Books matching: sharp wit
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- #1
Save:'A Far Cry from Kensington' by Muriel Spark is a witty and humorous novel set in 1950s London, focusing on the life of Mrs. Hawkins, a confident and opinionated editor working in the publishing industry. The story unfolds in a rooming house in Kensington, where Mrs. Hawkins interacts with a diverse group of residents, facing mundane yet intriguing adventures. The plot revolves around Mrs. Hawkins' feud with the detestable writer Hector Bartlett, which leads to unexpected consequences for everyone involved. Spark's writing style is conversational and engaging, capturing the atmosphere of post-war Britain with sharp details and subtle humor.
So great was the noise during the day that I used to lie awake at night listening to the silence. Eventually, I fell asleep contented, filled with soundlessness, but while I was awake I enjoyed the ex... - #2
Save:'Lucky Jim' by Kingsley Amis is a humorous novel set in a university environment, following the misadventures of Jim Dixon, a history professor who despises his job and the academic world he is a part of. The story delves into the comedic situations Dixon finds himself in, from dealing with his colleagues and friends to navigating relationships and social expectations. The writing style is described as clever, British, and filled with creative humor that captures the essence of academic life in the 1950s.
“THEY made a silly mistake, though,” the Professor of History said, and his smile, as Dixon watched, gradually sank beneath the surface of his features at the memory. “After the interval we did a litt... - #3
Save:'Switch Bitch' by Roald Dahl is a collection of four short stories that delve into the realm of sex, exploring themes of deceit, revenge, and manipulation. The writing style is described as darkly humorous, witty, and sardonic, showcasing Dahl's ability to captivate readers with his sharp storytelling. The book takes readers on a journey through unconventional and provocative narratives that challenge societal norms and expectations, while maintaining a sense of absurdity and entertainment throughout.
Not long ago, a large wooden case was deposited at the door of my house by the railway delivery service. It was an unusually strong and well-constructed object, and made of some kind of dark-red hardw... - #4
Save:'Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story' by Jacob Tobia is a memoir that delves into the author's journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with their nonbinary gender identity. It explores Tobia's struggles with fitting into societal norms, particularly within the confines of a suburban Christian church and their experiences navigating high school and college as a nonbinary individual. The writing style of the book is described as a mix of lighthearted humor and profound wisdom, offering insights into the challenges faced by gender nonconforming individuals.
To illustrate this, my mom loves to tell me a story, one that I don’t consciously remember. There are a lot of stories like that. Our childhood memories are fickle, flighty birds; always flapping arou... - #5
Save:Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde is a play set in London's upper-class society, revolving around the marriage of Lord and Lady Windermere. The plot unfolds as Lady Windermere becomes suspicious of her husband's relationship with a mysterious woman, leading to misunderstandings, secrets, and societal scrutiny. Wilde's wit and satire shine through in the clever dialogue and complicated situations that highlight the strict societal rules of Victorian England.
SCENE: Morning-room of Lord Windermere’s house in Carlton House Terrace, London. The action of the play takes place within twenty-four hours, beginning on a Tuesday afternoon at five o’clock, and endi... - #6
Save:'An Ideal Husband' by Oscar Wilde is a play that delves into the life of Lord Robert Chiltern, a successful politician whose past mistake comes back to haunt him, threatening his political career. The story explores themes of morality, marriage, love, and political corruption, all wrapped in Wilde's signature wit and humor. The play presents a satirical commentary on Victorian England's moral values and societal expectations, blending seriousness with light-heartedness to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
At the top of the staircase stands Lady Chiltern, a woman of grave Greek beauty, about twenty-seven years of age. She receives the guests as they come up. Over the well of the staircase hangs a great ... - #7
Save:In "Bowlaway," Elizabeth McCracken crafts a multi-generational story centered around Bertha Truitt, who mysteriously arrives in Salford, Massachusetts, claiming to have invented candlepin bowling. The novel follows the lives of Bertha and her descendants, as well as various characters connected to the bowling alley, spanning decades and exploring social issues. McCracken's writing style is described as rich, quirky, and whimsical, with a touch of magical realism, as she weaves together enchanting characters and vivid storytelling.
They found a body in the Salford Cemetery, but aboveground and alive. An ice storm the day before had beheaded the daffodils, and the cemetery was draped in frost: midspring, Massachusetts, the turn o... Salman Rushdie's 'Languages of Truth: Essays 2003-2020' is a collection of 38 essays that cover a wide range of subjects, with a focus on arts including literature, films, stage, painting, and photography. Rushdie provides insights on society around the world, with special emphasis on his native India. The essays delve into historical anecdotes, literature, art of storytelling, language, politics, freedom of expression, and imagination. The book showcases Rushdie's erudite word skills and his ability to blend imagination and reality with sharp observations and liberal perspectives.
The essays in this collection offer a journey through the world of literature, art, and storytelling, bringing alive the magical power of the creative mind. Rushdie's distinctive voice shines through as he discusses the pertinence of classics, shares personal engagements with deceased friends, and provides insightful analyses of various subjects. The book provides a glimpse into the mind of the author, his motivations, influences, and intentions in his work, making connections between narratives that have shaped his writing style and beliefs.
- #9
Save:The Ballad of Peckham Rye by Muriel Spark is a satirical novel set in mid-twentieth century London, focusing on the disruptive influence of Dougal Douglas, a charming and enigmatic character who stirs up trouble in the working-class community of Peckham. Spark's writing style is described as witty, dark, and satanic, with sparse prose that efficiently conveys the story's humor and satire. The novel explores themes of class distinctions, morality, and relationships through a cast of flawed yet believable characters.
- #10
Save:'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' by K.M. Shea is a retelling of the classic fairy tale with a twist. The story follows Quinn, a soldier in a kingdom where the princesses are mysteriously dancing their slippers to pieces every night. Quinn, along with her bandmates, gets involved in solving the mystery, which leads to uncovering a curse on the local elves. The plot is described as having engaging characters, playful and mysterious elements, suspenseful fight scenes, and a mix of heartwrenching events and faith-restoring actions. The writing style is noted to be clear, easy to read, and enjoyable, with sharp wit, humor, and insightful reflections on human nature.
(Also, see 34 recommendations for the series Timeless Fairy Tales )
