Books matching: existential struggles
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Life and Times of Michael K" by J.M. Coetzee follows the journey of Michael K, a simple man born with a hare lip, as he navigates through a war-torn South Africa. Michael decides to take his sick mother back to her childhood home, but after her death, he finds himself alone, trying to survive off the land and avoid the brutal realities of war. The narrative explores themes of individuality, survival, and the impact of societal expectations on a man who just wants to live his life in peace. Coetzee's writing style is described as simple yet powerful, capturing the emotional depth of Michael's circumstances and the struggles he faces.
THE FIRST THING the midwife noticed about Michael K when she helped him out of his mother into the world was that he had a hare lip. The lip curled like a snail’s foot, the left nostril gaped. Obscuri... - #2
Save:The Western Lands by William S. Burroughs is a novel that delves into the realm of fiction, exploring the author's unique style of writing that combines elements of abstraction, temporal distortion, and twistedness. The book follows Burroughs himself as a central character, coming to terms with his impending mortality and embarking on a journey that involves encounters with telepathic pharaohs in ancient Egypt, battles with giant centipedes in contemporary Central America, and a mix of Egyptian mythology, centipede cult worship, vampirism, and toxicology. Through a blend of stream of consciousness writing, dream recall sequences, and an array of the author's own imaginative concepts, The Western Lands presents a narrative that is both intriguing and horrifying, ultimately leading readers on a journey towards redemption and sobriety.
The old writer lived in a boxcar by the river. This was fill land that had once been a dump heap, but it was not used anymore: five acres along the river which he had inherited from his father, who ha...
(Also, see 53 recommendations for the series Red Night ) - #3
Save:"Vampire of the Mists" by Christie Golden is a gothic horror fantasy novel set in the realm of Ravenloft, revolving around the protagonist Jander Sunstar, a 500-year-old vampire elf. Jander finds himself in Barovia, a land ruled by the vampire Count Strahd, where he embarks on a quest driven by revenge and a mysterious connection to a woman named Ana. The story explores the complex relationship between Jander and Strahd, delving into their pasts and motivations while blending fantasy and horror elements seamlessly. The writing style combines elements of high fantasy and gothic horror, creating a dark and atmospheric setting that captivates readers.
THEQUEEN’SPRIDE OUT OF EVERMEET ROCKED SERENELY in the inky water of Waterdeep harbor. A playful night breeze stirred the catamaran’s ropes, which slapped noisily against the boat in the relative quie... - #4
Save:The Tiny Wife by Andrew E. Kaufman is a whimsical and enchanting novella that tells the story of a group of bank customers who have their most sentimental objects stolen by a flamboyant thief, claiming to take 51% of their souls. As the victims experience strange and bizarre consequences, they must find a way to recover their stolen piece of soul before it's too late. Through a series of small parables, the book explores themes of love, loss, courage, and self-discovery, all wrapped up in a magical and imaginative narrative.
The heart of the story revolves around the main character, the narrator's wife, who starts shrinking in size as a result of the theft. As she grapples with her diminishing existence, her husband and the other victims must confront their deepest fears and illusions to find happiness and wholeness. The Tiny Wife is a thought-provoking tale that delves into the complexities of relationships, self-worth, and the importance of facing one's demons to live a fulfilling life.
The robbery was notwithout consequences. The consequences were the point of therobbery. It was never about money. The thief didn’t even ask forany. That it happened in a bank was incidental. It could ... - #5
Save:The Lower Depths by Maxim Gorky is a dark drama that delves into the lives of Russian society's outcasts living in poverty and despair. The play portrays the struggles and interactions of characters such as a thief, a prostitute, and other criminals, highlighting their daily dramas, fights, and moments of counsel. The arrival of Luka, an idealistic figure spreading a message of hope, adds a layer of spirituality and hope to the otherwise bleak setting. Gorky's writing style captures the gritty realism of the characters and their streetwise dialogue, making the play feel modern despite its 1902 publication date.
The central theme of The Lower Depths revolves around the total annihilation of human personality by misery and the harsh struggle for life that leads individuals to degrade themselves. Despite the bleakness, the play also conveys a message that even in the depths of despair, there remains a glimmer of humanity and a dream to overcome misery, offering a sense of shared warmth and hope amidst the darkness.
A cellar resembling a cave. The ceiling, which merges into stone walls, is low and grimy, and the plaster and paint are peeling off. There is a window, high up on the right wall, from which comes the ... - #6
Save:The Ploughmen by Kim Zupan is a captivating novel that delves into the human struggle between good and evil. The story follows a young jailer who befriends a serial killer during his trial, forming an unlikely but believable friendship. The narrative explores themes of insomnia, deteriorating relationships, and the desolation of being a first-class tracker, all set against the backdrop of a small town in Montana. Zupan's writing style is praised for its gorgeous prose, detailed descriptions, and uncanny eye for metaphor, reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy.
As if to fend off a blow he threw up his arms in front of his face and the first bullet went through his thin forearm and through the top half of his right ear and went whirring into the evening like ... - #7
Save:Niels Lyhne is a novel that delves into the life of its protagonist, Niels Lyhne, from his upbringing in a constrained Nordic culture to his adulthood marked by a search for meaning through art and romantic love. The book explores themes of religious faith and its loss, the conflict between romanticism and realism, and the protagonist's journey towards self-discovery. Written by Danish author Jens Peter Jacobsen, the novel is known for its passionate discussions on nature, love, faith, and the beauty of life, all while maintaining a lyrical and intense writing style.
She had the black shining eyes of the Blid family, with fine, straight eyebrows; she had their strongly contoured nose, their powerful jaw and full lips. She had also inherited the odd, painfully sens... - #8
Save:'Hex Appeal' is an anthology of urban fantasy short stories featuring a mix of oddball, entertaining, and well-crafted tales from some of the best writers in the genre. The stories revolve around magic, mayhem, and charms, showcasing a variety of magical elements and unique characters in different settings, such as the Nightside and the world of Harry Dresden.
- #9
Save:African Psycho by Alain Mabanckou delves into the life of Grégoire Nakobomayo, a young man dreaming of notoriety and media fame by following in the footsteps of his hero, Angoualima, a real-life figure who aimed to create an African version of what he perceived Europe and the West represented. The novel follows Grégoire's twisted plan to achieve fame through criminal activities, with a satirical and humorous narrative style that portrays the underbelly of a disarrayed industrial city.
Grégoire's internal monologue reflects on his criminal tendencies, his disdain for societal inadequacies, and his idolization of Angoualima, a notorious serial killer. Mabanckou's writing style matches the meanderings of Grégoire's mind, using expressive and blunt language to paint a vivid picture of a violent and hopeless environment, filled with dark humor and absurdity.
- #10
Save:A Breath of Life by Clarice Lispector is a collection of hundreds of fragments, structured and arranged after the author's death. The book is described as a monologue swirling like smoke, frequently maddening but filled with intense emotions and narrative epiphanies. The writing style is noted for its sharp-edged sentences that create an architecture of consciousness, weaving together themes of life, death, madness, and the intimate connection between author and text.
When I saw The Skin I Live In I was struck by the similarities between the film and Clarice’s theme in this posthumous book, which has never before appeared in English. The title, A Breath of Life, re...
