Books matching: narrative tension
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Mustache by Emmanuel Carrere is a psychological thriller novella that follows the story of a man who shaves off his mustache, only to find that no one remembers he ever had one. This simple act spirals into a disturbing journey of madness, paranoia, and existential dread. The plot starts off as quirky fun but quickly morphs into a Hitchcock-style mystery thriller, ending with a distressing passage that leaves readers shaken. Carrere's writing style is described as Kafkaesque, painting a picture of souls cracking under the weight of strange fears and habits.
- #2
Save:'The Last Mrs Parrish' by Liv Constantine follows the story of Amber Patterson, a woman determined to marry wealthy businessman Jackson Parrish by manipulating his wife, Daphne. The plot unfolds through the perspectives of both Amber and Daphne, revealing the deceit, manipulation, and psychological suspense that ensue as Amber infiltrates the Parrish family's life. As the story progresses, secrets are unveiled, leading to unexpected twists and turns that challenge the characters' perceptions of each other and themselves.
Amber Patterson was tired of being invisible. She’d been coming to this gym every day for three months—three long months of watching these women of leisure working at the only thing they cared about. ... - #3
Save:The Transhumanist Wager by Zoltan Istvan is a philosophical science fiction novel set in a near future Earth where transhumanism faces opposition from governments and religious entities. The story follows the protagonist, Jethro Knights, a brilliant transhumanist who embarks on a journey to accelerate innovation and global revolution while facing ideological and political conflicts with the establishment.
The novel explores themes of technological advancements, human evolution through enhancements, and the pursuit of immortality. It delves into the philosophical aspects of transhumanism, challenging traditional beliefs and moral concepts, while presenting a gripping narrative filled with action, tragedy, and thought-provoking ideas.
His life was about to end. A seventy-foot wall of shifting blue with a million tons of water was veering down on him. It was the largest wave of the hurricane—what scientists and sea captains call a r... - #4
Save:'Ryan White: My Own Story' tells the heart-wrenching and inspiring true story of Ryan White, a young boy who contracted AIDS through blood transfusions due to his hemophilia. Despite facing discrimination and cruelty from his community, Ryan White never gave up and lived his life to the fullest. portrays Ryan's determination, bravery, and the power of the human spirit as he navigates through the challenges of living with AIDS at such a young age.
Ryan White's autobiography is described as intense yet great, focusing on his experiences as a middle school student living with AIDS. The writing style captures the emotional journey of Ryan White, showcasing his resilience and the impact he had on those around him, including famous personalities like Elton John and Michael Jackson who supported him during his battle with the disease.
- #5
Save:Dean Koontz's 'One Door Away from Heaven' follows the journey of Michelina Bellsong as she embarks on a mission to follow a missing family to the edge of America, where she encounters a place of terror, wonder, and shattering revelations. The story revolves around a young girl of extraordinary goodness, a young boy with killers on his trail, and Micky's own wounded soul. As the plot unfolds, readers are introduced to a variety of characters and storylines that eventually converge to fight off a very evil villain, all while exploring themes of survival, redemption, and the complexities of human nature.
The book is a mix of suspense and humor, fear and wonder, filled with tragedy and joy, terror and hope. Through incredible peril and startling discoveries, the characters navigate through darkness towards unexpected light, showcasing Dean Koontz's storytelling prowess at its peak, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost storytellers of our time.
Tuesday afternoon, wearing a bikini and oiled for broiling, Micky reclined in a lounge chair in her aunt Geneva's backyard. The nylon webbing was a nausea-inducing shade of green, and it sagged, too, ... - #6
Save:In "The French Lieutenant's Woman," John Fowles masterfully plunges readers into 19th century Victorian England, exploring social customs, sexual taboos, and moral attitudes through the characters of Charles Smithson and Sarah Woodruff. The novel is a blend of historical dramatic fiction set in the late 19th century in England, written with touches of 20th-century metafiction, where the author cleverly critiques his Victorian protagonists from a modern perspective. Fowles presents a complex narrative with multiple possible endings, challenging the reader's perception of free will, evolution, and societal norms.
The story follows Charles Smithson, a Victorian gentleman engaged to Ernestina, who becomes fascinated with Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious woman rumored to be the spurned ex-mistress of a French naval officer. Through Fowles' unique narrative style, which combines elements of the Victorian era with 20th-century commentary, readers are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, societal expectations, and personal identity, all set against the backdrop of a changing world and conflicting values.
AN EASTERLY IS the most disagreeable wind in Lyme Bay – Lyme Bay being that largest bite from the underside of England’s outstretched south-western leg – and a person of curiosity could at once have d... - #7
Save:Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia is a murder mystery set in a small town in Minnesota that revolves around the life and death of high school senior Hattie Hoffman. The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Hattie herself, the sheriff investigating her murder, and her English teacher. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed about Hattie's dual life as a seemingly perfect student and a girl with dreams of escaping her small town for New York City. The book delves into themes of identity, deception, and the complexities of human relationships, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and turns.
The writing style of Everything You Want Me to Be is engaging and captivating, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and the mystery surrounding Hattie's murder. Mejia skillfully weaves together different narratives to provide a multifaceted view of the events leading up to the tragic death of Hattie. The book explores dark themes with depth and sensitivity, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Here I was, standing in the exact place I’d daydreamed about in math class so many times, right in front of the departures board at the Minneapolis airport, and every detail was just like I’d pictured... - #8
Save:"The Gloaming" by Kirsty Logan is a haunting and emotionally resonant novel set on a remote Scottish island where people do not die but turn to stone, gazing out to sea. The story follows Mara and her family as they grapple with past decisions, new desires, and a devastating loss that scarred Mara both physically and emotionally. When a mysterious arrival offers a chance for Mara to move on, it brings its own set of challenges, leading to a tale rich in folklore and themes of transformation, transience, and permanence, all beautifully woven together through Logan's bewitching prose and dark humor.
The narrative of "The Gloaming" unfolds through the perspectives of characters like Mara, Signe, Peter, and Pearl, each grappling with their own desires and struggles amidst a backdrop of mythical creatures, folklore, and the ever-present force of nature. Logan seamlessly blends elements of magical realism and gothic atmosphere, creating a story that delves into themes of relationships, loss, grief, and the beauty found in coping with the inevitable, all while painting a vivid picture of the isolated island and the characters who inhabit it.
THAT LAST SUMMER, the sea gave us jellyfish. Every morning when the water slid back and revealed the stony beach, there they’d be: dozens of squishy, silvered things with their purple threaded innards... - #9
Save:'A Children's Bible' by Lydia Millet is a novel that delves into the themes of climate change, generational divide, and parental neglect through the lens of a group of children facing an apocalyptic storm and flood. The story follows the children as they navigate a world where the adults have failed them, forcing them to rely on themselves for survival. The narrative is filled with biblical allusions and allegorical elements, creating a fable-like atmosphere that explores the interconnectedness of humanity and the consequences of ignoring environmental warnings. The writing style is described as simple, dreamlike, and thought-provoking, with layers of symbolism that add depth to the story and engage readers in contemplating the current state of the world.
Even the smallest canoe could take us down to the ocean. We’d paddle across the lake, over a marsh, down a stream, and come to the river’s mouth. Where the water met the sky. We’d run along the beach ... - #10
Save:Freedom and Necessity by Steven Brust and Emma Bull is an epistolary novel set in 1849 England, blending historical fiction, romance, and elements of fantasy. The story follows a young man named James Cobham who mysteriously finds himself in a country inn with no memory of the past few weeks, leading him to uncover a conspiracy involving political plots, family secrets, and the birth of Communism. Through letters and journal entries, the characters navigate Victorian social and political conditions while engaging in philosophical discussions and unraveling the mysteries surrounding James's disappearance and reappearance.
The book's writing style is praised for its complex plot, well-developed characters, and the seamless integration of historical events with elements of magic and realism. Readers appreciate the intricate storytelling, witty dialogues, and the blend of genres that include thriller, mystery, and historical fantasy, making Freedom and Necessity a captivating and thought-provoking read.
Mr Mowatt had also felt himself obliged to oppose the bill, because it was calculated to mislead the people for whose benefit they affected to legislate, namely, the parents of females in humble life,...
