Books matching: picaresque narrative
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Tom Jones, a foundling raised by Squire Allworthy, is the comical history of a young man who embarks on a journey of love and self-discovery. Throughout the novel's nine hundred pages, Tom's pursuit of his true love, Sophia Western, is hindered by societal disapproval and various obstacles thrown in his path. The story not only delves into Tom's adventures but also explores themes of avarice, hypocrisy, deceit, and the conflicting allegiances of Eighteenth-century England. The writing style is described as humorous, witty, and engaging, with a narrative that offers social commentary while shedding light on the virtues and vices of its characters.
An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons are welcome for their money. In t...- #2
Brethren is a historical fiction novel set in the late 1600s Caribbean, following the adventurous journey of William Marsdale, a buccaneer who finds unexpected love and companionship with Gaston. The story is rich in detail, featuring well-developed characters and intricate relationships, all set against a backdrop of action-packed adventures at sea. The writing style is immersive, with descriptive language that brings the time period to life and a plot that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.
To my dismay, I was apprised in a little market in Turin that France was at war with England. I abandoned my identity as Ulysses, adopted Austrian papers and accent, and headed for Paris anyway, as I ... 'My First Two Thousand Years' is a novel that delves into the legend of the Wandering Jew, Cartaphilus, who was cursed to live until the return of Jesus. The story follows Cartaphilus as he encounters famous historical figures throughout the ages, providing a unique perspective on religion, philosophy, and history. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, rambunctious, and picaresque, immersing the reader in a narrative that brings historical figures to life and poses profound existential questions.
The central theme of the book revolves around Cartaphilus' eternal quest for truth and meaning in his existence as he navigates through centuries witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations, religions, and great historical events. The novel captures the essence of the Christian legend of the Wandering Jew, exploring profound questions about life, suffering, happiness, and the search for the divine, all while providing an engaging storyline that spans over two thousand years.
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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... - #5
'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
'The Adventures of Augie March' by Saul Bellow is a novel that follows the life of Augie March, a poor Jewish boy growing up during the Depression in Chicago. The story is long and descriptive of the hardships of that time, with Augie depicted as a flawed character who navigates through various jobs, women, and war experiences without significant growth or maturity. The writing style of Bellow is described as complex, with long, dense descriptions of characters and settings, and references to mythology and philosophy woven throughout the narrative.
The plot of 'The Adventures of Augie March' is a rambling picaresque set in Chicago and Mexico, showcasing Augie's adventures and encounters with diverse characters. Bellow's writing is praised for its excellent prose, detailed characterizations, and sharp observations, capturing the spirit of Chicago and presenting a mix of humor, heart, and profound insights into American life during the 1930s and 1940s.
I am an American, Chicago born—Chicago, that somber city—and go at things as I have taught myself, free-style, and will make the record in my own way: first to knock, first admitted; sometimes an inno... - #7
"My Year Abroad" by Chang-rae Lee is a novel that follows the journey of a young man named Tiller who embarks on a transformative experience abroad. Living with an older woman and her son, Tiller navigates through strange characters and situations while trying to move on from a traumatic past. The narrative weaves between Tiller's time abroad as an assistant gopher trainee for a charismatic Asian entrepreneur and his return home to a domestic setting, exploring themes of wealth, happiness, and love. The writing style of the book is described as beautifully detailed but also a bit too long, with a mix of humor, dark themes, and a picaresque narrative that keeps readers engaged.
I won’t say where I am in this greatish country of ours, as that could be dicey for Val and her XL little boy, Victor Jr., but it’s a place like most others, nothing too awful or uncomfortable, with n... - #8
The Ball and the Cross by G.K. Chesterton follows the engaging and humorous adventures of two passionate individuals, a devout Catholic named Evan MacIan and an ardent atheist named James Turnbull, as they embark on a journey throughout England to settle their ideological differences through a duel. Despite their opposing beliefs, the characters develop a mutual respect for each other, highlighting the importance of sincerity in one's beliefs over correctness. The novel touches upon the themes of religious dialogue, personal experience versus debate, and the significance of the sincerity of one's belief, all while maintaining a satirical and modern feel despite being written a century ago.
As they came over the hill and down on the other side of it, it is not too much to say that the whole universe of God opened over them and under them, like a thing unfolding to five times its size. Al... Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me by Richard Farina is a novel that captures the essence of the 1960s generation through the adventures of the main character, Gnossos Pappadopoulis, who navigates a world filled with romance, silliness, and drug-infused experiences. The writing style is described as exuberant, fast-paced, and filled with humor, reminiscent of authors like Ken Kesey and Jack Kerouac, while also evoking elements of Thomas Pynchon's work.
Young Gnossos Pappadopoulis, furry Pooh Bear, keeper of the flame, voyaged back from the asphalt seas of the great wasted land: oh highways U.S. 40 and unyielding 66, I am home to the glacier-gnawed g...- #10
'Less' by Andrew Sean Greer follows the journey of Arthur Less, a middle-aged gay writer who embarks on a worldwide trip to avoid attending his ex-boyfriend's wedding. Throughout his misadventures in various countries, including New York, Paris, Italy, and Morocco, Arthur reflects on his life, love, and aging. The novel is a blend of comedy, introspection, and self-discovery, with a narrative that jumps between past and present, offering a quirky and endearing portrayal of its protagonist.
Look at him: seated primly on the hotel lobby’s plush round sofa, blue suit and white shirt, legs knee-crossed so that one polished loafer hangs free of its heel. The pose of a young man. His slim sha...