Books matching: descent into savagery
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- #1
Save:In the novel "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, a group of English school boys is stranded on an island, leading to a depiction of civilization's descent into savagery amidst the absence of adult supervision. The author uses symbolism throughout the book to explore themes of human nature, society, and the consequences of unchecked behavior. The narrative delves into the darker side of humanity, portraying the struggle between order and chaos as the boys attempt to survive and navigate the complexities of power dynamics within their group.
The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last few feet of rock and began to pick his way toward the lagoon. Though he had taken off his school sweater and trailed it now from one hand, his grey... - #2
Save:Nip the Buds, Shoot the Kids by Kenzaburō Ōe is a harrowing novel set during World War II in Japan, following a group of juvenile delinquents who are abandoned in a remote mountain village due to a potential plague outbreak. The book explores themes of survival, betrayal, fear, and the struggle between innocence and brutality, all depicted through the lens of young boys facing the harsh realities of war and societal abandonment. The writing style is described as spare and minimalist, yet vivid and compelling, capturing the raw emotions and experiences of the characters in a hauntingly beautiful way.
- #3
Save:'Batavia's Graveyard: The True Story of the Mad Heretic Who Led History's Bloodiest Mutiny' by Mike Dash is a harrowing true account of a mutiny and shipwreck involving the Dutch East India Company's ship Batavia in the 17th century. The story unfolds on Beacon Island near Australia, where survivors faced barbaric rule and mass killings led by a charismatic but deranged ship's officer. Dash's writing style brings to life the dreadful descent into evil of the shipwrecked survivors, highlighting the flaws in human personalities that fueled the violent events.
Cornelisz came originally from Friesland, one of the most isolated and northerlyof the United Provinces. It was a place apart, largely rural and with borders so wellprotected by a dense barrier of pea... - #4
Save:In 'Deadkidsongs' by Toby Litt, the story unfolds in a small village in 1970s England, where four young boys form a gang and spend their summer holidays engaging in typical childhood activities. However, beneath this idyllic facade lies a dark and sinister undertone, with the looming threat of the Cold War shaping the boys' worldview. The narrative delves into the psychological impact of domestic trauma and the corruption of innocence, employing a unique structure with multiple narrators in both first and third person. As the plot progresses, the story evolves into a dark comedy, blending elements of black humor with disturbing events that leave a lasting impact on the reader.
- #5
Save:'The Beach' by Alex Garland is a novel that follows the story of Richard, a young man traveling around the world who stumbles upon a secret beach in Thailand. This beach, known for being unspoiled and untouched by commercialization, becomes a haven for a group of young Western travelers seeking a utopian escape from the realities of the world. However, as they settle into their new paradise, the idyllic facade starts to crumble, leading to a dark and disturbing exploration of human nature, survivalism, and the consequences of seeking an elusive utopia. The narrative is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the exotic locations and intense situations the characters find themselves in.
Garland's writing style is described as conversational, engaging, and filled with British dry wit that adds a layer of depth to the storytelling. The book is praised for its ability to delve into complex themes such as the dark side of utopia, the breakdown of societal norms, and the psychological impacts of isolation, all while maintaining a sense of suspense and intrigue that keeps readers hooked until the chilling conclusion.
The first I heard of the beach was in Bangkok, on the Khao San Road. Khao San Road was backpacker land. Almost all the buildings had been converted into guest-houses, there were long-distance-telephon... - #6
Save:'Nothing' by Janne Teller follows the story of seventh grader Pierre Anthon who declares that life has no meaning and climbs a plum tree, challenging his classmates to prove him wrong. As the classmates gather objects that hold personal significance to them, the stakes escalate, leading to horrifying sacrifices and a descent into a Lord of the Flies-esque chaos. The book delves into themes of nihilism, existentialism, and the search for meaning in a stark, cold setting, with elaborate descriptions and a thought-provoking narrative style that leaves readers questioning the purpose of life.
And although the teachers had a job on their hands tidying up after Pierre Anthon in the classroom as well as in our heads, part of Pierre Anthon remained stuck inside of us. Maybe that was why it all... - #7
Save:'A Children's Bible' by Lydia Millet is a novel that delves into the themes of climate change, generational divide, and parental neglect through the lens of a group of children facing an apocalyptic storm and flood. The story follows the children as they navigate a world where the adults have failed them, forcing them to rely on themselves for survival. The narrative is filled with biblical allusions and allegorical elements, creating a fable-like atmosphere that explores the interconnectedness of humanity and the consequences of ignoring environmental warnings. The writing style is described as simple, dreamlike, and thought-provoking, with layers of symbolism that add depth to the story and engage readers in contemplating the current state of the world.
Even the smallest canoe could take us down to the ocean. We’d paddle across the lake, over a marsh, down a stream, and come to the river’s mouth. Where the water met the sky. We’d run along the beach ... Angela Carter's 'Burning Your Boats: The Collected Short Stories' showcases her exceptional talent as an imaginative writer, reinventing common genres with a series of insightful and darkly feminist tales. The stories are rich in symbolism and require a slow, thoughtful reading to fully appreciate the poetic language and dense narratives. Carter's unique style, reminiscent of gothic fairy tales, explores themes of human depravity, sexuality, and feminism through reimagined classic tales like Beauty and the Beast and Little Red Riding Hood.
The last time I visited Angela Carter, a few weeks before she died, she had insisted on dressing for tea, in spite of being in considerable pain. She sat bright-eyed and erect, head cocked like a parr...- #9
Save:A High Wind in Jamaica is a novel that follows the journey of two families of children who become hostages to pirates after a series of unexpected events. The narrative explores the psychological impact on both the children and the men involved, as well as delves into themes of childhood innocence, betrayal, and the transition from innocence to experience in a violent and chaotic manner. Richard Hughes's writing style is described as unique, thought-provoking, and deeply disturbing, offering a glimpse into the inner nature of children and humanity through a dark and disquieting narrative.
One of the fruits of Emancipation in the West Indian islands is the number of the ruins, either attached to the houses that remain or within a stone’s throw of them: ruined slaves’ quarters, ruined su... 'Ordeal by Hunger: The Story of the Donner Party' by George R. Stewart is a comprehensive and detailed account of the harrowing journey undertaken by the Donner Party in 1846. The book vividly portrays the struggles, privations, and hardships faced by the emigrants as they attempted to travel to California, including incidents of selfishness, heroism, and unimaginable acts of survival such as resorting to cannibalism. Stewart's writing style, although from a different era, effectively brings to life the personalities and character traits of the individuals involved, making the reader feel deeply immersed in the tragic story of the Donner Party.
TAMSEN DONNER was gloomy and dispirited as the wagons pulled aside; Mr. Thornton noted it in his diary. The others were in high spirits at the prospect of the new route ahead, but she felt they were r...
