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Books matching: gritty realism

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Notes of a Dirty Old Man by Charles Bukowski
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    'Notes of a Dirty Old Man' by Charles Bukowski is a collection of essays, stories, and rantings compiled from columns he wrote for the underground L.A. newspaper Open City in the 1960s. The writing style is twisted, outrageous, and genius, capturing the essence of Bukowski's life filled with drinking, gambling, fighting, infidelities, and sex with women. offers a glimpse into Bukowski's mind through autobiographical pieces that range from angry rants to humorous recollections, all woven together with a stream of consciousness reminiscent of authors like Henry Miller.

    some son of a bitch had held out on the money, everybody claiming they were broke, card game finished, I was sitting there with my buddy Elf, Elf was screwed-up as a kid, all shriveled, he used to lay...

  2. #2
    Firethorn
    Book 1 in the series:Firethorn

    Firethorn - Firethorn by Sarah Micklem
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    'Firethorn' by Sarah Micklem is a fantasy novel that delves into the life of the main protagonist, Firethorn, a young woman navigating a patriarchal society on the brink of a theocracy. The book explores themes of female empowerment, survival, and self-discovery as Firethorn embarks on a journey from the brink of starvation in the woods to becoming a camp follower during times of war. The writing style incorporates vivid descriptions of medieval medicine and societal norms, creating a world that is both gritty and realistic.

    The plot of 'Firethorn' unfolds with a mix of compelling storytelling and a slow-paced exploration of the world around the protagonist. The narrative strikes a balance between character development and events that keep readers eagerly turning the pages, leading to a deep immersion into Firethorn's world filled with challenges, relationships, and self-realization.

    On Midsummer morning I walked down through the ripening fields to the croft of Na’s sister, Az. I carried my sheepskin cloak under one arm and shaded my eyes with my hand. A great humming and chafferi...

  3. #3

    Trainspotting - Trainspotting / Mark Renton by Irvine Welsh
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    'Trainspotting' by Irvine Welsh follows a group of Scottish drug addicts, including Renton, Sick Boy, and Spud, as they navigate their lives filled with heroin addiction, crime, and despair in 1980's Scotland. The narrative is told through short episodes from different viewpoints, providing a deep and vivid insight into their relationships and daily struggles with addiction. The writing style is unique, written entirely in Scottish dialect, which can be challenging to follow initially but immerses the reader in the setting and characters.

    Croxy, sweating from exertion rather than from drug abuse for once in his life, struggles up the stairs with the last box of records as I collapse on the bed, gaping through a numb depression at the c...

  4. #4

    The Man With the Golden Arm by Nelson Algren
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    'The Man With the Golden Arm' by Nelson Algren is a classic novel that delves into the world of addiction, poverty, and desperation in post-World War II Chicago. The story follows Frankie Majcinek, a golden arm dealer at a gambling joint, who is hooked on drugs and struggles to break free from the cycle of misery. The novel is filled with a cast of colorful characters, each dealing with their own vices and flaws, set against the backdrop of Chicago's seedy clubs, pubs, and streets frequented by the underclass in the late 1940s. Algren's writing style is described as dense, provocative, and filled with slang, reflecting the raw and gritty nature of the characters' lives.

    The plot of 'The Man With the Golden Arm' unfolds slowly, focusing on the relationships and struggles of the characters, particularly Frankie and his friend Sparrow. The narrative is interspersed with vignettes that develop character and setting, creating a vivid and immersive portrayal of the Chicago underclass. Algren's novel is one of the first to explore the serious and realistic portrayal of drug addiction, highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity and the challenges of breaking free from destructive cycles.

    The captain never drank. Yet, toward nightfall in that smoke-colored season between Indian summer and December’s first true snow, he would sometimes feel half drunken. He would hang his coat neatly ov...

  5. #5

    Far Bright Star by Robert Olmstead
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    'Far Bright Star' by Robert Olmstead is a short novel that follows the protagonist, Napoleon, and the men he leads on a mission that goes awry. Set in the Mexican desert in 1916, the book delves into themes of violence, brutality, and the harsh realities of war. The writing style is described as hypnotic, creating suspense and evoking the heat and savagery of the setting. Despite its brevity, the book explores the protagonist's inner battle with life and the aftermath of the mission, leaving readers questioning the deeper meanings of the events portrayed.

    There was drought and the land was parched and dry and the country bleached, burned out, and furnacelike. At first, dogs attended the troopers, but then they experienced a plague of fleas, so the orde...

  6. #6

    Hammer's Slammers - Hammer's Slammers by David Drake
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    "Hammer's Slammers" by David Drake is a collection of short stories that follows the interstellar mechanized mercenary unit known as the Slammers. The stories depict the evolution of the Slammers from an ad hoc military force to a powerful juggernaut under the leadership of Colonel Alois Hammer. The writing style is described as gritty, brutal, and realistic, providing detailed descriptions of battle scenes and character development, while also highlighting the human cost of the Slammers' actions.

    It is remarkable—though never remarked—how few writers have been soldiers in wartime. Kipling, who wrote of soldiers and soldiering as well as anyone ever has, was never himself a soldier. I believe I...

  7. #7

    Last Bus to Woodstock - Inspector Morse by Colin Dexter
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    "Last Bus to Woodstock" is the first novel in the Inspector Morse series by Colin Dexter. The book follows Chief Inspector Morse as he investigates the murder of Sylvia Kaye, a young woman found dead in a pub car park in Woodstock. The plot is intricate, with numerous suspects coming to Morse's attention, leading him to high-powered individuals within the University at Oxford. The writing style is described as quick-paced, reflecting Morse's character, and the book introduces recurring characters in the early stages of their development.

    FROM ST GILES’ in the centre of Oxford two parallel roads run due north, like the prongs of a tuning fork. On the northern perimeter of Oxford, each must first cross the busy northern ring-road, along...

  8. #8

    The Pleasures Of The Damned by Charles Bukowski
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    The Pleasures Of The Damned by Charles Bukowski is a collection of the author's poetry that captures the rawness of life, delving into themes of love, loss, and the gritty realities of the world. Readers reflect on how Bukowski's work strips down societal pretenses and provides a refreshing dose of reality, showcasing the beauty and darkness of everyday life with a unique writing style that is both vulgar and perceptive.


  9. #9
    Cop Hater
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    Book 1 in the series:87th Precinct

    Cop Hater - 87th Precinct by Ed McBain
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    In the book "Cop Hater" by Ed McBain, the story revolves around the murders of three detectives from the 87th Precinct, leading the police force of a fictional city to hunt down a potential cop hater. Detective Steve Carella, the protagonist, investigates the case with a different theory in mind while facing challenges from an unscrupulous reporter. The book introduces the daily lives and investigations of the detectives, dropping clues along the way for readers to piece together the mystery before the reveal. Despite the dated language and police techniques, the book remains an entertaining read with a focus on police procedures and a well-crafted plot.

    He reached out for it, groping in the darkness, finding the lever and pressing it against the back of the clock. The buzzing stopped. The room was very silent. Beside him, he could hear May’s even bre...

  10. #10
    Cold Secrets
    Book 7 in the series:Cold Justice

    Cold Secrets - Cold Justice by Toni Anderson
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    In "Cold Secrets" by Toni Anderson, FBI Special Agent Lucas Randall goes undercover to investigate a sex trafficking ring, leading him to Boston to rescue a kidnapped eight-year-old girl. Alongside him is FBI Special Agent Ashley Chen, who brings her cyber and profiling expertise to the investigation. The story unfolds with intense action, twists, and suspense, as the characters delve into the dark world of human trafficking and prostitution. Anderson weaves a complex plot with multiple subplots and support characters, keeping readers on edge as secrets are revealed, relationships develop, and the investigation takes unexpected turns.

    If anyone recognized Lucas Randall, he was a dead man. He knocked on the plain black door and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. The start of a beard sprouted from his grimy cheeks. Motor ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Cold Justice )

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