Books matching: dark humor and death
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- #1
Save:"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Caitlin Doughty is a memoir about the author's experiences working in the funeral industry, specifically at a crematorium. Doughty delves into the cultural views and practices surrounding death, providing an eye-opening look into how different societies deal with mortality. Her writing style is described as humorous, enlightening, and thought-provoking, as she shares her journey of confronting fears and misconceptions about death.
Doughty's book offers a candid exploration of the funeral industry, demystifying the process of caring for the deceased and shedding light on the often taboo topic of death. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of mortality and embrace the inevitability of death as a natural part of life. The book combines informative insights with a touch of dark humor, making it an engaging and educational read for those curious about death practices and the human experience.
My second day at Westwind I met Padma. It wasn’t that Padma was gross. “Gross” is such a simple word, with simple connotations. Padma was more like a creature from a horror film, cast in the lead role... - #2
Save:In 'Death with Interruptions', Jose Saramago presents an imagined scenario where death goes on strike, leading to social chaos in an unspecified year and country. The plot revolves around Death resuming her work with a new twist of sending advance notification letters, introducing philosophical reflections on life and death. The writing style combines dark humor, satire, and political commentary, with long, convoluted sentences creating a unique reading experience.
Although it had immediately been ridiculed by rival newspapers, which had managed to draw on the inspiration of their principal writers for the most diverse and meaty of headlines, some dramatic, some... - #3
Save:"Service Model" by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a dark comedy set in a world reeling from a robot revolution. The story follows Uncharles, a robotic valet, as he navigates a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with both humorous and harrowing challenges after his master dies. Along with his odd companion, The Wonk, Uncharles embarks on a quest that reveals the depth of bureaucracy and societal chaos in a world where humans are largely absent but the consequences of their actions remain.
Tchaikovsky's writing is engaging and laced with sharp social commentary, blending whimsical humor with deep reflections on humanity’s reliance on technology. The character of Uncharles is both naive and endearing, providing a unique perspective as he encounters various robotic companions and struggles with his programming. The narrative unfolds in an episodic structure, filled with dark humor and critiques of corporate irresponsibility, ultimately challenging readers to consider the future of humanity in an AI-driven world.
- #4
Save:'Under Milk Wood' by Dylan Thomas is a radio play that captures a day in the life of the small Welsh village of Llareggub. Through dreams, secrets, desires, and fears of the villagers, the narrative unfolds in a poetic and dreamlike manner. The play is a blend of humor, sadness, and lyricism, portraying the ordinary yet magical events of a quotidian day in a Welsh town. Characters are introduced as they sleep, their dreams are laid bare, and as they wake, the audience moves through the day with them, experiencing the nuances of small-town life.
The play is a symphony of language, evocative poetry in prose, best heard rather than read. Dylan Thomas' rich and descriptive language makes the book a must-read for lovers of the English language. The narrative is filled with unique characters that are both humorous and poignant, creating a vivid and immersive experience that showcases Thomas' genius in storytelling.
It is Spring, moonless night in the small town, starless and bible-black, the cobblestreets silent and the hunched, courters’-and-rabbits’ wood limping invisible down to the sloeblack, slow, black, cr... 'The Restraint of Beasts: A Comedic Novel' by Magnus Mills is a dark comedy that follows the story of an English foreman overseeing two Scottish fence builders. The narrative delves into the mundane yet bizarre world of building high tensile fences, where seemingly trivial events lead to unexpected consequences. The deadpan humor and surreal storytelling style create an engaging and entertaining read. As the plot unfolds, the tension between the characters and the peculiar situations they find themselves in add layers of macabre and humor to the narrative.
The book explores themes of futility, the absurdity of everyday life, and the dynamics of working under a capricious boss. Through quirky characters and a meandering plot that seems to lead nowhere but eventually ties together, the author manages to turn ordinary tasks into extraordinary adventures. The comedic elements, droll writing, and unique storyline make 'The Restraint of Beasts' a captivating and thought-provoking read that blurs the line between humor and darkness.
“You should have said.” Donald rose from behind his desk and moved to the skirting board, where a radiator pipe emerged. He turned a stop-tap several times, clockwise, before settling again in his cha...- #6
Save:'Under the Frog' by Tibor Fischer is a novel set in post-WWII Budapest, following the life story of Gyuri Fischer, a blue-collar worker navigating the grim and absurd nature of life under a Communist regime. The book captures the absurdity and tragedy of living under a totalitarian regime, weaving real-world events such as the Hungarian Uprising of 1956 into the characters' stories. Fischer's writing style is described as fresh, slangy, and humorous, making heavy subjects funny to read while offering striking insights into a society not well-known to many readers.
It was true that at the age of twenty-five he had never left the country, that he had never got more than three days’ march from his birthplace, no more than a day and a half of horse and carting or o... - #7
Save:The play 'Arsenic and Old Lace' by Joseph Kesselring is a dark comedy farce that revolves around the eccentric Brewster family living in Brooklyn. The Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, appear to be sweet old ladies who engage in acts of charity, but in reality, they are mercy killers who poison lonely old men. Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic, discovers his aunts' secret and must navigate the madness within his family, including his delusional nephew Teddy who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, and his sinister brother Jonathan, a serial killer with a grudge against Mortimer. The play unfolds with a mix of humor, mystery, and absurdity, culminating in a clash of logic versus lunacy.
'Arsenic and Old Lace' is a self-aware play that combines murder mystery clichés with soap opera twists in a theatrical satire format. The fast-paced and frenzied plot, filled with gallows humor and historical references, keeps the audience engaged. The play's burlesque style, lovable yet maniacal characters, and mix of comedy genres, from slapstick to sarcasm, promise a show peppered with humor, satire, and light-hearted bewilderment.
- #8
Save:'The Hearing Trumpet' by Leonora Carrington is a surreal and fantastical novel that follows the story of a 92-year-old woman named Marian Leatherby. The book starts off as a simple tale of aging and marginalization but quickly veers off into the surreal and magical, with Marian being placed in a nursing home filled with eccentric characters and mysterious happenings. The narrative is witty and humorous, with a strong feminist undertone that critiques societal norms and patriarchal structures. The story delves into themes of empowerment, friendship, rebellion, and the importance of individuality, all while blending elements of fantasy, mythology, and dark humor.
The writing style of 'The Hearing Trumpet' is described as rich in detail and character, with a unique voice that captivates readers from the beginning. The book is praised for its imaginative storytelling, quirky characters, and unexpected plot twists that keep the reader engaged throughout. Carrington's prose is lauded for its creativity, wit, and ability to seamlessly blend elements of surrealism, feminism, and social commentary into a cohesive and thought-provoking narrative.
WHEN CARMELLA gave me the present of a hearing trumpet she may have foreseen some of the consequences. Carmella is not what I would call malicious, she just happens to have a curious sense of humour. ... - #9
Save:In "The Alchemaster's Apprentice" by Walter Moers, readers are taken on a whimsical and fantastical journey through the sickly city of Malaisea, where the tyrannical Alchemaster Ghoolion rules. The story follows Echo, a Crat who strikes a Faustian bargain with Ghoolion to survive, leading to a series of adventures filled with quirky characters, bizarre creatures, and mouth-watering descriptions of lavish feasts and alchemical practices. Moers' immersive writing style delves into the culinary and medico-botanical realms, creating a rich world populated with lovable characters and dark humor.
For, just to set the seal on this dismal scene, Malaisea’s alchemist-in-chief, the Alchemaster, was coming. If ever a nightmare decided to materialise and go walking through the real world, old Ghooli...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Zamonia ) - #10
Save:'The Nimrod Flip-Out' by Etgar Keret is a collection of short stories that delve into surreal and quirky scenarios, often touching on themes of loneliness, absurdity, and human nature. The stories are described as micro short tales, each with a unique twist of strangeness that sets them apart. Keret's writing style is noted for its originality, blending elements of humor, surrealism, and poignant reflections on ordinary life.
Surprised? Of course I was surprised. You go out with a girl. First date, second date, a restaurant here, a movie there, always just matinees. You start sleeping together, the sex is mind-blowing, and...
