Books matching: existential quest
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- #1
Save:A beautifully written, introspective Southern novel that tackles big questions about faith, love, and identity. It's not for everyone, but for those willing to delve into life's complexities with a bit of patience, "The Second Coming" is a rewarding, thought-provoking read.
The Second Coming by Walker Percy is a novel that delves into themes of mental illness, love, existentialism, and spirituality. The story follows Will Barrett, a wealthy widower who is grappling with depression, mysterious fainting spells, and haunting memories from his past. Through a series of events, including encounters with eccentric characters like Allison, a young woman with her own psychological struggles, Will embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. The narrative weaves together elements of personal introspection, societal critique, and philosophical exploration, culminating in Will's pursuit of redemption and a newfound sense of purpose in life.
Walker Percy's writing style in The Second Coming is characterized by its depth, beauty, and existentialist themes. The novel challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of modern society, the search for meaning in a world filled with superficiality, and the role of faith in shaping one's identity. Through vivid descriptions, intricate character development, and thought-provoking dialogue, Percy crafts a narrative that invites readers to contemplate the nature of human existence and the transformative power of love and self-discovery.
For some time he had been feeling depressed without knowing why. In fact, he didn’t even realize he was depressed. Rather was it the world and life around him which seemed to grow more senseless and f...1980•369 pages - #2
Save:A classic that rewards deep reading - rich, poetic, and thought-provoking, but best approached with patience (and maybe a guide or two on hand).
Goethe's Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a captivating exploration of ambition, morality, and the human condition. The book delves deep into existential and moral fabric as Faust deals with the devil, seeking after gold, influence, power, and more, only to face twisted outcomes. The tale of Faust is a probing poetical tract on the nature of good and evil, salvation and damnation, failing and striving, all while presenting a great love story and a profound insight into the human soul.
1839•488 pages A gorgeously written journey perfect for the thoughtful reader - equal parts adventure, poetry, and existential reflection. If you like your fiction rich in atmosphere and depth, sail away with Maqroll!
The Adventures and Misadventures of Maqroll by Alvaro Mutis is a collection of interconnected novellas following the mysterious Maqroll, a sailor and wanderer who embarks on various adventures and misadventures in different parts of the world. Mutis weaves a rich tapestry of prose, evoking comparisons to literary giants like Conrad, Neruda, and Whitman, while also infusing a Dickensian tone to certain parts. The book delves into Maqroll's complex character, his encounters with a diverse cast of characters, and his philosophical musings on life and literature, all set against the backdrop of vividly depicted environments ranging from tropical jungles to bustling port cities.
1 THOUGHT that the writings, letters, documents, tales, and memoirs of Maqroll the Gaviero (the Lookout) had all passed through my hands, and that those who knew of my interest in the events of his li...1993•751 pages- #4
Save:A lyrically written, bittersweet odyssey that explores identity and chance, best enjoyed by dreamers and introspective readers who don't mind a few plot contrivances along the way.
'Moon Palace' by Paul Auster follows the journey of Marco Stanley Fogg, a young man who faces multiple losses and struggles to find his identity. The plot intertwines three main stories that culminate in unlikely meetings, exploring themes of loss, reinvention, and second chances. Auster's writing style is described as captivating, with intricate storytelling that evokes a range of emotions from readers.
It was the summer that men first walked on the moon. I was very young back then, but I did not believe there would ever be a future. I wanted to live dangerously, to push myself as far as I could go,...1989•332 pages A simple, sweet graphic novel that offers wisdom and comfort for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider - best enjoyed when you're in need of a gentle pick-me-up.
Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun is a heartwarming and insightful graphic novel that follows the journey of Jomny, an alien who visits Earth to learn about its inhabitants. The book is described as profound yet simple, exploring themes of purpose, emotions, friendship, and the acceptance of sadness. Written with a children's book style, the story delves into the complexities of human emotions and the importance of vulnerability and innocence.
Readers praise the book for its beautiful illustrations that support the narrative, as well as its eloquence and concise writing style that disregards traditional spelling and syntax. The author, Jonathan Sun, is commended for addressing mental health issues with sensitivity and depth, shining a light on the various emotional aspects of the human mind that are often left unexplored.
June 2017•312 pages- #6
Save:A brilliantly atmospheric, brain-bending fantasy that fuses Greek myth with an amnesiac twist - perfect for lovers of literary puzzles and ancient mysteries, less so for those seeking a simple, emotionally direct read.
Soldier of the Mist by Gene Wolfe is a novel set in ancient Greece following the protagonist, Latro, a soldier who has lost his memory due to a head injury in battle. Latro can only remember events for a day and must write them down on a scroll to retain his memories. The story is filled with interactions with Greek gods and a quest to find a shrine to heal his amnesia. The writing style is described as lyrical, captivating, and steeped in ancient Greek mythology, with a complex but highly accessible plot.
I write of what has just occurred. The healer came into this tent at dawn and asked whether I recalled him. When I said I did not, he explained. He gave me this scroll, with this stylus of the slingst...September 1986•339 pages An ambitious, beautifully written epic best suited for readers who savor introspective, poetic novels and aren’t afraid of a hefty page count.
In "Of Time and the River: A Legend of Man's Hunger in His Youth" by Thomas Wolfe, the protagonist Eugene embarks on a journey northward, reflecting on the vast and panoramic series of images that reveal the faces of America. The novel is filled with lengthy descriptions of train journeys, showcasing the diverse landscapes and cities of the United States. Eugene's insatiable thirst for knowledge and literature, reminiscent of Faust's striving for knowledge, propels him on a quest to read and experience as much as he can. The book follows Eugene's travels through England and France, his encounters with different cultures, and his ultimate longing for home.
While the boy fumbles with the cords that tie the package, Ben prowls over toward the counter with his curious, loping, pigeon- toed stride, leans on it with his elbows and, scowling, begins to look u...- #8
Save:A fascinating, slightly quirky gem for Murakami devotees and literary explorers; not the place to start for action junkies or those new to his work.
Pinball, 1973 by Haruki Murakami is a novel that delves into the themes of desire, loneliness, and the search for meaning in life. The book follows the protagonist Boku and his friend the Rat as they navigate through their lives, each dealing with their own inner emptiness and longing for something more. Boku becomes obsessed with finding a long-lost pinball machine called the Spaceship, while the Rat struggles with depression and a sense of unfulfillment. The novel weaves together two narratives, offering a glimpse into the characters' quests for connection and purpose in a world that seems to be lacking in magic and surrealism compared to Murakami's later works.
No doubt there are numerous ways to tell twin sisters apart, but I only knew of one. Not only were they alike in every respect, right down to their expressions, voices, and hair styles, but they didn’... A famously bizarre and uneven curiosity that will most appeal to devoted followers of esoteric fantasy or Bloom completists - read it for the experience, not as a masterwork.
The Flight to Lucifer by Harold Bloom is a fantasy novel set on a distant world where time and space shift back and forth, with conflicts of first-century religion still playing out. The story follows an Aeon named Olam descending to earth to bring two men, Valentinus and his warrior escort Perscors, on a quest to help Valentinus recover his call from a previous life. The narrative involves battling divine and semi-divine enemies, leading to Perscors' inner discovery of his uniqueness. The writing style is described as mythological, with a focus on Gnostic philosophy and a dreamlike quality to the storytelling.
Seth Valentinus got to bed a few minutes after nine that same night. He was accustomed to falling asleep just before dawn and to awakening after only two or three hours. But it had been an unusual day...1979•250 pages- #10
Save:A heady, inventive, and atmospheric medieval road trip - brilliantly written for those who love a linguistically playful, thoughtful, and immersive dive into history. Not for everyone, but utterly rewarding if you’re in the mood.
In the novel 'To Calais, In Ordinary Time' by James Meek, set in 1348, a group of travelers journey to the port of Melcombe on their way to Calais amidst the looming threat of the Black Death. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Battle of Crecy and the siege of Calais, with characters like Geoffrey Chaucer as a child. The narrative delves deep into religious sensibilities of the 14th century, intertwining a love story and a quest for self-discovery. The writing style incorporates different registers of English for each character, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.
The book explores themes of mortality, faith, identity, and existential challenges faced by the main characters as they embark on a journey filled with mystery and self-discovery. Through the use of language and narrative techniques, the author weaves together a tale that reflects on the past while drawing parallels to contemporary issues, making the reader ponder on timeless questions of life and death.
August 2019
