Books matching: moral degradation
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- #1
The Magician by W. Somerset Maugham is a gothic thriller set in Edwardian England and Paris, exploring the fine line between rationality and the occult. The story follows an unsettling contrast of sweet ordinariness and unhinged evil, with the character of Oliver Haddo based on Aleister Crowley. The novel presents a breathless chase to the end, showcasing Maugham's versatility as a writer by incorporating nonstop action and a whiff of the supernatural.
The plot revolves around a sensational portrayal of a cunning magician, Oliver Haddo, who may or may not possess real magical abilities, keeping the readers guessing until the intense climax. The narrative cleverly weaves together elements of mystery, horror, and dark magic, creating a thrilling and eerie atmosphere that captivates the audience till the end.
ARTHUR BURDON and Dr. Porhoët walked in silence. They had lunched at a restaurant in the Boulevard Saint Michel, and were sauntering now in the gardens of the Luxembourg. Dr. Porhoët walked with stoop... - #2
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a classic tale exploring the consequences of vanity and moral degradation. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man who makes a Faustian deal to retain his youth and beauty while his portrait ages and reflects the consequences of his debauched lifestyle. The novel delves into themes of the value of youth, the meaning of life, and the impact of one's actions on oneself and others, leaving readers pondering questions of free will and self-improvement. Wilde's writing style is described as brilliant, witty, and horrifying, with a focus on decadence, morality, and the consequences of one's choices.
The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more del... - #3
John Dollar is a novel that explores the aftermath of a group of girls and a woman stranded on a deserted island off Burma. The story unfolds with themes of survival, cannibalism, and the impact of a maritime disaster on the characters' sanity. The author, Marianne Wiggins, skillfully paints a vivid picture of the characters' struggles and the moral dilemmas they face, drawing comparisons to other literary works like Lord of the Flies and Robinson Crusoe. The writing style is described as poetic yet sometimes veiled, with a focus on setting up the narrative for a climactic event that may not fully deliver on its promised impact.
- #4
LET'S GO PLAY AT THE ADAMS is a disturbing book that delves into the psychology of a group of children who capture and torture a young woman. The story focuses on the captive's experience as well as the inner thoughts of the children involved, providing a chilling exploration of their actions and motivations. The writing style is described as well-written, with a focus on psychology and character development, creating a haunting and intense reading experience.
Author David Livingstone Smith explores the history and philosophic underpinnings of dehumanization, as well as the mechanisms physical, intellectual, cognitive and cultural by which it is implemented. Smith delves into the dark side of humanity, discussing how individuals and groups are able to commit atrocities like genocide by dehumanizing their victims, making them less than human and justifying cruelty towards them. The book examines the concept of dehumanization through various lenses such as race, religion, and war, shedding light on the deep-seated roots of this damaging ability in humans.
- #6
A Tree or a Person or a Wall by Matt Bell is a collection of dark and disturbing short stories that delve into themes of captivity, loneliness, marriage, existential horror, and the repercussions of human folly. The stories feature a wide range of characters, from refugees to mutant gang members, and explore post-apocalyptic worlds, dystopian societies, and surrealistic scenarios. Bell's writing style is haunting and evocative, with a focus on beautiful language and thought-provoking imagery that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.
EVEN BEFORE THE MAN WITH rough hands brought the boy to the locked room, even then there was always already the albino ape sitting on the chair beside the nightstand, waiting for the man and the boy t... - #7
Vathek is a Gothic novel set in the opulent East, following the adventures of the dissolute Caliph Vathek and his evil mother Catharis, who seek ultimate knowledge and power. Tempted by a demon named the Giaour, Vathek embarks on a quest for dark treasures, leading to a series of atrocious actions and blind ambition. The plot is a moralistic tale with a fantastical and bizarre narrative, incorporating elements of Orientalism and Gothic fiction. The writing style is described as slyly humorous and ironic, with beautiful passages and great imagination, although some find it overly descriptive at times.
VATHEK, ninth Caliph1 of the race of the Abassides, was the son of Motassem, and the grandson of Haroun al Raschid. From an early accession to the throne, and the talents he possessed to adorn it, his... - #8
The Doloriad by Missouri Williams delves into a post-apocalyptic world where a brother and sister attempt to repopulate the earth, leading to a society riddled with incest and birth defects. The narrative follows a dark and disturbing path, exploring themes of perversion, incest, and a surreal post-apocalyptic setting. The writing style is described as dense and intense, with some readers finding it beautifully written but others feeling overwhelmed by the continuous stream of consciousness.
- #9
'The Sea and Poison' by Shusaku Endo explores the lives of doctors and nurses involved in vivisection experiments on American PoWs in Japan during WWII. The book delves into moral degradation, the devaluing of human life, and the haunting effects of external pressures on individuals. Endo's writing style is described as evocative, elegant, and without judgment, offering a compassionate exploration of dark themes and the inner struggles of the characters.
- #10
'Disgrace' by J.M. Coetzee follows the story of Professor David Lurie, an aging university teacher who faces disgrace after being accused of inappropriate relationships with his students. The narrative delves into themes of age, relationships, culture, and taboo, exploring the protagonist's brutal honesty about himself and his struggles to navigate his disintegrating career and personal life. Set in post-apartheid South Africa, the novel addresses complex issues such as race relations, power dynamics, and societal transformations, all while showcasing Coetzee's spare and engaging writing style that keeps readers engrossed in the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and redemption.
FOR A MAN of his age, fifty-two, divorced, he has, to his mind, solved the problem of sex rather well. On Thursday afternoons he drives to Green Point. Punctually at two p.m. he presses the buzzer at ...