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Books matching: oedipal

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  1. #1

    Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
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    'Kafka on the Shore' by Haruki Murakami is a surreal and fantastical tale that intertwines the stories of a 15-year-old boy named Kafka and an elderly man named Nakata. The narrative weaves between Kafka's journey of self-discovery and Nakata's mystical quest, incorporating elements of magical realism such as talking cats, fish raining from the sky, and encounters with enigmatic characters like Colonel Sanders and Johnnie Walker. The book explores themes of adolescence, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, all presented in Murakami's signature minimalist writing style that creates a haunting and compelling world for the characters to navigate.

    The novel is a complex and layered narrative that delves into the characters' inner turmoil and existential questions, inviting readers to ponder deeper meanings and metaphors embedded within the text. Murakami's storytelling unfolds through multiple storylines that converge in mysterious ways, offering a blend of myth, imagery, and philosophy that keeps readers engaged and questioning the boundaries of the ordinary and the extraordinary.

    Cash isn't the only thing I take from my father's study when I leave home. I take a small, old gold lighter—I like the design and feel of it—and a folding knife with a really sharp blade. Made to skin...

  2. #2

    Berg by Ann Quin
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    Berg by Ann Quin is a dark and experimental novel set in a seaside town in Brighton, England during the 1960s. The story follows Alistair Berg, a hair tonic salesman who arrives in town with the intention of killing his father, who had abandoned him and his mother to be with another woman. The narrative is described as a blend of internal and external worlds, featuring bizarre and intense events such as a ventriloquist's dummy being mutilated, a man dressing as a woman to murder his father, and a complex love triangle involving Berg, his father, and a woman named Judith. The writing style is noted for its poetic and ground-breaking nature, although at times it can be challenging due to its unconventional narrative conventions.

    Berg delves into themes of missed opportunities, familial relationships, murder plots, and the blurred lines between reality and surrealism. The novel's plot unfolds in a breathless stream of consciousness, reminiscent of Virginia Woolf on acid, and is filled with dark, brooding, and atmospheric elements that create a sense of misery and desperation among the characters. Ann Quin's writing is praised for its beauty, momentum, and unique structure, offering a mix of lowlife absurdity, symbolism, and psychological depth that keeps readers engaged and intrigued throughout the narrative.


  3. #3

    Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence
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    "Sons and Lovers" by D.H. Lawrence is a novel that delves deeply into the intricate relationships within a working-class family, focusing on the protagonist, Paul Morel, and his complex interactions with his mother, lovers, and family members. The book explores themes of love, family dynamics, emotional struggles, and the impact of upbringing on individual choices. The writing style of the book is described as lush, emotional, and intense, capturing the raw emotions and inner conflicts of the characters in a vivid and detailed manner.

    “THE BOTTOMS” succeeded to “Hell Row.” Hell Row was a block of thatched, bulging cottages that stood by the brookside on Greenhill Lane. There lived the colliers who worked in the little gin-pits two ...

  4. #4

    The Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien
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    The Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien is a tragic tale set in the First Age of Middle Earth, focusing on the story of Turin, the son of Hurin and Morwen. The book delves into themes of heroism, tragedy, and the eternal battle between good and evil, featuring elves, dwarves, orcs, dragons, and sorcerers. The narrative is described as dark and gloomy, with a focus on the struggles and curses faced by the characters, creating a sense of beautiful despair. The writing style is noted to be reminiscent of traditional myths, painting a vivid picture of a world filled with rich history and complex characters.

    Hador Goldenhead was a lord of the Edain and well-beloved by the Eldar. He dwelt while his days lasted under the lordship of Fingolfin, who gave to him wide lands in that region of Hithlum which was c...

  5. #5

    Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart
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    Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart is a satirical novel that follows the story of Misha Vainburg, an obese and almost Oedipal character, as he navigates the absurdities of trying to return to the US but getting stuck in the fictional former Soviet bloc country of Absurdistan. The book blends humor, satire, and dark themes while exploring the transition from socialism to capitalism in Eastern Europe. The narrative is filled with witty observations on modern and Soviet-era Russian culture, quirky characters like Alyosha Bob and Rouenna, and a mix of farce and satire set against a backdrop of political turmoil.

    I am Misha Borisovich Vainberg, age thirty, a grossly overweight man with small, deeply set blue eyes, a pretty Jewish beak that brings to mind the most distinguished breed of parrot, and lips so deli...

  6. 'Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original "Psycho"' by Harold Schechter delves into the gruesome and shocking true story of Ed Gein, a mild-mannered man from Plainfield, Wisconsin, who was revealed to have committed horrific crimes that shocked the nation. Schechter's writing style is praised for its detailed account of Gein's upbringing, the events surrounding his crimes, the suspicions of the townspeople, his trial, and his life in a mental institution. The author weaves a story that is both interesting and laced with facts, keeping the readers engaged and amazed by the narrative.

    Wisconsin, the natives will boast, is a garden state, and as you head north on the highway from Madison on a limpid spring day, you see at once that the claim is simple truth. On either side, the road...

  7. #7

    In the Country of Men by Hisham Matar
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    'In the Country of Men' by Hisham Matar is a poignant and vividly told story set in late 1970s Libya, following the experiences of a nine-year-old boy named Suleiman. Caught up in a world beyond his understanding, Suleiman witnesses the political intrigue and turmoil that threatens his family, including his father's disappearance and his mother's struggles. The narrative captures the confusion and turmoil of a child unable to comprehend the brutality and betrayal that permeate his life, all set against the backdrop of Gaddafi's repressive regime.

    Matar skillfully portrays the oppressive atmosphere of Qaddafi's Libya through the eyes of a child narrator, highlighting the sense of menace that suffuses ordinary life. The story delves into themes of betrayal, family ties, and the impact of living under a dictatorial regime, offering a profound exploration of the complexities of loyalty and survival in a totalitarian society.

    I was woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of glass shattering. A light was on in the kitchen. Mama was on her knees, talking to herself and collecting pieces of glass from the floor. She ...

  8. #8

    Mary and O'Neil by Justin Cronin
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    'Mary and O'Neil' by Justin Cronin is a book that delves deep into the lives of its characters, leaving a lasting impact on the readers. The narrative beautifully captures everyday life struggles, from interpersonal growth to dealing with difficult real-world subjects like death, major illnesses, marriage, and more. The story is told through multiple perspectives, weaving together the lives of various characters over nearly two decades, creating a tapestry of emotions and experiences. Cronin's writing style is lauded for its moving narrative, poignant storytelling, and masterful character development, making the readers reflect on the characters long after finishing the book.

    ARTHUR IN DARKNESS —drifting, drifting—the planet spinning toward dawn: he awakens in gray November daybreak to the sounds of running water and a great arm brushing the side of his house. The wind, he...

  9. #9

    Agostino by Alberto Moravia
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    Agostino is a coming of age story set in Fascist era Italy, following a young boy named Agostino who grapples with his increasing awareness of sexuality while on holiday with his mother at an Italian resort. The book explores Agostino's journey of self-discovery, his complex feelings towards his mother's romantic relationships, and his interactions with a group of local boys who introduce him to a different side of life. The narrative delves into themes of jealousy, rebellion, sexual awakening, and class awareness, all portrayed through a poignant and evocative writing style that captures the nuances of the characters' emotions and experiences.


  10. #10

    The Mass Psychology of Fascism by Wilhelm Reich
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    Wilhelm Reich's 'The Mass Psychology of Fascism' delves deep into the psychological underpinnings of fascism, exploring the connection between repressed sexuality, authoritarianism, and the rise of fascist movements. Reich argues that the authoritarian family structure plays a pivotal role in shaping the authoritarian nation, with individuals identifying with the father figure and seeking protection in the form of a leader. Through a psychoanalytic lens, Reich exposes the societal forces that contribute to the perpetuation of fascism and emphasizes the importance of liberated sexuality and work democracy as antidotes to fascist tendencies. The book not only analyzes the roots of fascism but also proposes solutions for overcoming it, advocating for a social revolution and the acquisition of a general capacity for freedom through daily struggles.


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