Books matching: struggles and despair
96 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Ask the Dust" by John Fante is a story set in LA in 1939, following the struggles of writer Arturo Bandini as he lives hand to mouth, blows his money as soon as he receives it, and falls in love with a waitress named Camila Lopez. Their relationship is portrayed as a love-hate dynamic, filled with volatile emotions and irrational choices. As the plot unfolds, Camilla ends up in a mental institution and disappears into the desert, leaving Bandini grappling with his own shortcomings and desires.
The writing style of "Ask the Dust" is described as dark, beautifully told, and capturing the essence of 1930s Los Angeles. The novel is praised for its vivid portrayal of dive bars, cheap rooms, and the struggles of a young writer beset by love and affliction. The relationship between Bandini and Camilla is depicted as a blend of bitterness and warmth, with tragic characters and gorgeous prose creating a brief yet rewarding narrative that keeps readers engaged until the poignant ending.
One night I was sitting on the bed in my hotel room on Bunker Hill, down in the very middle of Los Angeles. It was an important night in my life, because I had to make a decision about the hotel. Eith... - #2
Save:'Leaving Las Vegas' by John O'Brien is a poignant and raw portrayal of the tragic love story between Ben, an alcoholic who has given up on life, and Sera, a prostitute seeking independence in Las Vegas. The book delves deep into the themes of addiction, despair, and the unconventional connection between two lost souls. O'Brien's writing style is described as spare yet honest, with simple dialogue that brings the characters to life in a realistic and authentic way.
Sucking weak coffee through a hole in the plastic lid of a red and green styrofoam cup, Sera spots a place to sit down. She has been walking around now for at least two hours and wants desperately to ... - #3
Save:Gutshot by Amelia Gray is a collection of short, strange, and surreal stories that evoke a sense of weirdness and disturbing imagery. The stories range from dark and macabre to bizarre and haunting, with exceptional imagination and strong, vivid images. Gray's writing style is unpredictable, disturbing, and magnificent, often leaving readers with more questions than answers as they navigate through a labyrinth of unsettling and mysterious narratives.
It had been a memorable date after such a long line of failures. Turns out they had hidden the same punk tapes in their closets as teenagers and had always secretly wanted to work as photographers for... - #4
Save:'Knockemstiff' by Donald Ray Pollock is a collection of interconnected short stories that delve into the lives of the residents of a small town in Ohio. The stories portray a world filled with poverty, violence, addiction, and despair, capturing the gritty and brutal reality of rural America. Pollock's writing style is described as raw, disturbing, and compelling, offering a deep and complex portrayal of characters who are often marginalized and struggling to survive in a harsh environment.
MY FATHER SHOWED ME HOW TO HURT A MAN ONE AUGUST night at the Torch Drive-in when I was seven years old. It was the only thing he was ever any good at. This was years ago, back when the outdoor movie ... - #5
Save:The Family Moskat by Isaac Bashevis Singer is a compelling family saga set in the Jewish community of Warsaw from the early 1900s to the outbreak of World War II. The novel follows the Moskat family through generations, portraying their day-to-day life amidst a backdrop of love, betrayal, religion, anti-Semitism, emigration, and the looming threat of Hitler. Singer's writing style is described as vividly capturing the essence of a disappearing way of life, blending tragedy and comedy seamlessly to paint a poignant picture of Jewish existence in Warsaw before the Holocaust.
Five years after the death of his second wife Reb Meshulam Moskat married for a third time. His new wife was a woman in her fifties, from Galicia, in eastern Austria, the widow of a wealthy brewer fro... - #6
Save:'The Bitter Taste of Dying: A Memoir' by Jason Smith provides a fascinating insight into the world of drug addiction through a raw and honest account of the author's personal journey. Readers found the writing style to be compelling, well-written, and captivating, making it difficult to put down. The memoir delves into the extraordinary lengths an addict will go to feed their addiction, shedding light on the struggles, despair, and eventual redemption experienced by the author.
- #7
Save:The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan is a dark and disturbing tale about four children who are left orphaned after the death of their parents. Fearing separation by social services, the children decide to hide their mother's death by burying her in cement in the basement. The story delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of the siblings as they navigate grief, isolation, and ultimately descend into a twisted and incestuous relationship. McEwan's writing style is described as spare, creepy, and haunting, with a focus on exploring the lengths children may go to preserve their family in dire circumstances.
Living in a dilapidated suburban house, the children struggle to cope with their newfound independence and the dark secrets they harbor. The narrative is driven by the teenage boy, Jack, who harbors complex feelings of lust towards his sister Julie. The book is noted for its shocking and disturbing content, painting a bleak picture of familial relationships and moral decay in the face of tragedy. McEwan's debut novel is commended for its ability to captivate readers despite its unsettling subject matter, offering a chilling exploration of sibling power struggles, incest, and despair.
IDID NOT kill my father, but I sometimes felt I had helped him on his way. And but for the fact that it coincided with a landmark in my own physical growth, his death seemed insignificant compared to ... 'Last Christmas in Paris: A Novel of World War I' by Hazel Gaynor is a series of correspondences that reveal the emotions of fear, hope, support, and love during the time of World War I. The story is told through letters exchanged between characters, providing a glimpse into their struggles, relationships, and experiences during the war. The writing style immerses the reader into the historical period, portraying the challenges faced by those on the frontlines as well as their loved ones back home.
The novel captures the essence of the First World War through the characters' letters, offering a poignant and emotional narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of London and Paris between 1914 and 1918. Despite the slow start, the book delves into the complexities of the era, showcasing the courage, despair, and love that characterized the wartime experiences of the characters. The story culminates in a heartwarming and bittersweet ending that resonates with the readers.
Paris greets me like an old friend, open-armed and joyous. As our taxi navigates the winding streets, I sit in silence and watch the snow fall from a rose-tinted sky. The city never looked more beauti...- #9
Save:"The Possessed" by Albert Camus reimagines the complex narratives of Dostoevsky for a post-war French audience, merging Eastern and Western literary traditions. The play explores profound themes, reflecting the struggles of human existence and the impact of societal change. Camus's writing style is intricate yet accessible, allowing readers to engage with the philosophical undercurrents while appreciating the emotional depth of the characters. This convergence of two great storytellers creates a rich tapestry of ideas that resonate with contemporary issues.
The plot unfolds in a setting where characters grapple with their inner demons, moral dilemmas, and the chaos of a changing world. Camus employs a theatrical approach that is both reflective and provocative, inviting audiences to question the nature of freedom, responsibility, and the human condition. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, pulling readers into the characters' psychological landscapes while challenging them to consider their own beliefs and values amidst the turbulence of life.
- #10
Save:The Rent Collector by Camron Wright is a touching novel set in Cambodia's largest garbage dump, focusing on the struggles and hope of Sang Ly, her husband Ki Lim, and their son Nisay. The story revolves around Sang Ly's unexpected relationship with their rent collector, Sopeap Sin, revealing hidden depths in both characters. Through literature inserts and themes of friendship, courage, and survival, the book portrays the daily challenges faced by those living in poverty and the power of stories to inspire change and hope.
I once believed that heroes existed only in old men’s fables, that evil in the world had triumphed over good, and that love—a true, unselfish, and abiding love—could only be found in a little girl’s i...
