Books matching: psychological unraveling
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- #1
Save:'Come Closer' by Sara Gran is a short novella that tells the chilling story of a woman named Amanda who is slowly being possessed by a demon. The book delves into the psychological aspects of possession, drawing parallels to mental illness like schizophrenia. The writing style is described as creepy, unsettling, and suspenseful, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged until the thrilling conclusion.
NOT THAT Ed wasn’t attentive, not that he didn’t notice what was going on in my life. He just wasn’t able to put the pieces together as quickly as the dog. Ed was my hero, my savior. Ed was the man wh... - #2
Save:'In a Lonely Place' by Dorothy B. Hughes is a classic noir psychological thriller set in post-war Los Angeles, narrated from the point of view of a serial killer named Dix Steele. The story follows Dix, a disturbed and misogynistic man, as he navigates his relationships with his old army friend turned detective, Brub Nicolai, Brub's wife Sylvia, and his new girlfriend Laurel. As the city is terrorized by a serial killer, the reader is taken on a suspenseful journey through Dix's twisted mind and dark actions, all while experiencing the vividly described Los Angeles setting of the 1940s.
The book is praised for its gripping plot, expertly crafted characters, and the unique perspective of being told from the killer's point of view. Dorothy B. Hughes' writing style is commended for its terse and hardboiled prose, effectively portraying Dix's psychological state, toxic masculinity, and the postwar male loneliness and rage prevalent throughout the narrative.
It was good standing there on the promontory overlooking the evening sea, the fog lilting itself like gauzy veils to touch his face. There was something in it akin to flying; the sense of being lifted... - #3
Save:The Inside Out Man by Fred Strydom is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Bentley Bent Croud, a jazz pianist who receives a puzzling inheritance after learning of his father's death. He is then offered a strange proposition by Leonard Fry to serve him three meals a day after locking himself in a room in his mansion. As Bent gets deeper into this arrangement, he starts experiencing a series of bizarre and unsettling events that blur the lines between reality and madness. The novel is filled with dream sequences, hallucinations, time displacement, and a complex plot that keeps readers guessing until the ambiguous and twist-filled conclusion.
The narrative style of 'The Inside Out Man' is characterized by deep storytelling, a small cast of characters, and a slow but engaging start. The writing style works well to draw readers into Bent's mind and madness, creating a character study at its core. The book is described as a complex puzzle that challenges readers to second-guess themselves on every page, making it a dark and suspenseful mind-bender that leaves a lasting impact.
- #4
Save:The Quiet Earth is a post-apocalyptic novel that follows the journey of John Hobson, a geneticist who wakes up to find himself seemingly alone in the world after a mysterious event. As he explores the empty world around him, he grapples with his own inner demons and past, encountering another survivor named Api along the way. The book delves into themes of loneliness, self-realization, and the deterioration of humanity as the two characters try to make sense of their new reality.
The narrative of The Quiet Earth is introspective and character-driven, focusing on the psychological journey of the main character as he navigates the deserted world and his own psyche. The writing style is described as cerebral and immersive, with a twist ending that differs significantly from the movie adaptation, adding depth and complexity to the story.
The pull of the earth took hold of my spine, my limbs spread over space. There was the breath-beat of falling, spiralling, the air pushing hard for a moment and then letting go. The light split open m... - #5
Save:In Sarah Moss' 'Cold Earth,' a team of six archaeologists embarks on an excavation in remote Greenland, only to find themselves isolated due to a global pandemic. As they uncover evidence of violence and experience strange occurrences, tensions rise among the group as they struggle with dwindling supplies and the uncertainty of their situation. The narrative unfolds through letters written by each character, providing different perspectives on the unfolding drama and the psychological turmoil they face in the harsh Arctic landscape.
The book delves into themes of isolation, paranoia, and the impact of past traumas on present actions as the characters grapple with their own demons while facing the challenges of their environment. Moss weaves a suspenseful tale that blurs the lines between reality and hallucination, keeping readers on edge as they navigate the characters' unraveling minds and the mysteries of the ancient settlement they are exploring.
I couldn’t sleep, the first night here. It was partly excitement, the relief of finally being in Greenland, and partly the light. I think I’d expected midnight sun to be obviously exotic, but it’s onl... - #6
Save:Savaging the Dark by Christopher Conlon is a disturbing and twisted tale that delves into the deteriorating mind of Mona Straw, a seemingly normal 4th-grade teacher whose life takes a dark turn when she develops an inappropriate attraction to one of her 11-year-old students. The novel explores themes of obsession, madness, and the consequences of unchecked desires, ultimately leading to heartbreaking destruction for everyone involved. Conlon's writing style is described as gripping, graphic, and disturbing, with a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they witness Mona's slow descent into insanity.
I am not I. This is not me. I haven’t come to this place, this end, this. I’m in a dream—a fever dream, vision, hallucination. Or a film, insubstantial figures of shadow and light flickering before me... - #7
Save:'Yonder Stands Your Orphan' by Barry Hannah is a dark and twisted novel that delves into the lives of numerous eccentric characters in a strange and bizarre setting. The book explores themes of human impulses, actions, and abuses, creating a dark locale filled with the darkest of human behaviors. The writing style is described as a blast of the written word flying off the pages like a southern Gothic tornado, with engaging and disturbing storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
The plot of the book revolves around a cast of characters with unsavory pasts who share their stories in a place where skeletal remains are not a cause for investigation but rather companions in the moonlight. The narrative explores good and evil, with characters facing menacing threats and navigating through a society preoccupied with fishing and SUVs, all while dealing with themes of neglect and malevolence.
THIS SUNDAY MORNING MAN MORTIMER AND MAX Raymond sat in the pews of the same church, a little white steepled one in a glen set among live oaks and three acres of clover. The jungle swamps encroached o... - #8
Save:We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer is a suspenseful thriller that explores themes of reality and perception. The story follows a young couple, Eve and Charlie, who move into an old house. Their lives take a chilling turn when a strange family knocks on their door, claiming to have a past in the home. As they allow the family in, bizarre events unfold, leading Eve to question her sanity and the nature of their guests. Though the beginning grips readers with its haunting atmosphere and engaging writing, some feel the ending falls short, leaving unresolved questions and a desire for deeper character exploration.
The writing is smooth and accessible, with cinematic horror elements that keep readers on edge. While the plot introduces intriguing ideas, it lacks full development, leading to some frustration regarding character depth and narrative closure. Eve's character experiences a range of emotions, enhancing the psychological tension throughout the novel. Overall, the book delivers a compelling reading experience, perfect for fans of psychological horror, even if it leaves some plot threads untied.
- #9
Save:The Third Hotel is a multi-layered and strange novel about a woman named Clare who sees her dead husband while in Cuba for a film festival. Clare, grieving the recent death of her husband, embarks on a journey to Havana where she encounters strange apparitions and experiences that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. The plot tends to go round and round, focusing on Clare's increasing difficulties in discerning what is real and what is not, ultimately leaving readers questioning what truly happened in the story.
- #10
Save:"Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky follows the story of Raskolnikov, a destitute former student who commits a murder without remorse, delving into the psychological and philosophical arguments behind his crime. The protagonist struggles with guilt, paranoia, and justification for his actions, ultimately facing the consequences of his crime before his punishment is delivered. The novel offers a deep exploration of the criminal mind, the complexities of morality, and the societal implications of one's actions, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia.
Dostoyevsky's writing style in "Crime and Punishment" is described as captivating, suspenseful, and multi-layered, offering an exciting and intriguing narrative with well-developed subplots. is praised for its ability to provoke introspection and raise thought-provoking questions, making readers consider existential crises, moral dilemmas, and the nature of sin. Despite some finding the book dense or challenging, many appreciate the novel for its depth, complexity, and timeless relevance in addressing profound themes.
He had successfully avoided meeting his landlady on the stairs. His closet of a room was under the roof of a high, five-floor house and was more like a cupboard than a place in which to live. The land...
