Books matching: intertwined narratives
100 result(s)
- #1
The Mad Man by Samuel R. Delany is a murder mystery that delves into themes of personal awakening and explores unconventional sexual encounters. The book intertwines two narratives - one about a graduate student researching the untimely death of a philosopher and the other about the student discovering himself through numerous explicit sexual encounters. The plot starts as a murder mystery but evolves into a tale of self-discovery and awakening.
I do not have AIDS. I am surprised that I don’t. I have had sex with men weekly, sometimes daily—without condoms—since my teens, though true, it’s been overwhelmingly … no, more accurately it’s been—s... - #2
'The Overnight Guest' by Heather Gudenkauf is a gripping thriller that follows Wylie, a crime story writer, who finds herself stranded in an old farmhouse during a winter storm, where a murder took place years ago. The story unfolds in multiple timelines, delving into past crimes and present-day mysteries, weaving together the lives of those affected by a shocking crime. The narrative is told from different perspectives, including Wylie's, a young girl held captive with her mother, and Josie enduring a family tragedy, reminiscent of the novel 'Room'.
The book is praised for its well-plotted storyline, compelling characters, and descriptive setting that keeps readers hooked from the first page. The writing style effectively sets different environments, creating a page-turner that combines elements of a crime thriller with a touch of sadness and substance, making it a standout in the thriller genre.
On August 12, 2000, Abby Morris, out of breath with sweat trickling down her temple, was hurrying down the gray ribbon of gravel road for her nightly walk. Despite her long-sleeved shirt, pants, and t... - #3
Death in the Air by Kate Winkler Dawson is a non-fiction book that intertwines the true stories of a serial killer, John Reginald Christie, and the Great London smog of the 1950s. The book delves into the deadly consequences of the pollution caused by cheap coal, which led to the deaths of thousands in London, while also exploring the chilling narrative of Christie's murders and the impact on English laws. The writing style is described as detailed, well-researched, and engaging, providing a compelling narrative that weaves together these two historical events.
Chapter One Pressure A great chocolate-coloured pall lowered over heaven…there would be a glow of rich, lurid brown, like the light of some strange conflagration; and here, for a moment, the fog would... - #4
'Trieste' by Dasa Drndic is a novel set in the 20th century in Europe, focusing on the family Tedeschi in Gorica, a place with a rich history of different rulers and changing borders. The story revolves around Haya Tedeschi, an old Jewish woman searching for her missing son who disappeared during the war. The book weaves together historical facts with fictional elements, exploring themes of identity, family, and the horrors of World War Two and the Holocaust.
The narrative style of 'Trieste' is described as slow to start, with a mix of personal stories and historical references. The author incorporates documentary elements, such as the Nuremberg transcriptions and lists of deported Jews, to provide a rich and detailed account of the characters' lives and the historical events they lived through.
Is that the chair whimpering or is it me? she asks the deep emptiness, which, like every emptiness, spreads its putrid cloak in all directions to draw her in, her, the woman rocking, to swallow her, b... - #5
'The Brutal Art' by Jesse Kellerman follows the story of a young art dealer named Ethan Muller who acquires a collection of original art by an unknown artist named Victor Cracke. However, trouble arises when a retired cop recognizes one of the figures in the art as a boy who died decades ago, leading Ethan on a journey that questions his discovery and his own family's fate. The plot is filled with twists, historical interludes, and a narrative that delves into the value of art, wealth, family, and happiness, keeping readers engaged and intrigued until the end.
The writing style of 'The Brutal Art' is described as well-crafted, clever, and immersive, with intriguing twists and turns that keep readers entertained and guessing. The characters are well-described, the plot is different from typical murder mystery novels, and the narrative skillfully weaves together past and present storylines to create a multi-layered and engaging reading experience.
- #6
The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste is a historical fiction novel set during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. The story focuses on the role of women in the conflict, particularly Hirut and Aster, as they fight against the Italian soldiers alongside Ethiopian rebels. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, the brutality of war, and the resilience of the characters, offering a unique perspective on a lesser-known chapter of World War II history.
SHE DOES NOT WANT TO REMEMBER BUT SHE IS here and memory is gathering bones. She has come by foot and by bus to Addis Ababa, across terrain she has chosen to forget for nearly forty years. She is two ... - #7
Gain by Richard Powers is a novel that intertwines two main storylines - the rise of the Clare corporation from a family-run business to a multinational conglomerate, and the personal journey of Laura Bodey, a woman facing ovarian cancer. The book alternates between detailing the history of the corporation's growth, including its innovations and marketing strategies, and Laura's emotional battle with her illness, depicting the impact of corporate actions on individual lives. Powers' writing style is described as detailed and immersive, providing a poignant exploration of the intersection between personal struggles and corporate influence.
Forever, for anyone who would listen, Lacewood liked to trot out the tale of how it tricked its way into fortune. At its deciding moment, when the town had to choose between the sleepy past and the ti... - #8
The Green House by Mario Vargas Llosa is a complex novel set in a village in Peru, exploring the absurdities and consequences of bigotry during World War II. The story revolves around a brothel on the outskirts of the village, impacting the lives of the residents and the surrounding area. The narrative is characterized by layered storytelling, interweaving different timelines and characters with abrupt shifts, making it a challenging yet intriguing read.
Santa María de Nieva rises up at the junction of the Nieva with the upper Marañón, two rivers that embrace the town and form its boundaries. Across the way, emerging from the Marañón are two islands t... - #9
'The Music of Razors' by Cameron Rogers is a dark fantasy novel with a unique and creative premise that captivates readers. The story unfolds through a timeline that may initially confuse readers but ultimately adds to the mood and atmosphere of the book. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engrossing, featuring elements of horror, fantasy, and thought-provoking themes. The book delves into existential anxieties, complex relationships, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged until the end.
- #10
Sunnyside by Glen David Gold is a historical fiction novel set in the early days of Hollywood and World War I. The book weaves together fact and fiction, focusing on the life of Charlie Chaplin and other characters of the era, providing a vivid portrayal of the time period. The narrative explores themes of celebrity culture, the impact of cinema, and the transition of America into a great world power during the war.
At its northernmost limit, the California coastline suffered a winter of brutal winds pitched against iron-clad fog, and roiling seas whose whiplash could scar a man’s cheek as quickly as a cat-o’-nin...