Books matching: deeply flawed characters
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #11
"The Pretenders" by Joan Wolf follows the story of Baron Reeve of Ormsby, Earl of Cambridge, and Deborah Deb, who pretend to be engaged so that Reeve can access his inheritance. The plot revolves around their fake engagement, financial troubles, family dynamics, and unexpected love that blossoms between them. The writing style is described as engaging, with a first-person narrative that offers insights into the characters' emotions and growth throughout the story.
It was three o’clock in the afternoon, on a beautiful but blowy day in mid-May, and I was, as usual, in the Earl of Cambridge’s stable office talking with his head groom. I was lounging in my chair, i... - #12
'Last Exit to Brooklyn' by Hubert Selby Jr. is a raw and brutally honest portrayal of life in the projects of Brooklyn in the 1950s. The book delves into the sordid side of American culture, depicting poverty, prostitution, alcoholism, drugs, and sexual perversion, painting a stark contrast to the wholesome image often associated with that era. Through a series of interconnected short stories, the novel explores the lives of vile low-life criminals, hookers, drag queens, dealers, and addicts, offering a relentless journey into America's underbelly post-WWII. Selby's writing style is described as raw, crude, and dark, capturing the gritty reality of urban life with searing detail and unfiltered honesty.
The characters in 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' are portrayed as deeply flawed and often despicable, engaging in acts of violence, abuse, and degradation. Selby's narrative weaves together these individual stories, showcasing the struggles and dreams of people living on the margins of society in Brooklyn. The book presents a stream of consciousness account of urban life, with each character's experiences adding layers to the overall depiction of a harsh and unforgiving environment. Despite the grim subject matter, the novel is praised for its powerful storytelling and the unapologetic way in which Selby captures the complexities of human nature in extreme circumstances.
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a... - #13
'The Crane Wife' by Patrick Ness is a modern fairy tale that expands on a traditional Japanese folktale. The story follows three main characters: Kumiko, a mysterious woman who becomes the wife of George, a kind but unfulfilled man; George, who unites his art form with Kumiko's to create beauty; and Amanda, George's socially challenged daughter. The narrative weaves between the ordinary lives of these characters and the mythical love story of the crane and the volcano, exploring themes of love, yearning, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. The writing style varies between mythological, everyday, and harmonious tones to depict the different perspectives of the characters and their intertwining stories.
‘That’s the colour of the charity. Pink is the colour of the charity. Breast Cancer. Pink. Because it affects women. Mostly women do the fundraising, but some men do, too. We run, we raise money. It’s... - #14
'Wolves' by D.J. Molles is a dark and gritty tale set in a post-apocalyptic world where society has collapsed, and survivors are struggling to navigate a violent and unforgiving landscape. The story follows Huxley, a man seeking revenge against those who have wronged him, leading him down a path of moral ambiguity and ruthless decisions. The narrative delves into themes of survival, revenge, and the lengths individuals will go to protect their loved ones in a world devoid of societal norms and rules.
That much has become clear. Death sits in the aching tension in his muscles, how they refuse to propel him forward even one more step. He can feel it in the cramps in his stomach, and in the throbbing... - #15
'Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth' by Chris Ware follows the story of Jimmy, a meek and mild character controlled by his overprotective mother who is in a nursing home. The narrative intertwines three storylines, one featuring a superhero-esque Smartest Kid on Earth, another focusing on Jimmy's grandfather and his abusive relationship with his father, and the main story following Jimmy as he meets his father for the first time. The art in the book consists of simple sketches with muted colors, providing a unique visual experience.
delves into themes of loneliness, alienation, estrangement, and awkward relationships between family members. Ware's storytelling style includes frequent surreal fantasy sidetracks, creating a complex and emotionally resonant narrative that explores the depths of human emotions and relationships. is described as a serious work of art, carefully crafted and complex in both story and structure, pushing the boundaries of what graphic novels can achieve as a medium.
- #16
"Love is a Stranger" by John Wiltshire is a gripping story revolving around the complex relationship between Ben and Nikolas. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, secrets, and unexpected twists. The writing style is captivating, with intricately woven storylines that keep readers on the edge of their seats, constantly guessing what will happen next. The characters, particularly Nikolas, are portrayed with depth and mystery, adding layers to the narrative that leave readers wanting more.
Ben Rider crested the ridge, pushing, feeling strong, his legs aching slightly from the hard pace he’d been setting. Satisfied with his time, he stopped and bent, hands on his knees, breathing evenly.... - #17
Fat City by Leonard Gardner is a novel that delves into the lives of two boxers, Billy Tully and Ernie Munger, as well as their manager, Ruben Luna, in Stockton, California in the late 1950s. The story follows the struggles and aspirations of these men, portraying the harsh realities of their day-to-day existence, from dead-end jobs to transient living situations. The writing style of the book is described as minimalist, with short chapters and episodic scenes that paint a vivid picture of the characters and their environment. Gardner's prose is praised for its descriptive power, capturing the essence of the characters and their surroundings with precision and authenticity.
He lived in the Hotel Coma—named perhaps for some founder of the town, some California explorer or pioneer, or for some long-deceased Italian immigrant who founded only the hotel itself. Whoever it co... - #18
Breaking Beth is a dark and intense novel that delves into the harrowing journey of Beth, a strong woman abducted and subjected to torture and rape by the sadistic Anthony. The story portrays the brutal training process Beth endures to become a submissive slave for a lucrative sex slave business, highlighting the psychological and physical torment she faces under the hands of Anthony. The writing style captures the raw and bleak essence of the story, depicting the battle between Beth's unwavering strength and Anthony's depraved desires.
As part of the 'Beth' series by Jennifer Bene, Breaking Beth offers a chilling narrative that explores the depths of human depravity and resilience. The plot revolves around the struggle of Beth to resist submission and maintain her sense of self amidst the heinous actions of Anthony, a psychopath with no regard for human emotions. The book presents a dark and violent tale of survival, devoid of any romantic elements, focusing on the psychological warfare between the characters.
- #19
'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates is a poignant portrayal of a young married couple, Frank and April Wheeler, living in the suburbs in the early 1960s. The book delves into the struggles and disillusionment of the couple, as they grapple with unfulfilled dreams, marital discord, and societal pressures. The narrative captures the essence of the time, showcasing the realistic struggles of the characters and the slow unraveling of their hopes and aspirations. Through subtle and honest storytelling, Yates skillfully explores themes of existential despair, failed aspirations, and the complexities of human relationships, creating a timeless and thought-provoking piece of fiction.
The writing style in 'Revolutionary Road' is highly praised for its raw honesty, emotional depth, and impeccable character development. Readers appreciate Yates' ability to create vivid and relatable characters, whose inner turmoil and conflicts resonate with authenticity. The book offers a stark portrayal of suburban life in the 1950s, highlighting the facade of conformity and the underlying discontentment that lurks beneath the surface. With a compelling narrative that unfolds with emotional intensity, 'Revolutionary Road' presents a powerful commentary on the struggles of marriage, identity, and the pursuit of happiness in a stifling societal framework.
THE FINAL DYING SOUNDS of their dress rehearsal left the Laurel Players with nothing to do but stand there, silent and helpless, blinking out over the footlights of an empty auditorium. They hardly da... - #20
The novel "Night Work" by Thomas Glavinic follows the story of Jonas, a man who wakes up one morning to find that he is the only living person in Vienna. With a gripping and sad narrative, the book explores Jonas' lonely journey as he navigates an empty world, sets up cameras to look for signs of life, and grapples with strange occurrences. The writing style, characterized by detailed observations and a mix of slow-moving and fast-paced storytelling, allows readers to connect with Jonas through his actions rather than his thoughts, creating a sense of unease and fascination as the plot unfolds.
In "Night Work," Glavinic delves into the themes of loneliness, desperation, and existential questioning, as Jonas struggles to make sense of his newfound isolation and the bizarre events unfolding around him. The narrative keeps readers on edge, evoking feelings of disturbance and fear while also offering moments of beauty and reflection. The book leaves a lasting impact with its haunting portrayal of a man grappling with the unknown and the complexities of human nature in the face of extreme solitude.
Nothing on the screen but snow. He zapped from ORF to ARD: no picture. He tried ZDF, RTL, 3sat, RAI: snow. The Viennese local channel: snow. CNN: more snow. French-language channel, Turkish-language c...