Books matching: existential tensions
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- #1
Save:"The Denial of Death" by Ernest Becker delves into the concept that all human behavior is driven by the fear of death. Becker explores how individuals and societies construct elaborate mechanisms to shield themselves from the reality of mortality, leading to a range of psychological and existential tensions. Drawing from psychology, existentialism, and anthropology, Becker presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the human condition, emphasizing the eternal struggle between the animalistic nature of man and the quest for immortality through heroic actions. Despite the heavy psychological jargon and academic writing style, Becker's work challenges readers to confront their fear of death and the illusions they create to cope with this fundamental existential dilemma.
In times such as ours there is a great pressure to come up with concepts that help men understand their dilemma; there is an urge toward vital ideas, toward a simplification of needless intellectual c... - #2
Save:'Neighbors' by Thomas Berger is a dark comedy that follows the story of Earl Keese, a suburban gentleman whose world is turned upside down when Harry and Ramona, his new neighbors, move in. The novel explores the themes of perception, morality, and the breakdown of civil behavior as Earl's interactions with the unconventional couple lead to a series of escalating events over a 24-hour period. As Earl's relationships with his family and the new neighbors become increasingly complex, the story delves into the blurred lines between reality and delusion, leaving Earl questioning his own identity and desires.
The plot unfolds in a single location, revolving around the interactions between Earl, Harry, and Ramona, leading to a mix of tension, humor, and suspense. The narrative style, characterized by surreal elements and unreliable narration, keeps the reader guessing about the true nature of the characters and events, culminating in a surprising and unsatisfactory ending that challenges the reader's perceptions of the story.
- #3
Save:'The Ferryman: A Novel' by Justin Cronin is a complex and intriguing story that follows Proctor Bennett, the protagonist, on a journey filled with twists, surprises, and fascinating characters. The plot unfolds in a world in crisis, where Proctor serves as a Ferryman, guiding individuals from Prospera Isle to the mysterious Nursery for renewal. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines, exploring themes of humanity, renewal, and the consequences of choices made in a world facing annihilation.
- #4
Save:Zama by Antonio Di Benedetto is a novel set in the late 18th century, following the life of Don Diego de Zama, a government official representing Spain in South America. The story delves into Zama's descent into madness and existential despair as he struggles with isolation, paranoia, and unfulfilled desires in a remote colonial outpost. The writing style is described as lyrical and capturing the essence of Spanish colonial America, with a focus on the interiority of the main character and a slow-building narrative that culminates in a journey akin to Heart of Darkness.
A dead monkey, still whole, still undecomposed, drifted back and forth with a certain precision upon those ripples and eddies without exit. All his life the water at forest’s edge had beckoned him to ... - #5
Save:'Where the Chill Waits' by T. Chris Martindale is a horror novel that takes readers on a chilling journey deep into the woods. The book follows a group of characters who embark on a hunting trip that quickly turns into a survival test filled with dread and mysterious phenomenons. The writing style of Martindale is described as original, personality-filled, and engaging, with a focus on indigenous folklore and scary stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
- #6
Save:'Immobility' by Brian B.K. Evenson is a post-apocalyptic tale where a man named Josef Horkai is awakened from stasis to embark on a mission in a world devastated by catastrophe. Paralyzed from the waist down, Josef is tasked with retrieving stolen seeds that are crucial for the survival of humanity. The story unfolds as Josef navigates the desolate landscape with the help of two humanoids referred to as mules, uncovering mysteries of his past while questioning the motives of those around him. Evenson's writing style is stark and atmospheric, creating a quest-like structure that delves into deep philosophical themes about existence and humanity's place in a harsh new world.
WHEN THEY FIRST WOKE HIM, he had the impression of the world becoming real again and he himself along with it. He did not remember having been stored. He could remember nothing about what his life had... 'Tombs' in the series 'Collections' by Junji Ito is a compilation of existing work that showcases the maestro of horror manga's exceptional ability to plunge readers into the darkest depths of human fears and unearth the most disturbing aspects of the human psyche. The stories within the anthology are described as creepy, mind-bending, and bizarre, with Ito's art capturing fine details effectively. While some stories are repeated from previous books, readers find the collection to be a gripping read that is perfect for horror enthusiasts.
- #8
Save:Fires on the Plain by Shohei Ooka is a haunting and powerful novel set in the midst of World War II on the Philippine island of Leyte. The story follows Private Tamura, a Japanese soldier separated from his unit and struggling to survive amidst the horrors of war. Tamura's journey is a descent into madness and despair, as he grapples with starvation, violence, and the brutality of war. The novel paints a vivid and harrowing picture of the desperation and moral dilemmas faced by those caught in the chaos of conflict.
Ooka's writing style in Fires on the Plain is described as compelling, honest, and unblinking. The novel offers a different perspective on the war in the Pacific, focusing on the suffering and struggles of a single soldier trying to make sense of his situation. Through Tamura's narrative, the author delves into themes of survival, humanity, and the thin line between sanity and insanity in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
"You damned fool!" he said. "D'you mean to say you let them send you back here? If you'd told them at the hospital you had nowhere to go, they'd have had to take care of you. You know perfectly well t... - #9
Save:The Zoo Story by Edward Albee is a gripping one-act play that centers around a tense encounter in Central Park between two men: Peter, a comfortable and complacent publisher, and Jerry, an agitated and socially awkward man. The play opens with Jerry approaching Peter, who is reading on a bench. What starts as a casual conversation soon reveals underlying themes of isolation and the desperate need for connection. As Jerry shares his unsettling experiences, particularly revolving around a day at the zoo, the mood shifts from odd to menacing, creating a sense of foreboding that lingers throughout.
Albee's writing style is sharp and masterful, with a keen ear for dialogue that exposes the complexities of human psychology. The characters are vividly drawn, exploring themes of class divide and social interaction. The play is a mix of tension, intrigue, and dark humor, ultimately culminating in a haunting conclusion. Albee’s ability to delve into the darkest corners of the human mind keeps readers engaged, revealing the fragility of relationships and the struggles of communication. This compact yet profound piece presents a compelling snapshot of mid-20th century existential themes.
- #10
Save:'Finity' by John Barnes is a science fiction novel set in a world where multiple alternate realities exist. The story follows Lyle Peripart, an expatriate American academic, who gets entangled in a mysterious job offer that leads him to unravel the secrets of different parallel universes. As Lyle delves deeper into the complexities of these alternate worlds, he uncovers a plot to erase a specific country from collective memories across the universes. The narrative weaves together elements of quantum physics, parallel worlds, and unexpected consequences, creating a thrilling and thought-provoking adventure that challenges the characters' perceptions of reality and identity.
The writing style of 'Finity' combines intricate world-building with fast-paced storytelling, keeping readers engaged as they navigate through the twists and turns of the plot. John Barnes skillfully integrates unique concepts and diverse characters, offering a fresh perspective on the exploration of parallel universes and the implications of interdimensional travel. The novel blends elements of mystery, adventure, and speculative fiction, culminating in a surprising and intriguing narrative that leaves readers questioning the boundaries of reality.
am not an imaginative or adventurous person. I am uncomfortable with change of any kind, and most so with highly unpredictable dramatic change. So even though I was looking forward to it, when the mor...
