Books matching: existentialism in literature
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save: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... - #2
Save:'The Map and the Territory' by Michel Houellebecq is a novel that delves into the life of artist Jed Martin, his relationships, and his encounters with various characters, including a reclusive author named Michel Houellebecq himself. The book explores themes of art, human relationships, and existentialism, presenting a unique blend of wit, intelligence, and insight into contemporary life. The narrative weaves together elements of creativity, despair, and philosophical reflections on the meaning of life, all while maintaining a captivating and sometimes unconventional writing style that keeps readers engaged.
- #3
Save:The Loser by Thomas Bernhard is a novel that delves into the consequences of encountering genius and perfection, specifically through the lens of a music student who befriends the virtuoso Glenn Gould and another pianist, Wertheimer. The narrative explores how the unmatched talent of Gould leads to both the narrator and Wertheimer giving up their musical ambitions, ultimately resulting in Wertheimer's suicide. The book is written in a unique style, with long, breathless paragraphs that capture the obsessions, failures, and inner turmoil of the characters as they navigate their relationships with each other and with music.
- #4
Save:'The Sirian Experiments' in the series 'Canopus in Argos' by Doris Lessing is a science fiction novel that follows the memoir of Ambien II, a powerful administrator of a vast empire, as she meddles in the affairs of a pseudo Earth. Ambien II reflects on her role in planning Galactic enterprises, interacting with primitive societies, and conducting experiments on various planets. The narrative explores themes of social upheavals, planetary engineering, and the ethical dilemmas faced by advanced civilizations when intervening in less developed societies. Lessing's writing style, although criticized for being wooden and passive at times, delves into big social issues and presents a thought-provoking perspective on humanity and colonization.
For some time I had little to do with Rohanda, which was judged by our experts as too much of a bad risk, and I was allotted work elsewhere. This was, too, the period of the worst crisis in Sirian sel... One, No One and One Hundred Thousand is a novel that delves into the existential crisis of the protagonist, Vitangelo Moscarda, who starts questioning his identity after a seemingly insignificant comment about his nose from his wife. The book explores the themes of self-perception, societal expectations, and the construction of identity in a humorous and thought-provoking manner. Luigi Pirandello's writing style blends humor with deep philosophical insights, creating a narrative that keeps the reader engaged and reflective about the nature of existence.
- #6
Save:'Children of Chaos' by Greg F. Gifune is a dark and thought-provoking novel that follows the lives of three friends, Phil, Jamie, and Martin, who are haunted by a crime committed in their youth. The book delves into themes of guilt, atonement, and the consequences of past actions, as the characters navigate through dark and dangerous paths, both physically and psychologically. Gifune's writing style is described as sublime, with poetic yet horrifying prose that creates a gripping and atmospheric narrative, leading readers on a journey filled with tension and suspense.
The story unfolds as Phil is hired to find and bring back Martin, who has become the leader of a dangerous cult in Mexico. As Phil embarks on this perilous journey through the eerie Corridor of Dreams, he is confronted with his own demons and forced to confront the darkness that has plagued their lives since that fateful encounter with a scarred stranger. The novel weaves together elements of horror, psychological thriller, and supernatural mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intense narrative and complex characters.
- #7
Save:"The Stranger" by Albert Camus is a novel that delves into existentialism through the story of Meursault, a man who seems indifferent and detached from the world around him. The plot follows Meursault as he navigates through life events such as his mother's death, a murder he commits, and a trial he faces, all while displaying a lack of emotion and connection with those around him. The writing style is described as choppy, matter-of-fact, and detached, reflecting the character's own demeanor and emphasizing the themes of absurdity and alienation.
Camus' exploration of the absurdity of life and society's inability to understand a man like Meursault forms the core of the narrative. Through vivid storytelling and a compelling portrayal of existential themes, the book challenges readers to reflect on concepts of meaning, morality, and the human condition. The character of Meursault serves as a vehicle for Camus to question societal norms and beliefs, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of existential philosophy and the complexities of human existence.
The old people’s home is at Marengo, about eighty kilometers from Algiers, I’ll take the two o’clock bus and get there in the afternoon. That way I can be there for the vigil and come back tomorrow ni... - #8
Save:"The Trial" by Franz Kafka is a surreal and nightmarish tale that follows the protagonist, Josef K., who is arrested for an unspecified crime and must navigate a bizarre and oppressive legal system to defend himself. The book delves into themes of absurdity, bureaucracy, and existentialism, creating a narrative that is both fascinating and frustrating for readers. Kafka's writing style is described as simple yet subtle, with a focus on creating a sinister atmosphere that evokes feelings of paranoia and helplessness.
These famous words written to Kafka’s friend Max Brod have puzzled Kafka’s readers ever since they appeared in the postscript to the first edition of The Trial, published in 1925, a year after Kafka’s... - #9
Save:'Invitation to a Beheading' by Vladimir Nabokov is a surreal and Kafkaesque tale that follows the protagonist Cincinnatus C, who is sentenced to death for a crime that remains unspecified. The story unfolds in a dreamlike manner, blurring the lines between reality and imagination as Cincinnatus navigates his last days in prison, encountering bizarre events and characters. Nabokov's prose is described as uniquely beautiful, delving into the psyche of a man condemned to death by beheading, and inviting the reader to explore the freedom of imagination and the absurdity of life.
In accordance with the law the death sentence was announced to Cincinnatus C. in a whisper. All rose, exchanging smiles. The hoary judge put his mouth close to his ear, panted for a moment, made the a... - #10
Save:Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse is a complex exploration into the human psyche, focusing on the existential crisis of the protagonist, Harry Haller. The novel delves into the inner conflict between Haller's civilized side and the primitive wolf inside him, leading to a profound clash that brings him to the brink of peril. Throughout the story, various experiences challenge Haller to undergo a transformation, guided by intriguing characters like Hermine, who attempts to reconcile the two conflicting sides of his nature.
The narrative unfolds as a surreal journey of self-discovery and redemption, where the protagonist navigates through themes of isolation, despair, and the search for meaning in life. Hesse leaves the interpretation of the blurred lines between fantasy and reality up to the reader, creating a thought-provoking and introspective tale that explores the complexities of human existence and the struggle to reconcile different aspects of one's personality.
THE DAY HAD GONE BY JUST AS DAYS GO BY. I had killed it in accordance with my primitive and retiring way of life. I had worked for an hour or two and perused the pages of old books. I had had pains fo...
