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Books matching: observational style

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  1. #1

    The Dog of the South by Charles Portis
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    The Dog of the South by Charles Portis is a humorous and absurdist tale following the journey of Ray Midge, a man whose wife runs off with his best friend, taking his car and credit card. Determined to track them down, Ray embarks on a road trip from Arkansas to Belize, encountering eccentric characters like Dr. Reo Symes along the way. The plot is filled with quirky conversations and preposterous situations, creating a unique and entertaining narrative style that blends humor with subtle observations about human nature.

    MY WIFE NORMA had run off with Guy Dupree and I was waiting around for the credit card billings to come in so I could see where they had gone. I was biding my time. This was October. They had taken my...

  2. #2

    Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym
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    'Quartet in Autumn' by Barbara Pym is a poignant novel that follows the lives of four office coworkers nearing retirement age in 1970s London. The story delves into the quiet, everyday struggles and emotions of Letty, Marcia, Edwin, and Norman as they face the challenges of aging, loneliness, and the impending changes in their lives. The narrative captures the subtle interactions and relationships among the characters, highlighting themes of isolation, missed connections, and the complexities of human emotions as they navigate through the autumn of their lives.

    THAT DAY THE four of them went to the library, though at different times. The library assistant, if he had noticed them at all, would have seen them as people who belonged together in some way. They e...

  3. #3

    Great Granny Webster by Caroline Blackwood
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    'Great Granny Webster' by Caroline Blackwood is a character-driven novel that delves into the eccentricities and dysfunctionality of a family through the eyes of a young narrator. Set in postwar years, the story follows the narrator's experiences staying with her Great Granny Webster in Hove, Brighton, where she observes the peculiarities of her family members, from the austere Great Granny Webster to the unstable Aunt Lavinia. The novel is a blend of black humor and underlying sadness, with a focus on family history, ancestral homes, and the impact of past generations on the present.

    Caroline Blackwood's writing style in 'Great Granny Webster' is described as delightfully acidic, full of dysfunctional characters, and laced with dark humor. The narrative unfolds through the observations of the unnamed narrator, providing a glimpse into the lives of the family members, their peculiar behaviors, and the decaying family seat, Dunmartin Hall. The book offers a character study rather than a plot-driven story, drawing the reader into a world of oddity, dysfunction, and the lasting effects of family dynamics.

    I WAS SENT to stay with her two years after the war had ended, but in her house it seemed to be war-time. Her blinds and curtains were often drawn even during the day as if she was still preserving so...

  4. #4

    A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks
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    A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks is a novel that delves into the lives of several interconnected characters in London over the span of a week leading up to Christmas. The book explores a wide range of topics such as the state of society, financial intricacies, terrorism, mental disorders, and the complexities of modern life. Through the portrayal of various characters from different walks of life, Faulks paints a vivid picture of contemporary London, touching on themes of greed, alienation, and the pursuit of happiness.

    The narrative style of A Week in December is characterized by its multiple perspectives and intricate plotlines that culminate in a dinner party where the lives of the characters intersect. Faulks weaves together a tapestry of diverse characters, each with their own struggles and desires, providing a nuanced portrayal of the modern world and the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society.


  5. #5

    Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey
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    Dian Fossey, a fearless woman, dedicated her life to studying and protecting the mountain gorillas in Africa. She established the Karisoke Research Centre in Rwanda and spent nearly two decades observing and documenting the lives of these majestic creatures. Despite facing challenges such as poaching and habitat infringement, Fossey's unwavering commitment to the gorillas shines through in her chronicle, "Gorillas in the Mist." The book provides a detailed account of Fossey's interactions with the gorillas, highlighting their behaviors and personalities, while also shedding light on the threats they face in the wild.

    Through Fossey's narrative, readers are immersed in the world of mountain gorillas, gaining insight not only into their lives but also into the extraordinary efforts of a woman who fought tirelessly to protect them. The book captures Fossey's passion for wildlife conservation, her unconventional methods of research, and her ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of safeguarding these endangered animals.

    ISPENT MANY YEARS longing to go to Africa, because of what that continent offered in its wilderness and great diversity of free-living animals. Finally I realized that dreams seldom materialize on the...

  6. #6

    Orange Is the New Black by Piper Kerman
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    'Orange Is the New Black' by author Piper Kerman is a memoir detailing her experiences during the thirteen months she spent in prison after being convicted on a drug charge. Kerman recounts her journey from being a Smith College graduate to becoming entangled in a drug smuggling scheme, leading to her self-surrender at the prison. The book offers a glimpse into the American prison system, the relationships she formed with fellow inmates, and reflections on her actions that led to her incarceration. Kerman's writing style is described as candid and insightful, providing a poignant and thought-provoking narrative of her time in a women's federal prison.

    The book delves into the daily life in a women's prison, shedding light on the challenges faced by inmates and the flaws within the justice system. Kerman's storytelling captures the attention of readers by painting a vivid picture of her fellow inmates with dignity and humanity, despite their shared stark surroundings. Through her memoir, she raises awareness about the ineffectiveness of the prison and criminal justice system in the United States, highlighting the impact of the War on Drugs on individuals' lives. 'Orange Is the New Black' offers a raw and honest account of Kerman's experiences, emphasizing the need for social change within the prison system.

    International baggage claim in the Brussels airport was large and airy, with multiple carousels circling endlessly. I scurried from one to another, desperately trying to find my black suitcase. Becaus...

  7. #7

    The End of Mr. Y by Scarlett Thomas
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    'The End of Mr. Y' by Scarlett Thomas is a complex and thought-provoking novel that combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, philosophy, and adventure. The story follows Ariel Manto, a PhD student who discovers a rare and cursed book called The End of Mr. Y, which leads her into a mysterious world known as the Troposphere. As she navigates through mind-bending concepts like time travel, quantum physics, and consciousness, Ariel finds herself pursued by dangerous forces while uncovering the secrets of the book and its ability to enter alternate universes. The writing style is described as engaging, imaginative, and filled with philosophical discussions that challenge the reader's perceptions of reality.

    You . . . I’m hanging out of the window of my office, sneaking a cigarette and trying to read Margins in the dull winter light, when there’s a noise I haven’t heard before. All right, the noise – cras...

  8. #8

    Girlfriend in a Coma by Douglas Coupland
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    'Girlfriend in a Coma' by Douglas Coupland is a novel that follows the story of Karen, a teenage girl who falls into a coma in 1979 and wakes up 17 years later, finding the world around her changed and dystopian. The book explores themes of loss, grief, friendship, loneliness, and the impact of tragedy on individuals. The writing style of the book has been described as a mix of teenage love story, middle-age crisis, dystopian fiction, and redemption, with a narrative that defies easy categorization and keeps readers engaged.

    On Friday, October 14, 1978, I was playing football with my high school team, the Sentinel Spartans. It was an away-game at another school, Handsworth, in North Vancouver. Early on in the game I was t...

  9. #9

    The Face of Another by Kobo Abe
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    Set in 1940s Japan, 'The Face of Another' by Kobo Abe tells the story of a scientist who suffers terrible facial injuries after a workplace accident. Alienated by society and even shunned by his wife, he painstakingly creates a lifelike mask to conceal his scars. Chronicling his return to society through notebooks and a letter to his wife, the narrative delves into insightful philosophies about literal and societal loss of face, along with detailed side journeys that explore the complexities of identity and self-perception.

    The book is written in a diary format, providing a deep dive into the protagonist's psyche as he grapples with the implications of his disfigurement and the creation of a new identity through the mask. Abe's writing style is detailed and observational, offering sociological commentary and shifting points of view that provide a unique perspective on the concept of persona and the masks individuals wear in different social environments.

    AT LAST you have come, threading your way through the endless passages of the maze. With the map you got from him, you have finally found your way to my hideaway—the first room at the top of the creak...

  10. #10

    The New Me by Halle Butler
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    'The New Me' by Halle Butler follows the life of Millie, a disaffected millennial working as a temp in an office setting. The book delves into Millie's struggles with personal hygiene, social interactions, and her aspirations to become a better version of herself. Through a darkly humorous lens, the narrative explores themes of office life, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by young adults in finding their place in the world.

    The author, Halle Butler, adopts a sharp and biting writing style to portray the mundane yet chaotic life of Millie. The novel offers a glimpse into the millennial experience, showcasing the protagonist's internal monologues, self-absorbed behaviors, and the subtle cruelties of everyday social interactions. As the story unfolds, Butler skillfully navigates Millie's journey towards self-improvement and self-awareness, painting a convincing portrait of a young woman at a crossroads in her life.

    In the windowless back offices of a designer furniture showroom, women stand in a circle, stuffed into ill-fitting black jeans, gray jeans, olive jeans, the ass cloth sagging one inch, two, below wher...

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