Books matching: suburban life struggles
14 result(s)
- #1
Save:"The Family Next Door" by Sally Hepworth is set in a close-knit neighborhood where families have hidden secrets and complex relationships. The arrival of a new single neighbor, Isabelle, disrupts the dynamics of the neighborhood, leading to revelations of secrets within each family. The story is told from multiple perspectives, providing vivid details of the characters' lives and their intertwined struggles, including postpartum depression, affairs, infidelities, and hidden agendas.
Now Essie stood under the dubious cover of a palm tree, while the rain slapped against the tin slide of the nearby playground. Just a few minutes ago the weather had been fine. A perfect spring day. S... - #2
Save:Freedom by Jonathan Franzen is an epic novel that delves into the lives of the Berglund family - Patty, Walter, Joey, and Jessica, along with their friends and acquaintances. The story captures the complexities of relationships, midlife crises, teenage angst, and the struggles of suburban life. Franzen's writing style is described as astute, insightful, and engaging, with a focus on character development and psychological depth.
If Patty weren’t an atheist, she would thank the good Lord for school athletic programs, because they basically saved her life and gave her a chance to realize herself as a person. She is especially g... - #3
Save:"Puttering About in a Small Land" by Philip K. Dick is a novel that delves into the complexities of suburban life in Los Angeles, focusing on two couples and their children. The story revolves around the intertwining lives of Virginia and Roger Lindahl, and Chic and Liz Bonner, as they navigate through the mundane setting of their everyday lives. The narrative takes a deep dive into the characters' internal struggles, particularly exploring the themes of adultery and conflicting visions of a good life. Through engaging structural experiments and insightful character portrayals, the author skillfully captures the essence of human relationships and the desire for freedom amidst societal constraints.
The novel stands out for its realistic portrayal of married life and the emotional complexities that come with it. Philip K. Dick's ability to get inside the heads of the characters, especially the female perspectives, adds depth to the storytelling. With a mix of flashbacks, reflections on past actions, and a surprising conclusion, the book challenges traditional storytelling norms and offers a thought-provoking exploration of human desires and relationships.
- #4
Save:The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris delves into the life of Tim and Jane Farnsworth, where the mysterious illness of Tim compels him to uncontrollably walk for miles at a time, disrupting their seemingly perfect suburban life. The novel explores the impact of Tim's affliction on their marriage, their daughter, and their attempts to cope with the unknown condition. Alternating perspectives between Tim and Jane, the book portrays a personal dystopia experienced solely by the couple, as they navigate through tragedy, heroism, and the complexities of relationships in the face of an inexplicable crisis.
The narrative of The Unnamed weaves a compelling tale of despair, powerlessness, and resilience as Tim and Jane struggle to combat the disruptive effects of Tim's compulsive walking. The book's unique premise, exploring the challenges faced by the Farnsworth family in the wake of Tim's affliction, offers a haunting and thought-provoking perspective on the fragility of human relationships and the resilience required to navigate through the unknown.
- #5
Save:'The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit' by Sloan Wilson is a story set in the post-World War II era, focusing on Tom Rath, a man trying to navigate the challenges of work and family life in the 1950s. Tom, a war veteran, is determined to provide a better life for his wife and children, leading him to make career decisions that come with consequences. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, materialism, and the struggles of balancing personal values with societal expectations. The plot unfolds with flashbacks to Tom's wartime experiences and explores his internal conflicts as he grapples with the pursuit of success and happiness.
BY THE TIME they had lived seven years in the little house on Greentree Avenue in Westport, Connecticut, they both detested it. There were many reasons, none of them logical, but all of them compellin... - #6
Save:The Stories of John Cheever is a collection of short stories that spans Cheever's career, reflecting cultural changes from 1947 to 1978. The stories mainly focus on difficulties within families, set in suburban NYC, portraying personal issues with sincerity and modesty. Cheever's writing style is described as shattering, elegant, and still ringing true, chronicling life in upscale suburbia with deep, nuanced, and dark themes.
WE ARE a family that has always been very close in spirit. Our father was drowned in a sailing accident when we were young, and our mother has always stressed the fact that our familial relationships ... - #7
Save:Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel is a darkly humorous and disorientating novel that delves into the life of Alison Hart, a troubled medium haunted by a ghost named Morris who serves as her spirit guide. The story follows Alison's struggles with her past, her psychic abilities, and her unsettling encounters with the spirit world, all while being accompanied by her emotionally detached assistant, Colette. The book offers a unique perspective on the occult and suburban life, blending supernatural elements with mundane realities in a beautifully observed narrative style.
Travelling: the dank oily days after Christmas. The motorway, its wastes looping London: the margin’s scrub grass flaring orange in the lights, and the leaves of the poisoned shrubs striped yellow-gre... - #8
Save:Mallory, the protagonist of Back in the Burbs, finds herself at a crossroads after discovering her husband's infidelity and inheriting a dilapidated house from her late great aunt. Determined to start fresh, Mallory navigates the challenges of rebuilding her life and the house in the suburbs. Along the way, she encounters quirky neighbors, family secrets, and unexpected romance with her brooding neighbor, Nick. The story unfolds with a blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and personal growth as Mallory transforms from a woman lost in conformity to someone embracing change and new beginnings.
The writing style of Back in the Burbs captures the essence of a romantic comedy with witty dialogue, relatable characters, and a touch of emotional depth. Tracy Wolff and Avery Flynn skillfully craft a story that delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience, offering readers a charming and entertaining journey through Mallory's quest for reinvention amidst the backdrop of suburban life.
Sure, it’s a classy bathroom, with the wood stall doors that run all the way from the floor to the ceiling and the continual scent of jasmine in the air, but eventually Mom or Dad will find me. And sh... - #9
Save:'Coming Up for Air' by George Orwell is a novel that follows the story of George Bowling, a middle-aged insurance salesman who embarks on a journey to his childhood village in an attempt to recapture the simplicity and nostalgia of his youth. Set against the backdrop of the looming World War II, the book delves into Bowling's reflections on his life, his disillusionment with suburban existence, and his yearning for a time long gone. Through vivid descriptions and poignant observations, Orwell paints a picture of a man coming to terms with the changes in his life and the world around him.
I remember the morning well. At about a quarter to eight I’d nipped out of bed and got into the bathroom just in time to shut the kids out. It was a beastly January morning, with a dirty yellowish-gre... - #10
Save:'What Alice Forgot' by Liane Moriarty is a captivating story about Alice Love, who wakes up from a head injury at a gym to discover that she has lost her memory of the last ten years of her life. The plot follows Alice as she navigates her new reality of having three children, being in the middle of a messy divorce, and having strained relationships with her family. The novel delves into themes of self-discovery, relationships, motherhood, and the impact of memory loss on one's identity. Moriarty's writing style is easily identifiable, engaging, and keeps readers guessing until the end about who Alice will choose in her transformed life.
She was floating, arms outspread, water lapping her body, breathing in a summery fragrance of salt and coconut. There was a pleasantly satisfied breakfast taste in her mouth of bacon and coffee and po...
