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Books matching: intertwining narratives

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    1919 - The U.S.A. Trilogy by John Dos Passos, E.L. Doctorow
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    '1919' in 'The U.S.A. Trilogy' by John Dos Passos is a gripping narrative detailing the lives of ordinary and extraordinary American men and women during the aftermath of World War One. The author brings history to life through interconnected stories that read like a diary entry, news ticker, and a brilliant novel rolled into one. Dos Passos captures the sentiments of the times as they were lived, shedding light on the undercurrents of anti-war and anti-capitalist thinking, along with the fears they provoked. The characters in the book are portrayed dealing with public social, political, economical, ethical, and moral concerns, reflecting the charged and violent atmosphere of 1919.

    The writing style of Dos Passos in '1919' is described as beautifully woven, bringing history to life in a way that reads like a diary entry and a brilliant novel rolled into one. The multiple styles used by Dos Passos to depict the period and the people may take some time to get used to, but once the rhythm is felt, readers are swept along, reacting to it in a way similar to how the body reacts to music. is praised for weaving new perspectives, characters, and settings that reveal new views of a country in its childhood, showing that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

    Joe Williams put on the secondhand suit and dropped his uniform, with a cobblestone wrapped up in it, off the edge of the dock into the muddy water of the basin. It was noon. There was nobody around. ...

    (Also, see 16 recommendations for the series The U.S.A. Trilogy )

  2. #2

    The Surrendered by Chang-rae Lee
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    'The Surrendered' by Chang-rae Lee is a poignant novel that delves into the lives of three main characters - June, Hector, and Sylvie - whose paths cross at an orphanage during the Korean War. The narrative spans different time periods, exploring themes of war, love, loss, and the enduring effects of trauma. Lee's writing style seamlessly weaves together past and present, creating a compelling and emotionally charged story that captures the struggles and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    T H E J O U R N E Y W A S N E A R L Y O V E R . The night was unusually chilly, the wind sharpened by the speed of the train as it rolled southward through the darkened valley. The cotton blanket June...

  3. #3

    Faces in the Crowd by Valeria Luiselli
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    Faces in the Crowd by Valeria Luiselli is a novel that plays with overlapping narratives and explores the fluidity of time and existence. The story follows characters who are interconnected across different times and places, such as a woman trapped in Mexico City and Gilberto Owen in Harlem. Both characters are haunted by ghosts and have died multiple times, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The book weaves together themes of life, death, ghosts, and the intertwining of past and present, creating a layered and thought-provoking reading experience. The writing style is described as fresh, poetic, and post-modern, incorporating references to philosophers and poets, adding depth to the narrative.

    It all began in another city and another life. That’s why I can’t write this story the way I would like to—as if I were still there, still just only that other person. I find it difficult to talk abou...

  4. #4

    Art and Lies by Jeanette Winterson
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    Art and Lies by Jeanette Winterson is a dense and profoundly intertextual work of fiction that presents three intertwining narratives involving characters named Handel, Picasso, and Sappho. The book challenges traditional storytelling standards by offering an assortment of prose and points of view, exploring themes of art, philosophy, life, beauty, humor, and obscenity. Winterson's writing is described as refreshing, creative, and insightful, with a focus on reimagining worn-out words and phrases to bring new life to storytelling.

    The book delves into the power of words and art to rewrite lives shaped by trauma, pushing readers to engage actively with the text and interpret its intricate layers. While the writing is beautiful, it is acknowledged that Art and Lies is not an easy read, requiring effort and attention to unravel its complexities and appreciate its unconventional structure.

    FROM A DISTANCE only the light is visible, a speeding gleaming horizontal angel, trumpet out on a hard bend. The note bells. The note bells the beauty of the stretching train that pulls the light in a...

  5. #5
    The Fire
    Book 2 in the series:The Eight

    The Fire - The Eight by Katherine Neville
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    'The Fire' by Katherine Neville is a sequel to 'The Eight', following the story of Alexandra, a former child chess prodigy who is drawn into a dangerous game involving the legendary Montglane Chess Service. The plot intertwines historical references, puzzles, and mysteries, spanning different eras and locations. features a complex and continuously unfolding plot, with alternating chapters focusing on different characters and their roles in the ancient Game.

    In AD 782, the emperor Charlemagne received a fabulous gift from Ibn al-Arabi, the Moorish governor of Barcelona: a gold and silver, bejeweled chess set that today we know as the Montglane Service. Th...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Eight )

  6. #6
    Fudoki
    Book 2 in the series:Love/War/Death

    Fudoki - Love/War/Death by Kij Johnson
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    Fudoki by Kij Johnson is a captivating novel that weaves together the stories of a dying princess and a cat turned human by the Kami. The book delves into themes of identity, personal history, and home, set against the backdrop of 11th century Japan. Through rich storytelling and elegant prose, Johnson creates a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, leaving the reader immersed in the intertwined narratives of Princess Harueme and the cat woman Kagaya Hime.

    Three people lived here. They called themselves servants to justify their presence, but they were no more than cuckoos squatting in a nest that did not belong to them. They lived in the north wing, wh...

    (Also, see 40 recommendations for the series Love/War/Death )

  7. #7
    The Twelve
    Book 2 in the series:The Passage

    The Twelve - The Passage by Justin Cronin
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    The Twelve by Justin Cronin is a dark and evocative sequel to The Passage, continuing the story of a post-apocalyptic world plagued by vampire-like creatures known as virals. The book delves into a complex narrative involving a perverse dictatorship within The Twelve, exploring themes of totalitarianism, survival, and the introduction of a new species into the world. Cronin's writing style is described as powerful and detailed, with vivid imagery that draws readers into a world filled with bleak subject matter and surreal dreams that influence the storyline.

    3. And the LORD said: As in the days of Noah, a great deluge shall sweep over the earth; and this shall be a deluge of blood. The monsters of men’s hearts shall be made flesh, devouring all in their p...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Passage )

  8. 'Cordelia Underwood: Or, the Marvelous Beginnings of the Moosepath League' by Van Reid is a delightful Victorian novel set in Maine, featuring engaging characters and a rich sense of place. The story follows Tobias Walton, a man unwittingly drawn into a sinister plot involving a long-lost pirate treasure and a kidnapped Victorian young lady. As the tale unfolds, various heroes and villains emerge, competing for the hidden secret, while weaving in elements of Maine history, local characters, and folklore.

    The author, Van Reid, skillfully blends light-hearted moments with serious misadventures, creating a captivating narrative that transports readers back to a simpler time. Through well-researched writing and entertaining character development, Reid introduces the 'uncomplicated' trio of Victorian gentlemen who form the Moosepath League, offering a mix of humor, mystery, and historical intrigue throughout the story.

    “He’s a good lad.” The inspector paused at the first landing and turned to regard them. “A cast-iron pot on one side of his head and a sieve on the other. He can remember the document number of a six-...

  9. #9

    Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
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    Three Women by Lisa Taddeo is a nonfiction book that delves into the lives of three women, Maggie, Lina, and Sloane, exploring their experiences with desire, relationships, and trauma. Taddeo spent years immersing herself in the lives of these women, capturing their stories with empathy and detail. The book offers a deep and intimate look into the complexities of female desire and how it shapes the lives of these three women.

    The writing style of Three Women has been described as engaging, intimate, and creative. Taddeo's storytelling reads like fiction, drawing readers into the personal thoughts and experiences of each woman. The book presents a raw and unromanticized portrayal of the role sex plays in the lives of these women, showcasing their struggles, desires, and the impact of male influence on their relationships.

    You learned how to do hair and makeup, by yourself, in front of mirrors, with Linkin Park and Led Zeppelin in the background. You are one of those girls who innately understand contouring and accessor...

  10. #10

    Skinny Legs and All by Tom Robbins
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    'Skinny Legs and All' by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and thought-provoking tale that delves into various topics such as politics, religion, mythology, and sexuality. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, both human and inanimate objects, as they navigate through themes of love, life, and the Middle East conflict. Robbins weaves together elements of humor, absurdity, and philosophical musings, creating a narrative that is both complex and entertaining.

    Through Robbins' unique writing style, readers are taken on a wild ride filled with acerbic wit, quirky characters, and profound insights. The novel explores the human condition, asking important questions about philosophy, religion, art, and family, all while maintaining a sense of humor and charm. With a mix of humor, sarcasm, eroticism, and history, 'Skinny Legs and All' offers a small yet impactful storyline that leaves a lasting impression on readers.

    The turkey lay upon its back, as roast turkeys will; submissive, agreeable, volunteering its breast to the carving blade, its roly-poly legs cocked in a stiff but jaunty position, as if it might summo...

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