Books matching: macabre and unsettling
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- #1
Save:'Revenge' by Yoko Ogawa is a collection of interconnected short stories that delve into themes of revenge, murder, loss, and eerie connections in an eerily normal world. The stories are macabre and unsettling, with elements like a woman with her heart outside her body, a bag maker sewing an elaborate bag to hold it, and a widow growing carrots shaped like hands in her garden where her dead husband is later found buried without his hands. The writing style is described as precise, detailed, and impassive, with a minimalist approach that inserts bizarre elements into everyday occurrences to create a sense of spookiness and horror.
It was a beautiful Sunday. The sky was a cloudless dome of sunlight. Out on the square, leaves fluttered in a gentle breeze along the pavement. Everything seemed to glimmer with a faint luminescence: ... - #2
Save:The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker is a macabre and disturbing novella that follows Frank Cotton as he unlocks a puzzle box seeking unimaginable pleasures, only to find himself bound by spirits in an upper room of his brother's house. The story delves into a world where evil is unhinged, portraying a battle between good and evil in a surreal setting. The book is filled with grotesque and dark imagery, featuring unforgettable characters like the Cenobites promising sensations beyond belief.
The plot of The Hellbound Heart is fast-paced, featuring action-packed scenes and gory elements that keep readers engaged. While some readers found the book short and wished for more character development, others appreciated its imaginative storytelling and the balance between visceral horror and redemptive themes. Overall, the novella is praised for its originality, dark atmosphere, and the way it explores human depravity in a compelling manner.
So intent was Frank upon solving the puzzle of Lemarchand's box that he didn't hear the great bell begin to ring. The device had been constructed by a master craftsman, and the riddle was this-that th... - #3
Save:'Earthlings' by Sayaka Murata is a dark and disturbing novel that follows the life of Natsuki, a young girl who faces abuse and neglect from her family. The story unfolds as Natsuki forms a unique bond with her cousin Yuu during their annual visits to their grandparents' house. The narrative explores themes of trauma, nonconformity, and survival, taking readers on a journey from Natsuki's troubled childhood to her unconventional adulthood. Murata's writing style is described as delirious and surreal, with a focus on societal pressures, alienation, and the extreme coping mechanisms adopted by the characters.
As we wound our way up steep hairpin bends, I gazed out the window at the swaying trees, at the undersides of the leaves so swollen they looked as though they would burst. That was where the pitch-bla... - #4
Save:The Wasp Factory by Iain M. Banks is a dark and disturbing novel that delves into the mind of a young psychopath named Frank. Living on an isolated island off the coast of Scotland with his father, Frank's life takes a twisted turn as he navigates through violent and unsettling events, including a shocking revelation about his past. The book explores themes of violence, family dysfunction, and psychological horrors, all narrated in a gripping and intense writing style that immerses readers into Frank's distorted world.
At the north end of the island, near the tumbled remains of the slip where the handle of the rusty winch still creaks in an easterly wind, I had two Poles on the far face of the last dune. One of the ... "The Dangers of Smoking in Bed: Stories" by Mariana Enriquez is a collection of twelve short stories that explore supernatural themes with a social conscience. Set mostly in the impoverished barrios of Buenos Aires, the stories are told from the perspective of sad, lonely, or disturbed female protagonists. The writing style is described as beautiful, unsettling, and profound, with a mix of horror, magical realism, and feminist themes.
The plots of the stories range from a woman haunted by a decomposing baby to young women trying to contact the spirits of disappeared friends and relatives. The book delves into themes of ghosts, curses, mutilation, and psychological horror, presenting old horror tropes in a fresh and new way. The stories are rich in detail, vivid, and often disturbing, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
My grandma didn’t like the rain, and before the first drops fell, when the sky grew dark, she would go out to the backyard with bottles and bury them halfway, with the whole neck underground; she beli...- #6
Save:'From Hell' by Eddie Campbell and Alan Moore is a fictional graphic novel that presents a unique take on the Jack the Ripper mystery, weaving in elements of mysticism, historical conspiracy theories, and intricate details of 1880s London. The narrative delves deep into the social history of the era, offering a dark and atmospheric portrayal of Victorian society. The story follows the unsolved crimes of Jack the Ripper, exploring the intricate web of conspiracy, speculation, and real-world details surrounding the infamous case.
The book is known for its extensive research and attention to detail, with appendices providing additional context and clarification on the mix of fact and fiction within the narrative. The artwork, though initially described as crude and ugly, is praised for its ability to evoke the squalor and beauty of Victorian London, adding depth to the storytelling and creating a hauntingly immersive reading experience.
- #7
Save:'Boy in Darkness' by P.J. Lynch, Mervyn Peake is a dark and macabre tale that follows the young Titus Groan as he escapes the confines of the castle of Gormenghast and embarks on a nightmarish journey. He encounters eerie creatures like the Goat, Hyena, and the chilling Lamb in a strange land ruled by the Lamb with omnipotent power. The vivid and poetic descriptions create a haunting atmosphere that repels and attracts the reader, showcasing Peake's evocative and rich descriptive language.
The book delves into themes of power, deformity, and the horrors of a twisted reality, as Titus navigates through a nightmarish world filled with grotesque characters and unsettling situations. Peake's writing style focuses on creating atmospheric settings and evoking a sense of dread and fascination, rather than intricate plotlines or detailed character development, making it a compelling and eerie read for fans of dark fantasy.
Titus is seven. His confines, Gormenghast. Suckled on shadows; weaned, as it were, on webs of ritual: for his ears, echoes, for his eyes, a labyrinth of stone: and yet within his body something other ... - #8
Save:The Squirrel Machine by Hans Rickheit is a graphic novel that delves into the twisted world of two brothers, Edmund and William Torpor, who have a macabre hobby of turning animal corpses into musical instruments. Set in 19th century New England, the narrative follows the Torpor brothers' journey from their teenage years to old age in a non-linear structure. The book explores themes of artistic creation, the interplay between the conscious and subconscious, and the exploration of the inner self through surreal and nightmarish imagery.
The writing style of The Squirrel Machine is characterized by its dark and provocative nature, blending elements of horror, fantasy, and macabre fantasy. The author, Hans Rickheit, weaves a complex narrative that challenges societal norms and delves into the depths of the characters' psyches. Through detailed black and white drawings and dreamlike sequences, Rickheit creates a haunting and hallucinatory atmosphere that immerses readers in a world of grotesque beauty and artistic exploration.
'Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke' by Eric LaRocca is a horror novella that unfolds through email correspondence and AIM chat logs set in the early 2000s. The story revolves around two young women, Agnes and Zoe, who form a dark and twisted bond after meeting in an online forum. The plot delves into their increasingly disturbing interactions, exploring themes of submission, degradation, and self-destructive relationships. The narrative takes readers on a macabre journey as the characters succumb to their most horrific desires, leading to a chilling and inevitable conclusion.
The writing style of the book is described as engaging and immersive, with a unique format that presents the story through a series of emails and chat room conversations. The author skillfully builds tension and suspense, creating a whirlpool of darkness that captivates readers and compels them to devour the book quickly. LaRocca's storytelling technique, coupled with the use of epistolary fiction, adds depth to the characters and effectively conveys the unsettling nature of their relationship, making for a gripping and intense read.
[The following post was recovered from QueerList.org – a website where members, usually openly identifying members of the LGBTQ+ community, can converse and solicit. The author wishes to express their...- #10
Save:"The 120 Days of Sodom" by Marquis de Sade is a dark and controversial tale that revolves around four libertines who have gathered in a castle with a group of people for the sole purpose of engaging in depraved and extreme sexual acts. The book is more torture porn than philosophy, with graphic descriptions of various sexual acts, including child abuse and murder. The writing style is described as elegant yet extreme, with the first part being the most detailed while the following parts are presented in a note format, impacting the pacing and character development. The book delves into the depths of sexual depravity, challenging societal norms and pushing boundaries.
The company rose the 1st of November at ten o'clock in the morning, as was specified in the statutes which Messieurs had mutually sworn faithfully to observe in every particular. The four fuckers who ...
