Books matching: loneliness in art
11 result(s)
As the title implies, "The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone" by Olivia Laing is a book that delves into the exploration of loneliness through art and the lives of artists who have experienced isolation. Laing weaves her narrative around artists such as Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and Henry Darger, discussing the causes and consequences of loneliness. She combines personal experiences with deep research to provide insight into how loneliness can be expressed through art and how it impacts individuals in urban environments.
Laing's writing style in "The Lonely City" has been described as beautifully written, insightful, and emotional. She blends personal experiences of loneliness with psychological theories and examinations of artists who embody loneliness in their work. The book offers a mix of memoir and art history, exploring themes of connection, empathy, and the impact of isolation on creativity, all while maintaining a focus on the topic of loneliness.
IMAGINE STANDING BY A WINDOW at night, on the sixth or seventeenth or forty-third floor of a building. The city reveals itself as a set of cells, a hundred thousand windows, some darkened and some flo...- #2
Save:'The Melancholy of Mechagirl' by Catherynne M. Valente is a collection of short stories and a novella that are heavily influenced by Japanese myths and culture. The stories are described as more like extended poetry than traditional narratives, challenging readers with their lack of straightforward narrative structure. The writing style is praised for its beauty, flow, and vivid imagery, transporting readers into a world where personal stories are intertwined with elements of science fiction and mythology.
It will be hard for you to believe—being only a reader with employment concerns and a jaded cultural consciousness and having limited patience for this sort of nonsense—that they are happening all at ... - #3
Save:Set in medieval Germany, 'Narcissus and Goldmund' by Hermann Hesse tells the story of two friends, Narcissus and Goldmund, who embark on contrasting paths in life. Narcissus, an ascetic monk, represents disciplined thought and religious commitment, while Goldmund, a sensual wanderer and artist, embodies unrestrained indulgence and a thirst for worldly experiences. The novel explores the dichotomy between living for the mind and living for the senses, showcasing the reconciliation of these two realms through art and friendship. Hesse's writing style is described as immersive, with deep philosophical insights and fully realized characters that delve into existential themes of human nature and experience.
OUTSIDE the entrance of the Mariabronn cloister, whose rounded arch rested on slim double columns, a chestnut tree stood close to the road. It was a sweet chestnut, with a sturdy trunk and a full roun... - #4
Save:"Untold Night and Day" by Bae Suah is a surreal and experimental novel that follows Ayami, an actress, on a journey through the hot, dark streets of Seoul. The story blurs the lines between reality and imagination, with recurring characters and motifs that challenge the reader to question the connections and meanings behind them. The prose is described as sleek and dreamlike, creating a narrative that feels like a jungle cat - powerful and captivating, yet elusive in its full understanding.
The novel unfolds in a cyclical and confusing manner, with events seen through the window of a car driving at night, where characters merge into each other and surreal dreams blend with reality. As the day progresses, the heat and humidity increase, adding to the surreal quality of the story. The translator's note by Deborah Smith enhances the novel, elevating it to another realm and providing insights into the motifs and imagery that intensify as the story reaches its peak.
With the lights off, the interior of the auditorium seemed as though submerged in murky water. Objects, matter itself, were softly disintegrating. All identity became ambiguous, semi-opaque. Not only ... - #5
Save:"Wave Without a Shore" by C.J. Cherryh is a philosophical science fiction novel set on the planet Freedom, where humans coexist with the indigenous aliens called ahnit. The story revolves around Herrin Alton Law, a gifted artist with a strong willpower, who becomes the center of attention after excelling academically. As Herrin navigates through his relationships with his family, friends, and rivals like Waden Jenks, the son of the First Citizen, readers are taken on a journey exploring themes of perception, reality, artistic expression, and the manipulation of truth. The narrative delves deep into the philosophical musings of the characters, challenging the reader to question what defines reality and the impact of individual willpower on shaping one's surroundings.
In a thought-provoking manner, the author presents a stark look at bigotry, loneliness, and the extreme self-centered philosophy taught at the University in Kierkegaard. Through the characters of Herrin and Waden, Cherryh crafts a tale of artistic ambition, political maneuvering, and the complex interplay between perception and truth. The novel unfolds with nuanced storytelling, inviting readers to ponder on the nature of reality and the lengths individuals will go to reshape their world to suit their own desires.
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Save:'The History of Love' by Nicole Krauss is a beautifully written novel that intertwines the lives of various characters, including an elderly Holocaust survivor named Leo Gursky, a young girl named Alma Singer, and an author named Zvi Litvinoff. The story revolves around a book titled 'The History of Love' and explores themes of love, loss, loneliness, and the power of storytelling. The narrative is complex, with multiple perspectives and timelines that eventually converge to reveal the connections between the characters and their shared histories.
The writing style of Nicole Krauss in 'The History of Love' is described as poetic, intricate, and emotionally compelling. The book features interweaving narratives, unique storytelling techniques, and a mix of humor, tragedy, and drama. Through the characters of Leo, Alma, and Zvi, Krauss delves into the human experience, highlighting the importance of connection, self-expression, and the enduring impact of art on individuals' lives.
When they write my obituary. Tomorrow. Or the next day. It will say, LEO GURSKY IS SURVIVED BY AN APARTMENT FULL OF SHIT. I’m surprised I haven’t been buried alive. The place isn’t big. I have to stru... - #7
Save:'A Field Guide to Getting Lost' by Rebecca Solnit is a collection of essays that delve into the themes of loss, exploration, and the experience of being lost. The book combines personal anecdotes with historical references, offering a blend of philosophical insights and vivid storytelling. Through various essays, Solnit explores the concept of getting lost in both physical and metaphorical senses, inviting readers to reflect on the uncertainties and mysteries of life.
The writing style in 'A Field Guide to Getting Lost' is described as beautiful, evocative, and erudite. Solnit weaves together personal reflections, cultural history, and philosophical musings to create a narrative that is both introspective and thought-provoking. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from nature and art to personal experiences and historical events, all interconnected by the overarching theme of embracing the unknown and finding meaning in the act of getting lost.
The first time I got drunk was on Elijah’s wine. I was eight or so. It was Passover, the feast that celebrates the flight from Egypt and invites the prophet into the house. I was sitting at the grown-... - #8
Save:"My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness" by Kabi Nagata is a manga-style memoir that delves into the struggles of depression, mental health issues, and self-discovery. The author narrates her journey of hiring a female escort to explore her sexuality and need for human connection, highlighting themes of self-realization, loneliness, and the ongoing battle with inner demons. Through raw and honest storytelling, Nagata navigates her path towards self-acceptance, shedding light on societal pressures, self-esteem issues, and the complexities of human relationships.
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Save:Bluebeard by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a fictional autobiography of Rabo Karabekian, an abstract expressionist painter who is aging alone in his Long Island mansion. The plot revolves around Rabo's encounter with a widow named Circe Berman, who pushes him to write his life story and uncovers the mystery of the locked potato barn on his property. Through Rabo's recollections of his past as a WWII veteran, artist, and apprentice, the book delves into themes of art, life, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as humorous, insightful, and engaging, with Vonnegut's trademark punchy narrative and skillful storytelling.
She is a widow. Her husband was a brain surgeon in Baltimore, where she still has a house as big and empty as this one. Her husband Abe died of a brain hemorrhage six months ago. She is forty-three ye... - #10
Save:Trick of Light by David Hunt (William Bayer) is a thriller that follows the protagonist, Kay Farrow, a strong and caring woman who is a photographer cum detective. The story revolves around Kay's quest to uncover the truth behind the death of her elderly mentor, Maddy Yamada. Through a series of dark and unnerving events, including a hit and run death and a mysterious journey into her mentor's past, Kay finds herself entangled in a web of conspiracy, characters from her past, and the world of photography. The writing style in Trick of Light is described as tight and rich in characterization, with a focus on Kay's development as a protagonist who navigates through violence, mystery, and personal struggles.
