Books matching: entrapment
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:The Woman in the Dunes by Kobo Abe is a surreal and claustrophobic tale that follows the story of a man who becomes trapped in a house buried in sand dunes, forced to continuously excavate sand to prevent the house from being engulfed. The book explores themes of existentialism, despair, and the struggle for freedom amidst a bleak and oppressive setting. Abe's writing style is described as lyrical, dreamlike, and haunting, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the desolate atmosphere of the sand pit.
ONE August afternoon a man stood in the railroad station at S––. He wore a gray peaked hat, and the cuffs of his trousers were tucked into his stockings. A canteen and a large wooden box were slung ov... - #2
Save:'The Victorian Chaise Longue' by Marghanita Laski follows the story of Melanie, a young woman recovering from tuberculosis in the 1950s, who falls asleep on a Victorian chaise longue and wakes up in the Victorian era as a dying woman named Milly. Trapped in Milly's body, Melanie struggles to convince those around her of her true identity while grappling with the horror of her situation. The novella explores themes of time shifts, the end or beginning of life, and the claustrophobic world of a Victorian drawing room, all while reflecting on women's roles and attitudes towards sexuality.
Laski's writing style is praised for its intensity, original metaphors, and seamless transitions between time periods. The detailed descriptions of Victorian times create an air of authenticity, immersing readers in the realistic and immersive narrative. The novella's tight structure and sinister tone work both on the surface level and as a metaphor, leaving readers captivated by the eerie and enigmatic exploration of death, time, and identity.
When I first read The Victorian Chaise-longue in 1953, the year in which it was first published, it impressed me as one of the most skillfully-told and terrifying short novels of its decade. Re-readin... - #3
Save:'Bluebeard's Castle' by Anna Biller follows the story of Judith, a contemporary romance novelist who falls under the seductive spell of Gavin, a mysterious and emotionally volatile Baron's son. After a whirlwind romance and hasty wedding, Judith moves into a remodeled castle with her brooding lover, only to realize the cracks in his facade. The narrative delves into the complexities of abusive relationships, portraying Judith's struggles as she oscillates between acknowledging mistreatment and seeking refuge in religion, fantasy, and self-negation. The writing style is described as cinematic, with detailed descriptions of interiors, clothes, and characters, reminiscent of old Hollywood movies like 'Marnie' and 'Rebecca'.
- #4
Save:'Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror, Vol. 1' by Junji Ito is a horror manga series that revolves around a small town called Kurozu cho, where people become obsessed with spirals. The story delves into the bizarre and grotesque phenomena that arise from this spiral obsession, leading to body horror and strange occurrences. The plot weaves together different short stories with distinct plot arcs that mostly get resolved at the end of each issue, creating a tapestry of horror within the city. Junji Ito's writing style is described as masterful, creating an atmosphere of terror and suspense throughout the narrative.
- #5
Save:The story follows Pierrot, a young boy who becomes an orphan and is taken in by his Aunt Beatrix, who works as a housekeeper in Hitler's mountain retreat in Germany. Renamed Pieter, the boy is influenced by Hitler's ideologies and transforms from a naive child to a fervent supporter of the Nazi regime. As Pieter grows up under Hitler's wing, he becomes a dangerous and mean-spirited individual, causing devastation to those who once cared for him. The novel explores Pierrot's journey of indoctrination and betrayal, ultimately leading him to confront the consequences of his actions during World War II.
John Boyne delivers a powerful and well-written story that evokes a range of emotions towards the protagonist, Pierrot/Pieter. The book offers a gripping narrative that delves into themes of innocence lost, indoctrination, and the consequences of blind loyalty to a destructive ideology. Through Pierrot's transformation, Boyne presents a cautionary tale of how easily individuals, especially children, can be influenced and led astray by malevolent forces.
They spent most of their time together, kicking a football around in the Champ de Mars and reading the same books. So close was their friendship that Pierrot was the only person Anshel allowed to read... - #6
Save:Break Her by B.G. Harlen is a dark and intense psychological thriller that delves into the disturbing dynamics between a rapist and his victim. The story unfolds over two days of psychological and physical torment, focusing solely on the actions and emotions of the two nameless characters known as Him and Her. The writing style is raw and gritty, immersing the reader in the brutal battle of wills as the rapist tries to break his victim psychologically into nothing.
The novel portrays a harrowing narrative of power play, manipulation, and survival as the victim, despite the horrific experiences she endures, displays unwavering strength and resilience. The lack of physical descriptions and names for the characters intensifies the focus on their actions and emotions, creating a chilling and magnified portrayal of the psychological and physical rape that dominates the majority of the book.
She wasn’t sure if she was actually awake. She felt funny. Immobile. And there was... Jesus. She really couldn’t move. Someone was holding her. She could feel him all along the back of her body. One o... - #7
Save:Dracula by Bram Stoker is a classic novel that introduces the legend of Dracula, a Transylvanian royal seeking new hunting grounds in London. The story unfolds through letters, journals, and recordings, following a group led by Dr. Abraham Van Helsing as they combat the vampire. The book, written in 1897, captures the attention of readers from the first page to the last, defining the rules of vampires and kickstarting the vampire craze of the 20th and 21st centuries. Despite its familiarity due to movies and cultural references, Dracula remains a suspenseful and engaging read, perfect for Halloween.
Left Munich at 8.35 p.m. on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6.46, but train was an hour late. Buda-Pesth seems a wonderful place, from the glimpse which I got of... - #8
Save:'The Collector' by John Fowles is a dark psychological thriller that tells the story of Frederick, a withdrawn and unloved man who collects butterflies and becomes fixated on an art student named Miranda. After winning a lottery, Frederick kidnaps Miranda and keeps her captive in the basement of his house, hoping for their love to blossom in isolation. The narrative alternates between Frederick's perspective, justifying his actions, and Miranda's point of view as she tries to escape from her captor's clutches.
The book explores themes of obsession, captivity, and the complexity of human relationships. It delves into the minds of both the kidnapper and the victim, offering a chilling portrayal of psychological manipulation and the blurred lines between love and control. The slow-building tension and the shift in narrative perspectives create a sense of dread and unease, making 'The Collector' a compelling and disturbing read.
WHEN she was home from her boarding-school I used to see her almost every day sometimes, because their house was right opposite the Town Hall Annexe. She and her younger sister used to go in and out a... - #9
Save:The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati is a novel that follows the story of Giovanni Drogo, a young soldier who is stationed at Fort Bastiani on the border of the Tartar Steppe. The book explores themes of solitude, the futility of military preparations in times of peace, and the struggle to find purpose in life while waiting for something significant to happen. Buzzati's writing is described as sparse yet beautifully told, capturing the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the isolated fortress and the desolate steppe.
The novel portrays the protagonist's journey of waiting for glory and purpose in a setting filled with absurd military bureaucracy, monotony, and the passage of time. The narrative delves into Drogo's internal conflicts, his gradual acceptance of his isolated existence, and the haunting realization of missed opportunities and wasted time as he becomes entrenched in the routine and hopelessness of his post at Bastiani fortress.
He had himself called while it was still dark and for the first time put on his lieutenant’s uniform. When he had done, he looked at himself in the mirror by the light of an oil lamp but failed to fin... - #10
Save:The Black Prince by Iris Murdoch is a complex and intriguing novel that delves into the themes of art, ethical choices, and erotic love. The story follows the protagonist, Bradley Pearson, a retired writer who gets entangled in a series of events that challenge his plans and identity. Through a narrative that includes unreliable narrators and contradictory perspectives, Murdoch weaves a tale that explores the relationship between art and reality, human behavior, and the tragic consequences of pursuing one's truth.
The book is characterized by its clever, funny, and engaging storytelling, which offers a multilayered and ironic portrayal of the characters' motives and actions. As readers navigate through the intricate plot and explore the depths of the characters' psyches, they are invited to reflect on the complexities of human nature, the role of art in life, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction.
I am in more than one way responsible for the work that follows. The author of it, my friend Bradley Pearson, has placed the arrangements for publication in my hands. In this humble mechanical sense i...
