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Books matching: failure and absurdity

10 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 10 
  1. #1

    The Dog of the South by Charles Portis
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    The Dog of the South by Charles Portis is a humorous and absurdist tale following the journey of Ray Midge, a man whose wife runs off with his best friend, taking his car and credit card. Determined to track them down, Ray embarks on a road trip from Arkansas to Belize, encountering eccentric characters like Dr. Reo Symes along the way. The plot is filled with quirky conversations and preposterous situations, creating a unique and entertaining narrative style that blends humor with subtle observations about human nature.

    MY WIFE NORMA had run off with Guy Dupree and I was waiting around for the credit card billings to come in so I could see where they had gone. I was biding my time. This was October. They had taken my...

  2. #2

    Douglas Adams's Starship Titanic by Terry Jones
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    'Douglas Adams's Starship Titanic' by Terry Jones is a humorous science fiction book that follows the misadventures aboard the Starship Titanic, a massive passenger starship that suffers a Spontaneous Massive Existence Failure. The story involves quirky aliens, rude service bots, and three humans from Earth who find themselves caught up in a series of comedic and absurd situations. Written in a style reminiscent of Douglas Adams, the book combines elements of satire, silliness, and zaniness to create a light-hearted and entertaining read.

    "Everyone here is holding their breath and keeping their fingers crossed," whispered the Head Reporter of the Blerontin News Gathering Bureau into his invisible microphone. "No one has yet even caught...

  3. #3

    The Collected Stories by Lorrie Moore
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    'The Collected Stories' by Lorrie Moore is a comprehensive collection of elegant and deeply felt short stories that explore the complexities of contemporary lives. With a unique writing style that combines wit, humor, and poignant observations, Moore delves into themes of failing relationships, lack of communication, and the ironies of modern life. The book features compelling characters, intricate plotlines, and a skillful balance between poetry, cynicism, and humor, making it a treasure trove for readers who appreciate intelligent storytelling.

    The stories in this collection cover a wide range of topics, from the struggles of everyday life to the intricacies of human relationships. Moore's ability to capture the essence of her characters and situations with compassion and humanity sets her apart as a masterful storyteller. Through concise language and astute observations, she invites readers to reflect on the complexities of the human experience and the nuances of interpersonal dynamics.


  4. #4

    A Little Folly by Jude Morgan
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    'A Little Folly' by Jude Morgan is a Regency era novel that follows the story of two siblings, Louisa and Valentine, who are finally free to live their lives after the death of their domineering father. The plot involves flawed characters, misunderstandings, romance, and betrayal, creating an engaging and entertaining read. The writing style captures the essence of the Regency era with beautiful language, entertaining dialogues, and subtle humor, reminiscent of Jane Austen's works.

    The author, Jude Morgan, skillfully combines compelling storytelling with impressive literary style, creating a novel that is both humorous and humane. The plot is described as something that Jane Austen would have approved of, with well-thought-out characters and realistic shortcomings. Readers appreciate the historical references used in the book, as well as the absence of lengthy, repetitive inner monologues often found in romantic novels. Overall, 'A Little Folly' is praised for its beautiful language, engaging plot, and captivating characters.


  5. #5

    A Good Man in Africa by William Boyd
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    At the start of this novel the main protagonist, Morgan Leafy, is a loathsome creature. A British diplomat serving as First Secretary to the Commission in the fictional West African country of Kinjanja, he is pretty much a caricature of all the worst elements of the role. Racist, selfish, jealous and quite overbearing. The book follows his frustrations and exploitations as a series of events unfold. The colonial expat scene adds to the farcical setting as the cast drinks their gin and tonics, holds cocktail parties, and lounges by the pool while remaining oblivious to the fact that the country is on the brink of a military coup.

    William Boyd's debut novel, 'A Good Man in Africa', is a satire that humorously exposes the overwhelming self-satisfaction and unassailable rectitude of European diplomats in post-colonial West Africa. The author skillfully reveals how out of depth the characters are in their African environment, highlighting the dichotomy of superiority and inferiority issues faced by the protagonist, Morgan Leafy, as he navigates through a series of cringe-worthy and humorous situations.

    “Good man,” said Dalmire, gratefully accepting the gin Morgan Leafy offered him, “Oh, good man.” He presents his eager male friendship like a gift, thought Morgan; he’s like a dog who wants me to thro...

  6. #6

    Pastoralia by George Saunders
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    'Pastoralia' by George Saunders is a collection of short stories that delves into the lives of various characters facing different challenges and situations. The stories range from a man living as a caveman in a museum exhibit to a matriarch returned from the grave, showcasing unique, witty, and sometimes shocking narratives. Saunders' writing style is described as bizarre, funny, and perverse, yet deeply humane and compassionate, offering a glimpse into a slightly skewed version of the modern world.

    Down in the blue-green valley is a herd of robotic something-or-others, bent over the blue-green grass, feeding I guess? Midway between our mountain and the opposing mountains is a wide green river wi...

  7. #7
    Riotous Assembly
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    Book 1 in the series:Piemburg

    Riotous Assembly - Piemburg by Tom Sharpe
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    Readers describe 'Riotous Assembly' as a satirical take on apartheid-era South Africa, showcasing the absurdity of the system through hilarious and exaggerated scenarios. The book follows the antics of characters such as Kommandant Els and Ms. Hazelstone in the fictional town of Piemburg, offering a comedic yet insightful commentary on the societal structures and injustices of the time. Tom Sharpe's writing style is praised for its wit, satire, and ability to blend humor with serious themes, providing a unique perspective on a dark period in history.

    Piemburg is deceptive. Nothing about it is entirely what it seems to be. Huddled among the foothills of the Drakensberg and crouching at the feet of a great flat-topped hill it has few of the marks of...

  8. #8

    Bank Shot - The Dortmunder Novels by Donald E. Westlake
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    Bank Shot is a Dortmunder novel where the lovable criminal mastermind finds himself reluctantly drawn into a heist to steal an entire bank building. The plot revolves around the absurdity of the characters and the mechanics of the heist, all handled with a weary resignation rather than apocalyptic anger. The writing style is described as delivering good dialogue, a plot that draws you in, and crazy exploits along the way.

    ‘My,’ said the lady. She was a pretty woman in her mid-thirties, small and compact, and from the looks of this living room she kept a tight ship. The room was cool and comfortable and neat, packaged w...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Dortmunder Novels )

  9. #9
    Mechanical Failure
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Epic Failure

    Mechanical Failure - Epic Failure by Joe Zieja
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    'Mechanical Failure' by Joe Zieja is a hilarious space romp that follows the misadventures of R. Wilson Rodgers, a former con man turned soldier who struggles to navigate the absurdities of a dysfunctional space military. The story is filled with slapstick humor, absurd situations, and memorable characters, such as the Viking warrior goddess Marine and the bumbling Admiral. Zieja's writing style combines elements of British satire with optimistic undertones, creating a unique blend of humor and heart in a sci-fi setting.

    “Of course there are pirates here,” Rogers said, looking out the window at the formation of ships floating in front of them. “I invited them. I invited two groups of pirates here. How the hell else do...

  10. 'Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything' by Lydia Kang is a non-fiction book that delves into the bizarre and often gruesome history of quackery throughout the ages. The book is described as a humorous and witty exploration of the outlandish remedies and treatments that people have used in the past, ranging from mercury and bloodletting to more modern practices. Readers found the writing style to be engaging and accessible, with a conversational tone that made the historical content entertaining and informative.

    The book is structured in a way that presents various toxic substances and treatments used in history, offering insights into the absurd lengths people went to in attempts to cure ailments. Despite the dark and sometimes disturbing subject matter, the authors manage to infuse the narrative with humor and sarcasm, making it a delightful yet morbid adventure into the world of medical history.

    Some believe the “black” part of its name evolved from the dark stools ejected, which were mistaken for purged bile. Allowing bile to “flow freely” was in harmony with keeping the body balanced and th...

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