Books matching: existential angst
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Gertrude by Hermann Hesse is a melancholy tale of flawed love and existential angst, focusing on a love triangle involving a composer, an opera singer, and the titular character Gertrude. The plot explores themes of destructive nature of love, the impact of thoughtlessness on relationships, and the struggles of artistic development and self-discovery. The writing style is described as gentle, dreamy, and free-floating, with a focus on philosophical musings and character introspection.
WHEN I TAKE a long look at my life, as though from outside, it does not appear particularly happy. Yet I am even less justified in calling it unhappy, despite all its mistakes. After all, it is foolis... - #2
Save:'Seconds' by Bryan Lee O'Malley follows the story of Katie, a successful chef at Seconds restaurant, who is eager to move forward in her life. When Katie's plans don't go as smoothly as she hoped, she discovers a magical way to undo past mistakes. However, as she continues to change her decisions, she realizes that rewriting history is more complicated than she initially thought. The book explores themes of regret, consequences, and self-discovery through a mix of fantasy elements and realistic character development. O'Malley's storytelling style blends humor, magic, and spookiness, creating an engaging narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature and the impact of our choices.
- #3
Save:'Extremities' by Kathe Koja is a collection of dark fantasy short stories that focus on character development and language. Koja's writing style emphasizes creating mood and atmosphere through her characters' extreme transformations, whether psychological or physical. The stories delve into the lives of sad and warped souls, offering experiences rather than definitive endings. Koja's prose is described as literary, with a strong emphasis on character and language, creating a surreal yet grounded world for her characters to inhabit.
- #4
Save:'Letter to His Father' by Franz Kafka is an open letter written by Kafka to his father, expressing the hardship and emotional abuse he endured as his son. Through the letter, readers get a glimpse into the complex relationship between Kafka and his father, delving into the psychological impact it had on Kafka's life and work. The writing style is raw and filled with the human experience, as Kafka yearns for freedom and recognition from his father, emotions that were never acknowledged.
'The Book of Disquiet: The Complete Edition' by Fernando Pessoa is a collection of fragmented thoughts and musings of fictional Portugese bookkeeper Bernardo Soares, one of Pessoa's heteronyms. The book is a diary-like account of Soares' existential reflections on life, literature, poetry, sensibility, and metaphysics, with no plot or story arc. Pessoa's poetic prose is described as beautiful and profound, with virtually every sentence being a gem. The book is best experienced by dipping into it over a long period of time, rather than reading it cover to cover, as it offers insights into the depths of human emotions and existential ponderings.
The writing style of 'The Book of Disquiet' is characterized by its rich expressiveness, introspective nature, and melancholic tone. Pessoa weaves together observation and introspection, creating a deeply existential and existentialist work that challenges readers to contemplate the imperfections of life and the struggle of living authentically. The book is a blend of diary, fiction, autobiography, philosophy, and poetry in prose, offering a unique reading experience that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human emotions and the futility of longing for the impossible.
Lisbon has a certain number of eating establishments in which, on top of a respectable-looking tavern, there’s a regular dining room with the solid and homey air of a restaurant in a small trainless t...The Noble Hustle is a mix of poker stories, the writer's life, and some poker theory that the author has learned. The book follows the author's journey through the World Series of Poker, delving into high-stake and low-stake poker worlds with a humorous and insightful approach. However, some readers found the book to be more about the author's search for meaning and joy in life, with a writing style that can be witty and sarcastic but at times meandering and self-indulgent.
I have a good poker face because I am half dead inside. My particular combo of slack features, negligible affect, and soulless gaze has helped my game ever since I started playing twenty years ago, wh...- #7
Save:Brave New Girl by Louisa Luna is a gritty and raw coming-of-age story about a 14-year-old protagonist named Doreen who struggles with family dysfunction, ostracism at school, and the traumatic experience of being sexually violated by her sister's boyfriend. The narrative delves into Doreen's emotional turmoil, her coping mechanisms including drug use and fantasies of running away, and her journey towards finding closure and understanding in the face of adversity. The writing style mirrors the existential angst and rebellious spirit reminiscent of J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye', with a focus on authentic emotions and the harsh realities of teenage life.
- #8
Save:Pitch Dark by Renata Adler is a novel divided into three sections, following the story of Kate Ennis and her tumultuous relationship with a married man. The narrative is nonlinear and fragmented, exploring themes of unrequited love and self-reflection as Kate navigates through her emotions and experiences in Ireland and London. Adler's writing style is described as sharp, witty, and satirical, creating a sense of unease and surprise for the reader while maintaining a pleasurable reading experience.
My back went up, Viola Teagarden used to say, with a little thrill of self-importance, pride and pleasure, head raised, nostrils flaring, back straightening slightly, as though she had received a smal... - #9
Save:The Diary of a Country Priest by Georges Bernanos is a complex novel that follows the story of a young parish priest in a remote French village. The book delves into philosophical and theological debates, portraying the protagonist's struggles with pride, piety, and martyrdom. Through dense dialogues and a fictional diary format, Bernanos explores the protagonist's interactions with various characters who represent different aspects of the author's ideological history. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, challenging both the characters and readers to confront existential questions without providing easy answers.
Mine is a parish like all the rest. They’re all alike. Those of to-day I mean. I was saying so only yesterday to M. le Curé de Norenfontes—that good and evil are probably evenly distributed, but on su... - #10
Save:'Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams' by Sylvia Plath is a collection of short stories, essays, and journal entries that showcase the author's talent in prose writing. The stories range from hopeful and romantic to dark and disturbing, capturing themes of women's struggles in a male-dominated world and the complexities of human emotions. One of the standout stories, "Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams," delves into the surreal world of a psychoanalyst's secretary who compiles patients' dreams, reflecting Plath's fascination with pain, panic, and despair. also includes diary entries that offer insights into Plath's writing process and evolution as a writer.
Esther was still upstairs when Rose called in at the back door. “Yoohoo, Esther, you ready?” Rose lived with her retired husband Cecil in the topmost of the two cottages in the lane leading up to Esth...
