Books matching: dramatic tension
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- #1
'The Anatomy of Jane' by Amelia LeFay follows the story of Max and Wes, a couple who have kept their relationship a secret for years until their maid, Jane, stumbles upon them together. The dynamic between Max and Wes is irresistible, showcasing their comfort with each other and the push and pull of their egos. As Jane becomes involved with them, the trio navigates a complex relationship, facing challenges from societal expectations and personal struggles. The plot evolves from a light beginning to a more addictive and deep storyline, leaving readers captivated by the characters' journey.
The book explores themes of love, acceptance, and societal stigma through the relationships between Max, Wes, and Jane. It delves into the complexities of their dynamic, showcasing their individual strengths and weaknesses as they navigate their unconventional romance. With a mix of steamy scenes, captivating storytelling, and realistic character development, 'The Anatomy of Jane' offers a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
That’s how long I had been cleaning the penthouse at 2829 W Rowling Street without having any idea who lived there. If it weren’t for the damn laundry left for me every week, I’d think I was working f... - #2
"Mao II" by Don DeLillo explores the link between terrorism and novelists, delving into themes of capital excess, terrorism, the media, and the cult of personality around writers. The story primarily follows a famous recluse writer named Bill Gray, his obsessive-compulsive assistant, a teenager brainwashed by the Reverend Moon, and a professional photographer. DeLillo's writing style is described as masterful prose with detached and philosophic dialog, filled with unrealistic but intentional character interactions. The novel is noted for its intense fascination with crowds and mass movements, as well as its exploration of how terrorists have supplanted the role of novelists in capturing the public's imagination.
He walked among the bookstore shelves, hearing Muzak in the air. There were rows of handsome covers, prosperous and assured. He felt a fine excitement, hefting a new book, fitting hand over sleek spin... - #3
Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde is a play set in London's upper-class society, revolving around the marriage of Lord and Lady Windermere. The plot unfolds as Lady Windermere becomes suspicious of her husband's relationship with a mysterious woman, leading to misunderstandings, secrets, and societal scrutiny. Wilde's wit and satire shine through in the clever dialogue and complicated situations that highlight the strict societal rules of Victorian England.
SCENE: Morning-room of Lord Windermere’s house in Carlton House Terrace, London. The action of the play takes place within twenty-four hours, beginning on a Tuesday afternoon at five o’clock, and endi... - #4
After ten years of Civil war in Sri Lanka, the Tamils have come out on the bottom. Their lives, livelihoods and families are gone. They have been forced into camps and retributions are common. Is it any wonder that many are desperate to escape? A ship arrives in the Canadian port of Vancouver, British Columbia with over five hundred Tamil refugees on board, hoping for new lives. The story is told from several points of view. Mahindan has survived the war with his young son. His story is the most complex as we see a dual timeline skipping back and forth between the ten years of war and terrible loss and his time in the prison without his son, waiting for his refugee status to be decided. Another emotional gut punch of a novel, but in a good way. Based on true events around 2010, a boat of Tamil refugees arriving in Victoria claiming asylum, and the handling of this by Canada and our government. Mahindan's story is utterly heartbreaking and he is as fully realized a character as I've seen in fiction.
Mahindan was flat on his back when the screaming began, one arm right-angled over his eyes. He heard the whistle and thud of falling artillery, the cries of the dying. Mortar shells and rockets, the w... - #5
Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen is a dark and controversial play that delves into taboo subjects such as incest, venereal disease, extramarital affairs, and the oppressive 19th-century Scandinavian Protestant morality. The story revolves around Mrs. Alving, a widow, and her son Oswald, as they confront the ghosts of the past that haunt their present lives. Through conversations with Pastor Manders and revelations about the true nature of Captain Alving, the characters grapple with morality, family secrets, and the consequences of living a life dictated by societal expectations.
(SCENE.--A large room looking upon a garden door in the left-hand wall, and two in the right. In the middle of the room, a round table with chairs set about it, and books, magazines and newspapers upo... - #6
'The Go-Between' by L.P. Hartley is a coming-of-age story set in the summer of 1900 in England. The plot follows a young boy named Leo, who finds himself entangled in a scandalous affair between his friend's older sister and a local farmer. Leo acts as a go-between, carrying notes between the two lovers, unaware of the implications of his actions. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Victorian England, portraying the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. The writing style is described as lyrical, nostalgic, and reflective, with a focus on innocence, loss of childhood, and the impact of past events on the present.
THE 8TH of July was a Sunday, and on the following Monday I left West Hatch, the village where we lived near Salisbury, for Brandham Hall. My mother arranged that my Aunt Charlotte, a Londoner, should... - #7
'Submarine' by Joe Dunthorne is a coming-of-age story that follows the quirky and endearingly flawed Welsh teen boy, Oliver Tate. The narrative is described as delightful and charming, with a protagonist who is highly recommended for his hilarious and sarcastic humor. is known for its dark humor, sarcasm, and edginess, making every page something to laugh at. Readers compare Oliver Tate to Holden Caulfield from 'The Catcher in the Rye' and find the story to be one of the best coming-of-age novels, filled with insightful and believable moments.
I recently discovered that my mother has been typing the names of as-yet-uninvented mental conditions into Yahoo’s search engine: ‘delusion syndrome teenage’, ‘over-active imagination problem’, ‘holis... - #8
'Wild Orchids' by Karen Robards is an adventure romance novel set in Mexico, where the protagonist, Lora, a schoolteacher on vacation, is kidnapped by the hardened war veteran, Max. The plot unfolds as Max forces Lora to drive him out of the city at gunpoint, leading to a journey filled with tension, passion, and danger in the Mexican jungle. The writing style captures the raw, explosive passion between the two characters, showcasing a mix of sensory overload, primitive emotions, and a complex relationship dynamic.
Lora Harding's hands clenched on the steering wheel. Her throat went dry. Her heart began knocking like a jackhammer in her chest. This could not be happening, not to her, she thought, and the thought... - #9
Immortality by Milan Kundera is a complex and philosophical novel that delves into mankind's quest for immortality, interwoven with perspectives on love, erotica, morality, and art. The narrative meanders through fact and fiction, weaving real historical figures like Goethe and Hemingway with fictional characters, exploring themes of ageism, immortality, and the intersections of fact and fiction. Kundera's writing style breaks boundaries, engaging the reader in a philosophical journey through various topics, creating a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.
The book presents a mix of quasi-biography with straight-up fiction, time shifts from past to present, and ambiguity leading to multiple surprises. It serves as a foundation and framing for Kundera's philosophical musings, challenging traditional novel structures and inviting readers to think deeply about the complex relationships presented in the narrative.
The woman might have been sixty or sixty-five. I was watching her from a deck-chair by the pool of my health club, on the top floor of a high-rise that provided a panoramic view of all Paris. I was wa... - #10
'How to Breathe Underwater' by Julie Orringer is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of adolescent American girls and young women, often with Jewish backgrounds. The stories explore dark themes, such as violence, guilt, and isolation, while also touching on moments of grace and resilience. The writing style is described as emotionally engaging, with skillful use of flashbacks to compress a significant amount of story and emotion into each narrative.
It was Thanksgiving Day and hot, because this was New Orleans; they were driving uptown to have dinner with strangers. Ella pushed at her loose tooth with the tip of her tongue and fanned her legs wit...