Books matching: obsession and madness
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- #1
Save:Moby Dick by Herman Melville is a classic novel that delves into the world of whaling in the 19th century, focusing on the vengeful hunt of a white sperm whale named Moby Dick by Captain Ahab. The story is narrated through the eyes of Ishmael, a young man who joins the crew of the ship Pequod along with his friend Queequeg, a former cannibal. The novel offers detailed insights into the whaling industry, life in Nantucket, and the psychological complexities of the characters, particularly Captain Ahab.
The writing style of Moby Dick is described as epic, humorous, sarcastic, and rich in variety. Herman Melville's prose is praised for its depth and complexity, transporting readers to the world of whaling with vivid descriptions of the sea, ships, whales, and the characters' inner turmoil. The novel weaves together elements of history, mythology, poetry, and humor, creating a literary masterpiece that explores themes of revenge, obsession, and the human condition.
Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the w... - #2
Save:The Tunnel by Ernesto Sabato is a psychological novel that delves into the mind of a deranged artist, Juan Pablo Castel, who becomes obsessed with a woman named Maria Iribarne. The book follows Castel's descent into paranoia, jealousy, and possessive love, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome. The narrative is presented as a confessional account by Castel, showcasing his obsessive thoughts, irrational actions, and the psychological turmoil that consumes him. The writing style is described as taut and powerful, with vivid descriptions, metaphors, and monologues that provide insight into the protagonist's inner turmoil.
It should be sufficient to say that I am Juan Pablo Castel, the painter who killed María Iribarne. I imagine that the trial is still in everyone’s mind and that no further information about myself is ... - #3
Save:The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer is a haunting tale that delves into the mind of a woman named Ellen Rimbauer, showcasing her transformation from a normal individual to someone engulfed in a strange and eerie journey. The story unfolds within the walls of Rose Red, a mansion known for its dark history of disappearances, murders, and suicides. Through the eyes of Ellen, readers witness her gradual descent into a world where reality blurs with the supernatural, ultimately becoming almost a prisoner of the enigmatic house. The book skillfully weaves together elements of paranormal activity, horror, and mystery, keeping readers on edge as they explore the depths of Ellen's psyche and the sinister secrets of Rose Red.
The writing style of The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer is commended for its ability to immerse readers in the narrative, making them feel like active participants in the story. The author, Ridley Pearson, expertly crafts a plot that captivates readers with its suspenseful twists and turns, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. The book's unique approach of enveloping the storyline within a supposed doctoral dissertation and university investigation adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.
- #4
Save:"Heartstones" by Ruth Rendell is a dark and twisted tale that revolves around Elvira, a disturbing and self-centered teenager, and her father Luke. The story delves into the dysfunctional dynamics within their family, especially after Luke introduces his new wife, Mary Leonard, into their lives. As the plot unfolds, unexpected twists and unsettling events lead Elvira to question her own sanity and actions, creating a suspenseful and gripping narrative. The writing style is described as elegantly crafted, with a build-up of tension, fantastic plot development, and a clever twist at the end that keeps readers engrossed until the final page.
'The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black' by E.B. Hudspeth delves into the life of a madman named Dr. Spencer Black, set between 1860 and 1910 in the United States. Dr. Black believed in the existence of mythological creatures and sought to prove his theories by performing surgeries on animals. The narrative explores the blurred lines between man and animal, drawing inspiration from the advances in evolutionary theory during the turn of the 19th century. The author weaves a compelling story that not only captivates readers but also challenges them to ponder the boundary between fact and fiction.
Hudspeth's writing style in 'The Resurrectionist' combines elements of speculative fiction with dense, interesting narratives that set a macabre tone for the illustrations that follow. The author portrays Dr. Spencer Black as a complex character, balancing his insanity with acts of humanity that make him relatable to readers. The book's relatively short length keeps the story engaging, with a mysterious ending that leaves room for interpretation and allows readers to craft their theories about the fate of the protagonist.
Dr. Spencer Black and his older brother, Bernard, were born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1851 and 1848, respectively. They were the sons of the renowned surgeon Gregory Black. Their mother, Meredith B...- #6
Save:'Auto-da-Fe' by Elias Canetti is a novel that delves into the life of Dr. Peter Kien, a reclusive sinologist whose world revolves around his vast library of books. The storyline follows Kien's peculiar marriage to his housekeeper, Therese, and the subsequent unraveling of his life as he is forced out of his comfort zone and into the chaotic real world. The writing style is described as dense, imaginative, and surreal, drawing comparisons to authors like Franz Kafka and Bertolt Brecht. The characters in the book are portrayed as unsympathetic yet intriguing, exploring human desires and convoluted motivations for their actions.
CHAPTER I THE MORNING WALK 'What are you doing here, my little man?' 'Nothing.' 'Then why are you standing here?' 'Just because.' 'Can you read?' 'Oh, yes.' 'How old are you?' 'Nine and a bit.' 'Which... - #7
Save:'Moby-Dick or, the Whale' by Herman Melville is a masterpiece that follows the story of Captain Ahab and his relentless quest for vengeance against the white whale, Moby Dick, who had previously crippled him. The novel is a complex narrative that delves into themes of obsession, morality, nature, and the human condition. Through vivid descriptions of whaling life aboard the ship Pequod, Melville weaves a tale of tragedy, friendship, and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. The writing style is rich with allegory, metaphor, and philosophical musings, offering readers a deep and thought-provoking exploration of the characters and their motivations.
Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the w... - #8
Save:St. Petersburg by Andrei Bely is a complex and dense novel set during the first socialist revolutions in Russia in 1905. The story follows Nikolai Ableukhov, an anarchist revolutionary, as he attempts to plant a bomb in his father's study. The novel covers a period of about 24 hours and is known for its modernist narrative viewpoints, psychological slants, and political themes. The book is described as a 'father and son' novel as well as a story about revolution, with a touch of horror and comic absurdity. The unique writing style of the author creates a haunting and fascinating atmosphere that delves into the depths of abstract feelings and complexities.
Apollon Apollonovich Ableukhov came of most respected stock: he had Adam as his ancestor. And this is not the main thing: incomparably more important here is the fact that one nobly-born ancestor was ... - #9
Save:Lincoln's Dreams by Connie Willis is a historical fantasy novel that follows the story of Jeff, a researcher for a Civil War novelist, who meets Annie, a woman tormented by dreams that seem to be those of General Robert E. Lee. The book alternates between historical facts about the Civil War and the present-day efforts of Jeff to understand and stop Annie's troubling dreams. As the plot unfolds, Jeff becomes entangled in a journey to uncover the meaning behind Annie's dreams and prevent them from causing her harm, all while exploring themes of duty, love, and the connection between dreams and reality.
The writing style of Connie Willis in Lincoln's Dreams combines meticulous research with a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of dreams and their significance. The novel expertly weaves together historical accuracy with a modern-day setting, creating a compelling story that explores the impact of the Civil War on individuals and the enduring mysteries of the human psyche.
They bred such horses in Virginia then, Horses that were remembered after death And buried not so far from Christian ground That if their sleeping riders should arise They could not witch them from th... - #10
Save:'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller that revolves around three women - Anna, Megan, and Rachel - whose lives intertwine in a dark and horrific manner. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, offering a tale full of hidden secrets, desires, and passions. The plot unfolds with suspense and mystery, as the characters grapple with damaged pasts, alcoholism, and dark secrets that lead to a shocking and unpredictable ending.
The book is praised for its innovative storytelling, time-shifting narrative, and the ability to keep readers engaged with its suspenseful twists. Despite some readers finding the characters unlikable or the ending abrupt, the overall consensus is that 'The Girl on the Train' is a gripping and compelling read that delves into themes of trust, deception, and the dark side of human nature.
There is a pile of clothing on the side of the train tracks. Light-blue cloth—a shirt, perhaps—jumbled up with something dirty white. It’s probably rubbish, part of a load dumped into the scrubby litt...
