Books matching: memory and identity
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- #1
'The Raw Shark Texts' by Steven Hall is a mind-bending novel that follows Eric Sanderson, who wakes up with no memory and discovers notes he has written to himself. Strange packages, a conceptual shark hunting him for his memories, and a world within a world are just the beginning of his journey. The writing style is described as exciting, imaginative, and smart, reminiscent of movies like Memento and with influences from authors like Haruki Murakami, Paul Auster, and Neil Gaiman.
The plot of the novel starts out promisingly metafiction, deconstructing narrative and narrator, but some readers find that it veers back into standard fiction territory with the introduction of a love story. is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged, with a mix of abstract concepts, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, leading to a range of interpretations and a mix of emotions from readers.
I don’t know how long it lasted, but the engines and drivers that keep the human machine functioning at a mechanical level must have trip-switched, responding to the stillness with a general systems p... - #2
'The Book of M' by Peng Shepherd is a post-apocalyptic novel that delves into a world where people start losing their shadows, leading to a gradual loss of memories and identity. The story follows multiple characters, including a married couple, Max and Ory, as they navigate this new reality while trying to hold on to their humanity and relationships. The narrative is filled with elements of magical realism, Hindu mythology, and philosophical musings, creating a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.
The book intricately weaves together themes of memory, identity, relationships, and the human condition, exploring the significance of memories and the impact of losing them in a world where shadows hold memories. Through a blend of post-apocalyptic fiction and fantastical elements, the author crafts a gripping tale that keeps readers engaged with its originality, character development, and philosophical undertones.
The air had already turned his hands red with cold before he’d scattered the dried twigs back into place with the nose of his shotgun. The last time there had been anything snared inside had been two ... - #3
Sokolov's 'School for Fools' is a linguistically titillating thrill, blending childhood and adult memories of a schizophrenic character with an impressive range of references to Russian and Western cultural traditions. The narrative intricately weaves public and private memories, illuminating the delicate subconscious threads that connect each individual to the collective. Through a deconstruction of temporal linearity and individual identity, the protagonist becomes a prophet delving into the mysteries of cultural development and the communal self, offering a postmodern, intertextual exploration of the human psyche.
The book reads like a disheveled dream outside the boundaries of time, where madness and satire intertwine to capture the essence of the soul. A slow read, but enriched with original insights, elegant language, and a unique rhythm and style, 'School for Fools' offers a thought-provoking journey into the depths of the human experience, placing Sokolov among the pioneers of the exciting rebirth of the Russian novel.
THE IDEA for A School for Fools first came to Sasha Sokolov in the 1960s, when he was living in Moscow. The city’s hectic and distracting intellectual life made it difficult to finish a large literary... - #4
Memory Wall by Anthony Doerr is a collection of short stories that revolve around the theme of memory. The stories explore the complexities of memories and how they shape individuals' lives. From a futuristic world where memories can be bought and sold to a story about a Holocaust survivor with haunting childhood memories, each narrative delves into the significance of memory in defining one's identity. Anthony Doerr's writing style is described as beautifully crafted, lyrical, and haunting, with a focus on creating vivid settings and empathetic characters.
- #5
Gears of the City by Felix Gilman is a fantasy novel set in the infinite, eternal, and ever-changing city of Ararat, where the Mountain at the center distorts space and time, making it impossible to reach. The story follows Arjun's journey through the city, experiencing the bleak workers' sprawl and uncovering secrets about the gods, time travel, and the metaphysical troubles of the universe. The writing style is described as inventive, immersive, and dark, with intricate plots, undertones, and existential questions skillfully handled by the author.
Lizard stink, rotting meat, and rust—the thing in the cage was immense. Beneath that there was the smell of gas, of burning gone cold. Stale tobacco? The stones he sat on were littered with the scraps... - #6
'Tigana' by Guy Gavriel Kay is a fantasy novel set in a world where a sorcerer has cast a spell that causes a province called Tigana to be forgotten by everyone except its inhabitants. The story follows the people of Tigana as they plot to overthrow the sorcerer and reclaim their land's name and memory. The book delves into themes of memory, revenge, and love, with complex characters navigating moral dilemmas and political intrigue. The writing style is described as rich and engaging, with subtle world-building and emotional storytelling that draws readers into the intricate plot.
IN THE AUTUMN SEASON OF THE WINE, WORD WENT FORTH from among the cypresses and olives and the laden vines of his country estate that Sandre, Duke of Astibar, once ruler of that city and its province,... - #7
City of Illusions by Ursula K. Le Guin is a science fiction novel set in a future Earth where mankind has been colonized and degraded by a parasitic alien race called the Shing. The story follows a man with amnesia who embarks on a journey to discover his true identity, facing a web of lies and deceit as he navigates through a post-apocalyptic world. The book features a mix of epic fantasy elements and explores themes of power, truth, and the human condition.
As unremembered light brightened about him he moved, crawling, running sometimes on all fours, sometimes pulling himself erect, but not going anywhere. He had no way through the world in which he was,...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hainish Cycle ) An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro is a poignant novel that delves into the life of Masuji Ono, an aging Japanese artist grappling with his past actions during World War II. Through subtle prose and intricate storytelling, Ishiguro navigates the complexities of post-war Japan, exploring themes of guilt, memory, and redemption. The narrative unfolds with a mix of nostalgia and regret as Ono reflects on his role in propagandizing for a regime that led to devastating consequences, all while attempting to reconcile his past with his present reality.
The book offers a deep exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by Ono, highlighting the internal conflicts and external pressures he encounters as he navigates a changing society. Ishiguro's writing style is marked by its clarity, economy, and emotional depth, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Ono's introspective journey as he grapples with the repercussions of his past actions and seeks to find peace amidst the shifting landscapes of post-war Japan.
- #9
'My Real Children' by Jo Walton follows the life of Patricia Cowan, an elderly woman with dementia who can remember living two very different lives. The story delves into the consequences of a simple choice Patricia made in her younger years, leading to diverging life paths and alternate histories. The narrative is more focused on character study rather than plot-driven, exploring the impact of Patricia's choices on her own life and the world around her.
“Confused today,” they wrote on her notes. “Confused. Less confused. Very confused.” That last was written frequently, sometimes abbreviated by the nurses to just “VC,” which made her smile, as if she... - #10
'Everything Under' by Daisy Johnson is a modern retelling of the Greek Tragedy, Oedipus, with a focus on Gretel, a lexicographer, who receives a disturbing call from a hospital that brings back memories of her childhood and her mother. The novel explores themes of gender fluidity, family identity, and the importance of connections to our past and present. Through a non-linear narrative, the story weaves together Gretel's search for her mother, her time on the river with her mother, and her present life, creating a complex and compelling storyline.
The places we are born come back. They disguise themselves as migraines, stomach aches, insomnia. They are the way we sometimes wake falling, fumbling for the bed-side lamp, certain everything we’ve b...