Books matching: human depravity
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- #1
Save:High Life by Matthew Stokoe is a dark and gritty tale set in Los Angeles, following the protagonist Jack as his life spirals into chaos after the brutal murder of his wife. Introduced to a world of snuff shows, prostitution, and drugs, Jack becomes entangled in a web of depravity and violence. The story is filled with despicable characters engaging in heinous acts, creating a brutal and unforgiving atmosphere reminiscent of noir crime movies. Despite its disturbing content, readers are captivated by the unique writing style and the mystery surrounding the crime.
In a city where depravity knows no bounds for those with money, Jack navigates a world of perversion and power in his quest for fame and success. As he encounters characters like Bella and Ryan, each more twisted than the last, Jack's journey into the dark underbelly of Hollywood unfolds, revealing a story of desperation, longing, and the lengths one will go to achieve their dreams.
A hot rain blew in from the sea. It hit Ocean Avenue in sticky washes of reflected neon that took the colored light from the hotels and stores and ran it into the gutters with the trash. In Palisades ... - #2
Save:'She Wakes' by Jack Ketchum is a departure from his usual human-centered horror, delving into supernatural elements involving Greek mythology. The story follows tourists in Greece encountering a vengeful deity, blending ancient folklore with modern-day thriller elements. The writing style is described as clear and fast-paced, with vivid scenes of Greece adding depth to the narrative. However, some readers found the setup to be slow and the supernatural aspects to be a departure from Ketchum's strengths in documenting realistic events.
- #3
Save:'The Werewolf of Paris' by Guy Endore is a fascinating novel that tells the tragic story of Bertrand, who was born a werewolf. Set during the turmoil of the German invasion of 19th century Paris, the book offers a study in human nature interlaced with social commentary and historical backdrop. The narrative is well-researched, epic in scope, and written with wit, making it a subversive tale with elements of kink and dark humor.
The story follows Bertrand's life, from his violent conception to his struggles with lycanthropy and the attempts to find a cure. The novel delves into themes of human nature, societal norms, and the consequences of one's actions, all wrapped in a well-written and engaging narrative that showcases the author's skill in storytelling and character development.
It is only inasmuch as Aymar Galliez begins his script with the tale of Pitaval and Pitamont that I shall do the same, allowing myself, however, the privilege of elaborating his often too bald treatme... - #4
Save:'The North Water' by Ian McGuire is a brutal and violent novel set in the 19th century aboard a whaling ship, the Volunteer, on a voyage to the Arctic Circle. The story follows a disgraced Irish surgeon, Patrick Sumner, and a ruthless harpooner named Henry Drax, as they navigate through a journey filled with murder, rape, robbery, and other brutalities. The writing style is described as vivid, gritty, and darkly brilliant, capturing the harsh realities of life at sea during that period.
He shuffles out of Clappison’s courtyard onto Sykes Street and snuffs the complex air—turpentine, fishmeal, mustard, black lead, the usual grave, morning-piss stink of just-emptied night jars. He snor... - #5
Save:The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker is a macabre and disturbing novella that follows Frank Cotton as he unlocks a puzzle box seeking unimaginable pleasures, only to find himself bound by spirits in an upper room of his brother's house. The story delves into a world where evil is unhinged, portraying a battle between good and evil in a surreal setting. The book is filled with grotesque and dark imagery, featuring unforgettable characters like the Cenobites promising sensations beyond belief.
The plot of The Hellbound Heart is fast-paced, featuring action-packed scenes and gory elements that keep readers engaged. While some readers found the book short and wished for more character development, others appreciated its imaginative storytelling and the balance between visceral horror and redemptive themes. Overall, the novella is praised for its originality, dark atmosphere, and the way it explores human depravity in a compelling manner.
So intent was Frank upon solving the puzzle of Lemarchand's box that he didn't hear the great bell begin to ring. The device had been constructed by a master craftsman, and the riddle was this-that th... Angela Carter's 'Burning Your Boats: The Collected Short Stories' showcases her exceptional talent as an imaginative writer, reinventing common genres with a series of insightful and darkly feminist tales. The stories are rich in symbolism and require a slow, thoughtful reading to fully appreciate the poetic language and dense narratives. Carter's unique style, reminiscent of gothic fairy tales, explores themes of human depravity, sexuality, and feminism through reimagined classic tales like Beauty and the Beast and Little Red Riding Hood.
The last time I visited Angela Carter, a few weeks before she died, she had insisted on dressing for tea, in spite of being in considerable pain. She sat bright-eyed and erect, head cocked like a parr...- #7
Save:'Haunted' by Chuck Palahniuk is a collection of short stories woven together by a central narrative. The book follows 23 aspiring authors who are locked away in a writer's retreat to find their muse. As they stay longer, their stories become more revealing and disturbing, leading them to descend into madness. The stories range from wild and crazy accounts, including graphic and grotesque elements, to a central focus on the entertainment-driven culture. Palahniuk's writing style is described as wicked brilliant, engaging, and horrifying, with a unique blend of humor and darkness that captivates readers.
The book is structured in a Canterbury Tales format, with each participant having a nickname and sharing a poem and a story. The narrative explores themes of depravity, insanity, desperation, and other vices typical of the author. The stories are blackly humorous, macabre, and at times shocking, challenging readers to consider the darker aspects of humanity while showcasing Palahniuk's ability to craft compelling and disturbing narratives.
When the bus pulls to the corner where Comrade Snarky had agreed to wait, she stands there in an army-surplus flak jacket—dark olive-green—and baggy camouflage pants, the cuffs rolled up to show infan... - #8
Save:In the book 'The Wolf and the Watchman' by Niklas Natt och Dag, readers are transported to the brutal and violent world of 18th century Stockholm, Sweden. The story follows a mutilated corpse discovered by watchman Mikel Cardell, leading to a partnership with lawyer Cecil Winge to solve the heinous crime. As the narrative unfolds, readers are immersed in the dark and gritty living conditions of the era, exploring the depths of human malevolence and the complexities of society through a cast of compelling characters.
Above the Southern Isle, the skies have not yet begun to lighten. Cardell staggers out and down the steps of the Hamburg and follows the children along the empty street, halfheartedly listening to a s... - #9
Save:In Death in Holy Orders by P.D. James, readers are taken to a small seminary on the English coast where the murder of a seminary student sets off a chain of events, leading to multiple deaths and a complex investigation conducted by Inspector Adam Dalgliesh. The novel delves into the intricate lives of the students, teaching clergy, and staff at the seminary, each with their own intrigues and secrets, while offering a glimpse into the introspective and poetic nature of Dalgliesh. With a gripping plot, detailed character development, and a setting that adds depth to the story, the book takes readers on a journey through a murder mystery that unfolds against the backdrop of ecclesiastical waters and dark undercurrents of society.
Father Martin said, “Writing it down as if it were fiction, as if you were standing outside yourself, watching it happen, remembering what you did, what you felt, as if it were all happening to someon...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Adam Dalgliesh ) - #10
Save:A Terrible Beauty by Graham Masterton is a dark and gripping thriller set in Cork, Ireland. The story follows Detective Superintendent Katie Maguire as she investigates a series of gruesome murders with ties to ancient rituals and political tensions. Masterton weaves together crime, mythology, and human frailty in a uniquely intriguing way, creating a chilling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book explores the darkness of the human psyche, delving into graphic and disturbing descriptions that are not for the faint-hearted.
Corkonians have a distinctive accent of their own, which sounds very different from the Dublin brogue which is usually presented as "Irish" in movies and television. They also have their own local sla...
