Books matching: psychological turmoil
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- #1
Save:John Gardner's novel Mickelsson's Ghosts follows the protagonist, Peter J. Mickelsson, a flawed philosophy professor facing a multitude of personal and professional challenges. Mickelsson's life spirals into disorder as he grapples with failed relationships, financial ruin, and haunted thoughts. Seeking solace, he purchases a haunted farmhouse in Pennsylvania, where he confronts his inner demons while attempting to renovate the decaying property. The narrative delves into Mickelsson's existential struggles, his haunted psyche, and his futile attempts to escape the ghosts of his past.
Gardner weaves a rich tapestry of philosophical musings, psychological turmoil, and existential crises in Mickelsson's Ghosts. Through Mickelsson's flawed character, the novel explores themes of passion, reason, chaos, and redemption. The writing style immerses the reader in Mickelsson's inner dialogue and external challenges, presenting a compelling portrait of a man on the brink of self-destruction.
- #2Iceby:
Save:Ice by Anna Kavan is a surreal, dystopian novella that follows an unnamed narrator's obsessive pursuit of a woman through a world slowly being engulfed by ice. The book features vivid descriptions of a cold, desolate landscape and explores themes of abuse, violence, and trauma. The writing style is described as darkly sparkly, with beautiful prose that creates haunting and harrowing imagery, reminiscent of authors like Kafka and Borges. The plot is simple yet complex, with elements of surrealism and dreamlike sequences that leave the reader questioning reality.
I was lost, it was already dusk, I had been driving for hours and was practically out of petrol. The idea of being stranded on these lonely hills in the dark appalled me, so I was glad to see a signpo... - #3
Save:Cass, the protagonist in 'The Breakdown' by B.A. Paris, finds herself in a spiral of guilt and fear after witnessing a woman in a stopped car on a stormy night and later discovering she was murdered. As Cass's memory starts to fail her, she becomes paranoid, feeling like she's being watched and receiving silent phone calls. The book delves into Cass's internal struggle, blurring the lines between reality and paranoia, leading to a gripping and mysterious plot that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
“Don’t you dare!” I can almost sense a shaft of pain rocketing through his head at his raised tone. “Ouch, that hurt,” he says, and I wince in sympathy. He lowers his voice to a more bearable level. “... - #4
Save:'He Said/She Said' by Erin Kelly follows the story of Laura and Kit, who become witnesses for the prosecution in a trial that leads to them having to hide away to protect themselves. The plot jumps between different time frames, 1999, 2000, and 2015, revealing a cleverly constructed narrative with unexpected twists. The story revolves around a sexual assault, the moral questions of lying, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of eclipse festivals and psychological drama.
The novel is narrated alternately by Laura and Kit, providing insights into their lives before and after the trial. As the story unfolds, secrets, lies, and manipulations come to light, leading to a suspenseful and intriguing plot. The author's writing style builds tension with misdirection, an ominous tone, and a slow buildup, culminating in a surprising and satisfying ending that keeps readers enthralled till the last page.
London is the most light-polluted city in Britain, but even here in the northern suburbs, you can still see the stars at four o’clock in the morning. The lights are off in our attic study, and I don’t... - #5
Save:Set in 1940s Japan, 'The Face of Another' by Kobo Abe tells the story of a scientist who suffers terrible facial injuries after a workplace accident. Alienated by society and even shunned by his wife, he painstakingly creates a lifelike mask to conceal his scars. Chronicling his return to society through notebooks and a letter to his wife, the narrative delves into insightful philosophies about literal and societal loss of face, along with detailed side journeys that explore the complexities of identity and self-perception.
The book is written in a diary format, providing a deep dive into the protagonist's psyche as he grapples with the implications of his disfigurement and the creation of a new identity through the mask. Abe's writing style is detailed and observational, offering sociological commentary and shifting points of view that provide a unique perspective on the concept of persona and the masks individuals wear in different social environments.
AT LAST you have come, threading your way through the endless passages of the maze. With the map you got from him, you have finally found your way to my hideaway—the first room at the top of the creak... - #6
Save:The Last Day of a Condemned Man by Victor Hugo is a short but psychologically powerful novel that delves into the inner thoughts of a man awaiting his execution via the guillotine in 19th century France. The book focuses on the condemned man's psychological journey as he grapples with impending death, the haunting memories of his past, and the societal attitudes towards capital punishment. Through a first-person diary format, Hugo skillfully portrays the emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist in his final moments.
Hugo's writing style in The Last Day of a Condemned Man is poignant and thought-provoking, offering a stark critique of the death penalty while highlighting the humanity of the condemned man. The novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, societal injustice, and the complex emotions surrounding mortality. Despite being published anonymously in 1829, the book remains relevant with its powerful portrayal of the psychological impact of impending death and its timeless plea for compassion and empathy towards those facing the ultimate punishment.
Once, and it seems as if it were years and not weeks ago, I was like other men. Each day, each hour, each moment, was full. My mind was young and active, and it delighted in fancies. One after another... - #7Enonby:
Save:'Enon' by Paul Harding is a beautifully written exploration of grief, depression, and misery following the loss of a loved child. The story follows Charlie Crosby, a man who loses his daughter and subsequently his wife, delving into the depths of despair. Harding's writing style is described as lyrical, with vivid descriptions of nature, human emotion, and the interconnectedness of life. The narrative takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster, blending Charlie's joyful memories with his deepest pain, offering a unique perspective on loss and human feeling.
The book delves deep into Charlie's internal struggles, depicting his journey through grief and despair with poignant prose that evokes empathy and understanding. Harding's portrayal of Charlie's emotional turmoil and his search for peace after tragedy creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers long after the book is finished.
- #8
Save:The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay is a chilling tale that follows a family's vacation at a remote cabin, which is disrupted by a group of strangers claiming the end of the world is near. The narrative unfolds with a sense of impending doom as the family is forced into a harrowing situation where they must make a life-altering decision to save the world. The book explores themes of loyalty, family, and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural, keeping readers on edge with its suspenseful and disturbing plot twists. Tremblay's writing style expertly weaves together multiple perspectives, creating a tense and gripping atmosphere that delves into the depths of human nature and the choices we make in extraordinary circumstances.
The girl with the dark hair walks down the wooden front stairs and lowers herself into the yellowing lagoon of ankle-high grass. A warm breeze ripples through the blades, leaves, and crablike petals o... - #9
Save:Set in contemporary Japan, 'In the Miso Soup' by Ryu Murakami follows the story of Kenji, a sex tourist guide who is hired by an American client named Frank. As Kenji accompanies Frank around the nightlife of Tokyo, suspicions arise about Frank's true intentions, leading to a chilling revelation that changes Kenji's life forever. The book delves into themes of cultural differences, alienation, loneliness, and the dark realities of the modern world, all while exploring the gritty and grimy side of Tokyo.
The narrative of 'In the Miso Soup' is a disturbing yet engaging journey through the demented mind of the characters, particularly focusing on the unconventional relationship between Kenji and Frank. The author, Ryu Murakami, intricately weaves together elements of horror, suspense, and social commentary, providing a searing glance into the dark side of Japanese society and human nature, all within a compact and intense storyline.
As I pronounced these words in English I wondered why we have so many ways of saying the same thing in Japanese. Hard-boiled: Ore no na wa Kenji da. Polite: Watashi wa Kenji to moshimasu. Casual: Boku... - #10
Save:"Confessions of a Mask" by Yukio Mishima is a semi-autobiographical novel set in post-WWII Japan, following the protagonist, Kochan, as he navigates his childhood and early adulthood while grappling with his hidden homosexuality. The book delves into Kochan's internal struggles, his attempts to conform to societal norms, and his complex relationships with friends and family. Mishima's writing style is described as captivating, lyrical, and deeply personal, offering a glimpse into the protagonist's psyche and the societal pressures of the time.
The narrative of "Confessions of a Mask" acts as a mask for Kochan's innermost thoughts and desires, portraying a coming-of-age tale filled with introspection, self-discovery, and societal expectations. Mishima skillfully weaves together themes of sexuality, identity, and psychological turmoil against the backdrop of a conservative Japanese society, creating a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
For many years I claimed I could remember things seen at the time of my own birth. Whenever I said so, the grownups would laugh at first, but then, wondering if they were not being tricked, they would...
