Books matching: dark surrealism
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- #1
'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is a suspenseful novel set in an exclusive university where a Classics study group decides to commit murder, reminiscent of Eleusinian mysteries. The story follows a group of eccentric and privileged college students who get entangled in a web of their own making, leading to chilling events and profound changes in their lives. The writing style is erudite, literary, and intriguing, with a focus on character development and relationships, creating an evocative and convincing setting.
Does such a thing as 'the fatal flaw,' that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature? I used to think it didn't. Now I think it does. And I think that mine is this:... - #2
The Black Farm by Elias Witherow is a dark and extreme horror novel that follows the story of Nick and Jess, a couple who decide to end their suffering by committing suicide but end up at The Black Farm, a place between heaven and hell for people who commit suicide. The book explores the horrific and tragic journey of Nick as he fights to find Jess in this soulless place, facing brutal challenges and abominations created by The Pig. The plot is thrilling, captivating, and filled with guts, gore, action, and heartbreak, making it a unique and creative horror story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style in The Black Farm is described as well thought out, with a good flow that keeps readers engaged and eager to keep turning the pages. The author, Elias Witherow, brings fresh concepts to the horror genre, creating a world that feels completely real with detailed world-building and character development that leaves a lasting impact on readers.
- #3
'Lullaby' by Chuck Palahniuk is a dark and twisted tale about a journalist who stumbles upon a deadly poem that causes the listener to die when read aloud. The book explores themes of power, control, and the consequences of words, all presented in Palahniuk's signature bizarre and provocative style. The story follows the journalist as he uncovers the origins of the lethal poem and embarks on a journey with other characters affected by its deadly effects, creating a narrative filled with satire, horror, and social commentary.
The problem with every story is you tell it after the fact. Even play-by-play description on the radio, the home runs and strikeouts, even that’s delayed a few minutes. Even live television is postpon... The Very Best of Caitlin R. Kiernan is a collection of uniquely imaginative and haunting stories that defy categorization, blending elements of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. The author, Caitlin R. Kiernan, is praised for her masterful prose that creates believable worlds and maintains tension throughout the storyline. The book is described as a literary treasure trove, filled with beautifully written tales that evoke poignant despair and surreal imagery.
- #5
Kneller's Happy Campers by Miriam Shlesinger and Etgar Keret is a dark and magical novella that follows the journey of roommates Mordy and Uzi in an alternate reality populated by suicide victims. The story revolves around Mordy's quest to find his girlfriend Desiree, who has also taken her own life. The writing style is described as clever, darkly wonderful, and spare, with slice-of-life vignettes that effectively weave a thoughtful and unique perspective on life and death.
The book explores themes of hope, love, and happiness in a seemingly hopeless afterlife setting, where characters navigate a world filled with morbid comedy, dry wit, and poignant moments. Despite the dark plotline, the narrative is not depressing but rather funny, poignant, and thought-provoking, offering a fresh take on the meaning of life and the choices we make.
The day everything began changing started with me foiling a robbery. I know it sounds like I'm making it up almost, but it really happened. I'd just finished buying some stuff at the supermarket when ... - #6
'La Beaute Sans Vertu' by Genevieve Valentine is a thought-provoking short story set in the fashion industry, exploring themes of beauty, misogyny, and societal expectations. The story follows Maria, a model who navigates the industry's pressures and challenges, prompting readers to reflect on the importance of appearance in society. Valentine's writing style effectively immerses readers in a world of glamour and intrigue, while also delving into deeper societal issues with a sardonic twist.
- #7
Set in the 1980s on a New England college campus, 'The Rules of Attraction' follows a period in the lives of Lauren, Paul, and Sean who get caught up in a love triangle. The book explores a bisexual love triangle filled with misinformation, misidentity, self-obsession, emotional blackmail, immaturity, substance abuse, and a lack of self-respect among privileged college students. The narrative style shifts between different characters' perspectives, offering insight into their personalities and relationships, often highlighting their delusions and self-inflicted struggles.
The story unfolds through multiple narrators, showcasing the same events from vastly different viewpoints, creating a Rashomon-like quality that delves into the complexities of personal relationships and individual interpretations. The novel provides an interesting study on how navigating personal relationships can be challenging, especially in an environment saturated with alcohol, drugs, and youthful beauty, resonating with college students across generations.
SEAN The party is starting to end. I get to Windham House right when the last keg is being tapped. The deal in town went okay and I have some cash so I buy some weed from this Freshman who lives in th... Tomie is a surreal horror comic that revolves around the titular character, a mysterious girl with a hypnotic voice and a birthmark. The stories explore how Tomie manipulates men into falling in love with her, only to drive them to madness and murder. The book delves into Tomie's supernatural abilities, regenerative powers, and her impact on those around her, portraying her as a complex and enigmatic figure. The writing style of the book is described as diverse, grotesque, and unrelentingly horrifying, with a mix of self-contained stories and interconnected narratives that keep readers engaged till the end.
- #9
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 ... - #10
Readers describe 'Noctuary' as a collection of short stories that delve into the realms of weird fiction and horror, with a writing style that is described as hallucinatory, disturbing, and haunting. The stories in the book are noted for their focus on dark nightmares, disturbing imagery, and a sense of unease that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book. Ligotti's writing is praised for its skill in creating bleak landscapes, perverse mystics, and exploring existential themes that subvert the reader's peace with existence.
No one needs to be told about what is weird. It is something that becomes known in the early stages of every life. With the very first nightmare or a childhood bout of fever, an initiation takes place...