Books matching: melancholic tone
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- #1
Save:'A Shropshire Lad' by A.E. Housman is a collection of poems that delve into themes of evanescent youth, beautiful English rural scenery, and untimely sudden death. The poems are described as having a deceptively simple, almost folkloric style that immerses the reader into the world of the poems. While the title may suggest a rural idyll, the majority of the poems explore themes of death, war, and the melancholy musings of lost love and growing up.
- #2
Save:'People of the Sea' by David Thomson is a captivating collection of folk tales that explore the interactions between people and seals along the coast of Scotland. Through the stories, the author delves into the rich folklore of the Selkie stories in Celtic culture, painting a vivid picture of real people at a specific point in history. The writing style is described as poetic and evocative, transporting readers to a past way of life that is rapidly disappearing, while also highlighting the melancholic yet wonder-filled tone that is characteristic of Celtic storytelling.
The author embarks on a journey along the western coasts of Scotland and Ireland, seeking out storytellers who hold the tales of the selchie selkie or sea folk. As modernization sweeps through these regions, the book also touches upon the loss of traditional storytelling practices and bardic arts, showcasing the struggle between reality and the otherworld in a changing world. not only presents folk tales but also provides glimpses into the lives of the people who shared these stories, making it a unique and immersive read for anyone interested in folklore and Celtic culture.
Of all the houses that I remember with love the house called Tigh na Rosan is the sweetest smelling and the brightest. That is to say it is the best of the clean and ordered houses I have lived in. Th... - #3
Save:'Out of Africa' by Isak Dinesen is a memoir detailing the author's experiences living on a coffee farm in Kenya from 1914 to 1931. The book vividly describes the African landscape, the people, and the animals, capturing the essence of Africa through rich prose. Dinesen's writing style is nostalgic and poetic, painting a picture of colonial Africa from the perspective of a colonizer. The book is structured as a collection of short reminiscences, at times feeling like journal entries, providing insights into Dinesen's life in Africa and her relationships with the locals.
I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills. The Equator runs across these highlands, a hundred miles to the North, and the farm lay at an altitude of over six thousand feet. In the day-tim... - #4
Save:'The Palace of Dreams' by Ismail Kadare is a psychological novel set in an oppressive country, blending elements of Ottoman empirical rule with modern-day Communist rule. The story follows Mark Alem, a member of the Quprili family, as he takes a job in the mysterious and foreboding Palace of Dreams, where dreams from all over the empire are collected and analyzed to find the elusive master dream that could impact political rule. The novel delves into the surreal world of dream interpretation, bureaucratic mazes, and the intricate workings of a monolithic police state, drawing parallels to real historical and political contexts. Kadare's writing style is described as sombre, dark, and melancholic, reminiscent of Eastern European literature, with a tone that captivates readers and immerses them in a world filled with secrecy, fear, and power struggles.
The curtains were letting in the uncertain light of dawn, and as usual he pulled up the blanket in the hope of dozing on a while longer. But he soon realized he wouldn’t be able to. He’d remembered th... - #5
Save:"Stoner" by John Williams follows the life of William Stoner, a university professor whose existence is marked by a series of disappointments and tragic events. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Stoner finds solace in his love for literature and experiences fleeting moments of joy. The novel delves into themes of quiet desperation, loneliness, and the struggle to maintain dignity in the face of adversity, painting a poignant portrait of an ordinary man navigating the complexities of life.
Through a minimalist and precise prose style, John Williams masterfully captures the emotional depth of Stoner's journey, exploring themes of existentialism, human behavior, and the pursuit of happiness. The narrative unfolds with a melancholic tone, offering a contemplative reflection on the profound impact of seemingly small moments and decisions in shaping one's life trajectory.
WILLIAM STONER ENTERED the University of Missouri as a freshman in the year 1910, at the age of nineteen. Eight years later, during the height of World War I, he received his Doctor of Philosophy degr... - #6
Save:Told through the eyes of Ruth Swain, 'History of the Rain' delves into the generational story of her family, particularly focusing on her father's influences as a poet and the dynamics of their small Irish town, Faha. Ruth, confined to her bed due to illness, immerses herself in her father's extensive library, exploring the intertwined narratives of her family's past and the stories within the books. The novel intertwines themes of family, literature, and the power of storytelling, creating a meandering yet thoughtful narrative that celebrates the impact of books on our lives.
The writing style of 'History of the Rain' is described as unique, humorous, and chatty, with a touch of whimsical storytelling. Ruth's narrative voice is praised for being engaging, conversational, and filled with literary references and allegories. The book explores themes of family history, literature, and the healing power of storytelling, all set against the backdrop of the Irish countryside, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories and characters.
The longer my father lived in this world the more he knew there was another to come. It was not that he thought this world beyond saving, although in darkness I suppose there was some of that, but rat... - #7
Save:The Citadel of Weeping Pearls by Aliette de Bodard is a space opera novella set in the Xuya Universe, focusing on a galactic empire of Vietnam Dai Viet ruled by an aging empress. The disappearance of an eminent scientist who was searching for a lost citadel founded by a rebellious princess decades ago sets off a chain of events involving time travel, family ties, and impending war with another spacefaring civilization. The story intricately weaves together themes of grief, loneliness, and mother-daughter relationships against a backdrop of high technology and traditional Vietnamese culture, all captured delicately through the author's exquisite writing style.
There was a sound, on the edge of sleep: Suu Nuoc wasn't sure if it was a bell and a drum calling for enlightenment; or the tactics-master sounding the call to arms; in that breathless instant—hanging... - #8
Save:'Eleven Kinds of Loneliness' by Richard Yates is a collection of short stories that delve deep into the human condition, exploring themes of pain, disappointment, isolation, and disenchantment. The stories are set in a very particular time, capturing working-class and middle-class voices that are universally recognizable. Richard Yates' writing style is described as clear, crisp, and intelligent, with plain yet powerful prose that brings the characters to life in a compelling and unforgettable way.
The book is praised for its masterful craft and realism, with each story being an individual gem of brutal realism. The characters in the stories are depicted as ordinary yet remarkable, facing loneliness, anger, confusion, disappointment, and dishonesty. Despite the melancholic feel of the stories, readers find themselves deeply connected to the characters and their struggles, making the book a poignant and emotionally engaging read.
ALL MISS PRICE had been told about the new boy was that he’d spent most of his life in some kind of orphanage, and that the gray-haired “aunt and uncle” with whom he now lived were really foster paren... - #9
Save:Red Star by Charles Rougle and Alexander Bogdanov is a socialist utopian novel set on Mars, exploring the ideals of socialism and the clash between individual achievement and collective progress. The story follows an earthling selected by the Martian leadership to help solve social issues in their utopia, presenting a unique perspective on striving for a perfect society. The writing style incorporates revolutionary rhetoric and socialist zeal, reflecting the author's belief in a planned economy and a society based on Marxist principles.
- #10
Save:The Terracotta Bride by Zen Cho is a novella set in the afterlife, specifically in a Chinese version of Hell. The story follows Siew Tsin, a young girl who becomes the second wife of a wealthy man in the afterlife. The plot unfolds as Siew Tsin's life takes an unexpected turn when a Terracotta Bride is introduced as the third wife, leading to a series of events that challenge her understanding of love, death, and the afterlife. The narrative is richly imagined, with complex characters and a subtle love story that explores themes of reincarnation, acceptance, and moving on.
The book is praised for its unique take on the afterlife, blending Chinese mythology with thought-provoking ideas about rebirth and the soul. The writing style is described as compact yet powerful, with vivid worldbuilding and deep character development packed into a short space. Readers appreciate the emotional depth of the story, the exploration of complex themes, and the unexpected twists that keep them engaged until the beautiful ending.
Even the housekeeper knew about the terracotta bridebefore Siew Tsin did. Siew Tsin only found out when she ran downthe stairs one day, a day like any other, and saw the girl comingin through the main...
