Books matching: interconnected lives of characters
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- #1
Save:Already Dead by Denis Johnson is a big, sprawling West Coast sort of a mess that contrasts the beauty of coastal Northern California with the substance and rage-induced behavior of its inhabitants. The novel delves into the lives of characters who are drug-addled, possessed by demons, or just flat out insane, exploring their attempts to keep their inner demons at bay while navigating a world filled with crime and spiritual connections. Set in a contemporary post-hippie California, the book weaves a complex narrative that immerses readers in the labyrinth of Northern California's demimonde, capturing the gothic and sinister feel of the region around Point Arena and Gualala.
Van Ness felt a gladness and wonder as he drove past the small isolated towns along U.S. 101 in Northern California, a certain interest, a yearning, because he sensed they were places a person could d... - #2
Save:'A Plague of Angels' by Sheri S. Tepper is a complex novel set in a far future world after a nuclear attack. The story follows multiple plotlines that eventually converge, involving characters navigating political intrigue, personal struggles, and a quest for freedom and harmony in a world filled with monsters, heroes, androids, talking animals, and ecological messages. Tepper's writing style blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, creating a mysterious and immersive world where nothing is as it seems, leading readers on a journey of discovery and understanding.
Moonset, just before dawn; swollen moon collapsing into a notch between black mountains; river talking quietly to itself among the stones; pine and horsemint scenting the air as Abasio brushed by them... - #3
Save:Set in the bustling city of Shanghai, "Five Star Billionaire" by Tash Aw follows the interconnected lives of five individuals striving for success in different aspects of their lives. From migrant workers to aspiring entrepreneurs, each character navigates the challenges of the Chinese economy while dealing with past traumas and personal ambitions. The narrative unfolds through deep character exploration and rich descriptions of the city, capturing the essence of Shanghai's fast-paced and unforgiving nature. As their stories intertwine, readers witness the characters' journeys of growth, setbacks, and unexpected connections in a city where fortunes are made and hearts are tested.
The novel's deliberate pace enhances the depth of character development, allowing readers to delve into the complexities of each protagonist's motivations and struggles. Through simple yet poignant prose, Tash Aw paints a vivid portrait of Shanghai, portraying it as a dynamic backdrop that shapes the characters' destinies. As the narrative unfolds, themes of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of success in a rapidly changing society are explored, offering a glimpse into the diverse lives and aspirations of those seeking their place in a city filled with opportunities and challenges.
There was a boy at the counter waiting for his coffee, nodding to the music. Phoebe had noticed him as soon as he walked through the door, his walk so confident, soft yet bouncy. He must have grown up... - #4
Save:'The Wind in His Heart' by Charles de Lint is a captivating fantasy novel set in the American Southwest, blending Native American folklore with modern-day reality. The story follows a diverse group of characters, each on a personal journey of self-discovery and growth. As they navigate through the mystical Painted Lands and encounter magical elements, they are forced to confront their past, face their fears, and make life-altering decisions. De Lint weaves together multiple storylines, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives, mysteries, and unexpected alliances. The writing style is enchanting, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and a gentle tone that lulls readers into a world where magic and reality seamlessly coexist.
Those days, the prickly pear boys hung around the Little Tree Trading Post during the day, drowsing in the desert heat mostly, but still seeing and hearing everything that took place between the old a... - #5
Save:Carry the One by Carol Anshaw is a novel that delves into the lives of a group of individuals who are all connected by a tragic event - the accidental death of a young girl. The story follows these characters over a span of 25 years, exploring how the incident shapes their relationships, careers, addictions, and perspectives on life. Through well-developed and complex characters, the author portrays the different ways in which people are affected by the same event, highlighting the lasting impact of one night on Carmen and the five people in the car.
The narrative of Carry the One moves seamlessly through time, shifting between different characters and their stories in a structurally perfect manner. The writing style is described as smooth, with strong character development and a touch of wry humor. Anshaw's storytelling skillfully weaves together the interconnected lives of the characters, portraying the aftermath of a single tragic moment and how it reverberates through the years, ultimately prompting readers to reflect on the consequences of choices and the passage of time.
So Carmen was married, just. She sat under a huge butter moon, on a windless night in the summer of 1983, at a table, in front of the remains of some chicken cordon bleu. She looked toward the improvi... - #6
Save:Gillian Slovo's novel 'Ice Road' weaves together intertwining stories set in Leningrad during the 1930s and 1940s, focusing on the Stalinist purges and their impact on the characters' lives. While the siege of Leningrad plays a significant role in the later part of the book, much of the narrative delves into family and social structures under Stalin's regime. The author skillfully captures the ordinary life and paranoia of 1930s Russia, portraying the characters' struggles and compromises amidst the tumultuous historical backdrop.
Slovo's writing style in 'Ice Road' is praised for its depth in character treatment, offering a more profound psychological insight into the characters compared to other novels set in similar historical contexts. The book explores complex social interactions and tensions within families and friendships, showcasing Slovo's ability to vividly depict the era of Stalinist Russia through well-researched storytelling.
- #7
Save:Lush Life by Richard Price is a gritty murder mystery set in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where the lines between criminals, police, and the wealthy are blurred. The story unfolds through dialogue, primarily focusing on a police investigation following a brutal murder. The characters are richly detailed, and the narrative delves into themes of urban decay, social commentary, and the complexities of human relationships.
The writing style in Lush Life is praised for its realistic dialogue, vivid portrayal of New York City, and its ability to immerse readers into the lives of flawed characters. The book offers a glimpse into the interconnected lives of cops, robbers, hipsters, and immigrants, painting a picture of a vibrant yet troubled urban landscape.
When he had first moved down here eight years ago, he was seized with the notion of the Lower East Side as haunted, and on rare days like today, a simple walk like this could still bring back his fasc... - #8
Save:Girl in Hyacinth Blue is a collection of interconnected short stories that trace the history of a fictional Vermeer painting, exploring the impact the artwork has on the lives of various owners and custodians over the centuries. The stories are told in reverse chronological order, starting from the present day owner and moving back to the painting's origination, with each chapter focusing on a different character and their relationship with the painting.
The book delves into themes of art, beauty, longing, and the significance of historical artifacts, as it weaves together tales of individuals who are touched by the painting in different ways. Through engaging storytelling, the author Susan Vreeland brings to life the interconnected lives of those who come into possession of the Girl in Hyacinth Blue, highlighting how art can evoke deep emotions and impact the soul of the beholder.
Cornelius Engelbrecht invented himself. Let me emphasize, straight away, that he isn’t what I would call a friend, but I know him enough to say that he did purposely design himself: single, modest dre... - #9
Save:In 'The Glass Hotel' by Emily St. John Mandel, the plot revolves around a highroller's Ponzi scheme and its aftermath, with the focus on the interconnected lives of various characters. The narrative shifts between different narrators and timelines, exploring themes of money, beauty, wealth, and loss against the backdrop of a luxury hotel in Western Canada. The writing style is described as hauntingly dreamlike, with intricate storytelling that weaves together past and present, creating a complex yet engrossing tapestry of imagery and language.
2 Sweep me up. Words scrawled on a window when I was thirteen years old. I stepped back and let the marker drop from my hand and still I remember the exuberance of that moment, that feeling in my ches... - #10
Save:'The Last Wicked Scoundrel' is the final novella in the 'Scoundrels of St. James' series by Lorraine Heath, focusing on the romance between Winifred Winnie, Duchess of Avendale, and Dr. William Graves. Winnie, a widow who was once abused by her husband, finds solace and support in William, who has his own secrets and a past involving child thieves. As their romance blossoms, they face challenges from the past, including Winnie's abusive late husband returning to haunt her, leading to a final confrontation that tests their love and strength.
The book is written in a fast-paced and romantic style, filled with mystery, suspense, and the return of beloved characters from the series. It explores themes of healing, self-discovery, and the power of love to conquer all obstacles, set against the backdrop of Victorian England and the interconnected lives of the characters.
Winifred Buckland, the Duchess of Avendale, had never been more terrified in her life. Something was wrong, dreadfully wrong, and she feared that if she told anyone what was happening that they would ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Scoundrels of St. James )
