Books matching: identity and existence
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- #1
"Motorman" by David Ohle is a surreal and dark novel that takes readers on a journey through a dystopian future. The protagonist, Moldenke, navigates a world filled with absurdity, surrealism, and chaos as he searches for his mentor, Dr. Burnheart. The writing style of Ohle is described as unique, disjointed, and supporting a sense of chaos that enhances the narrative of the story.
Most phenomena puzzled him and sent him on aimless walks among the leafless ether trees. He would fix on his goggles, his gauze pad, and study the flying birds, see them casting frightened earthward g... - #2
'Too Loud a Solitude' by Bohumil Hrabal is a short novel set in Czechoslovakia, following the life of Hašek, an operator of a book compacting press. Hašek spends his days rescuing books from the press, reading them, and reflecting on literature and philosophy. The book delves into themes of solitude, labor, censorship, and the power of written words, all wrapped in a blend of humor, melancholy, and existential musings. Through a poetic and tragicomic narration, the story unfolds with vivid imagery, capturing the protagonist's struggles in a society where the value of books is diminishing.
The novel portrays Hašek's journey of self-discovery and resistance against the mindless efficiency of socialism, as he finds solace in the books he rescues and the art he creates from compressed paper. Hrabal's writing style is described as engaging, filled with rich imagery, and multi-layered with philosophical reflections. The narrative touches on themes of oppression, resilience, and the transformative power of literature, offering a poignant exploration of the human condition in a totalitarian society.
For thirty-five years now I've been in wastepaper, and it's my love story. For thirty-five years I've been compacting wastepaper and books, smearing myself with letters until I've come to look like my... - #3
'Moderan' by David R. Bunch is a collection of linked short stories that serve as fables, delving into a dystopian future world known as Moderan. The stories explore a society dominated by men who are part flesh and part futuristic metal, driven by a perpetual desire for war, conquest, and total domination. Through a satirical lens, the author critiques the hubris, vanity, and denial of the leaders in High Cold War America, as well as the destruction of the natural world. Bunch's unique writing style incorporates a distinct vocabulary and sentence rhythm, creating a world where technology and dehumanization reign supreme.
FLESH seemed doomed that year; death’s harpies were riding down. The once-beautiful, sweet and life-sustaining air was tinged with poison now, and man drank at his peril from the streams that had once... - #4
'Primeval and Other Times' by Olga Tokarczuk is a novel that delves into the lives of the inhabitants of a Polish village, exploring themes such as religion, fate, and the impact of historical events like World War I and the end of communism. The book is divided into sections titled "The Time of Such and Such," each narrating a story of a character or place in the village of Primeval. The narrative follows a small group of villagers over eighty years through the 20th century, portraying their survival through wars and occupations from an internal perspective.
The writing style of 'Primeval and Other Times' is described as postmodern, with a tale told by many voices that eventually come together to create a collage of life in the Polish village. The book features a mix of realistic and fantastical elements, exploring the complexities of human existence, the impact of changing times on individuals, and the interplay between myth and reality. Tokarczuk's prose is praised for its depth, beautiful storytelling, and ability to capture the essence of life in a small village amidst significant historical events.
To walk at a brisk pace across Primeval from north to south would take an hour, and the same from east to west. And if someone wanted to go right round Primeval, at a slow pace, taking a careful, cons... - #5
In a post-apocalyptic world where Earth is depopulated and ruled by alien Vugs, humans play a game called Bluff to determine ownership of cities and find viable breeding pairs. The story follows protagonist Pete Garden, a suicidal Bindman, who gets caught up in a murder mystery and conspiracy involving shifting realities, telepathic abilities, and interplanetary travel. As the plot unfolds, the lines between humans and aliens blur, leading to a high-stakes game on Titan that will determine the fate of Earth.
Pete Garden sat at the steering tiller and said as distinctly as he could manage, “Look, I can drive. One drink, in fact several make you more alert. So stop fooling around.” He punched the starter bu... - #6
'Sixty Stories' by Donald Barthelme is a collection of short stories that are described as brilliant, avant-garde, and accessible at the same time. The stories are characterized by a bent sense of humor, mixing ennui and a sense of naughty fun. The writing style is graceful, sophisticated, and often surreal, with a touch of postmodernism and satire. The stories touch on various themes such as the distinction between children and adults, individual egos, and the human condition.
- #7
'Synners' by Pat Cadigan is a cyberpunk novel set in a future where individuals called synners have surgically augmented their brains to interface with computers. The book explores themes of technology, capitalism, and human-machine interfaces through a complex narrative involving a large cast of characters. Despite some initial confusion and a slow start, the story eventually picks up momentum, leading to a climax involving a rogue AI in the datasphere.
"Who's laughing? Do you see me laughing?" She shifted on her high stool and held her subject's arm closer to the lamp. The lotus job was especially difficult, as it had to merge into a preexisting des... - #8
"Dr. Bloodmoney" by Philip K. Dick is a post-apocalyptic novel set in the near future of 1972, exploring a world ravaged by two nuclear apocalypses. The story is centered around a rural town in West Marin populated by colorful characters, including mutants with unique powers, a man orbiting Earth in a satellite, and a talking dog. The narrative structure, typical of PKD, switches between different points of view, offering a refreshing take on the post-apocalyptic genre. Despite the bleak setting, the book maintains an optimistic tone and incorporates eccentric humor throughout the storyline.
EARLY IN THE BRIGHT sun-yellowed morning, Stuart McConchie swept the sidewalk before Modern TV Sales & Service, hearing the cars along Shattuck Avenue and the secretaries hurrying on high heels to the... 'The Notebook, The Proof, The Third Lie: Three Novels' in the series 'The Notebook' by Agota Kristof is a trilogy that delves into the disturbing, haunting, and fascinating story of twin brothers surviving war by losing their souls. The narrative is told through an icy, objective lens where emotions are replaced by stark words, and death is viewed as an analytic phenomenon. The trilogy unfolds as a complicated mechanism, challenging readers with unreliable narration, shifting perspectives, and a narrative that blurs the lines between truth and fiction.
My cell must have been a laundry room at one time; its door and window look out onto the courtyard. Window bars have been installed on the inside in a way that makes it impossible to reach through and...- #10
Collected Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short stories that delve into fantastical worlds, odd realities, and philosophical musings. Borges weaves intricate narratives filled with paradoxes, gaucho knife fights, labyrinths, and infinite libraries. His writing style is described as mind-bending, deeply memorable, and engaging, touching on themes of history, the life of the mind, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. The stories are often dense, thought-provoking, and sometimes eerie, resonating with readers on a profound level.
In 1517, Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, feeling great pity for the Indians who grew worn and lean in the drudging infernos of the Antillean gold mines, proposed to Emperor Charles V that Negroes be brou...