Books matching: nature of storytelling
100 result(s)
'Children of the Fang and Other Genealogies' by John Langan is a collection of horror stories that delve into cosmic horror themes, leaving readers unsettled and immersed in a world where dread and fear are ever-present. The writing style of Langan is described as stellar, with a focus on cosmic horror that is both present and dread-inducing, although some readers found the endings of the stories to be abrupt and lacking in resolution.
The book features a wide variety of stories that span different tones, subject matters, and levels of horror, all aimed at getting under the skin of the reader and leaving them with a sense of unease. Langan's ability to engage readers on a deep, cultural level, challenging them to interpret his stories through their own historical context or religious worldview, creates a unique and personal reading experience for each individual.
The cell phone reception here was terrible; her agent’s voice cracked and snapped. “Yeah,” Ralph was saying, “I know, but it’s the only thing I could come up with. Times are tough in Tinseltown, same ...- #2
'Into the Riverlands' in the series 'The Singing Hills Cycle' by Nghi Vo is a narrative that follows the cleric Chih and their talking eidetic bird, Almost Brilliant, on a journey through the Riverlands. Along with a small company of fellow travelers, they tell stories of bandits and fighters they encounter, all while exploring the nature of storytelling and the blurred lines between reality and myth. As they delve deeper into the legends of the Riverlands, Chih finds themselves actively participating in the tales they once only passively recorded.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Singing Hills Cycle ) - #3
'Waterland' by Graham Swift is a multi-generational tale set in the Fenlands of East Anglia, exploring the intertwined lives of the Crick and Atkinson families over nearly 300 years. The narrative, told by history teacher Tom Crick, delves into themes of history, storytelling, and the cyclical nature of time. The novel weaves together elements of family drama, local history, and the ever-present influence of the waterlogged landscape, creating a rich and complex narrative that moves back and forth through time, mirroring the ebb and flow of a tide. Swift's writing style is described as poetic, with a balance of humor and heartbreak, and a focus on the intricate details of the region and its inhabitants.
‘AND don’t forget,’ my father would say, as if he expected me at any moment to up and leave to seek my fortune in the wide world, ‘whatever you learn about people, however bad they turn out, each one ... - #4
'Poison' by Chris Wooding is a dark fairytale fantasy following the journey of a determined girl named Poison who sets out to rescue her stolen sister from the phaeries. Along the way, she encounters a variety of challenges, forms unlikely friendships, and uncovers surprising secrets about herself and the world she lives in. The plot is described as familiar yet filled with satisfyingly unusual twists and turns, creating a dark fairytale atmosphere that appeals to both young adults and older readers.
She was an odd-looking girl, pale and slender with long black hair that fell symmetrically to either side of her head. Her face was an oval, her forehead high but her chin narrow, her lips thin and he... - #5
'The Lost Books of the Odyssey' by Zachary Mason is a collection of alternative stories based on the adventures of Odysseus from Greek mythology. Mason reimagines familiar characters and events from the original Odyssey, offering new perspectives and twists on the classic tales. The book is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, each providing a unique and inventive take on the mythological world of Odysseus. The writing style is described as playful, clever, and surprising, echoing the works of Borges and Calvino, while also incorporating elements of humor and horror.
The narrative of 'The Lost Books of the Odyssey' delves into the themes of possibility and necessity, exploring the concept of multiple selves within the character of Odysseus. Through fragmented sections that mimic lost or discarded parts of the traditional Odyssey story, Mason crafts a fresh and compelling interpretation of the Greek epic. The book is praised for its originality, imaginative storytelling, and polished prose, offering readers a new perspective on familiar mythological characters and events.
I should have dreamed that night, of choking up a white bird that fought free of my throat, shook itself and flew away, leaving me empty and retching. But in fact there was no warning and I had no dre... - #6
David Malouf's 'Ransom' is a retelling of a segment of the Illiad, focusing on King Priam's journey to ransom the body of his son, Hector, from Achilles. The novel explores themes of war, honor, betrayal, and tragic redemption in a powerful and lyrical prose style. Through intimate character exploration, Malouf brings to life the emotions and humanity of larger-than-life figures from Greek mythology, making them relatable and poignant to readers.
The sea has many voices. The voice this man is listening for is the voice of his mother. He lifts his head, turns his face to the chill air that moves in across the gulf, and tastes its sharp salt on ... - #7
'World of Wonders' by Robertson Davies is the final installment in The Deptford Trilogy, focusing on the life of Magnus Eisengrim, previously known as Paul Dempster. The story unfolds through the framework of theater and film, exploring themes of memory, identity, and perspective. It delves into the transformative journey of Magnus from a child enslaved in a carnival to becoming the world's greatest magician, while also revealing the interconnected lives and events shaped by a fateful snowball incident.
“Certainly. He was a fine illusionist But what is that? A man who depends on a lot of contraptions—mechanical devices, dockwork, mirrors, and such things. Haven’t we been working with that sort of rub...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Deptford Trilogy ) - #8Foeby:
Foe by J.M. Coetzee is a postmodern retelling of Robinson Crusoe, exploring themes of storytelling, authorship, and the blurring lines between fiction and reality. The narrative follows Susan Barton, a castaway on an island with Crusoe and Friday, as she seeks out Daniel Foe to write her story. Through a complex structure of journal entries, letters, and dream sequences, Coetzee delves into the nature of truth, the art of writing, and the complexities of communication and silence.
At last I could row no further. My hands were blistered, my back was burned, my body ached. With a sigh, making barely a splash, I slipped overboard. With slow strokes, my long hair floating about me,... - #9
The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh is a dark, twisted play that delves into themes of writing, creativity, cruelty, and deception. The story follows a writer and his disabled brother who become central figures in an investigation of grisly child murders that resemble the dark fables created by the writer. The play unfolds through a series of plot twists narrated by the stories the man has written, ultimately revealing the guilt of the culprit. McDonagh's writing style is described as morbidly funny, deeply disturbing, and a contemporary morality play that explores the interactions between an author's work and a cruel world.
The Rabbit Back Literature Society is a mysterious and quirky novel set in a small Finnish town where an exclusive group of writers, trained as children by a famous author, delve into supernatural happenings and their own history. The story follows Ella Milana, an aspiring writer, as she uncovers secrets about the elite literary society and its missing tenth member, leading to a dark and delightful exploration of literature, storytelling, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.
THE READER was at first surprised, then shocked, as the criminal Raskolnikov was abruptly slain in the middle of the street, right before her eyes. Sonya, the hooker with the heart of gold, shot him t...