Books matching: experimental narrative structure
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- #1
Save:The New Weird is an anthology exploring the genre movement known as the New Weird. It includes a variety of short stories from well-known authors like China Mieville, Clive Barker, and Michael Moorcock, mixed with critical essays and discussions on the definition and importance of the genre. The book delves into themes of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, presenting a collection of stories that are dark, extreme, and often grotesque, appealing to readers interested in weird fiction.
The anthology is divided into four segments: Stimuli, Evidence, Symposium, and Laboratory, each offering a unique perspective on the New Weird genre. The stories range from impressive to hit or miss, with some readers enjoying the vivid scenes and emotional resonance created by the authors. The book also includes non-fiction essays debating the existence and significance of the New Weird movement, adding depth and context to the stories presented.
But Miéville wasn't alone. By the time Harrison posited his question "What is New Weird?" it had become clear that a number of other writers had developed at the same time as Miéville, using similar s... - #2
Save:'Demon Theory' by Stephen Graham Jones is a violent and mind-bending novel that turns old horror tropes on their head. The story is presented in a unique format, almost as a treatment for a screenplay or a book for a musical, with interconnected footnotes full of pop culture references. The book is described as a trilogy that reads like a movie sequel, familiar yet wholly original, with characters who are somewhat aware that they are part of the horror genre.
As Jon Bon Jovi says in his version of it recorded with Guns N’ Roses, about a hundred people—including Clapton, Jerry Garcia, Roger Waters, Tom Petty, Bob Marley, Zeppelin—have done this song, but st... - #3
Save:'Hotel World' by Ali Smith is a non-traditional novel that follows the interconnected lives of five characters linked by a tragic event at a hotel. The story is told through various narrative voices, including a teenage ghost, a homeless woman, a young front desk worker, and guests connected to the hotel. The book explores themes of love, life, death, and the impact of our lives on others even after we die. The writing style is described as fragmented, challenging, and at times stream of consciousness, offering different perspectives and unique storytelling techniques.
The plot of 'Hotel World' revolves around a freak accident involving a teenage chambermaid at a hotel, leading to a series of narratives from different characters connected to the incident. The prose is both disturbing and funny, with a mix of sorrow, isolation, and poignancy that delves into the psyches of the characters. The book features unusual narrative structures that vividly describe the characters, making readers feel deeply for everyone involved in the interconnected stories.
hooooooo what a fall what a soar what a plummet what a dash into dark into light what a plunge what a glide thud crash what a drop what a rush what a swoop what a fright what a mad hushed skirl what a... - #4
Save:'Don Quixote' by Kathy Acker is a postmodern reinterpretation of Cervantes' classic, exploring themes of love, freedom, and art through a unique lens. Acker's writing style is described as experimental, blending elements of classics, politics, surrealism, and raw emotion into a complex narrative that challenges traditional storytelling structures. The novel features a non-linear plot that can be difficult to follow but is ultimately rewarding for readers willing to delve into its unconventional approach.
- #5
Save:'If on a Winter's Night a Traveler' by Italo Calvino is a cleverly written metafictional novel that explores the experience of reading, involving the reader in the novel's plot. The book follows the journey of two readers who continuously encounter incomplete texts, interrupted narrations, false translations, and other diversions, leading to a narrative composed of the beginnings of ten different novels as well as the readers' own adventures. The story delves into the themes of reading, writing, creating, falsifying, and living, offering a multi-layered and inventive narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
The narrative structure of the book is designed to prevent any forward momentum, creating little islands of brilliance within unresolved chapters. Through a series of interrupted narratives, the book engages readers in a post-modern exploration of reading and writing, with each chapter offering a unique perspective on genres and storytelling techniques. Calvino's writing style weaves together humor, wit, and self-referential wit, making the experience of reading the central theme of the novel and inviting readers to become active participants in the story.
You are about to begin reading Italo Calvino’s new novel, If on a winter’s night a traveler. Relax. Concentrate. Dispel every other thought. Let the world around you fade. Best to close the door; the ... - #6
Save:'Pricksongs and Descants' by Robert Coover is a collection of short stories that are loosely based on fairy tales, biblical stories, and urban legends. The stories range from retellings of well-known tales to non-linear storytelling where the author rewrites his own plots to create multiple versions of the same story. The book explores themes of sexuality, absurdity, and experimentation with narrative structure, challenging traditional storytelling norms. Some stories delve into dark and grotesque elements, while others offer playful and accessible narratives that allow for multiple scenarios.
- #7
Save:'Two Boys Kissing' by David Levithan is a powerful and poignant story that follows the lives of seven gay teenage boys as they navigate issues of identity, relationships, and acceptance. The narrative is uniquely narrated by a Greek chorus of gay men who have passed away from AIDS, providing a perspective that spans generations and highlights the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals. At the center of the story are Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds aiming to break the world record for the longest kiss as a statement against hate crimes, while the book delves into the lives of other teens dealing with various challenges related to their sexual orientation.
The book beautifully weaves together themes of love, acceptance, and the evolving landscape of LGBTQ rights, drawing readers into the emotional journey of the characters and offering a poignant reflection on the experiences of gay youth past and present. Levithan's writing style is described as raw, emotional, and eye-opening, engaging readers with its lyrical quality and heartfelt storytelling that leaves a lasting impact on those who read it.
It’s hard to think of such things when you are busy dreaming or loving or screwing. The context falls away. We are a spirit-burden you carry, like that of your grandparents, or the friends from your c... - #8
Save:The Honourable Schoolboy is a continuation of the George Smiley series, following the aftermath of the discovery of a mole within the Circus. The plot delves into the intricate world of espionage, with agents working in British Hong Kong and Communist China, amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The narrative is dense and complex, focusing on the mission to uncover Karla's operations and the challenges faced by the characters involved. The writing style of the book is described as detailed and intricate, with a mix of spy thriller elements, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling.
Afterwards, in the dusty little corners where London’s secret servants drink together, there was argument about where the Dolphin case history should really begin. One crowd, led by a blimpish fellow ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series George Smiley ) - #9
Save:'Dermaphoria' by Craig Clevenger is a dark and puzzling tale that slowly reveals the story through a fragmented narrative. The protagonist, Eric Ashworth, wakes up with amnesia, unsure of what is real and what is a drug-induced hallucination. The book delves into Eric's journey as he tries to recover his memories and piece together the events leading up to his current predicament, all while the past and present intersect in a unique storytelling style.
The writing style of 'Dermaphoria' is deliberately over-the-top and self-conscious, similar to high-profile stories like 'Memento' and 'The Prestige'. The novel keeps readers on their toes by presenting a profoundly unreliable narrator and utilizing abstract prose that challenges the reader's perception of reality. Clevenger's experimental approach to storytelling, filled with literary tricks and attention-grabbing elements, makes 'Dermaphoria' a gripping and mind-bending read.
I PANICKED AND SWALLOWED A HANDFUL OF FIREFLIES AND BLACK WIDOWS the inferno had not. Shiny glass teardrops shattered between my teeth while the fireflies popped like Christmas bulbs until I coughed u... - #10
Save:"Dhalgren" by Samuel R. Delany is a dense and challenging novel that defies easy categorization. Set in the city of Bellona, the book explores themes of post-apocalyptic surrealism, sexuality, race, and societal collapse through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist. The narrative is described as circular and dreamlike, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Delany's writing style is noted for its poetic descriptions, vivid imagery, and experimental structure that plays with the concept of time and space.
Beginning in this tone, for us, is a little odd, but such news stands out, to your editor's mind, as the impressive occurrence in our eccentric history. Ernest Newboy, the most notable English-languag...
