Books matching: eccentric characters
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- #1
Quite a Year for Plums by Bailey White is a quiet and quirky novel set in a small town, focusing on eccentric and lovable characters without sentimentalism or happy endings. The story unfolds through tiny moments in time, painting a picture of everyday life in a community where everyone knows each other. The book is praised for its rich character development and unique storytelling style that captures the essence of small-town living.
The spring edition of Agrisearch came out with a picture on the front page of Roger standing in the middle of a field holding a peanut plant in each hand. In the distance you could see the irrigation ... - #2
In "Bowlaway," Elizabeth McCracken crafts a multi-generational story centered around Bertha Truitt, who mysteriously arrives in Salford, Massachusetts, claiming to have invented candlepin bowling. The novel follows the lives of Bertha and her descendants, as well as various characters connected to the bowling alley, spanning decades and exploring social issues. McCracken's writing style is described as rich, quirky, and whimsical, with a touch of magical realism, as she weaves together enchanting characters and vivid storytelling.
They found a body in the Salford Cemetery, but aboveground and alive. An ice storm the day before had beheaded the daffodils, and the cemetery was draped in frost: midspring, Massachusetts, the turn o... - #3
'Lightning Bug' by Donald Harington is a book that takes readers on a journey to Stay More, a small town in the Ozarks. Through the eyes of a child, the story delves into the complexity of adult life, exposing unhappiness, unfulfilled desires, and the good and bad aspects of human relationships. The writing style of Harington is described as prose-like and deep, reminiscent of authors like Hermann Hesse and Kurt Vonnegut. The book intertwines fantasy with reality, with characters that are eccentric and peculiar, set against a rural Southern backdrop.
- #4
'The Hotel New Hampshire' by John Irving is a novel that follows the eccentric Berry family as they navigate through life's tragedies and triumphs. The story is set in hotels in New Hampshire and Vienna, where the family faces a range of bizarre and often disturbing situations. The novel features quirky characters like Franny, John, Frank, Lilly, Egg, and a pet bear, all of whom are richly developed and evoke a mix of emotions in the reader.
The writing style in 'The Hotel New Hampshire' is described as funny, sad, and quirky, with a touch of surrealism. John Irving presents a narrative that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, blending elements of humor and tragedy seamlessly. The novel explores taboo topics such as rape, incest, terrorism, and death, all while maintaining a whimsical and imaginative tone.
The summer my father bought the bear, none of us was born—we weren’t even conceived: not Frank, the oldest; not Franny, the loudest; not me, the next; and not the youngest of us, Lilly and Egg. My fat... Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt is a creative non-fiction book that delves into the eccentric characters and atmosphere of Savannah, Georgia in the 1970s and 80s. The book uses a celebrated murder trial as a backdrop to introduce the reader to the city and its colorful inhabitants. Berendt's writing style is praised for capturing the essence of Savannah and its quirky residents, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
The book is a combination of a travelogue about Savannah, Georgia, and a glimpse into its upper-middle-class society through the lens of a murder in their midst. It offers an atmospheric portrayal of the city, showcasing its unique charm and the intriguing personalities that inhabit it, all while exploring the infamous slaying of Danny Hansford and the multiple murder trials of his lover, Jim Williams.
I had heard Jim Williams’s name mentioned often during the six months I had lived in Savannah. The house was one reason, but there were others. He was a successful dealer in antiques and a restorer of...'The Village of Stepanchikovo' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a comedic novel revolving around a household controlled by an impudent schemer named Foma Fomich, who manipulates the weak and credulous uncle of the estate owner. The story showcases psychological blackmail, absurd family dynamics, and a cast of eccentric characters engaging in chaotic confrontations, all woven together with sustained humor and lighthearted family drama.
- #7
"Tied Up in Tinsel" by Ngaio Marsh revolves around a Christmas party hosted by Mr. Hilary Bill Tasman at Halberds Manor, where guests include eccentric characters and a staff of convicted murderers. The protagonist, Troy Alleyn, wife of DI Roderick Alleyn of Scotland Yard, is at the manor to paint a portrait while her husband is away. The plot unfolds with a disappearance after a Christmas pageant, leading to suspicion among the staff and guests, and eventually, Superintendent Roderick Alleyn gets involved to solve the mystery. The writing style of the book combines elements of a traditional country house murder mystery with quirky characters and a cleverly executed plot that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story.
‘Thank you. When I so describe his activities I do not indulge in facezia. He went into partnership in a rag-and-bone way with my Uncle Bert Smith, who was already equipped with a horse and cart and t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Roderick Alleyn ) - #8
'The Somnambulist' by Jonathan Barnes is a mysterious and fantastical novel set in a fictitious Victorian London. The story follows Edward Moon, a magician and part-time detective, who, with his companion the Somnambulist, is called upon to solve a series of murders to save London from destruction. The book is filled with odd characters, supernatural elements, and a dark, gothic atmosphere that weaves through a plot full of twists and turns, keeping the reader intrigued but ultimately leaving many unanswered questions.
The writing style of 'The Somnambulist' has been described as pseudo-Victorian prose, with a touch of noir thriller and Victorian horror story mixed in. The book features a mix of mystery, suspense, and fantasy elements that create a jumble of parts, making it a puzzling yet intriguing read for those who enjoy stories with unconventional characters and settings.
- #9
Laura Lake and the Hipster Weddings follows the journey of Laura, a young aspiring journalist who lands an internship at a glossy magazine in London. As she delves into investigating celebrity weddings, she also uncovers a mystery surrounding her father's death and a jewel thief targeting the weddings. The book is described as a romp, filled with funny situations and wild plot twists, providing readers with a lighthearted and entertaining escape into the world of glitter and glamour.
Wendy Holden's writing style in Laura Lake and the Hipster Weddings is praised for its humor, witty dialogue, and dynamic character descriptions. The protagonist, Laura Lake, is portrayed as smart, creative, and daring, navigating through complex situations with inventiveness and observation skills. The book combines elements of comedy, mystery, and satire, offering a blend of amusement and eccentricity that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- #10
The Glimpses of the Moon, Edmund Crispin's final novel, presents a blend of mystery, farce, and satire set in the tranquil village of Glazebridge. The story follows the eccentricities of the villagers, including quirky characters like a tortoise named Ellis and an overly amorous tomcat named Stripey. As Professor Gervase Fen embarks on investigating a series of interconnected murders, the narrative unfolds with a leisurely pace, offering close attention to character foibles and witty dialogues. Crispin's intelligent and erudite writing style shines through as he weaves a complex plot filled with improbable scenarios and sly literary references.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Gervase Fen )