Meet New Books
Meet New Books

Books matching: protagonist's reflections

100 result(s)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Forgotten Ruin - Forgotten Ruin by Nick Cole, Jason Anspach
    Save:

    'Forgotten Ruin' in the series 'Forgotten Ruin' by Nick Cole and Jason Anspach is a military fantasy sci-fi novel that follows the story of present-day individuals finding themselves in a fantastical world. The plot combines elements of military science fiction with fantasy, creating a unique and engaging narrative that captivates readers from the first page. The writing style is described as personal and personable, with the narrator recounting the story in a detailed and engaging manner, adding depth to the characters and the overall plot.


  2. #2

    The Clown by Heinrich Boll
    Save:

    'The Clown' by Heinrich Boll follows the story of Hans Schneir, a professional clown in postwar Germany, who is grappling with the loss of his lover, Marie, and the decline of his career. Through a series of conversations with friends and family, Hans explores themes of love, religion, war, and societal expectations. The narrative delves into the existential malaise of Hans, portraying him as a symbol of a guilt-ridden Germany, struggling with personal and societal conflicts.

    The writing style of 'The Clown' is characterized by a mix of wit, satire, and introspection. The protagonist's monologue offers insights into the hypocrisy of religion and politics, while also highlighting the role of an artist as a social critic. The story is a collection of poignant moments that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges faced by individuals in a postwar society.

    It was dark by the time I reached Bonn, and I forced myself not to succumb to the series of mechanical actions which had taken hold of me in five years of traveling back and forth: down the station st...

  3. #3
    Less
    Book 1 in the series:Arthur Less

    Less - Arthur Less by Andrew Sean Greer
    Save:

    '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...

  4. #4

    On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
    Save:

    Ocean Vuong's 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' is a lyrical and poignant novel that takes the form of a letter from a son to his illiterate immigrant mother. The story delves into themes of identity, family relationships, trauma, and the immigrant experience, all intertwined with beautiful prose and raw emotions. Through the protagonist's reflections on his childhood, sexual awakening, and struggles with loneliness, Vuong paints a vivid picture of survival and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The novel is structured as a poetic exploration of the protagonist's life, moving between past and present, weaving together memories, experiences, and emotions. Vuong's writing style is described as dark, lyrical, and atmospheric, evoking visceral emotions and creating a compelling narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and memoir. The book captures the complexities of love, beauty, and the search for home, offering a unique and intimate portrayal of the human experience.

    I am writing to reach you—even if each word I put down is one word further from where you are. I am writing to go back to the time, at the rest stop in Virginia, when you stared, horror-struck, at the...

  5. #5

    The Memory of Old Jack by Wendell Berry
    Save:

    The Memory of Old Jack by Wendell Berry is a poignant novel that delves into the life of Jack Beechum, a 90-year-old Kentucky farmer, as he reflects on his past, struggles, relationships, and the changing world around him. Through Jack's memories, the reader is transported to a time spanning from the Civil War to just past World War II, witnessing his battles with himself, his marriage, his farm, and the evolving values of American society. Wendell Berry's writing style immerses the reader beyond narrative, offering a deep exploration of Jack's life and the contrast between modern American agribusiness and the ideal of a nurturing way of life.

    As Jack reminisces on his life from sunrise to sunset on his last day, readers are given a glimpse into his character, his regrets, his joys, and his relationships with the community of Port William, Kentucky. The book beautifully captures Jack's longing for fidelity and connection to the land, while questioning the impact of modern progress on traditional ways of life. Through Jack's introspections and interactions with others, Wendell Berry weaves a melancholic and moving tale of a man coming to terms with his past and the passage of time.


  6. #6

    Espedair Street by Iain M. Banks
    Save:

    'Espedair Street' by Iain M. Banks is a novel that delves into the life of Daniel Weir, a rock star who navigates the highs and lows of fame. The story follows Daniel's journey from his rock star days to his retreat into anonymity, exploring themes of self-discovery, nostalgia, and the consequences of a life lived in the spotlight. Banks weaves a tale that captures the essence of rock 'n' roll clichés while adding a unique charm through his character-driven storytelling and vivid descriptions of the music scene in Scotland.

    The narrative style of 'Espedair Street' is a blend of introspection, humor, and poignant reflections on life's choices. Through the lens of Daniel Weir's experiences, the reader is taken on a journey that balances moments of hope and despair, creating a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and engaging.

    Two days ago I decided to kill myself. I would walk and hitch and sail away from this dark city to the bright spaces of the wet west coast, and there throw myself into the tall, glittering seas beyond...

  7. #7

    Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes
    Save:

    Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes is a unique blend of biography, literary criticism, and novel, narrated by a retired English doctor named Geoffrey Braithwaite. Braithwaite delves into the life of Gustave Flaubert, focusing on the mystery surrounding two stuffed parrots claimed to be the inspiration for Flaubert's writing. The narrative shifts between exploring Flaubert's life and works and delving into Braithwaite's own personal journey, including his obsession with Flaubert and his quest for truth and meaning in both art and life.

    Six North Africans were playing boules beneath Flaubert’s statue. Clean cracks sounded over the grumble of jammed traffic. With a final, ironic caress from the fingertips, a brown hand dispatched a si...

  8. #8

    Seven Types of Ambiguity by Elliot Perlman
    Save:

    'Seven Types of Ambiguity' by Elliot Perlman follows the story of Simon, a man obsessed with his ex-lover Anna. In a moment of madness, Simon's actions change their lives, leading to seven different viewpoints on the events from various characters. The novel delves into complex themes of ambiguity, human nature, and relationships, narrated through a tight plot and tension that keeps the reader engaged. Perlman's writing style intricately weaves together different perspectives, creating a multi-dimensional picture of the characters and their motivations, ultimately exploring the humanity and interconnectedness of the individuals involved.

    3. It is quite well understood that a clinically depressed person will show little, if any, interest in constructive activity concerning future events or outcomes. In this respect, Simon has only flir...

  9. #9

    Malone Dies by Samuel Beckett
    Save:

    'Malone Dies' by Samuel Beckett is a novel that delves into the inner monologue of the protagonist, Malone, as he faces his imminent death. The book explores themes of memory, human nature, aging, and loneliness through Malone's musings and reflections. The narrative is described as bleak, hilarious, and told with a touch of dark humor, providing a vivid depiction of abject loneliness and the physical and mental degradation of the protagonist.

    Samuel Beckett wrote the French-language novel Malone meurt between November 1947 and May 1948, at the height of a period of intense creative activity during which he also wrote the other novels of wh...

  10. #10

    Zone by Mathias Enard
    Save:

    'Zone' by Mathias Enard is a novel that takes the reader on a train journey with the central character, Francis Mirkovic, as he travels to meet Vatican officials carrying documents. The book delves into Mirkovic's past as a spy and mercenary in the Zone, exploring the history of conflicts in the Mediterranean region. The narrative is a stream of consciousness style, with memories, thoughts, and digressions triggered by the journey, creating a vast scope that encompasses geopolitical, historical, and emotional themes. The writing style is described as challenging, with complex structure and a lack of sentence punctuation, requiring readers to linger over phrases and engage deeply with the content.

    I let myself fall under the spell of the flat cadence of the suburbs of that city with the name of the predatory Spanish soldier, outskirts of a Northern city like so many others, buildings to cram th...

Page 1 of 10Next Page