Books matching: existential quest
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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...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.
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Save:'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, ... - #4
Save: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’...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Rat ) - #5
Save:Blood-drenched Beard by Daniel Galera is a complex narrative that delves into the life of an unnamed protagonist with prosopagnosia, exploring his detachment from others and his search for truth within his family's history. The story unfolds in a coastal town in southern Brazil, where the protagonist's relationships with women and his struggles with commitment mirror his internal conflicts. The book blends elements of magical realism and postmodern storytelling, leading readers through a journey of self-discovery and existential questioning. With vivid descriptions of the environment and characters, Galera's prose creates a haunting atmosphere that draws readers into the protagonist's world of rootlessness and introspection.
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Save:The New Life by Orhan Pamuk is a novel that follows the story of Osman, an engineering student who becomes obsessed with a book and falls in love with a girl named Janan who shares the same obsession. The narrative mainly focuses on their journey through Turkey, aimlessly traveling from city to city in search of the new life promised by the book. The novel is a delicate love story intertwined with encounters with various characters, a landscape transformed by visual sensibility, and an inevitable tragedy at the end, all written in a style that is poetic, philosophical, and full of ambiguous dilemmas.
I read a book one day and my whole life was changed. Even on the first page I was so affected by the book’s intensity I felt my body sever itself and pull away from the chair where I sat reading the b... 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.
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Save:Lambs of God by Marele Day is a captivating and unique story about three feral nuns living in seclusion on an island, forgotten by the outside world. When a modern priest arrives with plans to sell their monastery, the nuns take drastic measures to protect their way of life. The novel blends elements of fable, allegory, and magic realism, creating a mesmerizing and thought-provoking narrative. Marele Day's writing style is described as quirky and imaginative, with vivid descriptions of the nuns' daily routines and their interactions with the natural world around them.
It was soft. Soft and silky as a mouse’s ear. More like a soft little quivering animal than a sprig of sage. Sister Iphigenia rubbed the leaves once more, vigorously this time to release their volatil... - #9
Save:'What in God's Name' by Simon Rich revolves around the premise of God running an Asian fusion restaurant and being the CEO of Heaven Inc. The story follows two angels, Craig and Eliza, who are tasked with performing a miracle to save Earth from God's wrath. Rich's writing style is described as witty and humorous, with a focus on exploring the absurdity of human behavior and the flawed nature of both Heaven and Earth. delves into themes of free will, predestination, and the comedic misadventures of the characters as they navigate the complexities of fulfilling a miracle.
THE CEO LEANED BACK IN his swivel chair and flicked on his flat-screen TV. There was some kind of war going on in Venezuela. He forced himself to watch for a few minutes—it was the type of thing that ... - #10
Save:'Redshirts' by John Scalzi is a humorous and meta take on science fiction, particularly Star Trek. The story follows a group of junior crew members on a spaceship who discover that their life expectancy is short, leading them to investigate the mysterious high casualty rate among lower-ranking crew members. The book delves into themes of self-awareness, existentialism, and the nature of storytelling, all while providing a satirical and entertaining look at the sci-fi genre. The writing style is quick-witted, clever, and filled with inside jokes that would particularly resonate with fans of Star Trek and classic science fiction.
The plot of 'Redshirts' is centered around the junior crew members of the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, who unravel a conspiracy involving time travel, clandestine meetings, and the realization that they are merely expendable characters in a sci-fi show. The novel cleverly blends humor, metafiction, and social commentary, offering a fresh perspective on the traditional sci-fi narrative. Scalzi's writing keeps the reader engaged with its fast-paced storytelling, witty dialogue, and unexpected twists that challenge the conventions of the genre, making it a fun and thought-provoking read for fans of science fiction and pop culture.
“The Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid,” the young woman said. “Built in 2453 at the Mars Dock. Flagship of the Universal Union since 2456. First captain, Genevieve Shan. Lucius Abernathy, captain...
