Books matching: existential dilemmas
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- #1
'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' by Milan Kundera is a philosophical novel that delves deep into themes of love, sex, human condition, and relationships. It follows the intertwined lives of four main characters - a doctor, a painter, a waitress, and a professor - set against the backdrop of communism and democracy. The novel is known for its unique narrative style that blends philosophical musings with the characters' stories, creating a complex and thought-provoking read.
Kundera's writing style in 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' is characterized by its blend of dreamlike imagery and brutal reality, creating a poetic and touching work that explores the weight of existence. The story unfolds through interconnected relationships, where the characters navigate between societal demands, political turmoil, and personal desires, leading to profound reflections on fidelity, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature.
15 While she marched around the pool naked with a large group of other naked women, Tomas stood over them in a basket hanging from the pool's arched roof, shouting at them, making them sing and do kne... - #2
'Space Is Just a Starry Night' by Tanith Lee is a collection of science fiction stories that effortlessly change shapes and become fantasy, horror, erotica, and philosophical ruminations, all while wearing robes of science fiction. The stories vacillate between sci-fi, fantasy, quasi-religious, and horror genres, each related or about a central theme, with some being love stories or taking on old myths and folk tales for a new perspective. The writing style is described as odd and unsettling, with descriptive imagery that is unusual but luminous with color, texture, and feeling. The plots range from dystopian futures, cryptic fantasies, and transformation stories to biblical alien invasions and futuristic vampire tales, all with unexpected twists and thought-provoking themes.
This world’s a pleasure planet. It has many and various attractions. The Nightfair is only one. Here there are spinning wheels of yellow sparks against the dusk, and glimmering neon ghost towers ringi... - #3
Claire DeWitt, a unique and intuitive private detective, returns to New Orleans post-Katrina to investigate the disappearance of a District Attorney. Using unconventional methods like dreams, visions, and the teachings of a French detective, Claire navigates through the damaged city, unraveling a dark and gritty mystery that delves into poverty, crime, and corruption. The book offers a vivid and heart-wrenching portrayal of post-Katrina New Orleans, seamlessly blending the past with the present in a noir and zen-like narrative style.
A crow flew overhead as we talked. I was in Northern California, near Santa Rosa. I sat at a picnic table by a clump of redwoods. A blue jay squawked nearby. Crows used to be bad omens, but now they w... - #4
'Pyramids' is a standalone novel in the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett that takes readers on a humorous and fantastical journey to the Discworld version of ancient Egypt. The story follows Prince Teppic, who, after training at the Assassin's Guild in Ankh Morpork, returns to his homeland of Djelibeybi to take on the role of Pharaoh. As Teppic navigates the challenges of ruling an ancient kingdom, readers are treated to a blend of satire, wordplay, and absurdity that is characteristic of Pratchett's writing style. The book explores themes of belief, tradition, and the clash between modernity and ancient customs, all set against a backdrop of pyramids, gods, and mathematician camels.
The narrative of 'Pyramids' unfolds with a mix of wit, humor, and clever storytelling that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Pratchett weaves together elements of ancient mythology, religion, and philosophy with his signature comedic style, creating a world where the ordinary is turned upside down and the fantastical becomes commonplace. With a diverse cast of characters, including assassins, priests, gods, and camels, the book offers a unique and entertaining perspective on ancient civilizations and the quirks of human nature.
…but a circle of blackness shifts slightly, the eye reconsiders perspective, and what was apparently the awesome distance of interstellar wossname becomes a world under darkness, its stars the lights ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld ) - #5
'Lion's Honey: The Myth of Samson' is a thought-provoking examination of the biblical character Samson, delving into his psychology and the solar myth surrounding him. Author David Grossman provides a unique perspective on Samson's story, portraying him as a tragic and messianic figure, exploring his relationships with women, his inner turmoil, and his ultimate fate. Through a mix of biblical analysis and mythological interpretation, Grossman presents Samson as a complex and troubled hero, shedding new light on his motivations and actions.
2 And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Canongate's The Myths ) The Book of Sand by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of surreal short stories that explore the concept of time and being. The stories delve into themes such as books and libraries, nameless strangers, intersections of the past and present, bards and skalds, Christianity's pagan roots, architecture, mathematics, and unreliable first-person narrators. Each story in the collection shares a reflective and somber tone, often leading to a sense of resignation in the face of the inscrutable universe. The title story, "The Book of Sand," tells the tale of a man who encounters a mysterious book with infinite pages, leading to a series of philosophical questions and a sense of being trapped by its endlessness.
- #7
Black Paradox by Junji Ito is a captivating manga that delves deep into the darker side of human nature, exploring the consequences of unchecked ambition. The story follows a surreal and bizarre narrative depicting the tale of human ambition and the impending doom that follows progress. Through the lens of absurdity and the uncanny, Ito crafts a story that defies logic and convention, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and question the morality of collective decisions. The plot unfolds into a unique premise where four random individuals come together to commit suicide, leading to a series of events that spell the end of humanity.
The book is a blend of horror, visual artistry, and thought-provoking themes, staying true to Ito's signature style. The manga delivers a double dose of stimulation to both the senses and the intellect, taking readers on a captivating journey through twists and turns that are both horrific and unimaginable. Black Paradox serves as an allegory for the present-day dilemma faced by humanity, highlighting the paradoxical nature of modern society where advancements often come at the cost of environmental degradation and energy depletion.
"The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag" by Robert A. Heinlein is a collection of a novella and five short stories. The novella follows Jonathan Hoag, a man who goes to work every day but has no memory of his activities. When he discovers a strange substance under his nails, he hires private detectives to unravel the mystery. presents a mix of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and noir mystery, with unique and imaginative storytelling that engages readers. The short stories in the collection cover a range of themes, from time travel paradoxes to philosophical musings on reality and consciousness, all woven together with Heinlein's distinct writing style.
Hoag knew that he should have felt relieved. But he was not. He knew in that moment that he had clung to the notion that the brown grime under his fingernails was dry blood rather than let himself dwe...- #9
"Karma" by Donna Augustine follows the story of Camilla, a successful lawyer who dies in a train crash and is reincarnated as the living personification of Karma. She is tasked with ensuring the balance of cosmic forces and is brought to an office building where she interacts with other cosmic beings like Lady Luck, Murphy of Murphy's Law, Jinxes, the Cat Lady, Death, and Fate. Despite the brilliant premise, the book fails to deliver on the potential, as the protagonist Camilla is portrayed as whiny and unpleasant, lacking the depth and active engagement expected from her role as Karma. The plot revolves around Camilla's journey to find her killer and unravel a conspiracy threatening the cosmic forces, with the romantic tension between Karma and Fate adding complexity to the story.
The writing style of the book "Karma" is described as a mix of frustrating inconsistencies and missed opportunities. While the concept of cosmic beings and a human woman recruited to be one is unique and fascinating, the execution falls short, focusing more on a standard romance novel with tired tropes rather than exploring the depth and humor that the premise could offer. The lack of character development, especially in terms of motivations and backstories for key characters like Fate and Harold, leaves readers with unanswered questions and a sense of unfulfilled potential in the storytelling.
Personally, I really don't think I'm that bad, as long as you haven't done anything wrong that is. Seriously, it's not like I asked for this job. I wasn't even in my right mind when I agreed to the po... - #10
'The Angel Esmeralda' by Don DeLillo is a collection of nine short stories spanning from 1979 to 2011. The stories cover a wide range of themes, from disturbing insights to isolation, with characters that are emotionally detached from each other. DeLillo's writing style is described as precise, inspiring, and imaginative, with brilliant prose and stark unforgettable characters that create thought-provoking and haunting situations.
It was an hour’s drive, much of it a climb through smoky rain. I kept my window open several inches, hoping to catch a fragrance, some savor of aromatic shrubs. Our driver slowed down for the worst pa...