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Books matching: metafiction

100 result(s)

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  1. #1

    Chimera by John Barth
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    Chimera by John Barth is a complex novel consisting of three interrelated novellas that draw inspiration from 1001 Arabian Nights and Greek mythology. The book delves into metafiction, where the story being told is intertwined with the creation of the story itself. John Barth's writing style combines humor, engaging characters derived from myths, and thought-provoking metafiction elements that challenge traditional storytelling conventions.

    “At this point I interrupted my sister as usual to say, ‘You have a way with words, Scheherazade. This is the thousandth night I’ve sat at the foot of your bed while you and the King made love and you...

  2. #2

    Slow Man by J.M. Coetzee
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    In "Slow Man" by J.M. Coetzee, the story revolves around Paul Rayment, a photographer who loses a leg in a bicycle accident and finds himself in a peculiar situation with unwanted visitors who challenge his perceptions and push him to reflect on his life choices. The narrative delves into themes of love, old age, and human vulnerability, with a touch of postmodern literary elements that challenge readers to question reality and the role of characters within a story.

    The blow catches him from the right, sharp and surprising and painful, like a bolt of electricity, lifting him up off the bicycle. Relax! he tells himself as he flies through the air (flies through th...

  3. #3

    Lost in the Funhouse by John Barth
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    'Lost in the Funhouse' by John Barth is a collection of metafictional short stories that push the boundaries of postmodern literature. The stories range from clever language games to deep explorations of life, growth, and storytelling. The book delves into themes of self-reflexivity, nested narratives, and the process of creating stories, providing a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

    Short fiction is not my long suit. Writers tend by temperament to be either sprinters or marathoners, and I learned early that the long haul was my stride. The form of the modern short story—as define...

  4. #4

    Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi
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    'Mr. Fox' by Helen Oyeyemi is a complex and metafictional novel that weaves together elements of Bluebeard, fairy tales, Greek mythology, and the Bible. The story revolves around the relationships between a writer named St. John Fox, his wife Daphne, and his imaginary muse Mary Foxe. The narrative is non-linear, with well-developed characters and interwoven short stories that explore themes of writing, dreaming, imagination, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

    The book is described as experimental fiction that delves into the power dynamics between men and women, the complexities of storytelling, and the intricate connections between the characters' lives and the stories they create. The writing style is praised for being clever, beautifully crafted, and thought-provoking, despite the challenging and sometimes disjointed nature of the plot.

    Mary Foxe came by the other day—the last person on earth I was expecting to see. I’d have tidied up if I’d known she was coming. I’d have combed my hair. I’d have shaved. At least I was wearing a suit...

  5. #5

    The Trick of It by Michael Frayn
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    The Trick of It' by Michael Frayn is a novel that delves into the world of writing and relationships, following the story of Richard, an English academic who becomes infatuated with a famous female author he admires. The narrative unfolds through letters where Richard shares his thoughts and experiences, revealing a disastrous relationship fueled by envy and hero worship. The book explores the complexities of fiction writing, questioning the methods and motivations of writers, blurring the lines between reality and storytelling.

    The writing style of 'The Trick of It' is praised for its wit, humor, and intelligence. Readers commend the author for his ability to craft laugh-out-loud funny sentences that are rich with creativity, imagination, and wisdom. The novel is described as sublimely enjoyable, wickedly funny, and bitingly intelligent, capturing the irrational peaks and troughs of emotions in love and relationships.


  6. #6

    Being Written: A Novel by William Conescu
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    'Being Written: A Novel' by William Conescu is a metafictional exploration of the writing process, where the main character, Daniel, is aware that he is a character in a book being written by someone else. The story delves into Daniel's struggles to be more than just a minor character in the narrative, his desire to become the hero, and his attempts to influence the author's direction. The novel presents a unique premise of a character hearing the scratching of a pencil whenever the author is writing about him, adding a layer of self-awareness and control within the story. The writing style is described as twisty, unconventional, and engaging, with occasional chapters from different characters' perspectives adding depth to the narrative.


  7. #7

    Mulligan Stew by Gilbert Sorrentino
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    Mulligan Stew by Gilbert Sorrentino is a postmodern metafictional work that follows Lamont Sorrentino, a character who is trying to write a novel while sending letters to various individuals expressing his frustrations with the writing process. The novel is a mix of surreal situations, sexual romps, and satirical commentary on the state of current novel writing. Characters within the book take on dual existences, mirroring each other's declines and struggles. The writing style is characterized by elements such as epistolary form, humor, erotica, varied syntax, clichés, metaphors, and a mix of vernacular and poetry.

    I can’t tell you how much I admire the book. It seems to me superb, as a matter of fact, it is one of the most remarkably conceived and executed novels it has ever been my pleasure to read in manuscri...

  8. #8

    A Maggot by John Fowles
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    In 'A Maggot' by John Fowles, the story unfolds in the early English seventeen hundreds, following a group of travelers on a perilous journey from London to Bristol on horseback. The narrative is structured in a unique way, with the second part of the book presented in a series of depositions by the travelers and eyewitnesses, revealing a tale of deception, mystery, and deeper revelations. As the legal factor of a high English nobleman investigates the disappearance of his son, the readers are taken on a journey filled with twists and turns, blending elements of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy.

    The writing style of 'A Maggot' showcases John Fowles' ability to keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. The novel is praised for its intricate plot that challenges the reader to search for deeper explanations to life's mysteries, while also offering insights into the characters and relationships of the 18th century. Fowles skillfully weaves together themes of deception, revelation, and the supernatural, creating a narrative that transcends time and genre boundaries, making it a thought-provoking and immersive read.

    IN THE LATE AND LAST AFTERNOON of an April long ago, a forlorn little group of travellers cross a remote upland in the far south-west of England. All are on horseback, proceeding at a walk along the m...

  9. #9

    The Tightrope Walker by Dorothy Gilman
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    "The Tightrope Walker" by Dorothy Gilman is a mystery novel that follows the story of Amelia Jones, a shy young woman who discovers herself while solving a mystery. The book involves a note found in a hurdy-gurdy, a possible murder, and the uses of love, both good and bad. As Amelia delves deeper into the mystery, she finds strength she didn't know she possessed and learns about the power of love. The narrative weaves suspense, insight, and intrigue as Amelia becomes a crusader for justice, uncovering secrets and facing unexpected challenges. The story is rich, weird, and filled with unexpected coincidences that keep the reader engaged till the end.

    Amelia's character development is a central theme in the book, as she evolves from a somewhat rootless girl to a courageous and determined individual. The plot is filled with twists and turns, leading to a climax that tests Amelia's character and resolve. As she grows and matures throughout the story, readers witness her transformation and root for her success in unraveling the mysteries that surround her.

    Maybe everyone lives with terror every minute of every day and buries it, never stopping long enough to look. Or maybe it’s just me. I’m speaking here of your ordinary basic terrors, like the meaning ...

  10. #10

    Lanark by Alasdair Gray
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    'Lanark' by Alasdair Gray is a complex and unique novel that intertwines multiple narratives and genres. It follows the lives of Lanark Duncan Thaw, a man who moves between worlds or dimensions, and the city of Unthank where reality is nebulous and time is ever-changing. The book is a mix of autobiographical bildungsroman and dystopian fantasy, with elements of surrealism and social commentary. Gray's writing style is described as rich in detail, imagery, and allegory, similar to a painting, with a touch of mysticism and thought-provoking themes about society, politics, and religion.

    The Elite Café was entered by a staircase from the foyer of a cinema. A landing two thirds of the way up had a door into the cinema itself, but people going to the Elite climbed farther and came to a ...

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