Books matching: psychological literary fiction
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:In "The Child in Time" by Ian McEwan, the story revolves around a man, Stephen Lewis, who is grappling with the loss of his daughter, Kate, who was kidnapped from a supermarket. The book delves into Stephen's journey of coming to terms with this tragedy, his strained marriage with his wife Julie, and his involvement in a government commission on child rearing. The narrative is non-linear, exploring themes of time, grief, and personal reflection as Stephen navigates through his sorrow and attempts to find meaning in his life post the abduction.
McEwan's writing style in "The Child in Time" is described as beautiful, well-told, and innovative, with a mix of emotional depth and wry humor. The book intricately weaves together complex situations and characters, such as a children's book author grieving the loss of his child, a friend experiencing a regression to childhood, and a reflection on the ephemeral nature of childhood itself. Through poignant scenes and thought-provoking storytelling, McEwan explores the delicate balance between grief and hope, reality and mysticism, creating a moving and compelling narrative.
Subsidising public transport had long been associated in the minds of both Government and the majority of its public with the denial of individual liberty. The various services collapsed twice a day a... - #2
Save:'Enduring Love' by Ian McEwan is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of love, obsession, and the impact of a traumatic event on the lives of the characters. The story follows Joe Rose and his wife Clarissa, who witness a ballooning accident that leads to a series of events involving a stalker named Jed Parry. The novel explores the limits of rationalism, the complexities of relationships, and the blurred lines between reality and obsession. McEwan's writing style is described as intense, precise, and gripping, with a narrative that keeps the reader engaged from the very beginning.
The beginning is simple to mark. We were in sunlight under a turkey oak, partly protected from a strong, gusty wind. I was kneeling on the grass with a corkscrew in my hand, and Clarissa was passing m... - #3
Save:Sisters July and September, along with their mother, move to an isolated house on the Yorkshire coast after an incident at school. The novel delves into the close relationship between the sisters, the eerie atmosphere of the house, and the mysterious events that unfold as July narrates the story. Daisy Johnson's writing style is praised for its intimate and claustrophobic portrayal of July's confused and contradictory feelings, expertly hiding crucial events until the end for a beautifully executed plot twist.
This the house we have come to. This the house we have left to find. Beached up on the side of the North York Moors, only just out of the sea. Our lips puckered and wrinkled from licking crisp salt, l... - #4
Save:The novel 'The Good Liar' by Catherine McKenzie revolves around a tragic event where a Chicago building explodes, resulting in over five hundred casualties, including Cecily's husband and best friend, Kate. The story follows Cecily, Kate, and Franny, a young woman claiming to be Kate's daughter, as they navigate their intertwined lives filled with secrets and lies. The plot is described as addictive, fast-paced, and full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers guessing and questioning the truth behind each character's actions and motivations. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, offering insights into the characters' complex relationships and hidden truths while building suspense and mystery around the central event.
That’s rarer today than it was a year ago, because now, when I feel the tick of time, my body starts to prickle with an anxiety I can’t shake without medication, and I feel each second pass as if I’m ... - #5
Save:The Comfort of Strangers by Ian McEwan is a short, intense novel set in Venice, following the story of Colin and Mary, an unmarried couple on vacation. Their holiday takes a dark turn when they meet a mysterious and charismatic man named Robert, leading to a series of disturbing events that challenge their relationship. The book is described as a psychological thriller with elements of suspense, violence, and manipulation, expertly crafted to evoke a sense of foreboding and tension. McEwan's writing style is praised for its haunting atmosphere, descriptive powers, and ability to delve into the inner workings of personal relationships while maintaining a sense of unease throughout the narrative.
EACH AFTERNOON, when the whole city beyond the dark green shutters of their hotel windows began to stir, Colin and Mary were woken by the methodical chipping of steel tools against the iron barges whi... - #6
Save:In the novel 'Pure' by Andrew Miller, the story follows Jean Baptiste Barratte, a young engineer from Normandy, who is tasked with the challenging job of demolishing and deconsecrating the l'Eglise des Innocents in Paris in 1785. The book vividly describes the squalor of daily life as Barratte, along with a group of miners, works to clear the cemetery grounds, surrounded by walls of bones and mummified corpses. The narrative transports the reader to pre-revolutionary Paris, depicting the civil unrest and chaos that taint the air, set against the backdrop of the overflowing burial ground.
The writing style in 'Pure' is described as beautifully written, evocative, and poetic. The author, Andrew Miller, effectively captures the atmosphere of late 18th-century Paris, from the stench of rotting corpses to the vibrant descriptions of the city and its inhabitants. The plot revolves around the monumental task of clearing the cemetery of Les Innocents, showcasing themes of friendship, love, and the impact of historical events on individuals' lives.
There is no fire in the room, though it is the third week in October and cold as Candlemas. His legs and back are stiffening from it–the cold and three days of travelling through it, first with Cousin... 'The Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs' by Irvine Welsh is a twisted tale of rivalry, self-discovery, and obsession. The story follows Danny Skinner, a restaurant inspector on a quest to find his father, and his relentless tormenting of his coworker Brian Kibby. As the plot unfolds, Skinner delves into the secrets hidden in a book written by a celebrity chef, leading him on a journey of self-realization and unexpected revelations. The narrative is filled with dark humor, alcoholism, drug addiction, and a touch of the supernatural, all set against the gritty backdrop of Edinburgh.
Welsh's writing style in 'The Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs' is characterized by strong prose, vivid character development, and jaw-dropping sentences of poetic beauty. The author skillfully weaves together themes of masculinity, drunkenness, and the search for identity, creating a story that is both disturbing and captivating. Through his unique storytelling, Welsh explores the complexities of human nature, blending elements of humor, horror, and existentialism to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
DANNY SKINNER ROSE first, restless, having failed to get off to sleep. This concerned him as he usually fell into a heavy slumber after they’d made love. Made love, he thought, smiled, and then consid...- #8
Save:Necessary People by Anna Pitoniak is a gripping novel that delves into the complex dynamics of female friendships, ambition, and toxic relationships. The story follows Violet and Stella, two best friends with contrasting backgrounds and personalities, as their friendship is tested by jealousy, ambition, and manipulation. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride through the world of cable news networks, showcasing the dark side of ambition and the consequences of coveting what others have. The author, Anna Pitoniak, skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, making it a compelling and captivating read.
One of the older boys who lived in a shabby off-campus house had managed to capture Stella’s attention. When Stella needed rescuing from these situations, from these men who couldn’t resist monopolizi... - #9
Save:Between You and Me is a gripping novel that delves into the complexities of spousal abuse, portraying the outwardly perfect lives of Charlie and Sal while exploring the darker realities behind closed doors. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, gradually revealing the mounting domestic violence and the intricate relationships between the characters.
The book is lauded for its clever writing style, effectively building suspense and culminating in a twist that challenges readers' perceptions. Lisa Hall skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers hooked until the very end, with a storyline that is both compelling and thought-provoking.
- #10
Save:'Narcissus Ascending: A Novel' by Karen McKinnon is a modern story that delves into the joys and sorrows of friendship, focusing on the complex and self-absorbed characters of Becky and Callie. The narrative, written in a unique diary-like style, explores the intertwined lives of four friends in New York's East Village, each dealing with the aftermath of their interactions with the mysterious Callie. Through introspective character development and engaging storytelling, the book offers a revealing look at human nature and the struggles of young adults in today's society.
The writing style of 'Narcissus Ascending' is described as engaging and thought-provoking, with a narrative structure that requires the reader to delve deeper into the intertwined lives of the characters. The book offers a raw and honest portrayal of friendship, neurosis, desire, and ambition, as well as the complexities of human relationships in a modern setting, leaving readers contemplating the characters' actions and motivations long after finishing the book.
