Books matching: social archetypes

29 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 29 
  1. #1

    Where Angels Fear to Tread by E.M. Forster
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    'Where Angels Fear to Tread' by E.M. Forster follows the story of young widow Lilia who travels to Italy and marries a younger Italian man, much to the disapproval of her English in-laws. The clash of cultures and values between Italy and England is a central theme, with the plot delving into the relationships and prejudices of the characters. The novel explores the battle of class consciences in British society, while showcasing Forster's witty and vivid descriptions of the Italian countryside and its people.

    The book presents a comedy of manners with tragic undertones, highlighting the raw emotions of Italy in contrast to the complex social etiquette of Edwardian England. Forster's writing style is praised for its brilliance, containing witticisms and compelling characters that engage the readers throughout the story.

    They were all at Charing Cross to see Lilia off—Philip, Harriet, Irma, Mrs. Herriton herself. Even Mrs. Theobald, squired by Mr. Kingcroft, had braved the journey from Yorkshire to bid her only daught...

  2. #2

    Concrete Island by J.G. Ballard
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    'Concrete Island' by J.G. Ballard is a contemporary take on the Robinson Crusoe story, where a man named Robert Maitland finds himself stranded on a concrete island after a car accident. The novel explores themes of isolation, survival, and the breakdown of societal norms as Maitland struggles to escape and interact with the other inhabitants of the island. The writing style is described as poetic and imaginative, with a blend of hyper-realistic detail and mythic storytelling that delves into the human psyche and societal commentary.

    SOON after three o'clock on the afternoon of April 22nd 1973, a 35-year-old architect named Robert Maitland was driving down the high-speed exit lane of the West-way interchange in central London. Six...

  3. #3

    The Plague by Albert Camus
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    'The Plague' by Albert Camus revolves around the town of Oran in the 1940s dealing with a sudden plague outbreak, leading to quarantine and isolation from the rest of society. The story focuses on how individuals cope with the challenges of being cut off from their loved ones, the slow progression of the disease, and the impact it has on human relationships. Camus' writing style captures the existential struggles of the characters and delves into philosophical themes of human nature, suffering, and societal responses to crises.

    The unusual events described in this chronicle occurred in 194- at Oran. Everyone agreed that, considering their somewhat extraordinary character, they were out of place there. For its ordinariness is...

  4. #4
    Alice, I Think
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    Book 1 in the series:Alice MacLeod

    Alice, I Think - Alice MacLeod by Susan Juby
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    Alice MacLeod, a homeschooled teenager with eccentric parents, embarks on a journey to attend public high school after a series of unconventional events in her life. The book humorously narrates Alice's misadventures, struggles with fitting in, and her quest to achieve her life goals, all while dealing with dysfunctional family dynamics and quirky supporting characters.

    The novel is written in diary form, offering a unique perspective into the life of a socially awkward and self-absorbed teenage girl as she navigates through the challenges of adolescence, relationships, and self-discovery. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, satire, and exaggerated situations, painting a vivid picture of Alice's unconventional coming-of-age story in a small town in British Columbia.


  5. #5

    Heavy Weather - Blandings Castle by Anthony Lane, P.G. Wodehouse
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    Heavy Weather is a humorous farce set in Blandings Castle, revolving around the obstacles faced by Ronnie Fish, an English gentleman who wants to marry a chorus girl named Sue Brown. The story is filled with twists and turns, involving a mix of characters such as Lords and Ladies, pigmen, and men of commerce, all vying for control over various situations. The plot includes themes of frustrated love, the antics of the Blandings Castle residents, and the shenanigans surrounding Lord Emsworth's prized pig, the Empress of Blandings. The writing style is described as engaging, full of British silliness, zany plots, and clever humor, characteristic of P.G. Wodehouse's storytelling.

    Sunshine pierced the haze that enveloped London. It came down Fleet Street, turned to the right, stopped at the premises of the Mammoth Publishing Company, and, entering through an upper window, beame...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Blandings Castle )

  6. #6

    Walkaway by Cory Doctorow
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    'Walkaway' by Cory Doctorow is a near-future science fiction novel that explores a world where people choose to walk away from a society controlled by rich oligarchs and create a new civilization in deserted areas. The story delves into themes of economics, politics, technology, ethics, psychology, and anarchy, painting a picture of a future where individuals build communities based on shared resources and ideals. The narrative follows a group of characters navigating through a world of abundance, revolution, and resistance against the powerful forces trying to maintain the status quo.

    The writing style of 'Walkaway' is described as a mix of dialogue-heavy storytelling, detailed descriptions, and philosophical discussions. The author, Cory Doctorow, weaves together complex ideas and concepts with a focus on social change, human nature, and the impact of technology on society. presents a dark yet hopeful vision of the future, challenging readers to consider alternative ways of living and organizing communities in a world marked by scarcity and inequality.

    Hubert Vernon Rudolph Clayton Irving Wilson Alva Anton Jeff Harley Timothy Curtis Cleveland Cecil Ollie Edmund Eli Wiley Marvin Ellis Espinoza was too old to be at a Communist party. At twenty-seven, ...

  7. #7

    The Future by Naomi Alderman, Guinevere Turner
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    'The Future' by Naomi Alderman is a thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of power, inequality, and the consequences of technological advancements. The plot follows a group of individuals who challenge the status quo and attempt to change the world for the better. The writing style is described as complex yet engaging, with unexpected twists and well-developed characters that keep the readers hooked till the end.


  8. The book is a concise and well-written introduction to the classic film 'Seven Samurai' by Akira Kurosawa. It delves into the essence of the film, its themes, and its impact on Japanese cinema. The book also explores the influence of Asian literature on Kurosawa's work, particularly referencing 'Water Margin' and how it has shaped Asian thinking over the centuries.

    The story within the book revolves around a boy who seeks to find a father figure, inspired by the archetypes of masculinity presented in 'Seven Samurai'. The boy, raised by a single mother, embarks on a quest reminiscent of the classic film in search of his unknown father. The narrative intertwines themes of heroism, compassion, and the search for identity against the backdrop of Japanese samurai culture.


  9. #9

    Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie
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    "Parker Pyne Investigates" is a collection of short stories featuring the retired ex-government employee Parker Pyne, who uses his knowledge of statistics to aid him in solving various problems to make people happy. The stories range from Pyne creating elaborate adventures for his clients to solving mysteries while on vacation in the Middle East. introduces readers to a different kind of detective who focuses more on fixing lives rather than traditional crime-solving, with a twist in each tale to keep the stories enjoyable.

    As has been said, Mrs. Packington was nervous, but somehow or other, the mere sight of Mr. Parker Pyne brought a feeling of reassurance. He was large, not to say fat; he had a bald head of noble propo...

  10. #10

    On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche
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    'On the Genealogy of Morals' by Friedrich Nietzsche is a philosophical work that delves into the origins of moral concepts, particularly those of Christianity and Judaism. Nietzsche presents three treatises that trace the evolution of moral values, addressing the prejudices ingrained in society. He explores the dichotomy between good and evil, dissecting the meanings behind these concepts and how they have evolved over time. The book discusses the aristocratic way of thinking versus the slave morality, highlighting the power dynamics and conflicts that have shaped our moral beliefs. Nietzsche's writing style is described as iconoclastic and thought-provoking, challenging readers to question their preconceived notions about morality and ethics.

    We are unknown to ourselves, we men of science, and for good reason. Since we have never searched for ourselves, how should we ever find ourselves? Truly has it been said: ‘Where your treasure is, the...

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