves together a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and dystopia, providing a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary mores and cultural identity.
The writing style in 'Kingdom Come' is affectless yet impactful, drawing readers into a world where the mundane is juxtaposed with the menacing. Ballard's exploration of societal shifts and the interplay between individual actions and collective consequences creates a chilling atmosphere that resonates with themes of power, manipulation, and the allure of consumerist ideologies.
WISHFUL THINKING, I told myself as Heathrow airport shrank into the rear-view mirror, and more than a little foolish, an advertising man’s ingrained habit of tasting the wrapper rather than the biscui... - #7
Spanning the period from April 2010 to September 2018, Jonathan Coe examines England today and how it has changed over this time. In a series of vignettes, Coe charts the lives of some of the characters from his earlier novels as they attempt to come to terms with the period of austerity, the Brexit vote, and the following process. Coe explores nostalgia, the frustrations and differences between the generations, and how they manage their relationships and react with the rest of society. The story follows the lives of its main characters, centered on Benjamin, a publicly educated fifty-year-old man, who, after a lifetime fixation on one woman, finds himself living alone in a large house in a rural area of the West Midlands. Coe builds the story around the British E.U. referendum in 2016, in particular, the victory of the 'no' vote, which he correctly portrays as a complete shock to the middle-class liberals he uses as his main characters.
Benjamin allowed his father to hold him by the arm in a faltering grip. He was steadier on his feet that way. With indescribable slowness, they began to shuffle along the street towards the pub car pa...
(Also, see 22 recommendations for the series Rotters' Club ) - #8
The Haunted Book by Jeremy Dyson is a unique collection of modern spooky tales that take readers on a journey through different cases of the paranormal in the UK. Dyson's approach in presenting these ghost stories is described as something different, incorporating various styles and ideas to create an engaging read. The book is structured in a portmanteau format, presented as a work of non-fiction where Dyson is commissioned to compile mostly contemporary British ghost stories, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the narrative.
Each story within The Haunted Book is praised for its creativity and unsettling nature, ranging from conventional ghost stories to more psychological and thought-provoking narratives. Dyson's writing style is commended for its ability to blend the ordinary with the weird, making characters and situations relatable yet eerie. The book's high concept artifice and clever ending elevate it above a straightforward ghost story collection, leaving readers with a lasting impression of ingenuity and complexity.