Books matching: societal decay
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- #1
Save:A smart, funny, and disturbing vision of the near future - equal parts satire and warning shot. Loved by some, loathed by others, but definitely a conversation starter.
In 'Super Sad True Love Story' by Gary Shteyngart, readers are taken on a journey through a dystopian future America where materialism, social media, and global financial crises shape the society. The novel follows the love story between an aging protagonist, Lenny, and a materialistic young woman, Eunice, as they navigate a world obsessed with technology and consumerism. The writing style incorporates a mix of diary entries, text messages, and chat logs to provide a glimpse into the characters' inner thoughts and relationships, offering a satirical commentary on modern life and relationships.
Others will die around me. They will be nullified. Nothing of their personality will remain. The light switch will be turned off. Their lives, their entirety, will be marked by glossy marble headstone...July 2010•394 pages - #2
Save:'FUTU.RE' by Dmitry Glukhovsky is a gripping and exhilarating read that delves into a future world filled with political comparisons, life, immortality, and complex characters. The novel is set in Europe in the 2500s, showcasing a possible utopia of immortal humans alongside the dark underbellies of society. The main character, Jan, navigates a world where themes of politics, life, and immortality are intertwined, leading to a shocking reveal in the final chapters. Glukhovsky's writing style is described as masterful storytelling, with fresh ideas and a subtle political commentary that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
A li is a fine thing, I tell myself. There’s a whole heap of reasons to admire li s. Travelling horizontally, you always know where you’ll end up. But moving vertically you can find yourself absolutel...2013•626 pages - #3
Save:A tender, deeply affecting classic about friendship and love in a broken world - just make sure to choose your translation wisely if you want the full atmosphere!
Three Comrades by Erich Maria Remarque is a poignant story that follows the lives of three World War I veterans and friends in post-war Germany. The novel delves into the deep bond between the comrades as they navigate through the challenges of unemployment, poverty, and societal upheaval. Set against the backdrop of a crumbling Germany in the interwar period, the story not only captures the personal struggles of the characters but also serves as a metaphor for the fate of the nation during that time. Through heartbreaking moments and moments of humor, the book explores themes of love, friendship, loss, and the search for meaning in a post-war world.
The sky was yellow as brass, not yet hidden by the smoke from the chimney stacks. Behind the roofs of the factory the radiance was especially bright. The sun must be just rising. I looked at my watch;...1936•488 pages - #4
Save:A haunting, poetic exploration of nature and humanity - sometimes confusing but always fascinating. Recommended for adventurous readers who love smart, unconventional sci-fi.
Beasts by John Crowley is a science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic United States where genetic engineered human-animal hybrids known as 'leos' are being hunted down by the Union for Social Engineering. The narrative follows multiple characters, including Painter, a leo, and Caddie, a young woman who becomes involved with Painter's pride. The story explores themes of nature versus civilization, the struggle for survival, and the complex relationships between humans and animal hybrids.
September 1976•191 pages - #5
Save:Atmospheric, quietly devastating, and full of heart - Mockingbird is a melancholic but memorable meditation on humanity and the written word. If you like your sci-fi smart and thoughtful, it’s a gem worth discovering.
'Mockingbird' by Walter Tevis is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a future United States where humans and androids coexist in a society that is slowly disappearing. The story follows the journey of a man who teaches himself to read, and then meets a girl with whom he explores a new direction. As they navigate a world where technological advancements have led to a society devoid of essential human qualities, the characters grapple with themes of individualism, intellectual curiosity, and the consequences of giving people what they want rather than what they need.
Walking up Fifth Avenue at midnight, Spofforth begins to whistle. He does not know the name of the tune nor does he care to know; it is a complicated tune, one he whistles often when alone. He is nake...1979•294 pages - #6
Save:An enigmatic, philosophical take on dystopia - deeply rewarding for patient, reflective readers, but may leave those seeking clear answers or action scratching their heads.
'The Memoirs of a Survivor' by Doris Lessing is a dystopian novel set in a near-future Britain where society is collapsing, families are breaking down, and the government is retreating into an elite circle. The story follows an unnamed narrator who takes in a teenager named Emily as everything around them deteriorates. The narrative includes elements of surrealism, with the narrator experiencing another world beyond reality and witnessing Emily's struggles to navigate a world with no future. The writing style is described as dense, introspective, and observant, vividly depicting the quiet panic and waiting that people in such situations often experience.
We all remember that time. It was no different for me than for others. Yet we do tell each other over and over again the particularities of the events we shared, and the repetition, the listening, is...1974•224 pages - #7
Save:'Re: Colonised Planet 5, Shikasta' by Doris Lessing is a unique science fiction novel that offers a bleak yet accurate portrayal of mankind's future. Lessing's writing delves into mythological, historical, and political themes while exploring the origins of humans, their societies, and history. The story is presented in a series of letters written by higher order beings observing Earth, providing a stylized condemnation of modern man and modern history. The narrative follows Johor, an emissary from the enigmatic Canopus, as he navigates the dark and violent days of the planet Shikasta, drawing parallels to the tumultuous times of twentieth-century Earth.
1979•365 pages - #8
Save:Newton Thornburg's 'Cutter and Bone' is a dark and twisted tale of two friends, Richard Bone and Alex Cutter, navigating through post-Vietnam disillusionment and weariness. The story revolves around Bone witnessing a murder, which leads them to concoct a blackmail scheme against a wealthy tycoon, J.J. Wolfe. The novel delves deep into the characters' inner struggles, societal commentary, and the quest for meaning in their bleak lives, set against the backdrop of 1960s and 70s American society.
The narrative is a blend of hardboiled mystery, character development, and societal critique, creating a seedy atmosphere filled with intrigue and despair. Thornburg's writing style intricately weaves together the complexities of the characters, the melancholy of the plot, and the stark contrasts within American society, offering a gripping and thought-provoking read that goes beyond the typical crime novel.
It was not the first time Richard Bone had shaved with a Lady Remington, nor did he expect it to be the last. Nevertheless he felt a distinct breath of revulsion as he drew the instrument back and for...1976•333 pages - #9
Save:The Sky is Yours by Chandler Klang Smith is a unique blend of literary satire and apocalyptic Sci-Fi set in a dragon-plagued city where characters navigate through complex relationships and societal decay. The story follows characters like Swanny, Duncan, and Abby, each with their own quirks and struggles, as they face unexpected challenges and forge their own paths in a world filled with dragons, strange technologies, and societal inequalities.
The book weaves together elements of futuristic settings, complex character dynamics, and dark humor, creating a narrative that is both bold and imaginative. Through a mix of genres and writing styles, the author presents a world where characters confront their limits and make choices that shape their destinies against the backdrop of a decaying society and looming dragon threats.
Empire Island is a winking island too, an island full of eyes. We used to watch one another through its windows, to catch glimpses of ourselves in the mirrored windows as we strolled past. Those windo...January 2018•464 pages - #10
Save:Your Utopia by Bora Chung is a collection of short stories that blends literary fiction with elements of science fiction and horror. The narratives explore themes of human loneliness and isolation amidst futuristic and often unsettling backdrops. Each story is imaginative, touching on various topics such as AI relationships, corporate nature, and societal decay, provoking thought and reflection.
Chung's writing style is straightforward and engaging, free from unnecessary embellishments, allowing readers to stay connected with the story. The tales range from humorous to grim, reminiscent of classic sci-fi series with a social commentary twist. While some stories produced emotional connections, others sparked curiosity and inquiry into the implications of technological advancement.
2023•263 pages
