Books matching: marital discord
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- #1
Save:A.M. Homes' "Music for Torching" follows the tumultuous lives of middle-aged suburbanites Paul and Elaine, whose vacuous existence is disrupted by a series of outrageous events. The novel delves into the dark undercurrents of suburban life in America, portraying flawed characters who are trapped in their own self-centeredness and desperation. The story unfolds with a fast-paced narrative, blending humor and surrealism to create a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of modern family dysfunction.
Homes' writing style in "Music for Torching" is described as unemotional and factual, effectively capturing the absurdity and anxiety of the characters' experiences. The novel features a grotesque comedy that exposes the bitterness and resentment harbored by the protagonists towards themselves, each other, and their surroundings. Through a dispassionate lens, Homes crafts a narrative that balances dark humor with psychological realism, offering a poignant commentary on American society and the complexities of human relationships.
- #2
Save:'Siracusa' by Delia Ephron is a novel that revolves around two couples, Michael and Lizzie, and Finn and Taylor, along with their daughter Snow, who embark on a vacation to Italy. The trip takes a dark turn as secrets, lies, and betrayals come to light, unraveling the complex relationships between the characters. The story is told through alternating perspectives of the four adults, providing insights into their messy thoughts and actions. As the tension builds up, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey filled with dysfunctional marriages, deceit, and unexpected twists, culminating in a morally troubling yet satisfying ending.
The writing style of 'Siracusa' is engaging and compelling, with multiple narrators offering a deep dive into the flawed personalities of the characters. Delia Ephron skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers hooked, despite the unlikable nature of the characters. Set against the backdrop of Italy, the novel delves into themes of infidelity, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships, painting a vivid and unsettling portrait of marriages on the brink of collapse.
I HAVE A SNAPSHOT of me standing on Finn’s shoulders when I was twenty-nine, a trick we’d perfected. I would sprint toward him and work up enough steam to climb his back to his shoulders. I look trium... - #3
Save:The Financial Lives of the Poets by Jess Walter follows the story of Matt Prior, a journalist who quits his job to start a website combining financial advice with poetry. As Matt's career and marriage spiral downward, he gets entangled with drug dealers and the police, leading to a series of bad decisions. The novel humorously explores themes of life falling apart, discovering what's essential, and the consequences of financial crises in a postmodern finance world.
Walter's writing style in this book is described as fantastic, capturing postmodern finance and the late housing bubble America with humor and cultural insight. The story delves into the struggles of becoming an adult, accepting responsibilities, and appreciating limitations, especially resonating with business reporters who witnessed the financial mania but couldn't stop rooting for everything to hold out a little longer.
And behind the counter, the ever-patient Rahjiv makes half-lidded eye contact with me as he rings up another patchouli-foul giggler—Reese’s Pieces, Pic-6 Lotto, Red Bull and a cheddar-jack tacquito—Ra... The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter is a collection of short stories and novellas that showcase the superb craft of Katherine Anne Porter's writing. The stories delve into the lives of different characters facing difficult circumstances, exploring themes of humanity, emotion, love, and death. Porter's unique writing style is characterized by long, salient sentences, vivid imagery, and profound metaphors that leave readers captivated and deeply moved. The book includes a variety of stories set in different eras and locations, each offering a somber yet riveting glimpse into the human experience.
Porter's stories are praised for their intimate portrayal of characters, expert craftsmanship, and ability to evoke deep emotions in readers. Her writing is described as searing, interesting, and neatly woven together, capturing the essence of Southern Gothic literature. The collection is lauded for its versatility, with each story presenting a different style, voice, and content, showcasing Porter's talent as a versatile and talented writer.
- #5
Save:"The 158-Pound Marriage" by John Irving is a dark novel set in a New England college town in the early sixties, focusing on a complicated wife-swapping arrangement between two couples. The story delves into the dangers of free love and its impact on relationships and lives, exploring the intricacies of swapping partners and the subsequent fallout. Through intricate character backgrounds and a weaving narrative, the author paints a vivid picture of the characters' lives, histories, and their involvement in a sharing arrangement that leads to unexpected consequences.
The author, John Irving, employs a unique writing style that intertwines a complex present-day relationship with detailed character histories, providing a multi-layered narrative that moves back and forth in time. With evocative descriptions and recurring themes of wrestling, German history, and relationships, the book explores the unpredictability of human reactions when love and sex are involved, offering a daring and bold perspective on marital conventions and the complexities of human emotions.
I’m going to begin by telling you about Miss Frost. While I say to everyone that I became a writer because I read a certain novel by Charles Dickens at the formative age of fifteen, the truth is I was... - #6
Save:Contempt by Alberto Moravia is a psychological novel that delves into the obsessive and neurotic mind of the protagonist, Molteni, and his deteriorating relationship with his wife, Emilia. The narrative is filled with self-doubt, jealousy, and insecurity as Molteni constantly questions his wife's feelings towards him. The writing style is described as overbearing and heavily introspective, focusing on Molteni's repetitive and negative thoughts about his marriage and his own self-worth. The novel also explores themes of existentialism and psychological drama, drawing parallels to works like Dostoevsky's 'Notes from Underground.'
DURING THE FIRST two years of our married life my relations with my wife were, I can now assert, perfect. By which I mean to say that, in those two years, a complete, profound harmony of the senses wa... - #7
Save:'Dream Story' by Arthur Schnitzler is a novella set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, exploring the intimate life of a married couple. The story delves into the psyche of the characters, uncovering hidden thoughts, desires, and anxieties. Schnitzler's writing style seduces the reader into a dreamlike atmosphere, where reality and illusion blur. The plot revolves around a couple who, after resisting temptation during a night in Vienna, confess their earlier moments of temptation to each other, leading to jealousy and dangerous consequences for the respected doctor.
‘Twenty-four brown slaves rowed the splendid galley that would bring Prince Amgiad to the Caliph’s palace. But the Prince, wrapped in his purple cloak, lay alone on the deck beneath the deep blue, sta... - #8
Save:He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope is a Victorian novel that delves into the complexities of marriage, jealousy, and human psychology. The story follows the unraveling marriage of Louis and Emily Trevelyan, triggered by Colonel Osborne's interference and Louis's increasing paranoia. Set against the backdrop of societal expectations and the struggle for women's rights, the novel explores themes of pride, ego, and the consequences of stubbornness in relationships. Trollope weaves multiple subplots involving various characters grappling with love, marriage, and societal norms, ultimately offering a deep psychological analysis of human behavior within the constraints of Victorian society.
When Louis Trevelyan was twenty-four years old, he had all the world before him where to choose; and, among other things, he chose to go to the Mandarin Islands, and there fell in love with Emily Rowl... - #9
Save:'The Apartment' by S.L. Grey follows the story of a couple, Mark and Steph, who decide to do a house swap with another couple from Paris after surviving a home invasion. However, their romantic getaway turns into a nightmare as they encounter unsettling incidents in the Paris apartment and face financial troubles. The alternating perspectives of the narrators create a sense of distrust and uncertainty, leading the readers through a haunting and creepy tale that blurs the lines between reality and supernatural elements.
The wine’s gone to my head, I realize, as I sway into the kitchen to get another bottle. I’m at that perfect stage of tipsy when I feel padded and warm, forgetful. Carla’s belting out her trademark la... - #10
Save:The Croning by Laird Barron is a chilling horror novel that follows Donald Miller, an elderly man experiencing signs of dementia and uncovering sinister secrets about his wife and her family. As Donald delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding his wife Michelle and her ancestral roots, he discovers disturbing truths that challenge his sanity. The story is a blend of modern storytelling and Lovecraftian cosmic horror, expertly crafted by Barron to create an atmospheric and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on edge.
Barron's writing style in The Croning is described as beautifully descriptive and captivating, with a focus on intricate details and character relationships. The novel weaves together elements of family life, occultism, and psychological horror, creating a complex and engaging tale that explores themes of memory, evil, and the unknown. Through skillful storytelling and evocative descriptions, Barron immerses readers in a world where dark secrets and ancient cults lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life.
The Spy who was the son of the Miller embarked upon a perilous mission into the Western Mountains. The cart tracks and game trails he followed were tortuous, wending through darksome forests full of r...
