Books matching: flawed and unlikable characters
43 result(s)
- #1
Save:Temper by Layne Fargo is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the world of Chicago theater, following the intertwined lives of Kira Rascher, an actress, and Joanna Cuyler, Malcolm's right hand at their theater company. The story alternates between the perspectives of these complex female characters, exploring themes of control, emotional abuse, and raw emotion. The plot is described as a rollercoaster ride that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with a satisfying yet ambiguous ending.
Fargo's writing style in Temper is praised for its literary quality and adept use of words, setting her apart from other contemporary thriller writers. She skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including a play within the book titled Temper, creating a seamless and engaging narrative. The book is commended for its portrayal of bisexuality and sexual fluidity, featuring diverse and well-developed characters that add depth to the thriller genre.
It takes her a few seconds to realize she has an audience. My audition is the last of the day, so I’m the only one left waiting in the row of mismatched chairs set up against the lobby wall. When our ... - #2
Save:'The Sheltering Sky' by Paul Bowles is a novel that follows the journey of a husband and wife, Port and Kit Moresby, along with their friend Tunner, as they travel through North Africa in the 1940s. The book explores themes of alienation, existential dread, and the unraveling of relationships in a hostile and unfamiliar environment. As the characters venture deeper into the Sahara desert, they are confronted with dangers that test the limits of their humanity, leading to a downward spiral of personal and emotional disintegration. The writing style of Bowles is described as vivid, hypnotic, and searing, painting a haunting picture of the characters' inner turmoil and the harsh realities of the desert landscape.
On the terrace of the Café d’Eckmühl-Noiseux a few Arabs sat drinking mineral water; only their fezzes of varying shades of red distinguished them from the rest of the population of the port. Their Eu... - #3
Save:After a mental breakdown, a Kansas City real estate agent decides to spend a few months in Taos, New Mexico to recover. But when he decides to move into an empty house ten miles from town where a murder occurred perhaps it isn't such a good idea. The story revolves around the lead character trying to unravel where the murdered girl came from and where her murderer disappeared to, all while dealing with a haze of alcohol and a dose of homophobia. The plot keeps the reader engaged as they follow the protagonist's journey of discovery.
"The Far Cry" by Fredric Brown is a mystery novel that delves into the nature of reality and human perception. The story keeps the reader in suspense from beginning to end, with a twist that surprises and turns the narrative on its head. Brown's writing style is praised for its strength in depicting an alcoholic's struggle after a nervous breakdown, making the reader empathize with the character's journey.
Sudden terror in her eyes, Jenny backed away from the knife, her hand groping behind her for the knob of the kitchen door. She was too frightened to scream and anyway there was no one to hear, no one ... - #4
Save:Damage by Josephine Hart is a gripping and intense novel that delves into the consequences of passion and obsession. The story follows Stephen Fleming, a middle-aged physician and government official, who becomes entangled in a destructive affair with his son's enigmatic girlfriend, Anna Barton. As their relationship unfolds, it leads to sorrow, estrangement, and ultimately, tragedy. The writing style is described as concise, sharp, and brilliantly written, capturing the stark differences between a conventional life and one consumed by passion.
Some find it in the place of their birth; others may leave a seaside town, parched, and find themselves refreshed in the desert. There are those born in rolling countryside who are really only at ease... - #5
Save:'The Slap' by Christos Tsiolkas revolves around a controversial incident at a backyard BBQ where a man slaps a child who is not his own, sparking a chain of events that affects the lives of eight different characters from various backgrounds. The narrative delves into themes of marriage, friendship, racial prejudice, and Australian society, showcasing the repercussions of the slap on relationships and societal norms.
The writing style of 'The Slap' utilizes multiple narrators, with each chapter told from the perspective of a different character who was present at the BBQ. Through these diverse viewpoints, the novel explores dark corners of human behavior, exposing the complexities of modern life and challenging readers to question their own perceptions and judgments.
His eyes still shut, a dream dissolving and already impossible to recall, Hector’s hand sluggishly reached across the bed. Good. Aish was up. He let out a victorious fart, burying his face deep into t... - #6
Save:'That Hideous Strength' by C.S. Lewis is the final installment in the Space Trilogy where the battle between good and evil shifts back to Earth. It delves into the struggle of a small group of people resisting the forces of evil in a modern fairy tale setting. The writing style combines elements of a science fiction novel, an Arthurian Romance, a tale of Creeping Horror, and a work of eschatological Christian fiction, offering a unique and complex narrative that explores themes of academia, totalitarianism, Christian beliefs, and the eternal consequences of human choices.
THIS is a 'tall story' about devilry, though it has behind it a serious 'point' which I have tried to make in my Abolition of Man. In the story the outer rim of that devilry had to be shown touching t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Space Trilogy ) - #7
Save:'Edge of Evil' follows the story of Ali Reynolds, a TV journalist who is fired from her job in LA and faces the end of both her career and her marriage. After moving back to Sedona, Arizona, Ali starts a blog to cope with her personal struggles and investigates the mysterious death of her best friend. The plot includes elements of wrongful termination, divorce, personal issues, and a mix of controversial topics like ageism, domestic abuse, and blogging.
The writing style of 'Edge of Evil' includes a mix of character introductions, blog posts, and action sequences. The story unfolds with a blend of mystery, personal struggles, and investigative elements, keeping the readers engaged with the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and unraveling the truth behind her friend's death.
When Alison Reynolds left the studio after the eleven o’clock news, she was amazed to find Cliff Baker, the news director, waiting out in the hall. He was usually gone for the day by then, or else he ... - #8
Save:'Chump Change' by Dan Fante follows the life of the protagonist Bruno Dante as he navigates through a downward spiral of alcoholism, family issues, and self-destructive behavior. The writing style is described as gritty, powerful, and reminiscent of authors like Charles Bukowski and John Fante. The novel is set in Los Angeles and paints a vivid, if bleak, picture of the city, immersing the reader in a world filled with depravity and desperation.
MY NAME IS BRUNO DANTE AND WHAT I’M WRITING ABOUT here is what happened. On December 4th, the St. Joseph of Cupertino Hospital alcohol and nut ward in the Bronx, on Mosholu Parkway, let me go. Release... - #9
Save:'Outerbridge Reach' by Robert Stone follows the story of Owen Browne, a middle-class Vietnam veteran who embarks on an around-the-world solo sailing race in search of greater things. As Owen navigates the challenges of the race, the novel delves into themes of adventure, madness, and the darkness that resides within the human heart. Alongside Owen's journey, the story also explores the complexities of relationships, betrayal, and confronting personal demons, particularly through the characters of Owen's wife, Anne, and a documentary filmmaker named Strickland. The plot weaves together elements of tragedy, existential introspection, and the American spirit of resilience, culminating in a riveting and emotionally charged narrative that captivates the reader.
The writing style of 'Outerbridge Reach' is described as beautifully transparent, effectively capturing themes of solitude, fear, and the imagination. The author skillfully navigates between vivid scenes ashore and afloat, enticing the reader with a strong story that illuminates the struggles and desires of the characters. Despite the dark and sometimes depressing undertones of the novel, the writing maintains an engaging quality that draws the reader into the inner turmoil and external challenges faced by the characters.
THAT WINTER was the warmest in a hundred years. There were uneasy jokes about the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect. The ambiguity of the weather made time seem slack and the year spineless. The a... - #10
Save:"Beasts" by Joyce Carol Oates is a dark and gothic novella set in a women's college in the 1970s, where a young college student named Gillian becomes entangled in a twisted relationship with her professor and his bohemian wife. The story delves into themes of obsession, manipulation, and self-destruction, as Gillian and her peers fall under the spell of the professor's seductive charm. Oates skillfully weaves together a narrative that blurs the lines between love and obsession, drawing the reader into a world of psychological turmoil and dark secrets. The book's brevity at 138 pages allows for a concise yet impactful exploration of human nature and the complexities of desire.
The writing style in "Beasts" is described as rich, lyrical, and addictive, with Oates showcasing her talent for creating absorbing psychological landscapes and complex characters. The novella's atmospheric setting on a college campus, intertwined with themes of power dynamics and the blurred boundaries between predator and prey, adds depth to the narrative. Oates's ability to build suspense and evoke a sense of unease through subtle imagery and suggestive language contributes to the book's haunting and compelling nature.
