Books matching: self imposed isolation
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- #1
'A Gentleman in Moscow' by Amor Towles is a captivating tale following the life of Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat placed under house arrest in a luxurious hotel in Moscow following the Russian Revolution. Despite his confinement, Rostov forms deep friendships, navigates the changing political landscape, and finds meaning and purpose within the confines of the hotel. The book spans several decades, offering a glimpse into Russian history from the revolution to the early 1950s, all seen through the eyes of the charismatic and resilient Count.
Within the hour, he would be in the warm spring air striding along Tverskaya Street, his moustaches at full sail. En route, he would purchase the Herald from the stand on Gazetny Lane, he would pass F... - #2
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro is a poignant and introspective novel that follows the life of Mr. Stevens, a butler reflecting on his dedicated service at Darlington Hall. Through a series of memories and musings, the book delves into themes of loyalty, dignity, the impact of personal relationships, and the consequences of unwavering dedication to one's work. The narrative unfolds as Stevens embarks on a journey through England's countryside, providing a backdrop for his contemplation of past events and relationships, particularly with the housekeeper, Miss Kenton.
Tonight, I find myself here in a guest house in the city of Salisbury. The first day of my trip is now completed, and all in all, I must say I am quite satisfied. This expedition began this morning al... - #3
In "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro, readers are taken on a haunting journey through the lives of Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, who were students at the enigmatic Hailsham School. Set in a darkly skewed version of contemporary England, the story delves into the characters' attempts to come to terms with their childhood at Hailsham and the inevitable fate that awaits them as clones raised for organ donation. The narrative, narrated by Kathy at the age of 31, unfolds slowly, revealing the fragility of life and exploring themes of love, friendship, memory, and the eerie reality of their existence.
The book masterfully weaves together themes of identity, purpose, and the inevitability of mortality, all set within an unsettling alternative reality where the characters grapple with their predetermined destinies. Ishiguro's writing style is described as quiet, foreboding, and painterly, with a patient reveal of the narrative that evokes deep emotions and contemplation. Through a conversational form of storytelling, the novel raises ethical questions and leaves readers pondering the characters' lives and the haunting concept of never being able to escape their fate.
My name is Kathy H. I’m thirty-one years old, and I’ve been a carer now for over eleven years. That sounds long enough, I know, but actually they want me to go on for another eight months, until the e... - #4
'The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year' by Sue Townsend follows the story of Eva Beaver, a woman who decides to retreat to her bed for a year after her twin children leave for college. As Eva remains in bed, the world around her continues to spin, with her family facing their own challenges and Eva becoming an unexpected center of attention for those seeking solutions to their problems. Through a humorous and satirical lens, the book explores themes of self-discovery, societal expectations, and the complexities of family dynamics, ultimately leading Eva to question the meaning of life and her place in it.
After they’d gone Eva slid the bolt across the door and disconnected the telephone. She liked having the house to herself. She went from room to room tidying, straightening and collecting the cups and... - #5
'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh follows an unnamed narrator, a young woman in New York City who, after inheriting her parents' wealth, decides to spend a year in a drug-induced sleep, cutting off contact with the world. The book delves into themes of depression, escapism, and societal disdain, as the narrator navigates a year of numbness and self-imposed isolation, reflecting on relationships, privilege, and the pursuit of rest and relaxation. Moshfegh's writing style is described as dark, raw, and honest, capturing the protagonist's apathy and vulnerability, while also maintaining a sense of humor and quirkiness throughout the narrative.
WHENEVER I WOKE UP, night or day, I’d shuffle through the bright marble foyer of my building and go up the block and around the corner where there was a bodega that never closed. I’d get two large cof... - #6
Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper is a thrilling mystery novel that follows Cassie Neil, a psychic who helps the police capture killers until a terrible mistake forces her to retreat to a small town in North Carolina. However, her peaceful life is disrupted when a serial killer starts preying on women in the town, and Cassie's psychic abilities allow her to see the victims' fates before they occur. As Cassie tries to warn the authorities, she forms an unexpected bond with the town's district attorney, Ben Ryan. The book is filled with suspense, romance, and paranormal elements that keep readers on the edge of their seats until the surprising climax.
As towns went, it didn't have much to boast of. It was about as broad as it was long, with more acreage than buildings. There was a scattering of churches and car lots and small stores that didn't cal... - #7
Readers have mixed opinions on the book 'Beauty of the Beast' in the series 'Fairy Tale Retellings' by Rachel L. Demeter. Some appreciated the unique take on the classic tale, the historical context, and the absence of curse enchantment. Others found the storyline disjointed and felt that the potential of the book was not fully realized. The writing style was described as rich and vivid but sometimes overly descriptive, detracting from the overall story.
The vision might have been stolen straight from a fairy tale. Gusts of smoke ascended from a wickerwork chimney and clashed against the baby blue skyline. Beneath the cottage’s tattered walls and shin... - #8
Love Him Free by E.M. Lindsey is a story about Simon, a man living in a self-imposed prison to keep those around him happy and his younger brother alive. Rocco, a porn star betrayed, and Simon, a shy baker with social anxiety and PTSD, connect through a heartfelt ASL video message, leading to an unexpected and sweet connection. The book delves into their challenges, vulnerabilities, and the chemistry that brings them together, ultimately helping them both grow and find fulfillment.