Books matching: deadpan dialogue
6 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Norwood' by Charles Portis is a character-driven novel set in the 1960s South, following Norwood Pratt, a restless ex-marine who embarks on a road trip from Texas to New York. Throughout the journey, Norwood encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a surly bread delivery man, an educated chicken, and the girl of his dreams. The book is filled with deadpan humor, crisp writing, and witty dialogue, making it a hilarious and entertaining read that focuses on the journey rather than the destination.
NORWOOD HAD TO GET a hardship discharge when Mr. Pratt died because there wasn’t anyone else at home to look after Vernell. Vernell was Norwood’s sister. She was a heavy, sleepy girl with bad posture.... - #2
Save:Swag by Elmore Leonard is a classic crime novel that follows the story of two men, Frank and Stick, who team up to become armed robbers, pulling off heists without causing harm. The book delves into their partnership, their gradual descent into bigger scores, and the complications that arise when they get involved in a major robbery scheme. Set in Detroit, the writing style is described as spare and efficient, with clear characterizations done through dialogue and action. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, suspense, and realistic portrayals of the criminal underworld in the 1970s.
THERE WAS A PHOTOGRAPH OF Frank in an ad that ran in the Detroit Free Press and showed all the friendly salesmen at Red Bowers Chevrolet. Under his photo it said Frank J. Ryan. He had on a nice smile,... - #3
Save:The Maintenance of Headway by Magnus Mills is a humorous and absurd exploration of the daily experiences of bus drivers in an unnamed city, reminiscent of London. The book delves into the challenges faced by the drivers as they navigate the strict rules imposed by the inspectors, focusing on the concept of maintaining an eight-minute interval between buses. Through deadpan humor and witty dialogue, Mills creates a whimsical narrative that sheds light on the monotony and absurdity of a transport system driven by rigid timekeeping and bureaucratic regulations.
Mills' writing style in The Maintenance of Headway is characterized by short, dialog-heavy sentences that capture the essence of the interactions between the bus drivers and inspectors. The novel offers a lighthearted yet insightful commentary on life, work, and the intricacies of adhering to schedules in a system where being early is frowned upon and being late is more acceptable, all while infusing the narrative with unique British wit and humor.
- #4
Save:In "The Robe of Skulls" by Vivian French, readers are introduced to a delightful tale filled with witches, Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, heroes, villains, bats, trolls, and werewolves. The story follows the adventures of Gracie Gillypot and her companions as they navigate through spooky and fun-filled escapades while facing challenges like blackmail, royal transfrogmification, and deep villainy orchestrated by the evil sorceress Lady Lamorna. The plot is both entertaining and slightly twisted, offering a fresh take on standard fairy tale conventions with witty dialogue and deadpan humor that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- #5
Save:Two Serious Ladies by Jane Bowles follows the unconventional lives of two women, Miss Goering and Mrs. Copperfield, as they navigate through bizarre and eccentric adventures. Miss Goering seeks salvation through lowering her circumstances and forming unique partnerships, while Mrs. Copperfield explores new experiences by distancing herself from her husband while traveling in Panama. The writing style is described as plain yet delightful, with a touch of subtle humor and social commentary peeking through the narrative. The plot unfolds with deadpan humor, quirky characters, and unexpected events that keep the readers intrigued and entertained.
Her character Christina Goering (named after Jesus Christ and Hitler’s aviation minister) as a girl invents a grotesque ceremony in which she subjects her sister’s meek best friend Mary to a mock bapt... '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...
