Books matching: haunting storytelling
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:"He Died With His Eyes Open" by Derek Raymond is a gritty and atmospheric crime novel set in the bleak underbelly of London. The story follows a nameless protagonist, a sergeant at the Department of Unexplained Deaths, as he investigates the brutal murder of a middle-aged alcoholic. The narrative is compelling and unconventional, with the victim's personal reflections recorded on cassette tapes playing a key role in the investigation. Derek Raymond's writing style pushes boundaries to create a dark and intense study of obsession and evil in Thatcher's London of the mid-1980s.
He was found in the shrubbery in front of the Word of God House in Albatross Road, West Five. It was the thirtieth of March, during the evening rush-hour. It was bloody cold; and an office worker had ... - #2
Save:'The Fifty Year Sword' by Mark Z. Danielewski is a unique story told by five narrators with different colored quotation marks, creating a narrative that is both intriguing and complex. The book is described as a short yet demanding read that requires multiple readings to fully grasp the layered storytelling. The plot follows a mysterious storyteller who presents a tale to five young orphans at a birthday Halloween party, with elements of poetry, embroidery, and a touch of horror woven throughout the narrative.
- #3
Save:'War for the Oaks' by Emma Bull is an urban fantasy novel set in Minneapolis that follows Eddi, a rock musician who gets entangled in a faerie war. The story revolves around Eddi's journey as she navigates the war between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, forming relationships with various faerie beings and discovering the magical ways she can use her musical talent. The book combines elements of music, magic, and faerie lore, creating a unique and engaging narrative that captures the reader's imagination.
The writing style of 'War for the Oaks' is often praised for its ability to seamlessly blend the mundane with the magical. Emma Bull's storytelling is described as elegant and haunting, drawing readers into a world where rock and roll performers coexist with the faerie realm. The book is noted for its well-developed characters, particularly Eddi, and the way it slowly draws readers into the story until they are unable to put it down.
The University Bar was not, in the grand scheme of the city, close to the university. Nor was its clientele collegiate. They worked the assembly lines and warehouses, and wanted uncomplicated entertai... - #4
Save:'The Uninvited' by Cat Winters is a historical fiction novel set in America in 1918 during the time of the Great War and the Spanish Influenza outbreak. The story follows twenty-five-year-old piano teacher Ivy Rowan, who discovers a terrible crime committed by her father and brother in retaliation for the death of her older brother in the war. Filled with guilt and shock, Ivy leaves her home for the first time and navigates the panic and xenophobia in Buchanan, Illinois. The plot unfolds with a blend of historically accurate events, supernatural elements, and a strong female lead character, showcasing the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of grief and struggles.
Cat Winters, the author, skillfully weaves together elements of historical accuracy with a touch of the paranormal, creating a story that not only educates readers about a lesser-known period in American history but also entertains with unexpected plot twists and a compelling narrative. The writing style of the book is described as cleverly crafted, beautifully haunting, and emotionally impactful, offering a unique perspective on the time period and engaging readers with its blend of mystery, love, and tragedy.
The childhood night my mother’s father died, when silver moonlight graced the floorboards and the antique furniture in our front room, I came upon my granny Letty—gone one year and a month—rocking in ... - #5
Save:'Revenge' by Yoko Ogawa is a collection of interconnected short stories that delve into themes of revenge, murder, loss, and eerie connections in an eerily normal world. The stories are macabre and unsettling, with elements like a woman with her heart outside her body, a bag maker sewing an elaborate bag to hold it, and a widow growing carrots shaped like hands in her garden where her dead husband is later found buried without his hands. The writing style is described as precise, detailed, and impassive, with a minimalist approach that inserts bizarre elements into everyday occurrences to create a sense of spookiness and horror.
It was a beautiful Sunday. The sky was a cloudless dome of sunlight. Out on the square, leaves fluttered in a gentle breeze along the pavement. Everything seemed to glimmer with a faint luminescence: ... - #6
Save:'My Happy Life' by Lydia Millet follows the life of a nameless protagonist who is forgotten in a locked isolation cell after a State Hospital for the mentally ill is shut down. Despite enduring extreme cruelty and abuse, the protagonist remains upbeat and optimistic, finding beauty in the midst of a cruel and twisted world. The narrative is described as heartbreaking, beautiful, and lyrical, with the protagonist writing her story on the wall of her confinement, inviting readers to witness her journey of enduring hope and indomitable spirit.
The book delves into the protagonist's sad, poignant, and dramatic life, portraying her as mentally slow yet incredibly innocent and compassionate. Through poetic prose and haunting storytelling, Millet weaves a tale of resilience and optimism in the face of adversity, leaving a lasting impact on readers. Despite the harrowing elements of the story, the book is praised for its unique premise, unusual lead character, and the ability to make readers reflect on their own lives and perceptions.
- #7
Save:Set in England in the 1830s, 'The Colour of Milk' by Nell Leyshon follows the story of Mary, a young farm girl who is sent to work for the local vicar. The novel is narrated by Mary herself, a character with a strong spirit and a clear-eyed view of her world, written in a simplistic and stark style to reflect her circumstances. Mary's relationship with her grandfather is particularly poignant, providing her with the love she lacks in her harsh life. As the story unfolds, unexpected events lead to a shocking ending, deviating from the typical happy-ever-after narrative.
The book delves into themes of poverty, adolescence, and power dynamics between master and servant, portraying Mary as a spirited and outspoken protagonist who defies societal expectations. Written with sparse punctuation and a minimalist approach, the novel captures Mary's voice and perspective, evoking sympathy and admiration for her character amidst the bleak backdrop of farm life in the 1830s.
the day it started was not a warm day to begin. no it was a cold day to begin and the frost was on every blade of grass. but then later the sun did come up and the frost went and then the birds were a... - #8
Save:'God Help the Child' by Toni Morrison is a short novel that delves into the impact of childhood trauma on adult lives. The story follows Bride, a dark-skinned woman who faces rejection and emotional scars from her light-skinned mother. As Bride navigates her relationships and past experiences, the narrative explores themes of love, trauma, self-discovery, and the lasting effects of childhood experiences on adult behavior. Through multiple perspectives and concise storytelling, Morrison weaves a tale that is both haunting and thought-provoking, shedding light on the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of overcoming past traumas.
It’s not my fault. So you can’t blame me. I didn’t do it and have no idea how it happened. It didn’t take more than an hour after they pulled her out from between my legs to realize something was wron... - #9
Save:"The Truth About Keeping Secrets" by Savannah Brown is a powerful and compelling novel that delves deep into the themes of fear, loss, anxiety, and uncertainty surrounding death and grief. The book follows the protagonist, Sydney, as she navigates the world-altering experience of losing her father in a tragic accident. Through Sydney's journey of grief and self-discovery, the author masterfully explores the complexities of relationships, from romantic entanglements to the tension with her mother and friendships. The writing style is described as beautifully written, thought-provoking, haunting, and raw, focusing on how grief affects different individuals and their coping mechanisms.
I mean, he was. But he wasn’t. There was so little Dad left in him that the emotional experience wasn’t too dissimilar from gazing upon a giant steak in a suit: there was discomfort, and a sick sort o... - #10
Save:"And the Mountains Echoed" by Khaled Hosseini is a poignant tale that delves into the deep bonds of family, love, and sacrifice. The story begins in 1952 in Afghanistan, following the lives of siblings Abdullah and Pari, who are tragically separated due to a difficult decision made by their father. The narrative unfolds through interconnected chapters, exploring the repercussions of this decision on various characters across different generations and locations. Through Hosseini's evocative storytelling, readers are taken on a journey of heartbreak, resilience, and the enduring impact of choices made in the past.
So, then. You want a story and I will tell you one. But just the one. Don’t either of you ask me for more. It’s late, and we have a long day of travel ahead of us, Pari, you and I. You will need your ...
