Books matching: dark and macabre
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
'Kiss Kiss' by Roald Dahl is a collection of 11 short stories that delve into the dark and macabre, often with unexpected twists. The writing style is described as crisp, surprising, and smoothly written, with a touch of British black humor. Each story starts innocently but ends with a chilling or eccentric conclusion, leaving the reader both entertained and slightly unsettled. Dahl's unique storytelling perspective shines through in these tales of the unusual, reminiscent of stories one might expect to find in 'Twilight Zone'.
Billy Weaver had travelled down from London on the slow afternoon train, with a change at Swindon on the way, and by the time he got to Bath it was about nine o’clock in the evening and the moon was c... - #2
'La Bete humaine' by Emile Zola is a novel set against the backdrop of the French railways just before the outbreak of the 1870 Franco Prussian war. It delves into the atavistic passions of the human animal, exploring themes of love, obsession, and multiple murders. The narrative unfolds in a recognizably urban environment, intertwining the characters' obsessions and compulsions with the rapid industrialization and social decay of the Second Empire. Zola's writing style vividly portrays the tensions of man's relationships with technology and the primal fears that drive individuals, creating a dark and macabre story full of murder, passion, and the inner compulsions that lie beneath the surface of rationalism and modernity.
The novel is described as a gripping page-turner with a compelling narrative that intertwines the lives of its characters with the railway network, making it a major character in the book. Zola's exploration of the human psyche, inner compulsions, and the intertwined desires for sex and violence, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, makes 'La Bete humaine' a complex and thought-provoking read that delves into the darker aspects of human nature.
- #3
The Wasp Factory by Iain M. Banks is a dark and disturbing novel that delves into the mind of a young psychopath named Frank. Living on an isolated island off the coast of Scotland with his father, Frank's life takes a twisted turn as he navigates through violent and unsettling events, including a shocking revelation about his past. The book explores themes of violence, family dysfunction, and psychological horrors, all narrated in a gripping and intense writing style that immerses readers into Frank's distorted world.
At the north end of the island, near the tumbled remains of the slip where the handle of the rusty winch still creaks in an easterly wind, I had two Poles on the far face of the last dune. One of the ... - #4
'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel that delves into the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and materialistic investment banker living in Manhattan during the late '80s and early '90s. The book follows Bateman's descent into madness as he struggles with his identity, connections, and reality amidst a backdrop of extreme violence and graphic descriptions. The writing style of the book combines dark humor, disturbing scenes of violence, and a sharp critique of American society's obsession with consumerism and superficiality.
The narrative of 'American Psycho' juxtaposes the horrific with the banal, offering a satirical commentary on the culture of wealthy, self-centered individuals who are detached from the consequences of their actions. Through Bateman's perspective, the novel explores themes of excess, narcissism, and the emptiness of a life driven by material possessions and societal expectations. The book challenges readers to question the values of the era it portrays and leaves them contemplating the blurred lines between reality and delusion.
ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE is scrawled in blood red lettering on the side of the Chemical Bank near the corner of Eleventh and First and is in print large enough to be seen from the backseat o... 'Songs of a Dead Dreamer and Grimscribe' by Jeff VanderMeer, Thomas Ligotti is a collection of haunting short stories that delve into themes of cosmic nihilism, existential dread, and surreal horror. Ligotti's writing style is often compared to a blend of H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe, with dense, poetic prose that immerses readers in unsettling and otherworldly atmospheres. The stories explore dark and macabre subjects, often leaving readers with a sense of unease and lingering imagery that stays with them long after finishing the book.
"The Dangers of Smoking in Bed: Stories" by Mariana Enriquez is a collection of twelve short stories that explore supernatural themes with a social conscience. Set mostly in the impoverished barrios of Buenos Aires, the stories are told from the perspective of sad, lonely, or disturbed female protagonists. The writing style is described as beautiful, unsettling, and profound, with a mix of horror, magical realism, and feminist themes.
The plots of the stories range from a woman haunted by a decomposing baby to young women trying to contact the spirits of disappeared friends and relatives. The book delves into themes of ghosts, curses, mutilation, and psychological horror, presenting old horror tropes in a fresh and new way. The stories are rich in detail, vivid, and often disturbing, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
My grandma didn’t like the rain, and before the first drops fell, when the sky grew dark, she would go out to the backyard with bottles and bury them halfway, with the whole neck underground; she beli...- #7
'Fancies and Goodnights' by John Collier is a collection of short stories that combine sardonic wit, satire, and irony with supernatural elements. The tales involve magic potions, demons, genies, and ordinary people who often come to bad ends through fate or their own missteps. Collier's writing style is described as highly imaginative, stylish, and understated, with many stories featuring unexpected twists at the end. The book offers a mix of dark and macabre stories, as well as slightly supernatural or quirky tales set in the early 20th century.
Franklin Fletcher dreamed of luxury in the form of tiger-skins and beautiful women. He was prepared, at a pinch, to forgo the tiger-skins. Unfortunately the beautiful women seemed equally rare and ina... - #8
'There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby: Scary Fairy Tales' by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya is a collection of dark and macabre short stories with surprising twists that delve into the gritty and bleak aspects of Russian life during the Cold War period. The stories are described as having a fairy tale format, with some being more captivating than others. The author's writing style is noted for its quirky and catchy storytelling, often leaving readers with a sense of horror and discomfort, similar to the eerie twists found in episodes of The Twilight Zone.
The book is a mix of fables, horror, and suspense that provide a unique insight into the Soviet psyche, drawing on the author's experiences growing up in post-WWII Soviet Union. The translation of the stories into English is mentioned as a factor that may impact the original edge and beauty of the tales, but the collection is still considered solid and well worth a read for those interested in dark and twisted narratives.
DURING THE WAR, A COLONEL RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HIS wife. She misses him very much, it said, and won’t he come visit because she’s worried she’ll die without having seen him. The colonel applied for ... - #9
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story that is described as creepy and atmospheric. It explores the themes of gothic horror and psychological terror within a manor setting. The narrative is often noted for its literary and symbolic elements, creating an eerie and haunting atmosphere that reflects and influences the psychology of the characters involved.
Poe's writing style in The Fall of the House of Usher is praised for its ability to immerse readers in a dark and macabre world. The author's descriptive prose is considered both intricate and dense, with a focus on creating an environment that plays a significant role in shaping the narrative. Despite some finding his writing overly detailed, many appreciate Poe's talent for crafting stories that delve into the depths of horror and mystery.
DURING THE WHOLE OF A DULL, dark, and sound- less day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly drea... - #10
'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson is a collection of short stories that delve into the darker aspects of human behavior, often focusing on themes of cruelty, indifference, and societal norms. The title story, "The Lottery," stands out as a chilling portrayal of a small town's annual tradition that takes a sinister turn. Jackson's writing style is praised for its ability to evoke unease and tension, as well as for its exploration of complex human relationships and societal issues.
The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green. The people of the village began to gathe...