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Books matching: despair and isolation

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  1. #1

    The General of the Dead Army by Ismail Kadare
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    An Italian general arrives in Albania to retrieve the dead bodies of Italian soldiers that were killed and buried during WW2. The novel portrays the struggles and complexities of this task, set against a backdrop of a bleak and grey landscape. The story delves into themes of personal histories, the repercussions of war, and the emotional toll it takes on individuals involved.

    RAIN AND FLAKES OF SNOW were falling simultaneously on the foreign soil. The concrete runway, the airport buildings, the soldiers guarding them were all soaking wet. The plain and the surrounding hill...

  2. #2

    North American Lake Monsters by Nathan Ballingrud
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    'North American Lake Monsters' by Nathan Ballingrud is a collection of dark and haunting short stories that delve into the complexities of human nature and the monstrousness within us. The book explores a variety of horror elements such as vampires, zombies, werewolves, and supernatural beings, but focuses more on the psychological terror induced by human actions rather than the supernatural events. The stories are deeply emotional, beautifully written, and filled with vivid imagery that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

    You Go Where It Takes You He did not look like a man who would change her life. He was big, roped with muscles from working on offshore oil rigs, and tending to fat. His face was broad and inoffensive...

  3. #3

    Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
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    'Eileen' by Ottessa Moshfegh is a dark and weird novel that follows the story of the titular character, Eileen, as she navigates her unhappy life living with her alcoholic father and working at a juvenile prison. The book is character-oriented, delving deep into Eileen's psyche and odd thoughts, creating a mysterious and uncomfortable atmosphere. The plot, although loose and non-linear, keeps the reader engaged by revealing Eileen's inner life and her impending departure from her small town.

    The narrative style of 'Eileen' is described as absorbing, weird, and unsettling, resembling a psychological thriller with a strong focus on character development. The book explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and transformation, with unexpected twists and dark alleys that lead the reader through Eileen's disturbing journey towards self-discovery.

    I looked like a girl you’d expect to see on a city bus, reading some clothbound book from the library about plants or geography, perhaps wearing a net over my light brown hair. You might take me for a...

  4. #4

    Gargoyles by Richard Winston, Thomas Bernhard, Clara Winston
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    Gargoyles by Richard Winston, Thomas Bernhard, Clara Winston is a dark and intense novel that delves into the grim circumstances of patients in a decaying estate. The story primarily focuses on an extended monologue by the prince of the estate, exploring themes of madness, dreams, dissolving family, and dark aphorisms reminiscent of Nietzsche or Schopenhauer. The narrative paints a gothic and morbid landscape with stark prose, sculpting the grotesque features of the characters. The book takes readers on a journey through rural horrors and grotesque patients, ultimately presenting a bleak view of human life and the tragedy of the human condition.


  5. #5

    Siren Promised by Jeremy Robert Johnson
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    'Siren Promised' by Jeremy Robert Johnson delves into the dark and gritty world of addiction, abuse, and redemption. The story follows Angie, a woman battling her past of addiction and abuse as she embarks on a journey to reunite with her daughter Kaya. Filled with disturbing imagery and raw emotions, the narrative weaves a tale of wretchedness and hope, showcasing the harsh realities of drug abuse and the desperate quest for salvation amidst haunting pasts and bleak circumstances.


  6. #6

    Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
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    'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad follows Marlow's journey into the Belgian Congo in search of the mysterious Kurtz, an ivory trader who has gained supremacy over the natives through violence. The story delves into the darkness within the human soul, exploring themes of imperialism, good versus evil, and the horrors of colonialism. Conrad's writing style is described as dense and evocative, with vivid descriptions of the African jungle and a caustic tone that reflects the moral decay of the characters.

    Marlow's narration takes readers through a journey of self-discovery and moral ambiguity as he navigates the Congo River and encounters the brutality of European colonialism. The story is layered with symbolism and explores the subconscious workings of the characters, particularly Kurtz, who represents the darkness that lurks within humanity. Conrad's narrative style is both raw and moody, painting a stark picture of the destructive forces at play in the heart of Africa and the hearts of men.

    1869 Conrad’s father dies, also of tuberculosis; Conrad is adopted by his maternal uncle, Tadeusz Bobrowski, who lives in Poland. The completion of the Suez Canal effectively links the Mediterranean a...

  7. #7

    Bluets by Maggie Nelson
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    Bluets by Maggie Nelson is a meditative exploration of the color blue and its symbolic associations with themes of loss, pain, love, and despair. The book weaves together philosophical musings, personal reflections, and cultural references to create a lyrical and thought-provoking narrative. Through numbered entries and poetic prose, Nelson delves into the complexities of human emotions and experiences, using the color blue as a central motif to evoke a sense of transcendence and introspection.

    1. Suppose I were to begin by saying that I had fallen in love with a color. Suppose I were to speak this as though it were a confession; suppose I shredded my napkin as we spoke. It began slowly. An ...

  8. #8

    Whirligig by Paul Fleischman
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    In the book "Whirligig" by Paul Fleischman, a teenage boy named Brent Bishop tries to commit suicide while driving drunk, resulting in the death of another teenager named Lea. Lea's mother requests Brent to build whirligigs in honor of her daughter, to spread joy and make people smile. The story follows Brent's journey across the country as he builds the whirligigs and learns about the impact of his actions on others. The book intertwines Brent's story with individual stories of each whirligig and how they positively influence people's lives.

    The narrative explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and interconnectedness as Brent embarks on a journey of healing and growth. Through the structure of the story, the author demonstrates the power of choices and their consequences, showcasing how one's actions, whether good or bad, can have a lasting impact on others.

    Brent turned toward his clock. It was five thirty-five. He hated the hours before a party. A nervous energy whipped back and forth inside him. He focused again on the computer’s screen and careened th...

  9. #9

    My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
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    'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh follows an unnamed narrator, a young woman in New York City who, after inheriting her parents' wealth, decides to spend a year in a drug-induced sleep, cutting off contact with the world. The book delves into themes of depression, escapism, and societal disdain, as the narrator navigates a year of numbness and self-imposed isolation, reflecting on relationships, privilege, and the pursuit of rest and relaxation. Moshfegh's writing style is described as dark, raw, and honest, capturing the protagonist's apathy and vulnerability, while also maintaining a sense of humor and quirkiness throughout the narrative.

    WHENEVER I WOKE UP, night or day, I’d shuffle through the bright marble foyer of my building and go up the block and around the corner where there was a bodega that never closed. I’d get two large cof...

  10. #10

    Villette by Charlotte Bronte
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    Villette by Charlotte Bronte is a semi-autobiographical novel following the life of Lucy Snowe, a woman ahead of her time, who moves to Villette i.e., Brussels, to become a schoolteacher. The story delves into Lucy's relationships, romances, and her experiences at Mme. Beck's school, with elements of gothic and mysterious occurrences adding depth to the narrative. The novel explores themes of loneliness, inner torment, and the struggles of women in the 19th century society, all portrayed through the lens of Lucy's introspective and emotionally complex character.

    My godmother lived in a handsome house in the clean and ancient town of Bretton. Her husband’s family had been residents there for generations, and bore, indeed, the name of their birthplace—Bretton o...

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