Books matching: poetic simplicity
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- #1
Save:'Dog Songs' by Mary Oliver is a heartfelt collection of poetry that celebrates the special bond between humans and dogs. Through her writing, Oliver beautifully captures the essence of dogs' personalities and their impact on our lives. The book is a touching exploration of love, loss, and companionship, with each poem offering a glimpse into the joy and sorrow that comes with sharing our lives with these loyal animals. Oliver's writing style is described as intimate, honest, and deeply felt, making the reader reflect on their own experiences with dogs and the emotions that come with it.
HE IS AHEAD OF ME in the fields, poking about in the grass. By the time I reach him the last of the newborn field mice are disappearing down his throat. His eyes roll upward to read my mood—praise, am... - #2
Save:'The Unseen' by Roy Jacobsen follows the life of the Barroy family living on a small Norwegian island, focusing on their struggles, isolation, and resilience against the harsh climate. The novel depicts their day-to-day challenges, interactions with the mainland, and the gradual changes that disrupt their traditional way of life. Through poetic yet lean prose, the book captures the essence of life on the island, portraying a timeless narrative of survival, adaptation, and the impact of modernization on a remote community.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Ingrid, offering a glimpse into the family dynamics, the cyclical nature of existence on the island, and the subtle evolution of their world over several decades. With a blend of vivid vignettes and atmospheric storytelling, 'The Unseen' paints a rich portrait of a family deeply connected to nature, weathering both physical and emotional storms as they navigate the challenges of their environment and the encroaching changes of the outside world.
On a windless day in July the smoke rises vertically to the sky. Pastor Johannes Malmberget is rowed out to the island and received by the fisherman-cum-farmer Hans Barrøy, the island’s rightful owner... - #3
Save:Set on a remote Japanese island, 'The Sound of Waves' by Yukio Mishima follows the story of Shinji, a young fisherman, who falls in love with Hatsue, the daughter of the wealthiest man in town. Their young love faces challenges due to rumors and societal expectations, creating a poignant tale of romance intertwined with the fishing culture of Uta Jima. Mishima's writing style is described as hauntingly beautiful, with a clear and deceptive simplicity that captures the essence of living in harmony with nature.
The island has two spots with surpassingly beautiful views. One is Yashiro Shrine, which faces northwest and stands near the crest of the island. The shrine commands an uninterrupted view of the wide ... - #4
Save:'Lucy' by Jamaica Kincaid follows the story of a young Caribbean au pair named Lucy who moves to the United States to work for a wealthy family. Through Lucy's perspective, readers get a glimpse into her struggles with identity, race, gender, and cultural differences as she navigates her new life in a foreign country. The novel delves into themes of self-discovery, family relationships, societal expectations, and the complexities of human emotions, all portrayed through Lucy's sharp observations and inner turmoil. Kincaid's writing style is described as vivid, emotional, and honest, drawing readers into Lucy's world of anger, love, and rebellion.
IT WAS MY FIRST DAY. I had come the night before, a gray-black and cold night before—as it was expected to be in the middle of January, though I didn’t know that at the time—and I could not see anythi... - #5
Save:In Mesa Selimovic's 'The Fortress', the story follows Ahmet Shabo, a Bosnian Muslim who returns to Sarajevo in the 18th century after fighting in the Ottoman Russian wars. Despite being the sole survivor of his unit and returning to find his family deceased, Shabo navigates the complexities of society, finding solace in contemplation, nature, and eventually love with a young Christian woman. The narrative unfolds organically, portraying Shabo's internal struggles to uphold his principles in a world that challenges them, all set against a backdrop of Ottoman-ruled Bosnia.
The book delves into themes of integrity, self-discovery, and societal injustices as Shabo grapples with changing circumstances, encounters diverse characters, and becomes involved in a scheme that disrupts the status quo in Sarajevo. Through beautifully written prose and complex characters, 'The Fortress' offers a glimpse into historical Bosnia, exploring the roots of Bosnian mentality and providing philosophical insights through the protagonist's introspective dialogues.
'Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club' by Benjamin Alire Saenz is a collection of short stories set in and around El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico, with the Kentucky Club serving as a central touchstone in each story. The book explores themes of love, relationships, family dynamics, violence, and the human condition through a diverse range of characters, including young and old, straight and gay, rich and poor, Mexican and American. Saenz's writing style is described as emotionally rich, captivating from the very first sentence, and haunting, with each story leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Every Sunday he was there, a singular, solitary figure—but not sad and not lonely. And not tragic. He became the main character of a story I was writing in my head. Some people are so beautiful that t...- #7
Save:Pinball, 1973 by Haruki Murakami is a novel that delves into the themes of desire, loneliness, and the search for meaning in life. The book follows the protagonist Boku and his friend the Rat as they navigate through their lives, each dealing with their own inner emptiness and longing for something more. Boku becomes obsessed with finding a long-lost pinball machine called the Spaceship, while the Rat struggles with depression and a sense of unfulfillment. The novel weaves together two narratives, offering a glimpse into the characters' quests for connection and purpose in a world that seems to be lacking in magic and surrealism compared to Murakami's later works.
No doubt there are numerous ways to tell twin sisters apart, but I only knew of one. Not only were they alike in every respect, right down to their expressions, voices, and hair styles, but they didn’...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Rat ) - #8
Save:'All Summer in a Day' by Ray Bradbury is a short story that seems to have a lasting impact on readers, with many recalling reading it during their school years. The story is described as heartbreaking, unsettling, and haunting, focusing on themes of childhood cruelty and the emotional weight of the narrative. The plot revolves around a group of children living on Venus who experience sunlight for only one hour every seven years, and the impact this rare event has on them.
- #9
Save:Nectar in a Sieve is a poignant tale set in rural India during the 1900s, narrated through the eyes of the protagonist Rukmani. The story revolves around the struggles faced by Rukmani and her husband as they navigate challenges brought about by changing economic times, from droughts to industrialization. The novel beautifully captures the determination, kindness, and persistent optimism of one family amidst the harsh realities of life, showcasing the core of human nature in the face of adversity.
The narrative of Nectar in a Sieve delves into the hardships of peasant life in India, following the journey of Rukmani as a child bride and the tribulations she encounters. Through the poetic simplicity of the writing, the author paints a moving picture of a very poor farming family, offering a glimpse into the daily struggles and sacrifices made for survival. The book's exploration of themes such as poverty, resilience, and the impact of societal changes on traditional ways of life creates a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
- #10
Save:A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb is a unique tale of two souls, Helen and James, who are trapped between earth and heaven and fall in love. They inhabit human bodies, unraveling their past identities and forming a deep connection. The novel is a fast-paced and engrossing read that delves into themes of life, death, religion, and love, with a poetic and lyrical writing style that captures the emotions and struggles of the characters. The plot revolves around the impossible love affair between two spirits from different generations inhabiting modern-day teen bodies, dealing with typical teen issues alongside their haunting past lives.
The story unfolds as Helen, the protagonist, navigates being a ghost for 130 years and finds solace in her love for James, leading to a poignant exploration of the enduring nature of love. The book beautifully blends supernatural elements with themes of redemption, loss, and first love, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. The author's prose is described as ethereal, atmospheric, and intense, with references to poets and writers adding depth to the storyline, making it a haunting and emotional journey.
SOMEONE WAS LOOKING AT ME, a disturbing sensation if you’re dead. I was with my teacher, Mr. Brown. As usual, we were in our classroom, that safe and wooden-walled box—the windows opening onto the gra...
