Books matching: identity and manipulation
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- #1
Save:A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge is a captivating tale set in the underground world of Caverna, where facial expressions are learned and manipulated for social status. The story follows Neverfell, a girl with natural and varied expressions, as she navigates the intricate society of Caverna, uncovering political machinations and dark secrets. Hardinge's writing style is praised for its imaginative world-building, rich characters, and intricate plot twists that keep readers engaged till the very end.
On a certain murky hour about seven years after that fateful day, a skinny figure could be seen capering sideways beside Grandible as he growled and slouched his way through the tunnels with a great w... - #2
Save:'ELECTRIC FOREST' by Tanith Lee is a dark, cyberpunkish science fiction story that explores the ethics of life-extending science through the character of Magdala, whose consciousness is transferred into a beautiful body by Claudio. As the story progresses, Magdala begins to suspect Claudio's true intentions and finds herself entangled in a web of manipulation and intrigue. The narrative delves into themes of identity, manipulation, and the consequences of advancements in technology, all set in a world where traditional birth is considered obsolete.
The book presents a unique take on the Pygmalion myth, where flawed characters navigate a world that appears beautiful on the surface but harbors dark undercurrents. Tanith Lee's prose is described as beautiful, immersive, and thought-provoking, leading readers to question what is real and what is artificial in a world where science blurs the lines between authenticity and deception.
The machine made certain types of cottene clothing, but Ugly never saw the syntho-cotton fed in at one tube above, nor the crisp white garments snowing out from the other below. Neither did she witnes... - #3
Save:'The Likeness' by Tana French is a psychological thriller that follows Detective Cassie Maddox as she goes undercover to impersonate a murder victim who bears a striking resemblance to her. The story delves into identity, manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. The plot is described as tense, unusual, and filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged. French's writing style is noted for its atmospheric and moody tone, reminiscent of authors like Donna Tartt and P.D. James.
This is Lexie Madison’s story, not mine. I’d love to tell you one without getting into the other, but it doesn’t work that way. I used to think I sewed us together at the edges with my own hands, pull...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dublin Murder Squad ) - #4
Save:Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart is a psychological thriller that follows the mysterious and unconventional story of Jule and Imogen, two orphaned outcasts who will do almost anything to attain a happy and wealthy life. The narrative is structured in reverse chronological order, starting at Chapter 18 and moving back towards Chapter 1 before ending at 19, revealing and concealing events in Jule's life in a way that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The book is filled with twists, turns, deception, and a complex friendship between the two main characters, Jule and Imogen, creating a story that is both horrifying and mesmerizing.
The minibar in Jule’s room stocked potato chips and four different chocolate bars. The bathtub had bubble jets. There was an endless supply of fat towels and liquid gardenia soap. In the lobby, an eld... - #5
Save:Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia is a murder mystery set in a small town in Minnesota that revolves around the life and death of high school senior Hattie Hoffman. The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Hattie herself, the sheriff investigating her murder, and her English teacher. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed about Hattie's dual life as a seemingly perfect student and a girl with dreams of escaping her small town for New York City. The book delves into themes of identity, deception, and the complexities of human relationships, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and turns.
The writing style of Everything You Want Me to Be is engaging and captivating, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and the mystery surrounding Hattie's murder. Mejia skillfully weaves together different narratives to provide a multifaceted view of the events leading up to the tragic death of Hattie. The book explores dark themes with depth and sensitivity, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Here I was, standing in the exact place I’d daydreamed about in math class so many times, right in front of the departures board at the Minneapolis airport, and every detail was just like I’d pictured... - #6
Save:'Shadow Tag' by Louise Erdrich is a gripping portrayal of a troubled marriage between Irene and Gil, two damaged individuals bound together by secrets and manipulations. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, their abusive tendencies, and the impact on their three children. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of their daughter, revealing a tale of obsession, lack of boundaries, alcoholism, and emotional turmoil. The writing style is terse, tense, and spare, with rich details that vividly capture human emotions and relationships.
The plot revolves around Irene's discovery that Gil has been reading her diary, leading her to keep two diaries - one filled with truths hidden in a safe deposit box, and the other with manipulative fabrications for Gil to find. As the marriage unravels into a violent and secretive environment, Irene spirals into alcoholism, seeking an escape from the destructive relationship. The title 'Shadow Tag' serves as a metaphor for the shadowy need and strange ironies that define their bond, while exploring themes of love, hate, addiction, and the haunting effects of a dysfunctional marriage.
- #7
Save:'The Last Mrs Parrish' by Liv Constantine follows the story of Amber Patterson, a woman determined to marry wealthy businessman Jackson Parrish by manipulating his wife, Daphne. The plot unfolds through the perspectives of both Amber and Daphne, revealing the deceit, manipulation, and psychological suspense that ensue as Amber infiltrates the Parrish family's life. As the story progresses, secrets are unveiled, leading to unexpected twists and turns that challenge the characters' perceptions of each other and themselves.
Amber Patterson was tired of being invisible. She’d been coming to this gym every day for three months—three long months of watching these women of leisure working at the only thing they cared about. ... - #8
Save:'Beyond the Black Door' by A.M. Strickland is a dark fantasy novel that follows Kamai, a soul walker who discovers hidden truths about her past and her abilities after her mother's murder. The story delves into a world of soul walkers, court intrigue, and mysterious black doors that lead to secrets that challenge Kamai's understanding of herself and her society. The writing style is described as atmospheric, compelling, and original, with intricate world-building, nuanced exploration of asexuality, and a fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.
We’d done this for as long as I could remember, exploring her soul while our bodies slumbered, our spirits free to traverse the sleeping realm to which souls belonged. My mother would explain how peop... - #9
Save:In "Social Creature" by Tara Isabella Burton, the story revolves around Louise, a struggling young woman in New York City who becomes entangled in the glamorous and hedonistic world of Lavinia, a wealthy and daring socialite. As Louise is drawn into Lavinia's extravagant lifestyle filled with parties, drugs, and social media, their toxic friendship takes unexpected turns. The narrative explores themes of envy, deception, and the darker side of social media influence, leading to a shocking and unpredictable conclusion. Burton's writing style captures the essence of the characters and their actions, drawing readers into a world of privilege and manipulation.
“Anyway, the second I saw it—Christ! I wanted to—oh, I just wanted to genuflect, you know? Kiss the ground—do Catholics kiss the ground, or is that just sailors? Anyway, I wanted to put my mouth right... - #10
Save:The Shanghai Factor by Charles McCarry follows the story of an American spy sent to Shanghai to immerse himself in the language and culture. The protagonist becomes entangled in a web of intrigue, working for a Chinese magnate and navigating the complex relationships between Western nations and the East. The novel explores themes of espionage, betrayal, and the blurred lines between allies and enemies, all set against the backdrop of a mysterious and atmospheric Shanghai. The writing style is described as a blend of Kafka and Le Carre, capturing the loneliness and absurdity of the protagonist's world as he delves deeper into the realm of smoke and mirrors.
Those who keep an eye on me think I have a weakness for Chinese women. This is true as far as it goes, but it goes both ways. I am a hairy man, and certain East Asian women like that. My first Chinese...
