Books matching: loneliness and tragedy
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- #1
Save:'Out Stealing Horses' by Per Petterson is a contemplative novel that delves into the relationship between a father and son, set in Norway during and after WWII. The story follows Trond, a man in his 60s who retreats to a remote cabin to reflect on his past, particularly a transformative summer spent with his father in the backwoods country close to the Swedish border. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the father's involvement in the resistance movement and the impact it had on their lives. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of boyhood friendship, tragedy, loneliness, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while offering vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape.
Early November. It’s nine o’clock. The titmice are banging against the window. Sometimes they fly dizzily off after the impact, other times they fall and lie struggling in the new snow until they can ... - #2
Save:The novel "Eleanor Rigby" by Douglas Coupland tells the story of Liz Dunn, a lonely woman in her thirties who is unexpectedly reunited with the son she gave up for adoption when she was a teenager. The plot follows Liz's journey as she navigates lost love, loneliness, and the discovery of her son, Jeremy, whose presence challenges her perception of life and forces her to confront her own insecurities. Coupland's writing style combines elements of humor, sadness, and thought-provoking insights on loneliness, creating a narrative that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for connection in a world marked by isolation.
- #3
Save:A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler is a poignant and beautifully written novella that follows the life of Andreas Egger, a simple man living in the Austrian Alps. The story chronicles Egger's experiences, from his childhood as an orphan to his time as a laborer, his relationships, tragedies, and moments of quiet reflection. Through Seethaler's simple yet powerful prose, the reader is taken on a journey that explores the depths of human existence, the passage of time, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life's challenges.
The narrative style of A Whole Life is described as gentle, moving, and intimate, focusing on the ordinary moments that shape Egger's life and the profound impact of these seemingly mundane experiences. Seethaler's writing captures the essence of Egger's character, his observations of the changing world around him, and his ability to find contentment and meaning in a life that may seem unremarkable to others. The book beautifully portrays the themes of resilience, acceptance, and the beauty found in simplicity and everyday life.
On a February morning in the year 1933 Andreas Egger lifted the dying goatherd Johannes Kalischka, known to all the valley dwellers as Horned Hannes, off his sodden and rather sour-smelling pallet to ... - #4
Save:'Leaving Las Vegas' by John O'Brien is a poignant and raw portrayal of the tragic love story between Ben, an alcoholic who has given up on life, and Sera, a prostitute seeking independence in Las Vegas. The book delves deep into the themes of addiction, despair, and the unconventional connection between two lost souls. O'Brien's writing style is described as spare yet honest, with simple dialogue that brings the characters to life in a realistic and authentic way.
Sucking weak coffee through a hole in the plastic lid of a red and green styrofoam cup, Sera spots a place to sit down. She has been walking around now for at least two hours and wants desperately to ... - #5
Save:The book tells the story of Mattie Spenser, a young woman who travels to the Colorado Territory in 1865 with her new husband, Luke. Through journal entries, the reader follows Mattie's journey as she faces the trials and joys of settling in the prairie, dealing with hardships, loneliness, violence, and personal growth. The narrative is framed by a modern setting, offering a charming and heartbreaking portrayal of life as an early pioneer in Colorado.
My name is Mattie Faye McCauley Spenser. I am twenty-two years old, and this is my book. It was given to me on Sunday last by Carrie Collier Fritch on the occasion of my marriage to Luke McCamie Spens... - #6
Save:In "Circe" by Madeline Miller, readers are taken on a journey through Greek mythology from the perspective of the enchantress Circe. The book beautifully weaves together mythological cameos, showcasing a transformational arc for Circe as she evolves from a naive nymph to a powerful witch and reluctant mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author reimagines Circe's story, offering a fresh take on a character previously known for turning men into pigs in Homer's Odyssey.
When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist. They called me nymph, assuming I would be like my mother and aunts and thousand cousins. Least of the lesser goddesses, our powers were so modes... - #7
Save:Dear Theo by Vincent van Gogh, Jean Stone, Irving Stone is a collection of letters written by Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo. The book provides insights into Van Gogh's life, struggles, relationships, and his passion for art. Readers get a glimpse of Van Gogh's emotional turmoil, his dedication to painting, and his longing for understanding and connection.
The book offers a deep dive into Van Gogh's psyche, showcasing his innermost thoughts and feelings through his letters. It portrays his artistic journey, his interactions with fellow artists, and the challenges he faced in pursuit of his passion. Through the letters, readers witness Van Gogh's evolution as an artist and his unwavering commitment to his craft, despite the adversities he encountered.
- #8
Save:'Fortune Smiles' by Adam Johnson is a collection of six varied and diverse short stories that delve into themes of natural disasters, moral dilemmas, rare diseases, North Korea, and the East German secret police. The stories are not interconnected in a traditional sense of plot and character but are united by the vicissitudes of human frailty. Johnson's writing style is described as a merger of tragedy and comedy, with exaggerated and somewhat surreal stories that remain grounded in easily recognizable human dilemmas.
It’s late, and I can’t sleep. I raise a window for some spring Palo Alto air, but it doesn’t help. In bed, eyes open, I hear whispers, which makes me think of the president, because we often talk in w... - #9
Save:Night Road by Kristin Hannah is a poignant and emotional story that follows the lives of three teenagers - twins Zach and Mia Farraday, and former foster child Lexi Baill. The plot revolves around their deep friendship and a tragic event that changes their lives during their senior year of high school. The book delves into themes of friendship, family, forgiveness, and the consequences of choices made in youth. Through well-developed characters and realistic happenings, the author weaves a tale of love, loss, grief, and ultimately, redemption.
Lexi Baill studied a Washington State map until the tiny red geographical markings shimmied in front of her tired eyes. There was a vaguely magical air about the place names; they hinted at a landscap... - #10
Save:'Solutions and Other Problems' by Allie Brosh is a graphic memoir that delves into the author's life experiences, from childhood memories to more recent tragedies and struggles. Brosh's storytelling combines humor and poignant reflections, touching on themes such as mental illness, grief, and the absurdity of modern life. Through a collection of illustrated essays, she navigates through personal anecdotes, tragic events, and observations about dogs, maintaining a unique writing style that is both funny and deeply raw.
The book showcases a blend of funny and heartbreaking stories, reflecting on the author's life with honesty and humor. Brosh's artwork and writing style capture a wide range of emotions, from hysterical laughter to deep sadness, making the reader feel connected to her personal journey. Despite the heavier themes explored in the book, Brosh's ability to mix humor with introspection creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on a personal level.
For the sake of trust building, the third chapter will follow the second. But then we will jump directly to chapter five, do you understand? No chapter four. Why? Because sometimes things don’t go lik...
