Books matching: dense and atmospheric writing
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- #1
Save:A Dark-Adapted Eye by Barbara Vine is a psychological mystery that delves into a family's dark secrets and the repercussions of a murder committed by Aunt Vera. The story is narrated from the perspective of Faith Severn, the niece of the murderer, as she uncovers the twisted motives and hidden truths behind the tragic events. The writing style is described as dense and atmospheric, capturing the upper crust snobbishness of the characters while slowly unraveling a complex web of jealousy, madness, and family dynamics.
On the morning Vera died I woke up very early. The birds had started, more of them and singing more loudly in our leafy suburb than in the country. They never sang like that outside Vera's windows in ... - #2
Save:'The Mountain Lion' by Jean Stafford is a dark and perverse coming-of-age tale set in the west, revolving around two siblings, Ralph and Molly. The story delves into their love-hate relationship, their struggles with adolescence, and their interactions with their dysfunctional family members. The narrative unfolds in both a Los Angeles suburb and their uncle's Colorado ranch, showcasing the contrast between civilization and nature, childhood and adulthood, and life and death. Stafford's writing is described as dense, atmospheric, vivid, and haunting, painting a vivid picture of the characters and the natural world they are up against.
Ralph was ten and Molly was eight when they had scarlet fever. It left them with some sort of glandular disorder which was not malignant, but which kept them half poisoned most of the time and caused ... - #3
Save:'The White People' by Arthur Machen is a collection of weird fiction tales that evoke strangeness, lingering aspects of the past, and trespassing into arcane realms. Machen's stories are described as having a magnificent and unique imagination, written in a plain yet literary style that flows easily. The book features a mix of supernatural elements, Celtic and pagan beliefs, and encounters with gods of old, creating a chilling and mysterious atmosphere. The prose style is noted to be cranky, awkward, and dated, with some readers finding it challenging to follow but others appreciating its deep Gnostic tradition and imaginative detail.
Machen’s short stories were collected in his lifetime in the volumes The Great God Pan and The Inmost Light (John Lane/ Roberts Brothers, 1894), The House of Souls (Grant Richards, 1906; abridged ed. ... - #4Smokeby:
Save:In an alternate Victorian England, people emit black smoke when they commit any minor transgression, leading to a society where controlling one's smoke is crucial to avoid a life of poverty or eternal damnation. The story follows three upper-class teenagers as they try to unravel the mystery surrounding Smoke, its origins, and its impact on society, blending genres of alternate history, mystery, and horror. The novel is set in a richly imagined world where the concept of sin and evil is manifested physically through smoke, creating a dark and atmospheric setting that explores themes of morality and class divide.
The first thing he does upon waking is to search his nightshirt, his bedding for soiling. He does so quickly, mechanically, still more than half asleep: runs a palm over his skin feeling for the tellt... - #5
Save:Carmilla, written by J. Sheridan Le Fanu and published in 1872, is a classic vampire novel that follows the story of Laura, a young and lonely noblewoman living with her father in a remote castle in Styria. When Carmilla, a mysterious girl her age, arrives at the castle after a carriage accident, Laura is overjoyed but soon realizes that Carmilla's true nature is shrouded in mystery. The novella explores the eerie and suspenseful relationship between Laura and Carmilla, hinting at a love relationship that defies conventions of the time period. The writing style is described as old school, with a feminine atmosphere and sensuousness that sets it apart as the female version of Dracula.
In Styria, we, though by no means magnificent people, inhabit a castle, or schloss. A small income, in that part of the world, goes a great way. Eight or nine hundred a year does wonders. Scantily eno... - #6
Save:'In Love' by Alfred Hayes is a poignant exploration of a doomed love affair set in post-WWII New York. The novel follows a nameless middle-aged man as he recounts the details of his tumultuous relationship with a young divorcee, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human emotions. The writing style is described as atmospheric, noir-ish, and emotionally moving, with a focus on psychological nuances and precise prose that creates vivid character portraits in a concise manner.
HERE I am, the man in the hotel bar said to the pretty girl, almost forty, with a small reputation, some money in the bank, a convenient address, a telephone number easily available, this look on my f... - #7
Save:'The Coldest City' by Antony Johnston is a graphic novel that serves as the original work behind the movie 'Atomic Blonde'. The story revolves around a complex tale of secrets and betrayals set during the Cold War era in Berlin. The plot twists and turns with every page, introducing new characters while disposing of others, keeping readers engaged throughout the narrative. The black and white artwork, although criticized for being cryptic and difficult to follow at times, adds a sense of bleakness and coldness that complements the espionage genre of the story. Readers appreciated the unique storytelling style of the author, which created a vivid and immersive experience, making them feel like they were part of the spy narrative.
- #8
Save: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... - #9
Save:Warlight by Michael Ondaatje is a post-WWII historical fiction novel that follows the story of Nathaniel and his sister Rachel, who are left in the care of a guardian in London by their parents. The narrative is primarily from Nathaniel's perspective, both as a teenager and as an adult reflecting on the past. The book delves into the mystery surrounding their parents' disappearance, the shadowy world they inhabit, and Nathaniel's quest to uncover the truth about his mother's wartime activities. Ondaatje's writing style is described as beautiful, evocative, and dreamlike, with a focus on atmospheric settings, quirky characters, and a blend of sensuousness and realism.
At the end of that first winter, while we were living with The Moth, Rachel made me follow her down to the basement, and there, under a tarpaulin and several boxes that she had pulled away, was our mo... - #10
Save:'Nightwood' by Djuna Barnes is a modernist novel set in expat Paris during the 1930s. The story revolves around complex relationships and characters such as Baron Felix, Robin, Nora, Jenny, and the enigmatic doctor. The narrative delves into themes of love, passion, sexuality, and self-degradation, portrayed through dense prose and dramatic monologues. Barnes' writing style is described as exquisitely crafted, combining various prose styles from different eras, creating a dream-like and gothic atmosphere throughout the book.
Early in 1880, in spite of a well-founded suspicion as to the advisability of perpetuating that race which has the sanction of the Lord and the disapproval of the people, Hedvig Volkbein, a Viennese w...
