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Books matching: picaresque tale

18 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 18 
  1. #1

    Engine Summer by John Crowley
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    In the post-apocalyptic world of 'Engine Summer', readers follow Rush That Speaks as he embarks on a journey to seek truth and piece together stories of the Angels and the Storm that overwhelmed their world. The narrative is a blend of a picaresque tale of love and adventure, intertwined with a dreamily gorgeous story exploring themes of time, identity, consciousness, and the power of stories. The writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on unveiling the mysteries of the world through Rush's eyes, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.

    The beginning… If I am only a story now, I must have a beginning. Shall I begin by being born? Is that a beginning? I could begin with that silver glove you wear; that silver glove, and the ball… Yes,...

  2. #2

    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...

  3. #3

    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...

  4. #4

    A Bad Day For Voodoo by Jeff Strand
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    'A Bad Day For Voodoo' by Jeff Strand is a fast-paced roller coaster ride of a novel that blends horror and humor seamlessly. The plot is described as over-the-top and ridiculous, featuring elements like voodoo dolls, cadavers escaping the morgue, and creepy cannibals. The story follows Tyler, a teenager who seeks revenge on his mean teacher using a voodoo doll, only to face consequences that are far worse than he anticipated. The writing style is conversational, irreverent, and filled with gallows humor, keeping readers engaged with cliffhangers at the end of each chapter.

    The book is written in a clear, propulsive manner, with likeable characters and a blend of horror and humor that is always on point. Despite the far-fetched storyline, readers find themselves caring about the characters, enjoying the witty dialogue, and being entertained by the blend of horror and comedy that Jeff Strand expertly weaves throughout the narrative.

    Here’s the thing about Adam: I knew he was only kidding, but a small part of me suspected that he really would help me rig Mr. Click’s car to crush his arms if I asked. Does it make me look bad to adm...

  5. #5

    Strawberry Fields by Marina Lewycka
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    "Strawberry Fields" by Marina Lewycka is a multi-faceted tale that delves into the lives of immigrant workers facing challenges and exploitation in the UK. Through a narrative that balances humor and seriousness, the story follows a group of characters from various countries working as strawberry pickers, highlighting the harsh realities they encounter, including issues like human trafficking, labor exploitation, and the darker side of globalization. The author weaves together different perspectives, including the unique voice of a dog, to paint a vivid picture of the characters' struggles and moments of resilience amidst adversity.

    The novel presents a blend of dark themes and light-hearted moments, exploring the complexities of human relationships, the impact of migration, and the resilience of individuals facing difficult circumstances. Lewycka's writing style combines humor, social commentary, and poignant storytelling to create a narrative that offers insights into the lives of immigrant workers, the challenges they navigate, and the unexpected connections that form amidst their shared experiences.

    There is a field—a broad south-sloping field sitting astride a long hill that curves away into a secret leafy valley. It is sheltered by dense hedges of hawthorn and hazel threaded through with wild r...

  6. #6
    American Gods
    Book 1 in the series:American Gods

    American Gods - American Gods by Neil Gaiman
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    'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that follows Shadow, a man fresh out of prison who is recruited by Mr. Wednesday to assist in rallying forgotten gods from various religions across America for an impending clash. The story delves into the concept of gods existing based on belief, exploring a war between old gods and new gods like media and technology. The plot takes readers on a journey filled with myth, magic, dreams, and visions just beneath the surface of reality, set against the backdrop of tacky American tourist spots and idyllic small towns.

    Gaiman's writing style in 'American Gods' is described as stunningly beautiful, clever, and surreal, combining elements of philosophy, mythology, humor, and depth. The novel weaves together various religions' gods into a cohesive and engrossing narrative, providing thought-provoking insights on belief, life, and the relationships between humans and their beliefs. The book incorporates twists, interesting characters, and plot developments that keep readers engaged in a journey that works on multiple levels, offering a mix of entertainment and reflection.

    The boundaries of our country, sir? Why sir, on the north we are bounded by the Aurora Borealis, on the east we are bounded by the rising sun, on the south we are bounded by the procession of the Equi...

  7. #7

    I See By My Outfit by Peter S. Beagle
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    'I See By My Outfit' by Peter S. Beagle is a charming and humorous narrative chronicling the cross-country adventure of two best friends, New York Jewish atheist beatniks, as they set out on underpowered scooters from NYC to San Francisco in the 1960s. The book captures their misadventures, encounters with interesting people in small towns along the way, and the challenges faced during their journey. The author's writing style is described as well-written, with refreshingly lyrical prose interspersed throughout the functional narrative, and filled with good, witty humor that adds to the book's appeal.

    The narrative is a mix of travelogue and picaresque tale, showcasing the author's smart and articulate storytelling, beyond just a typical travel narrative. The book offers a glimpse into the 1960s era, where the two friends navigate the country on small Vespa-style scooters, highlighting the daily scoots from town to town, the people they meet, and the sense of adventure and camaraderie that defines their journey.


  8. #8

    Cherry by Nico Walker
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    Cherry by Nico Walker is a dark and gritty novel that follows the life of a young American who descends into drug addiction and crime. The story starts with the protagonist robbing a bank and then delves into his past, exploring his experiences in the army, his struggles with heroin addiction, and his involvement in criminal activities. The writing style is raw and honest, providing a glimpse into the mind of a damaged and flawed addict, capturing the bleakness and struggles of his existence.

    The narrative of Cherry is a mix of bleakness and dark humor, portraying the emptiness and aimlessness of young Americans' lives, the harsh realities of war, and the destructive nature of addiction. The book offers a candid reflection on the protagonist's turbulent past, showcasing his struggles with addiction, his inability to integrate into society, and the consequences of his choices. The novel provides a micro-focused approach, highlighting the daily grind, the suffering, and the coping mechanisms of soldiers dealing with trauma and addiction.

    Emily used to wear a white ribbon around her throat and talk in breaths and murmurs, being nice, as she was, in a way so as you didn’t know if she were a slut or just real down-to-earth. And from the ...

  9. #9

    Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton
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    Set in the 17th century Caribbean, 'Pirate Latitudes' by Michael Crichton follows the daring privateer Charles Hunter as he plans a heist from the Spanish crown. The story is filled with adventurous escapades, hazardous situations, and unexpected twists, all while delving into the world of piracy and privateering. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gripping, and engaging, with well-researched historical details adding depth to the plot.

    The novel captures the essence of a classic pirate adventure, complete with memorable characters, intricate schemes, and swashbuckling action sequences. Despite some inconsistencies and rushed parts, 'Pirate Latitudes' offers a fun and entertaining read that transports readers to a world of treasure hunts, betrayals, and high-seas adventures.

    SIR JAMES ALMONT, appointed by His Majesty Charles II Governor of Jamaica, was habitually an early riser. This was in part the tendency of an aging widower, in part a consequence of restless sleep fro...

  10. #10
    Chasm City
    Book 2 in the series:Revelation Space

    Chasm City - Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
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    Chasm City is a standalone novel set in Alastair Reynolds' Revelation Space universe. The story follows Tanner Mirabel, a man seeking revenge against the killer of his former employer, as he navigates through a complex and gritty world filled with body modifications, a cyber biotic plague, and mysterious memories induced by a virus. The narrative weaves together multiple plot threads, exploring themes of memory, identity, and shared pain in a future society. The book features intricate world-building, unexpected twists, and a mix of space opera and cyberpunk elements.

    "And that's a problem?" I brought our wheeler to near-halt, then parked it amongst a motley row of vehicles lining one side of the street. I dropped the stabilisers, the overheated turbine smelling li...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Revelation Space )

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