Books matching: humor in literature
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Fish Can Sing by Halldor Laxness is a charming novel set in early 20th-century Iceland, following the life of young Alfgrimur growing up in an old turf cottage called Brekkukot. The story revolves around Alfgrimur's interactions with the eccentric characters who inhabit the guesthouse, his journey towards adulthood, and his unexpected bond with the famous Icelandic singer, Gardar Holm. Through a series of vignettes, the book explores themes of tradition, modernity, poverty, and the transformative power of relationships, all narrated with a stream of consciousness that seamlessly blends the perspectives of a child and an older reflective self.
When Halldór Kiljan Laxness stood up, in 1955, to accept the Nobel Prize in Literature, he opened by referring to his double obscurity: “I was travelling in the south of Sweden a few weeks ago, when I... - #2
Save:'Texts from Jane Eyre: And Other Conversations with Your Favorite Literary Characters' by Mallory Ortberg is a unique and humorous book that imagines what would happen if famous literary characters and writers had phones to text each other. The book features text conversations between well-known characters and authors, blending snarky humor with tech and literary references. Readers can expect a mix of jokes that hold up even without context, but become more enriching with background knowledge of the characters and books referenced.
The author, Mallory Ortberg, captures the voices of various characters with precision, creating a quick and crackling read that appeals to those familiar with classic literature. The book offers a light-hearted approach to literature, poking fun at beloved literary figures while staying true to their original personalities and communication styles. While some readers may find the humor repetitive or dependent on prior knowledge of the works, others appreciate the clever execution and the way Ortberg translates classic sentiments into contemporary forms.
- #3
Save:In the early 1820s London, an infant boy is found abandoned on a garbage heap and rescued by Lord Loveall, who raises the baby as a girl named Rose to inherit his vast wealth. As Rose grows up, unaware of his true gender, he navigates through a society defined by moral rigidity and faces a scandal when his identity is revealed. The novel explores themes of gender confusion, societal judgment, and self-discovery in a Victorian setting, blending elements of drama, humor, and historical fiction.
- #4
Save:'Laughable Loves' by Milan Kundera is a collection of 7 love stories set in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. The stories explore themes of love, relationships, and the passage of time, with a focus on the complexities of human emotions and the illusions people create around their own narratives. Kundera's writing style is characterized by ironic humor, ambiguous endings, and psychological insight, offering a mix of light-hearted entertainment and poignant reflections on life and love.
The stories in 'Laughable Loves' delve into the intricacies of human relationships, portraying characters struggling with nostalgia, misunderstandings, and the search for meaning in their lives. Kundera weaves together elements of randomness, lies, games, and jokes to examine how people navigate the ups and downs of love, from its beginnings to its eventual demise. Through his stark and elegant prose, Kundera invites readers to ponder profound questions about love, truth, identity, and the nature of existence, all while maintaining a whimsical and thought-provoking narrative tone.
"Pour me some more slivovitz,'' said Klara, and I wasn't against it. It was hardly unusual for us to open a bottle, and this time there was a genuine excuse for it: that day I had received a nice fee ... - #5
Save:Rebecca Makkai's 'The Borrower' follows the story of Lucy Hull, a children's librarian, who embarks on a road trip with Ian, a young library patron, after suspecting unhappiness in his home life. The book explores themes of censorship, family dynamics, and the transformative power of books. Through a mix of quirky characters and offbeat adventures, the author weaves a tale that delves into ethical dilemmas, complex relationships, and the magic of childhood literature.
I had five regulars, and a couple of them would have come seven days a week if they could. Ian Drake came with chicken pox, and with a broken leg. He came even when he knew it had been canceled that w... 'Egalia's Daughters: A Satire of the Sexes' by Gerd Brantenberg is a thought-provoking and humorous novel that challenges societal norms by portraying a world where women are dominant. The book cleverly flips gender roles and explores themes of feminism, humanism, and environmentalism. Through well-developed characters and a hint of dry humor, the author delves into the idea of how the world would be if men were treated like women, sparking reflections on gender politics and sexism.
- #7
Save:'The Corrections' by Jonathan Franzen is a darkly funny novel that delves into the lives of the Lambert family, portraying their struggles and dynamics in a dysfunctional American family setting. The book follows the aging couple, Enid and Alfred, as they try to bring their three adult children together for a last Christmas, unraveling the failures, secrets, and buried hurts that haunt them. Through brilliant writing and vivid character portrayals, Franzen captures the essence of family life and suburbia, exploring themes of guilt, longing, and the complexities of relationships.
The madness of an autumn prairie cold front coming through. You could feel it: something terrible was going to happen. The sun low in the sky, a minor light, a cooling star. Gust after gust of disorde... - #8
Save:'United States: Essays 1952-1992' by Gore Vidal is a collection of essays that cover a wide range of topics including American writing, politics, and societal issues. Vidal's writing style is described as sharp, cutting, and filled with caustic humor and intelligence. The essays provide a unique perspective on historical events, literature, and politics, offering readers a glimpse into Vidal's world-weary despair at the direction the U.S. has taken both domestically and internationally. is divided into three sections focusing on the state of American writing, politics, and being, showcasing Vidal's immense knowledge and intelligence in these areas.
- #9
Save:'A Tomb for Boris Davidovich' by Danilo Kis is a collection of short stories that delve into the dark and harrowing experiences of individuals affected by revolutionary movements and totalitarian states. The stories, set in various time periods and locations, explore the themes of suffering, horror, and the impact of ideology on humanity. Kis employs a lyrical and detached writing style that juxtaposes the atrocities depicted in the narratives, creating a sense of grim realism and poignant reflection on the nature of human existence.
- #10
Save:Seven Brothers by Aleksis Kivi is a novel set in rural Finland, following the lives of the seven Jukola brothers who are left parentless after their mother's death. The story revolves around their boisterous and loyal nature, as they navigate through adulthood, facing challenges, bickering among themselves, and eventually maturing into responsible individuals. The narrative not only focuses on the brothers' adventures and internal relations but also serves as a parable about life in Finnish rural culture during the 19th century. The novel captures the essence of Finnish countryside life, depicting comical episodes, violent quarrels, and the brothers' journey towards maturity and self-discovery.
The book is praised for its modern feel, juxtaposing gritty dialogues with beautiful descriptions of the Finnish landscape in a lyrical tone. The character development, particularly the evolution of the seven brothers and the portrayal of strong female characters, adds depth and richness to the story. Despite being published in 1870, Seven Brothers is considered a classic in Finnish literature for its engaging plot, realistic portrayal of rural life, and its exploration of themes such as coming of age, rebellion, and redemption.
