Books matching: existential absurdity
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- #1
Save:Molloy by Samuel Beckett is a novel that delves into the inner monologues of two main characters, Molloy and Moran. Molloy, a homeless wanderer, reflects on his relationships, struggles, and encounters with the authorities, while Moran, a private detective, embarks on a mysterious quest to find Molloy. The book is divided into two parts, with each character narrating their own section, showcasing Beckett's unique writing style that combines existential themes with dark humor and absurdity.
It is midnight. The rain is beating on the windows. I am calm. All is sleeping. Nevertheless I get up and go to my desk. I can’t sleep. My lamp sheds a soft and steady light. I have trimmed it. It wil... 'Some Of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby' by Donald Barthelme is a short tale of existential absurdity with a rustic American twist. The story follows a group led by Buck who decide to hang their friend Colby due to his behavior. Despite Colby's protests, the group proceeds with their plan, discussing details like the choice between a gibbet or tree, the selection of liquor for the event, and the printed invitations to avoid government interference. The narrative explores themes of alienation, absurdity, and the reality of death, all delivered with Barthelme's signature humor and dark, Kafkaesque satire.
The writing style in this book is described as economical and spare but impactful, packing a mighty punch. The author subverts the short story form, modernizing it with elements of Sam Beckett, modern advertising, and Surrealism. The narrative is both funny and threatening, offering a unique blend of dark humor and serious themes, making it a mini study of punishment told with style, verve, and humor.
Some of us had been threatening our friend Colby for a long time, because of the way he had been behaving. And now he’d gone too far, so we decided to hang him. Colby argued that just because he had g...- #3
Save:'The Pit and the Pendulum' by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of horror tales that delve into the depths of human suffering and psychological suspense. The stories are filled with dark and macabre elements, where characters face torment and terror in various forms. The writing style of Poe is described as vivid and immersive, allowing readers to feel the angst and fear of the characters as if watching a movie unfold in their minds.
Impia tortorum longas hic turba furores Sanguinis innocui, non satiata, aluit. Sospite nunc patria, fracto nunc funeris antro, Mors ubi dira fuit, vita salusque patent. [Here the wicked mob, unappease...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Edgar Allan Poe Tales ) - #4
Save:'Collected Stories' by Vladimir Nabokov is a compilation of nearly seventy short stories that showcase the masterful storytelling of the author. The stories range from beautifully written and poetic to bizarre and atmospheric, often delving into themes of memory, clearness, and surrealism. Nabokov's writing style is described as indescribably beautiful, whimsical, and gripping, with a mix of migr homesick emotions and vivid imagery that captivates the reader's imagination.
The collection includes stories originally written in Russian and French, translated into English by Nabokov himself or his son Dmitri. The narratives are often melancholic and thought-provoking, exploring themes of death, nightmares, and deep emotions. Nabokov's ability to weave intricate plots and observe the world with a keen eye for detail results in a collection that is both haunting and sublime, offering readers a glimpse into the genius of one of the finest fiction writers of the twentieth century.
- #5
Save:Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett is an existential masterpiece that delves into the themes of hope, absurdity, and the passage of time. The play follows two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who are endlessly waiting for someone named Godot. Throughout the play, the characters engage in philosophical discussions, absurd interactions, and comedic wordplay, all while questioning the meaning of their existence and the futility of their wait. Beckett's writing style is minimalist yet profound, capturing the essence of existentialism and the human condition with simplicity and depth.
VLADIMIR: (advancing with short, stiff strides, legs wide apart). I’m beginning to come round to that opinion. All my life I’ve tried to put it from me, saying, Vladimir, be reasonable, you haven’t ye... 'Today I Wrote Nothing: The Selected Writings' by Daniil Kharms is a collection of absurd and witty writings, comprising a mixture of poetry, short prose, and miniature plays. The book features stories that are both funny and thought-provoking, with elements of absurdism and dark humor. Kharms' writing style challenges traditional storytelling norms and delves into themes of existentialism and mysticism, set against the backdrop of a soulless period in history.
- #7
Save:'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of a bombardier named Yossarian. The story delves into the absurdity and insanity of military life, highlighting the struggles of individuals trying to navigate through a world where life is cheap and the rules seem designed to ensure no escape from the horrors of war. Through a fragmented narrative style, the author weaves a darkly humorous tale that provides insights into the futility of war and the importance of self-preservation amidst chaos.
The writing style of 'Catch-22' is characterized by its witty banter, dark humor, and satirical take on the bureaucracy and illogical reasoning prevalent in wartime. The narrative jumps between characters, time periods, and locations, creating a chaotic yet engaging reading experience. Heller's exploration of the themes of insanity, morality, and the absurdity of life is delivered through a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on the human condition.
Yossarian was in the hospital with a pain in his liver that fell just short of being jaundice. The doctors were puzzled by the fact that it wasn’t quite jaundice. If it became jaundice they could trea... - #8
Save:'A Death in the Family' in the series 'My Struggle' by Karl Ove Knausgaard is a detailed and honest account of the author's youth, focusing on his relationships with his family, especially his father. The book explores themes of alcoholism, family dynamics, and the author's own struggles and emotions during his adolescence. The writing style is described as sensitive, insightful, and captivating, drawing readers into the author's world and innermost thoughts.
One mild, overcast day in August 1969, a bus came winding its way along a narrow road at the far end of an island in southern Norway, between gardens and rocks, meadows and woods, up and down dale, ar... 'The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick' by Peter Handke follows the story of Joseph Bloch, a former soccer goalie turned construction worker, who embarks on a seemingly senseless journey through Austria's border region after leaving his job site under the belief that he has been fired. Bloch's actions are observed through a narrative perspective that filters out emotional responses, showcasing his detachment and lack of empathy towards others. The story takes a dreamlike and surreal turn when Bloch befriends a young woman at a cinema and unexpectedly strangles her, highlighting his disengagement from reality and society. Handke weaves a narrative that critiques modern society by suggesting that experiences are fragmented and distorted by language, leaving the reader with a creepy and absorbing portrayal of Bloch's unsettling journey.
WHEN JOSEPH BLOCH, a construction worker who had once been a well-known soccer goalie, reported for work that morning, he was told that he was fired. At least that was how he interpreted the fact that...- #10
Save:"The Stranger" by Albert Camus is a novel that delves into existentialism through the story of Meursault, a man who seems indifferent and detached from the world around him. The plot follows Meursault as he navigates through life events such as his mother's death, a murder he commits, and a trial he faces, all while displaying a lack of emotion and connection with those around him. The writing style is described as choppy, matter-of-fact, and detached, reflecting the character's own demeanor and emphasizing the themes of absurdity and alienation.
Camus' exploration of the absurdity of life and society's inability to understand a man like Meursault forms the core of the narrative. Through vivid storytelling and a compelling portrayal of existential themes, the book challenges readers to reflect on concepts of meaning, morality, and the human condition. The character of Meursault serves as a vehicle for Camus to question societal norms and beliefs, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of existential philosophy and the complexities of human existence.
The old people’s home is at Marengo, about eighty kilometers from Algiers, I’ll take the two o’clock bus and get there in the afternoon. That way I can be there for the vigil and come back tomorrow ni...
