Books matching: isolation and alienation
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- #1
Save:An unforgettable, unsettling classic that uses the surreal to shine a harsh light on human nature. Short, strange, and enormously influential - read it to experience the original meaning of "Kafkaesque."
WHEN GREGOR SAMSA WOKE ONE MORNING from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed right there in his bed into some sort of monstrous insect. He was lying on his back—which was hard, like a carapac... - #2
Save:A polarizing, darkly comic odyssey into privileged ennui and self-destruction - brilliantly written and utterly unique, but absolutely not for everyone.
WHENEVER I WOKE UP, night or day, I’d shuffle through the bright marble foyer of my building and go up the block and around the corner where there was a bodega that never closed. I’d get two large cof... - #3
Save:Exquisitely written and emotionally raw, 'Real Life' is a powerful but heavy campus novel, best for those who appreciate deep dives into alienation, identity, and the messiness of relationships. Bring your highlighter - and maybe a box of tissues.
It was a cool evening in late summer when Wallace, his father dead for several weeks, decided that he would meet his friends at the pier after all. The lake was dimpled with white waves. People covete... - #4
Save:A quietly powerful and bittersweet tale - more reflective than thrilling - that explores alienation on every level. Not for everyone, but a resonant classic for those who like their sci-fi with a side of existential reflection.
After two miles of walking he came to a town. At the town’s edge was a sign that read Haneyville; Pop. 1400. That was good, a good size. It was still early in the morning—he had chosen morning for the... - #5
Save:City of Ash and Red, a novel by Hye-Young Pyun, presents a bleak and dystopian view of a future society plagued by pollution and societal decay. The story follows a nameless protagonist who struggles to fit into a new country amid a devastating pandemic. His descent into social isolation is punctuated by dark, often violent acts, reflecting his disconnection from humanity. The presence of rats serves as a metaphor for his own moral decline, paralleling the decay around him.
The writing style is characterized by strong, impactful prose that captures the grim atmosphere effectively. While some readers find it deeply thought-provoking, others describe it as relentlessly depressing. Pyun's exploration of themes like alienation and the complexity of human nature offers insightful commentary, though the overall character development may feel weak. The narrative lacks resolution, leaving readers with an unsettling sense of discomfort.
A meditative, beautifully-crafted story about loss and reconnection that’s more soft-spoken than sensational. Best for fans of introspective, slow-burn literary fiction - or anyone curious about the emotional aftershocks of old friendships.
From July of his sophomore year in college until the following January, all Tsukuru Tazaki could think about was dying. He turned twenty during this time, but this special watershed—becoming an adult—...- #7
Save:A literary sci-fi classic that’s less about superpowers and more about what it means to be human, Dying Inside is a slow, often dark character study best suited for readers who appreciate psychological depth over action.
So, then, I have to go downtown to the University and forage for dollars again. It doesn’t take much cash to keep me going—$200 a month will do nicely—but I’m running low, and I don’t dare try to borr... - #8
Save:The Book of Evidence by John Banville is a dark and introspective novel following the protagonist Freddie Montgomery, a complex and morally ambiguous character who finds himself in a downward spiral of debt and crime. The book delves into Freddie's psyche, his amoral actions, and his descent into murder, all narrated in exquisite and dense prose that captivates readers with its rich vocabulary and intricate storytelling. The narrative unfolds as Freddie recounts his life story and the events that lead to his arrest for the brutal killing of a servant girl, blurring the lines between truth and fiction, leaving readers questioning the reliability of the narrator.
MY LORD, when you ask me to tell the court in my own words, this is what I shall say. I am kept locked up here like some exotic animal, last survivor of a species they had thought extinct. They should... - #9
Save:Classic Reacher - lots of action and attitude - but this isn't his strongest outing. Entertaining enough for fans, but newcomers should start with an earlier book in the series.
The images in his mind showed things drifting away. A rowboat caught in a river current, straining against a rotted rope, pulling, tugging, breaking free. His viewpoint was that of a small boy in the...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Jack Reacher ) - #10
Save:A chaotic, sometimes hilarious, sometimes maddening portrait of youthful delusion and rage - recommended for Fante fans and lovers of gritty literary misfits, but maybe skip if you need a hero you can root for.
I had a lot of jobs in Los Angeles Harbor because our family was poor and my father was dead. My first job was ditchdigging a short time after I graduated from high school. Every night I couldn’t slee...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Saga of Arturo Bandini )
