Books matching: minimalist writing
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- #1
Save:The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway is a novel that follows a group of expatriates living in Paris and traveling to Spain. The story revolves around themes of love, friendship, post-war trauma, and the search for meaning in a seemingly aimless existence. The writing style is characterized by simple yet powerful phrasing, sparse dialogue, and an understated tone that conveys the characters' emotions and struggles.
The novel explores the complex relationships between the characters, particularly focusing on the central figure of Lady Brett Ashley and her entanglements with various men in the group. Set against the backdrop of the post-World War I era, the book delves into themes of impotence, unrequited love, and the disillusionment of the Lost Generation. Hemingway's portrayal of bullfighting, drinking culture, and the expatriate lifestyle adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the characters' internal conflicts and external experiences.
Robert Cohn was once middleweight boxing champion of Princeton. Do not think that I am very much impressed by that as a boxing title, but it meant a lot to Cohn. He cared nothing for boxing, in fact h... - #2
Save:'Kokoro' by Natsume Soseki is a narrative that delicately addresses themes such as the indignity of death, sin and redemption, existentialism, self-recrimination, and misanthropy. Set against the backdrop of the Meiji era, the book explores the clash between two generations of Japanese men and the transition from traditional to modern ways of thinking. The story revolves around a mysterious middle-aged man, Sensei, who forms a mentoring bond with the protagonist, leading to a spiritual investigation into the corruption of the human soul. The book unfolds through a series of introspective monologues and a letter from Sensei revealing his past mistakes and the guilt he carries.
The writing style in 'Kokoro' is described as beautiful, graceful, and introspective, with a simplicity of voice that sets it apart. The character development is subtle yet effective, drawing readers in with a feeling of dread that intensifies as the story progresses. The book's structure, with a focus on interpersonal relationships and the responsibilities of friendship, culminates in a thought-provoking and emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Sensei had just taken his clothes off and was about to go for a swim when I first laid eyes on him in the tea house. I had already had my swim, and was letting the wind blow gently on my wet body. Bet... - #3
Save:The Heather Blazing by Colm Toibin is a quiet novel that follows the life of Eamon Redmond, a High Court judge in Dublin, as he reflects on his past, family, and relationships. Set in Ireland, the book explores themes of memories, family dynamics, politics, and the passing of time. The narrative flows effortlessly between past and present, revealing a complex interconnection between the protagonist's childhood experiences and his adult life, all while showcasing the beautiful Irish landscape and sea.
Eamon Redmond stood at the window looking down at the river which was deep brown after days of rain. He watched the colour, the mixture of mud and water, and the small currents and pockets of movement... - #4
Save:'Good Morning, Midnight' by Jean Rhys is a novel that delves into the struggles of Sasha Jensen, an Englishwoman living in Paris, as she copes with grief, loneliness, and alcohol. The narrative follows Sasha's stream of consciousness as she wanders through Paris, reminiscing about her past and dealing with her present reality. Set against the backdrop of Paris in the interwar period, the story explores themes of lost love, fading beauty, and financial difficulties, painting a dark and intense portrait of Sasha's life.
Rhys' writing style in 'Good Morning, Midnight' is characterized by nuanced observations, devastating clarity, and intense character portrayals. The novel offers a glimpse into Sasha's internal monologue, filled with flashbacks that intertwine with her current struggles. Through a narrative that is both bleak and introspective, Rhys captures the essence of Sasha's existence, marked by loneliness and a sense of resignation, while also hinting at moments of wit and self-awareness amidst the despair.
There are two beds, a big one for madame and a smaller one on the opposite side for monsieur. The wash-basin is shut off by a curtain. It is a large room, the smell of cheap hotels faint, almost imper... - #5
Save:'The End We Start From' by Megan Hunter is a post-apocalyptic novella that follows a new mother and her son as they navigate a world plagued by rising floodwaters. The story is narrated in poetic snippets, focusing on the mother's observations of her son's growth and milestones amidst the chaos of a crumbling society. The writing style is spare and simple, omitting details of the apocalyptic event but retaining the emotional impact, creating a hauntingly beautiful narrative.
Z opens his eyes a little more every day. I am constantly aware of the complex process of breath: how the heart has to keep beating, to bring oxygen to the blood, to power the bags of the lungs in and... - #6
Save:"The Stranger" by Albert Camus is a novel that delves into existentialism through the story of Meursault, a man who seems indifferent and detached from the world around him. The plot follows Meursault as he navigates through life events such as his mother's death, a murder he commits, and a trial he faces, all while displaying a lack of emotion and connection with those around him. The writing style is described as choppy, matter-of-fact, and detached, reflecting the character's own demeanor and emphasizing the themes of absurdity and alienation.
Camus' exploration of the absurdity of life and society's inability to understand a man like Meursault forms the core of the narrative. Through vivid storytelling and a compelling portrayal of existential themes, the book challenges readers to reflect on concepts of meaning, morality, and the human condition. The character of Meursault serves as a vehicle for Camus to question societal norms and beliefs, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of existential philosophy and the complexities of human existence.
The old people’s home is at Marengo, about eighty kilometers from Algiers, I’ll take the two o’clock bus and get there in the afternoon. That way I can be there for the vigil and come back tomorrow ni... - #7
Save:"Life and Times of Michael K" by J.M. Coetzee follows the journey of Michael K, a simple man born with a hare lip, as he navigates through a war-torn South Africa. Michael decides to take his sick mother back to her childhood home, but after her death, he finds himself alone, trying to survive off the land and avoid the brutal realities of war. The narrative explores themes of individuality, survival, and the impact of societal expectations on a man who just wants to live his life in peace. Coetzee's writing style is described as simple yet powerful, capturing the emotional depth of Michael's circumstances and the struggles he faces.
THE FIRST THING the midwife noticed about Michael K when she helped him out of his mother into the world was that he had a hare lip. The lip curled like a snail’s foot, the left nostril gaped. Obscuri... - #8
Save:Ernest Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants" addresses the controversial subject of abortion in a minimalist fashion, leaving the interpretation of the characters' discussions up to the reader. The story revolves around a couple at a train station between Madrid and Barcelona, symbolizing the choice they face regarding whether to proceed with the abortion or not. Through symbolism and subtle hints in the dialogue, Hemingway explores the conflict between the characters and the uncertainty surrounding the decision they must make.
The writing style of "Hills Like White Elephants" is characterized by Hemingway's use of minimalism, symbolism, and dialogue to emphasize the dichotomy between the characters and the deeper meaning of the story. The setting of the train station between two cities mirrors the characters' dilemma, while the descriptive language enhances the conflict between light and darkness, symbolizing the contrasting opinions regarding the decision at hand. Through the use of distinct symbols and dialogue, Hemingway conceals the reality of the situation, inviting readers to uncover the hidden meaning behind the text.
- #9
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: ... - #10
Save:'The Easter Parade' by Richard Yates follows the lives of two sisters, Sarah and Emily Grimes, over a span of 40 years. The novel delves into their struggles and disappointments, portraying the challenges of divorce, unhappy marriages, alcoholism, and unfulfilled lives. The writing style of Yates is described as spare, unflinching, and capturing the emotional depths of the characters, with a focus on the mid-century American malaise and societal norms.
Neither of the Grimes sisters would have a happy life, and looking back it always seemed that the trouble began with their parents’ divorce. That happened in 1930, when Sarah was nine years old and Em...
