Books matching: eccentric characters in stories
56 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
'The Year of the Hare' by Arto Paasilinna follows the story of Kaarlo Vatanen, a journalist who hits a young hare with his car, leading to a drastic change in his life. Vatanen decides to leave his job and wife behind, embarking on a journey through the Finnish countryside with the hare as his companion. The narrative is a mix of adventure and introspection, as Vatanen encounters various eccentric characters and experiences while rediscovering himself in the wilderness. The writing style is described as quirky, amusing, and occasionally farcical, capturing the essence of Finnish culture and landscape with a touch of dark humor.
Two harassed men were driving down a lane. The setting sun was hurting their eyes through the dusty windshield. It was midsummer, but the landscape on this sandy byroad was slipping past their weary e... - #2
Readers have mixed opinions about 'Joe College' by Tom Perrotta. The book follows Danny, a student at Yale dealing with coming of age issues, class struggles, and fitting in during 1982 in New Jersey. The story delves into Danny's relationships, both at college and back home, as he navigates his blue-collar roots and college life. The writing style is described as casual and smart, with well-formed characters and realistic conversations.
All through that winter and into the spring, when our Tuesday- and Thursday-night dinner shifts were done, Matt and I would sit at the long table near the salad bar and plan his end-of-the-year party,... - #3
'My Life and Hard Times' by James Thurber is a collection of humorous and insightful stories about Thurber's childhood, family, and everyday life experiences. The book presents Thurber's unique perspective on growing up in Columbus, Ohio, and the eccentricities of his family and neighbors. Through witty and droll humor, Thurber captures the essence of simple, uncomplicated living and the hilarity that can be found in mundane situations. Accompanied by the author's delightful cartoon drawings, the book offers a nostalgic and entertaining glimpse into Thurber's world.
Thurber's writing style is characterized by his ability to extract humor from ordinary events and portray them in a light-hearted and whimsical manner. The stories in 'My Life and Hard Times' are filled with charming anecdotes, playful observations, and clever wit, making the book a delightful read for readers of all ages. Thurber's concise and humorous storytelling, combined with his iconic illustrations, creates a timeless and endearing collection that continues to entertain and amuse readers.
- #4
Deliver Me From Eva is a horror novel by Paul Bailey that follows the story of Mark Allard, a young lawyer who impulsively marries Eva Craner after a brief courtship. The couple visits Eva's family estate near Pasadena, where Mark discovers the eerie experiments conducted by Eva's father, Dr. Craner, to enhance human intelligence. As Mark tries to leave with Eva, he finds himself trapped in the sinister world of the Craner family, filled with bizarre brain experiments, hypnotism, and communication with the dead. The narrative unfolds through Mark's perspective, revealing a suspenseful and atmospheric tale that blends elements of mystery, horror, and the supernatural.
The book is written in a breezy yet suspenseful style, managing to captivate readers with its gripping storyline and over-the-top plot twists. Through vivid descriptions and well-handled dialogue, Paul Bailey creates a world filled with eccentric characters, strange science experiments, and chilling revelations. As Mark navigates the nightmarish events at the Craner estate, the narrative explores themes of love, horror, and the dark side of human nature, keeping readers on the edge of their seats till the very end.
- #5
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of the aristocratic Flyte family and their friends. The story follows Charles Ryder, who forms connections with the Flytes, particularly Sebastian, during his time at Oxford and later at Brideshead estate. The narrative spans over two decades, intertwining themes of love, religion, duty, and decay within the backdrop of England's elite society. Waugh's writing style is described as sumptuous, elegant, and melancholic, creating a rich tapestry of characters and relationships that evolve against the backdrop of historical events like World War II.
When I reached “C” Company lines, which were at the top of the hill, I paused and looked back at the camp, just coming into full view below me through the gray mist of early morning. We were leaving t... - #6
'Suttree' by Cormac McCarthy is a novel that follows Cornelius Suttree, a man who abandons his affluent family to live among outcasts along the Tennessee riverfront in Knoxville. The book delves into the episodic experiences of Suttree as he interacts with a variety of eccentric characters living on the fringes of society, showcasing a mix of tragedy and hope. McCarthy's writing style in 'Suttree' is described as dense, wordy, and filled with rich prose that vividly recreates the setting of Knoxville in the 1950s.
The novel is praised for its profound and surreal prose that transports the reader to the South, blending grim descriptions of poverty with punctuations of humor. It is noted for its depiction of Southern Gothic elements and the character of Cornelius Suttree, who leads a simple life as an impoverished fisherman amidst a cast of shady characters. The book is considered a must-read for fans of Southern literature, offering a unique exploration of societal outcasts and the complexities of human nature.
Peering down into the water where the morning sun fashioned wheels of light, coronets fanwise in which lay trapped each twig, each grain of sediment, long flakes and blades of light in the dusty water... - #7
Amnesia Moon by Jonathan Lethem is a post-apocalyptic novel following the protagonist Chaos, who navigates through a fragmented reality shaped by dreams. The story unfolds as Chaos embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the apocalyptic event, encountering surreal landscapes and characters, all while grappling with the blurred lines between dreams and reality. Lethem's writing style combines elements of mind-bending surrealism and post-apocalyptic themes, reminiscent of Philip K. Dick's narrative style.
Edge had the highway to himself. It was his trinket, all that paint and asphalt, thanks to Kellogg’s new law about ownership. You merely have to decide it’s yours. Edge had a knack for recalling Kello... - #8
The Fan Man by William Kotzwinkle is a wild and chaotic journey following the drugged-out hippie, Horse Badorties, as he navigates through various neighborhoods in New York City, constantly in sync with the tao of life. The book is described as a continual drug-induced brain patter with minimal plot but abundant humor and eccentricity. Horse Badorties is portrayed as a unique and memorable character, obsessed with creating a Love Chorus of 15-year-old girls for a bizarre concert featuring medieval church music set to the pitch of Japanese handheld fans.
The writing style of The Fan Man is noted for its raucous, politically incorrect, and satirical nature, with Horse Badorties' clueless yet endearing antics providing a mix of hilarity and absurdity. The book captures the essence of the free-spirited hippie culture of the late 1960s and early 1970s, embodying themes of nonconformity, eccentricity, and the pursuit of unconventional dreams.
I am all alone in my pad, man, my piled-up-to-the-ceiling-with-junk pad. Piled with sheet music, with piles of garbage bags bursting with rubbish and encrusted frying pans piled on the floor, embedded... - #9
'Death Below Stairs' by Jennifer Ashley is the first book in the 'Kat Holloway Mysteries' series, set in 1881 London. The story follows Kat Holloway, a skilled cook who takes a position in the household of Lord Rankin. When her assistant is found murdered, Kat delves into the mystery with the help of her friend Daniel McAdam, uncovering secrets, espionage, and a plot against Queen Victoria. The book combines elements of daily life in Victorian England, class commentary, a murder mystery, and a touch of romance, all set against the backdrop of a grand house with intriguing characters.
I must say I was not shocked that such a thing happened, because when a woman takes on the dress and bad habits of a man, she cannot be surprised at the disapprobation of others when she is found out.... - #10
In 'A Dirty Job,' Charlie Asher unexpectedly becomes a Death Merchant after losing his wife and gaining a new baby daughter. The book follows Charlie's journey as he navigates his new role as Death, dealing with humorous and touching moments, eccentric characters, and a plot filled with zaniness and irreverent humor. The story blends dark comedy with poignant themes of death and grieving, all set in a present-day world reminiscent of Terry Pratchett's style.
The writing style of 'A Dirty Job' is witty, adventurous, and at times downright weird. The dialogue and characters throughout the book are crafted to make readers laugh out loud, with a mix of dark humor and light-hearted moments. The plot moves at a pleasantly distracting pace, keeping readers engaged with the absurdity and creativity of Christopher Moore's storytelling.
Charlie Asher walked the earth like an ant walks on the surface of water, as if the slightest misstep might send him plummeting through the surface to be sucked to the depths below. Blessed with the B...