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Books matching: existential dilemma of identity

6 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 6 of 6 
  1. #1

    The Double by Jose Saramago
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    Tertuliano Máximo Afonso, a history teacher, discovers a bit actor who looks exactly like him in a film, leading to an inner turmoil and behavioral shift with unintended consequences. The story delves into the confusion of identities and the existential dilemma of being replaced or being replaceable, all narrated in a unique style with un-punctuated sentences and a stream-of-consciousness approach.


  2. #2

    Middle C by William H. Gass
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    'Middle C' by William H. Gass revolves around the complex character of Joseph Skizzen, who struggles with his identity, morality, and place in the world. The book delves into themes of deception, displacement, and the quest for authenticity. Through intricate storytelling and philosophical musings, Gass weaves a narrative that challenges readers to ponder the nature of self and the impact of one's past on their present.

    Gass employs a unique writing style that combines erudite prose with playful language and intricate wordplay. The novel is rich in dark humor, deep insights, and profound observations on humanity, war, and the complexities of existence. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through Joseph's internal struggles, his relationships, and his pursuit of meaning in a world filled with moral ambiguity and existential dilemmas.

    Miriam, watching a video, would see the cowboys’ long coats and wide hats, and she would say, They—they looked like that: they wore long black coats hanging almost to the ground, wide-brimmed black ha...

  3. #3

    Sugar Street by Jonathan Dee
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    Jonathan Dee's 'Sugar Street' delves into the life of an unnamed protagonist who is on the run, seeking anonymity and escaping his past by hiding with stolen money. The book explores themes of social alienation, existential angst, and the banality of daily existence, while the narrative follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and confronting his inner demons. The writing style is described as grippingly observant, with hints of film noir-like descent into personal dissolution and a deflation of existentialist hope.


  4. #4

    Palimpsest by J.K. Potter, Charles Stross
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    'Palimpsest' by Charles Stross is a novella that delves into time travel paradoxes and the concept of rewriting history. The story follows Agent Pierce, a member of a covert organization called Stasis, tasked with reseeding Earth with humans to ensure the species' survival. As Pierce navigates through his training and assignments, the narrative explores complex themes such as ethical dilemmas, the evolution of powerful organizations, and the quest for human survival across different timelines. The writing style of the novella combines second and third-person perspectives, interspersed with Powerpoint-style lectures that reveal alternate histories of the universe.

    The plot of 'Palimpsest' unfolds in a non-linear fashion, challenging readers with its quick, sketchy, and subtle storytelling that requires close attention to grasp the intricate details. The novella raises thought-provoking questions about identity, decision-making, and the consequences of altering history, all while keeping the narrative fast-paced and engaging. Despite the occasional confusion caused by the jumping timelines and sketchily drawn characters, the story aims to immerse readers in a world where time manipulation and existential reflections intertwine.

    Our solar system, as an embryo. A vast disk of gas and infalling dust surrounds and obscures a newborn star, little more than a thickening knot of rapidly spinning matter that is rapidly sucking more ...

  5. #5
    Ink
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    Book 2 in the series:The Book of All Hours

    Ink - The Book of All Hours by Hal Duncan
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    Ink, the second volume in Hal Duncan's 'Book of All Hours' duology, continues the narrative from Vellum by exploring alternate WWII histories and the intertwined stories of characters like Jack, Joey, Phreedom, Anna, and Seamus Finnan. The book weaves together literary references, stylistic experimentation, and archetypical characters in a complex structure that spans different time periods and settings, including World War II, Palestine in 1929, and futuristic Kentigern. While some readers found the plot to be less coherent and engaging than Vellum, others appreciated the ambitious nature of the book and its clever execution.


    (Also, see 39 recommendations for the series The Book of All Hours )

  6. #6
    Titus Alone
    Book 3 in the series:Gormenghast

    Titus Alone - Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake
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    'Titus Alone' by Mervyn Peake is the final installment in the 'Gormenghast' series, taking readers on a journey with Titus, the Seventy Seventh Earl of Gormenghast, as he ventures out of the familiar world of Gormenghast into a modern city filled with technological advancements. The book transitions from a gothic fantasy setting to a mix of science fiction and steampunk elements, exploring Titus's adolescence, self-discovery, and encounters with eccentric characters in a new environment. Despite being an incomplete work due to the author's declining health, 'Titus Alone' presents a narrative that delves into themes of identity, societal norms, and the clash between tradition and progress.

    To north, south, east or west, turning at will, it was not long before his landmarks fled him. Gone was the outline of his mountainous home. Gone that torn world of towers. Gone the grey lichen; gone ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Gormenghast )

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