Books matching: play structure
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- #1
Save:'Season of Storms' by Susanna Kearsley is a novel set in an Italian palazzo with a Gothic atmosphere and a mystery spanning two time periods. The story revolves around two actresses named Celia Sands, separated by nearly a century, and their connection to a lavish villa on Lake Garda. The plot includes elements of romance, intrigue, ghosts, and misdirection, creating a delightful and engaging read for those interested in historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural.
The book alternates between the past and present, exploring the relationships between characters and the legacy of renowned playwright Galeazzo D'Ascanio. As the modern Celia Sands is cast in a play written decades ago for her namesake, mysteries from the past resurface, intertwining with the present-day narrative. The writing style combines rich descriptions of settings like Lake Garda and engaging character development, making it a captivating read for fans of romantic suspense and historical fiction.
The letter arrived by the afternoon post. I found it waiting for me on the front hall table when, having finished a particularly long luncheon shift at the restaurant, I’d dragged myself up to the sma... - #2
Save:The Patience Stone by Atiq Rahimi is a powerful and poetic story set in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime, where a wife tends to her comatose husband, using him as a confidant to share her deepest emotions, resentments, and desires. The concept of the Patience Stone, a mythical object that absorbs confessions until it bursts, serves as a strong metaphor in this brief but impactful narrative. The book delves into the woman's raw and authentic emotions, her inner conflicts, and societal repressions, all narrated in a lyrical and almost poetic prose style.
- #3
Save:In "Hag-Seed," Margaret Atwood reimagines Shakespeare's "The Tempest" through the story of Felix Phillips, a theater director seeking revenge after being ousted from his position. Felix ends up teaching theater at a prison and decides to stage a version of "The Tempest" for his own purposes. Atwood skillfully weaves a tale of loss, grief, revenge, and redemption, creating a play within a play that captivates readers with its lively imagination, great characters, and sly sense of humor.
That devious, twisted bastard, Tony, is Felix’s own fault. Or mostly his fault. Over the past twelve years, he’s often blamed himself. He gave Tony too much scope, he didn’t supervise, he didn’t look ... 'State of the Union: A Marriage in Ten Parts' by Nick Hornby is a quick and entertaining read that follows the conversations of a couple during their marriage therapy sessions. The writing style is described as witty, perceptive, and filled with good dialogues that capture the ups and downs of a modern British marriage. is structured like a play, focusing on the interactions between the characters as they navigate the complexities of their relationship.
Louise is in the pub on her own, nursing a glass of wine, sitting at the table where she and Tom sat a week ago. His pint is waiting for him. She is checking her phone when the couple who take the cou...- #5
Save:"Long Day's Journey into Night" by Eugene O'Neill is an autobiographical play that delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of the Tyrone family over the course of a single day. The play unfolds slowly, revealing the family's struggles with addiction, repression, and emotional turmoil. O'Neill's writing style is described as powerful, dark, and brutally honest, shining a searing spotlight on the destructive force of dysfunctional family relationships. The stage directions are meticulous, adding depth to the characters and setting, making the play read like a novel.
The play explores themes of addiction, denial, family dysfunction, and the impact of past decisions on the present. Set in the early 20th century, the Tyrone family members grapple with their inner demons and confront the harsh realities of their lives. O'Neill's portrayal of the characters is both intimate and heart-wrenching, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for redemption amidst despair.
At rear are two double doorways with portieres. The one at right leads into a front parlor with the formally arranged, set appearance of a room rarely occupied. The other opens on a dark, windowless b... - #6
Save:'Ivanov' by Anton Chekhov is a play that revolves around the life of Nikolai Ivanov, a minor government official. Ivanov no longer loves his wife, Sarah, but has fallen in love with a much younger woman, Sasha, who lives nearby. The play delves into Ivanov's internal struggles, his complicated relationships, financial difficulties, and the societal pressures he faces, all set against the backdrop of rural Russia in the late 19th century. The writing style in 'Ivanov' is noted for its mix of tragedy and comedy, depicting the moral dilemmas and existential crises of the characters.
Outdoors at Ivanov’s estate: the house-front with an open window, a terrace, some garden furniture, a suggestion of the garden beyond and an avenue of trees. Evening is drawing in. From the window, th... - #7
Save:'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a poignant tale about the friendship between two drifters, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. The story follows their journey as they seek work on a ranch in California, highlighting the challenges they face due to Lennie's mental disability and their shared dream of owning a farm. Through vivid character portrayals and a dialogue-driven narrative, Steinbeck masterfully captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life in the 1930s.
The novella delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the pursuit of dreams amidst a backdrop of sadness and violence. Through George and Lennie's endearing relationship, Steinbeck explores the complexities of human emotions and the inevitability of tragic outcomes. The book's concise yet impactful storytelling style, coupled with its profound character development, evokes deep emotions in readers and leaves a lasting impression of the struggles faced by individuals during a tumultuous era.
A FEW MILES south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green. The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight b... - #8
Save:Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson is a modern retelling of the myth of Herakles and Geryon, exploring themes of love, identity, and isolation through a narrative that walks the line between myth and modernity. The book is a novel in verse that delves deep into the emotions and experiences of the characters, creating a story that is both haunting and beautiful. Carson's language is described as accessible and vivid, grounding the tale in myth while taking a very modern and ultimately moving turn.
The protagonist, Geryon, is portrayed as a complex and relatable character, with readers being pulled into his world through a blend of fantastical elements and introspective reflections. The book weaves together poetry, prose, narration, and emotion, creating a unique and special account that explores the myriad of human emotions in a touching and unforgettable way.
HE CAME after Homer and before Gertrude Stein, a diffi-cult interval for a poet. Born about 650 B.C. on the north coast of Sicily in a city called Himera, he lived among refugees who spoke a mixed dia... - #9
Save:Maggie Nelson's 'The Argonauts' is an extraordinary memoir exploring a complicated relationship, trans fluidity, sexuality, identity, gender, and motherhood. Nelson seamlessly blends personal history, social criticism, and critical theory in a captivating reflection on sexuality, love, art, and motherhood. The book delves into the intimate details of Nelson's relationship with Harry Dodge, a transgender partner, while also waxing eloquently on writing, books, authors, and notable quotes. The narrative jumps around to discuss pregnancy, gender fluidity, child rearing, stalking, and other topics, offering a provoking look at identity, family, love, and emotion.
October, 2007. The Santa Ana winds are shredding the bark off the eucalyptus trees in long white stripes. A friend and I risk the widowmakers by having lunch outside, during which she suggests I tatto... - #10
Save:'Wit' by Margaret Edson is a brilliant play that masterfully portrays the emotional and effective journey of a terminally ill woman, Vivian Bearing, as she navigates through the difficult time of facing death. Through poetic and artful writing, the author explores themes of life, death, soul, and humanity, making the reader reflect on the profound aspects of existence. The play cleverly captures the character of Vivian, a Donne scholar, and delves into her interactions with different individuals while she grapples with her illness, providing a poignant commentary on suffering and the patient experience.
VIVIAN BEARING walks on the empty stage pushing her IV pole. She is fifty, tall and very thin, barefoot, and completely bald. She wears two hospital gowns – one tied in the front and one tied in the b...
