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Books matching: picaresque

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  1. #1

    A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
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    'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is a dark comedy set in New Orleans, following the eccentric and obnoxious protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly. The plot revolves around Ignatius' misadventures and interactions with a range of bizarre characters in the city, showcasing a mix of humor and sadness. The writing style is described as unique, blending humor with a touch of melancholy, and featuring well-developed characters in a vividly constructed setting.

    A green hunting cap squeezed the top of the fleshy balloon of a head. The green earflaps, full of large ears and uncut hair and the fine bristles that grew in the ears themselves, stuck out on either ...

  2. #2

    Swing Hammer Swing! by Jeff Torrington
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    'Swing Hammer Swing!' by Jeff Torrington is a novel set in the waning days of The Gorbals, a slum in Glasgow facing urban renewal in the 1960s. The story follows unemployed aspiring writer, Tom Clay, as he navigates through a week in his life filled with incidents and digressions. The book captures the essence of Glasgow life with its colorful characters and humorous narrative style that blends puns, wordplay, and philosophical contemplations.

    Torrington's writing style in 'Swing Hammer Swing!' is described as musical, poetic, punny, and amateur philosophical. The novel is characterized by its witty and erudite language, demanding close attention from readers due to its prolix nature. Despite the bleak setting of the Gorbals, the book maintains a comical and punny tone, offering a unique portrayal of the working-class Glaswegian cadences and the absurdities of everyday life.

    Come Judgement Day the prosecution would exhibit the damning evidence of Paddy Cullen’s liver – a drink-maimed organ which not even his good qualities, like his sense of humour or his generosity, woul...

  3. #3

    The Year of the Hare by Arto Paasilinna
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    'The Year of the Hare' by Arto Paasilinna follows the story of Kaarlo Vatanen, a journalist who hits a young hare with his car, leading to a drastic change in his life. Vatanen decides to leave his job and wife behind, embarking on a journey through the Finnish countryside with the hare as his companion. The narrative is a mix of adventure and introspection, as Vatanen encounters various eccentric characters and experiences while rediscovering himself in the wilderness. The writing style is described as quirky, amusing, and occasionally farcical, capturing the essence of Finnish culture and landscape with a touch of dark humor.

    Two harassed men were driving down a lane. The setting sun was hurting their eyes through the dusty windshield. It was midsummer, but the landscape on this sandy byroad was slipping past their weary e...

  4. #4

    Handling Sin by Michael Malone
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    Handling Sin by Michael Malone is a picaresque novel that takes readers on a hilarious and adventurous road trip with the protagonist, Raleigh Hayes. The story kicks off with Raleigh receiving a bizarre fortune cookie that sets off a chain of events involving his eccentric father, a yellow Cadillac convertible, and a list of tasks to be completed. As Raleigh embarks on a journey to find his father in New Orleans, readers are treated to a mix of comedy, mystery, and heartwarming moments. Malone's writing style is described as clever, lyrical, and seamlessly blending humor with poignant emotions, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    ON THE IDES OF MARCH, in his forty-fifth year, the neutral if not cooperative world turned on Mr. Raleigh W. Hayes as sharply as if it had stabbed him with a knife. Like Caesar, Mr. Hayes was surprise...

  5. #5

    The Horse's Mouth by Joyce Cary
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    'The Horse's Mouth' by Joyce Cary is a novel that delves into the life of Gully Jimson, a rascally old painter with a tumultuous relationship with his only patron. The story follows Jimson's struggles with poverty, social ineptitude, and his relentless pursuit of art. Cary's writing style immerses the reader in Jimson's chaotic world, filled with inventive prose, irresistible energy, and great fun. The novel explores themes of artistry, creativity, and the complexities of relationships, particularly Jimson's interactions with his former lover.

    The plot of 'The Horse's Mouth' revolves around Jimson's eccentric behavior as he devotes himself to painting a remarkable mural while trying to reclaim one of his older paintings for financial support. Cary's narrative weaves together comedy, tragedy, love, and pathos, creating a rich and fruitful novel that captures the essence of a bohemian artist's life in mid-20th century Britain.

    I was walking by the Thames. Half-past morning on an autumn day. Sun in a mist. Like an orange in a fried fish shop. All bright below. Low tide, dusty water and a crooked bar of straw, chicken-boxes, ...

  6. #6

    Illywhacker by Peter Carey
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    'Illywhacker' by Peter Carey is a complex and thought-provoking novel that follows the life of Herbert Badgery, a born liar and showman, as he navigates through the twists and turns of southeastern Australia during the twentieth century. Through a mix of humor, dark comedy, and deep insights into Australian culture and history, Carey weaves a tale that not only entertains but also offers a commentary on Australia's national self-consciousness and identity. The story unfolds through multiple generations of a bizarre family, showcasing unique characters, bizarre events, and the tangled web of lies and truths that shape their lives.

    My name is Herbert Badgery. I am a hundred and thirty—nine years old and something of a celebrity. They come and look at me and wonder how I do it. There are weeks when I wonder the same, whole stretc...

  7. #7

    The Ginger Man by J.P. Donleavy
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    "The Ginger Man" by J.P. Donleavy follows the story of Sebastian Dangerfield, an American living in Ireland and England in the 1950s. Sebastian is portrayed as a philandering alcoholic and wife beater, engaging in reckless behavior and constantly getting into trouble. The novel delves into Sebastian's self-destructive tendencies, his turbulent relationships, and his overall chaotic lifestyle. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, with elements of stream of consciousness and dark humor, resembling works by authors like Faulkner and Joyce.

    "Those tubs are huge over there. First bath for two months. I'm getting more like the Irish every day. Like going on the subway in the States, you go through a turnstile." on the subway in the States,...

  8. #8

    Norwood by Charles Portis
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    'Norwood' by Charles Portis is a character-driven novel set in the 1960s South, following Norwood Pratt, a restless ex-marine who embarks on a road trip from Texas to New York. Throughout the journey, Norwood encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a surly bread delivery man, an educated chicken, and the girl of his dreams. The book is filled with deadpan humor, crisp writing, and witty dialogue, making it a hilarious and entertaining read that focuses on the journey rather than the destination.

    NORWOOD HAD TO GET a hardship discharge when Mr. Pratt died because there wasn’t anyone else at home to look after Vernell. Vernell was Norwood’s sister. She was a heavy, sleepy girl with bad posture....

  9. #9

    The Reivers by William Faulkner
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    'The Reivers' by William Faulkner is a comedic novel set in May 1905, following 11-year-old Lucius Priest on an adventurous trip to Memphis with his family friend Boon Hogganbeck and the family's black coachman, Ned McCaslin. The trio embarks on a journey filled with misadventures, including stealing the grandfather's car, staying in a bordello, trading the car for a racehorse, and facing the consequences of their actions. The plot is described as light-hearted and easy to follow, with a subtle humor throughout and strong, endearing characters.

    Faulkner's writing style in 'The Reivers' is noted for being more accessible and straightforward compared to his other works, with long and complex sentences that may require re-reading but are often funny and profound. The novel is praised for its humorous picaresque moments, the depiction of the protagonist's coming-of-age journey, and the exploration of themes like innocence, honor, and personal growth in the context of Southern American society in the early 20th century.

    This is the kind of a man Boon Hogganbeck was. Hung on the wall, it could have been his epitaph, like a Bertillon chart or a police poster; any cop in north Mississippi would have arrested him out of ...

  10. #10

    Dr. Potter's Medicine Show by Eric Scott Fischl
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    'Dr. Potter's Medicine Show' by Eric Scott Fischl is a historical dark fantasy set in the late 1800s, combining elements of carnival horror, redneck picaresque, friendship, loyalty, and occult magic. The story follows a group of intriguing characters, including a shotgun hero, as they navigate through a world filled with arcane sideshow grotesquery, dark alchemy, and mysterious patent medicines. The plot is described as a mix of suspense, humor, and despair, with a setting in the Pacific Northwest that adds a unique twist to the traditional western genre.


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