Books matching: multiple narratives
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Evermeet: Island of the Elves" by Elaine Cunningham explores the history of the Elves in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, delving into their origins, conflicts, and relationships with gods and other races. The narrative jumps through centuries, chronicling the evolution of the Elven Isle from its early beginnings to modern times, all while weaving in elements of magic, adventure, and intricate lore. Through multiple points of view, including gods of the Realms, readers are taken on a journey filled with rich character development and immersive storytelling.
Elaine Cunningham skillfully crafts a tale that captures the essence of elven culture and history, providing readers with a deep dive into the complexities of the elven race. not only serves as a definitive history of the Elven Isle but also offers insights into the origins of various deities, including Lolth, and sheds light on the connections between elves, dragons, and other beings in the world of Toril.
Kaymid No-Beard, his mates called him, for his visage was indeed as smooth as a newly laid egg. But young though he was, this was his third voyage, and he was proud of his place on this vessel, the fl... - #2
Save:The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson explores the turbulent months leading up to the Civil War, particularly focusing on the events surrounding Fort Sumter. The narrative covers various key figures and their connections to the political chaos of the time. Readers will find history woven with personal stories, creating a vivid picture of the era.
Larson's writing style is engaging and narrative-driven, which makes the history feel like a thrilling story. He uses historical documents effectively to bring the past to life. However, some readers feel that the book covers too many narratives, making parts feel tedious. Overall, it offers an insightful look at a critical moment in American history.
- #3
Save:'The House of Breath' by Reginald Gibbons and William Goyen is a novel that intricately weaves together the lives of a poor family in a tiny town in East Texas. The story is told through multiple narrative voices, including the main narrator with an extraordinary vocabulary, poorly educated relatives with folksy word choice, and even the nearby river. The novel is not told in a linear fashion, filled with long, beautiful passages reminiscent of Virginia Woolf and Capote, and is described as an expertly crafted piece of poetic prose that delves into themes of pent-up sexuality, family dynamics, and the desire for escape.
The writing style of 'The House of Breath' is often described as dense, poetic, and challenging, with parenthetical material nested within each other, creating a swirling prose poetry that explores the inner thoughts and desires of the characters. The novel is praised for its evocative descriptions of nature, philosophical musings on family and escape, and its ability to change the way readers perceive literature and storytelling.
…and then I walked and walked in the rain that turned half into snow and I was drenched and frozen; and walked upon a park that seemed like the very pasture of Hell where there were couples whispering... - #4
Save:'Cruddy' by Lynda Barry is a dark and disturbing coming-of-age tale that follows the life of 16-year-old Roberta, also known as Clyde, as she recounts her troubled past. Kidnapped by her father at age 11, Roberta is taken on a violent and surreal road trip in search of her grandfather's hidden inheritance. The narrative alternates between Roberta's harrowing past and her drug-fueled teenage years, where she befriends outcasts and delves into a world of chaos and self-discovery. The book is described as a blend of horror, humor, and dark realism, with compelling characters and a unique storytelling style that keeps readers gripped until the end.
The Turtle said, “Would you ladies like to join me in New Orleans? Would you like to experience the malodor of the sad drunk’s urine in Pirate’s Alley? Would you care to gaze upon the House of the Ris... - #5
Save:Sarah Perry's 'Melmoth' is a haunting tale that weaves together the stories of translator Helen Franklin and her encounters with the mythical figure of Melmoth. Set in Prague, the novel delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and human brokenness, as Helen is drawn into the dark legend of Melmoth, a ghostly woman who bears witness to the cruelty of humanity throughout history. Through accounts of various characters who have crossed paths with Melmoth, the narrative unfolds in a blend of present-day events and historical tales, building towards a powerful and evocative ending that leaves the reader haunted by the characters' stories.
My name is Josef Adelmar Hoffman. This was my father’s name, and the name of my father’s father. I was born in 1926, in a village east of the River Eger, in the independent state of Czechoslovakia. Th... - #6The Habitation of the BlessedBook 1 in the series:A Dirge for Prester John
Save:In "The Habitation of the Blessed" by Catherynne M. Valente, the story is set in a mythical land based on the medieval legend of Prester John. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, including the journals of Prester John, his wife Hagia, and a panoti named Imtithal, all revealing a realm called Pentexore that defies the fantastical expectations of European lore. Valente's writing style intricately weaves together these disparate narratives, creating a compelling and dark fable that explores themes of loss, mythology, and the clash of different worldviews.
The book's structure is described as a tale within a tale, with layers of stories transcribed by a historian from accounts of Prester John, Hagia, and Imtithal. As the narratives interplay, the reader is taken on a journey through the beginnings, middles, and possible ends of Pentexore, showcasing the characters' complexities and motivations. Valente's unique storytelling approach immerses the reader in a dreamlike world filled with mythical creatures, religious allegories, and cultural nuances, ultimately presenting a rich tapestry of history and fantasy.
I am a very bad historian. But I am a very good miserable old man. I sit at the end of the world, close enough to see my shriveled old legs hang over the bony ridge of it. I came so far for gold and l... - #7
Save:City of God by Alison Entrekin, Paulo Lins is a complex novel set in the slums of Brazil, depicting the intertwining lives of numerous characters amidst a backdrop of crime and social issues. The book explores the gritty reality of life in the favelas, showcasing the struggles, violence, and hopelessness experienced by the inhabitants. The narrative is nonlinear, with multiple stories being told simultaneously, making it challenging to follow at times. Despite the graphic nature of the content, the book aims to shed light on the harsh realities of the favelas and the impact of tragic events on individuals.
The writing style of City of God has been described as both simplistic and hard to understand by different readers. Some appreciate the detailed and fluid characters, the fast-paced storytelling, and the lack of sentimentality in portraying the dispossessed. Others find the abundance of characters overwhelming, with many remaining undeveloped and blending together, making it difficult to keep track of the plot. The novel's structure, characterized by abrupt shifts in perspective and a lack of focus on specific characters, adds to the complexity of the reading experience.
Seconds after leaving the haunted mansion, Stringy and Rocket were smoking a joint down by the river in the Eucalypt Grove. Completely silent, they only looked at one another when passing the joint ba... - #8
Save:"Crook Manifesto" by Colson Whitehead is a sequel to his earlier work, "Harlem Shuffle," following the story of Ray Carney, a Harlem furniture store owner with a side business in fencing stolen items. Set in the 1970s, the novel sees Ray trying to balance his desire to go straight with his involvement in the murky underworld, leading to a downward spiral. is described as a blend of crime fiction, social commentary, and an accurate study of a subculture, showcasing Whitehead's ability to capture the essence of New York City in that era.
- #9
Save:"The Waves" by Virginia Woolf is a poetic and experimental novel that follows the lives of six friends from childhood to old age. The book explores the interiority of the characters, their perceptions of reality, themselves, and others. Woolf's writing style is described as poetry in prose, with no rules, punctuation, or paragraphs, portraying pure sensations, disarrayed and irrational thoughts, and an explosion of feelings. The characters' journeys are depicted as complex and emotional, reflecting on themes of innocence, disappointment, regret, and the transient nature of beauty and life itself.
The sun had not yet risen. The sea was indistinguishable from the sky, except that the sea was slightly creased as if a cloth had wrinkles in it. Gradually as the sky whitened a dark line lay on the h... - #10
Save:'The Long Firm' by Jake Arnott is a gripping crime novel that delves into the seedy underworld of 1960s London. The story follows the rise of London crime boss Mad Harry Starks, portraying his criminal activities through the viewpoints of various associates such as Terry, Lord Thursby, Jack the Hat, Ruby Ryder, and Lenny. Arnott's detailed descriptions of scams and criminal enterprises, along with the portrayal of real-life villains woven into the narrative, create a compelling and immersive reading experience. The book captures the essence of London's dark side in the '60s, offering a character-driven plot filled with tension and intrigue.
I nod with enough emphasis to cause the chair I’m tied to to edge a little across the room. This only brings me closer to Harry. The gas roars softly. Blue flame looking cold. Poker looking hot. Glowi...
