Books matching: interior monologues
50 result(s)
- #1
'Ducks, Newburyport' by Lucy Ellmann is a 1000-page novel written in a stream of consciousness style, following the innermost thoughts of an American housewife as she navigates her daily life in Northeast Ohio. The novel weaves together the narrator's musings on a wide range of topics, from domestic issues to societal concerns like Trumpian America, all connected by the recurring phrase 'the fact that'. Additionally, interspersed within the narrative are stories of a mountain lion mother's search for her stolen kits, which eventually merge with the housewife's own experiences, creating a unique and compelling reading experience.
The book presents a challenging yet enthralling literary adventure that delves into the complexities of the narrator's mind, offering insights into motherhood, societal issues, and human consciousness. Through its innovative writing style and interconnected narratives, 'Ducks, Newburyport' provides a deep and introspective exploration of the protagonist's thoughts and experiences, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a narrative unlike any other.
For her, movement was all. She could see, taste, smell it. She reacted faster than she could hear. A mountain lion needs to know how every flower behaves, so as not to mistake it for a glint of bare r... - #2
'The Art of Fiction' by David Lodge is a collection of articles that delve into the principles and techniques of fiction writing. Lodge, a successful novelist, provides insights into various aspects of literature, using examples from classic and modern fiction to illustrate his points. The book covers topics such as narrative structure, genre, style, and literary terms, making it a valuable resource for both readers and aspiring writers. Lodge's writing style is engaging and informative, offering a blend of academic knowledge and practical advice.
- #3
'A Cup of Rage' by Raduan Nassar is a short yet intense novella that delves into the passionate and tumultuous relationship between a couple, exploring their physical and emotional attraction towards each other that ultimately leads to explosive confrontations. The narrative unfolds through a series of long, stream-of-consciousness monologues and one-sentence chapters, highlighting the deep-seated desires and conflicts between the characters as they navigate through their intense interactions filled with anger and desire.
captures the raw and ferocious nature of the couple's relationship, portraying their post-coital rants and emotionally charged confrontations that gradually escalate into a climax of explosive emotions. Through vivid descriptions and intense dialogues, the author portrays the complex dynamics between the characters, offering a glimpse into their passionate yet destructive connection that drives the narrative forward with a sense of urgency and tension.
'In the Heart of the Heart of the Country' by William H. Gass is a collection of short stories that delve into the heart of America, particularly the American Midwest. Gass's writing style is described as raw and captivating, painting vivid and realistic scenes that transport the reader to the heart of Indiana during the harsh winter. The stories feature unique characters and explore everyday life in a profound and sometimes unsettling manner. Gass's prose is lyrical and poetic, with sentences that are beautifully constructed and thought-provoking.
The book is a blend of plot-driven narratives like 'The Pedersen Kid' and more experimental pieces such as 'In the Heart of the Heart of the Country'. Gass's writing captures the essence of the American Midwest with its provincialism, bleak winters, and simple pleasures. The stories are filled with rich imagery that illuminates the setting like winter light on an icicle, and the characters' inner worlds are fully realized through different perspectives, making it an incredible literary achievement.
- #5
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Dave King and Renni Browne is a comprehensive guide to editing fiction, focusing on key elements like characterization, dialogue mechanics, point of view, and more. The authors provide practical advice, examples from real books, and exercises to help writers refine their prose and storytelling techniques. The book emphasizes the importance of self-editing in the writing process and offers checklists for writers to apply the techniques to their own manuscripts. With a straightforward writing style and clear explanations, this book serves as a valuable resource for writers looking to improve their craft.
The conversation was barely begun before I discovered that our host was more than simply a stranger to most of his guests. He was an enigma, a mystery. And this was a crowd that doted on mysteries. In... - #6
The Three Cornered World is a novel that delves into the world of art and poetry through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist who is a painter and poet. The protagonist escapes city life for the tranquility of the countryside to immerse himself in nature and work on his art. The book explores the themes of what it means to be an artist, the transcendence of reality through art, and the struggles and frustrations faced by artists. Through lyrical beauty and poetic voice, the novel presents a series of aesthetic and philosophical reflections on art, beauty, and the role of artists in the world.
The narrative follows the artist's journey into the mountains to paint a picture and write Haiku, providing insights into his thoughts and aesthetic outlook. The protagonist's encounters with other characters, especially the mysterious feminine presence of O nami, add depth to the exploration of artistry and self-discovery. The book challenges traditional notions of the novel by focusing on the artist's quest for perfection in art and the ideals of artistic merit, transcending plot and character development to present a work of art that reflects on the nature of art itself.
- #7
"The Waves" by Virginia Woolf is a poetic and experimental novel that follows the lives of six friends from childhood to old age. The book explores the interiority of the characters, their perceptions of reality, themselves, and others. Woolf's writing style is described as poetry in prose, with no rules, punctuation, or paragraphs, portraying pure sensations, disarrayed and irrational thoughts, and an explosion of feelings. The characters' journeys are depicted as complex and emotional, reflecting on themes of innocence, disappointment, regret, and the transient nature of beauty and life itself.
The sun had not yet risen. The sea was indistinguishable from the sky, except that the sea was slightly creased as if a cloth had wrinkles in it. Gradually as the sky whitened a dark line lay on the h... - #8
A Jest of God by Margaret Laurence follows the story of Rachel Cameron, a 34-year-old schoolteacher living in a small Manitoba town. Rachel, burdened by the responsibility of caring for her ailing mother and feeling trapped in her mundane life, slowly begins to awaken to her own power, sexuality, and worth. The novel is a deeply personal exploration of Rachel's internal struggles, desires, and growth, portrayed through Laurence's skillful use of internal monologue. As Rachel navigates a summer romance with an old classmate and grapples with societal expectations and personal desires, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
The book is praised for its bittersweet and sensitive portrayal of Rachel's life, offering a mature and powerful narrative that delves into themes of strength, compassion, and the complexities of human emotions. Laurence's writing style is lauded for its ability to capture the nuances of Rachel's character, providing readers with a deep understanding of her thoughts, feelings, and struggles as she navigates the challenges of her everyday existence.
The wind blows low, the wind blows high The snow comes falling from the sky, Rachel Cameron says she’ll die For the want of the golden city. She is handsome, she is pretty, She is the queen of the gol...
(Also, see 87 recommendations for the series Manawka ) - #9
'The Ministry of Pain' by Dubravka Ugresic explores the theme of exile and the struggle of individuals from the former Yugoslavia who have been displaced to Amsterdam. The protagonist, Tanja, navigates the complexities of identity, language, and memory while teaching a group of students who share a common history but are now fragmented by new nationalisms. Through Tanja's teaching methods and interactions with her students, the novel delves into the concept of Yugonostalgia, the longing for a past culture that has been erased by nationalism. Ugresic's writing style is described as intelligent, witty, and thought-provoking, blending elements of dark humor and irony to convey the existential loneliness and dislocation experienced by the characters.
The northern landscape like the desert makes for absolutism. Except that in the north the desert is green and full of water. And there are no temptations, no roundnesses or curves. The land is flat, w... - #10
Summerwater by Sarah Moss is a novel set in a remote Scottish holiday camp where several travelers are trying to make the best of things despite the incessant rain. The story unfolds over a single day, with each chapter focusing on the interior monologue of a different holidaymaker. The narratives provide commentary on the activities and observations of the people at the camp, all while building suspense through spare prose and dropping small details that lead to a climactic ending.
JUSTINE HAS SLEPT the way she used to sleep before taking a morning flight. You wake to check the time, reach out in the dark for your phone, for the button you can find in your sleep. It tells you no...