Books matching: surreal and dreamlike quality
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- #1
Save:'Pedro Paramo' by Juan Rulfo follows the story of Juan Preciado as he embarks on a journey to the town of Comala to find his father, Pedro Paramo, as his dying mother's final wish. Upon reaching Comala, Juan discovers a haunting and surreal town filled with ghosts and memories of the past. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear manner, with various characters narrating their perspectives and experiences, blurring the lines between the living and the dead. is described as a precursor to Magical Realist novels, exploring themes of death, memory, and the cultural landscape of rural Mexico.
Rulfo's writing style in 'Pedro Paramo' is often praised for its surreal and dreamlike quality, with abrupt shifts in time and perspective that enhance the novel's eerie and disturbing effect. The narrative is filled with haunting imagery and vivid descriptions, creating a sense of unease and mystery as the reader navigates through the fragmented storytelling and complex characters. Despite the challenging nature of the plot and structure, the book is commended for its beauty, symbolism, and the depth of its exploration of Latin American culture and literature.
I came to Comala because I had been told that my father, a man named Pedro Páramo lived there. It was my mother who told me. And I had promised her that after she died I would go see him. I squeezed h... - #2
Save:'In the House in the Dark of the Woods' by Laird Hunt is a dark and atmospheric fairy tale set in New England. The story follows a woman named Goody who ventures into the woods to gather berries for her family but ends up encountering eerie characters and experiencing unsettling events. As the plot unfolds, the narrative weaves elements of horror, folklore, and mystery, leading the reader through a dreamlike journey filled with outlandish characters and dark twists. The writing style of the book is described as lyrical, creepy, and immersive, creating a sense of unease and suspense as the protagonist navigates through a world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
I told my man I was off to pick berries and that he should watch our son for I would be gone some good while. So away I went with a basket. I walked and picked and ate and took off my shoes. I left th... - #3
Save:'Thus Were Their Faces' by Silvina Ocampo is a collection of strange and fantastical stories that blur the lines between dream and reality. Ocampo's writing style is described as haunting, modern fables filled with magic and surrealism, while also exploring down-to-earth themes of love, death, and human nature. The stories in the book refuse to adhere to conventional writing norms, creating a barely coherent dreamworld where anything out of the ordinary can happen.
IT WAS suffocatingly hot. I reached Constitution Station at four. The books tucked into the straps of the suitcase made the suitcase even heavier. I stopped to finish a strawberry ice-cream cone next ... - #4
Save:'The Blizzard' by Vladimir Sorokin follows Dr. Garin on a crucial mission to deliver vaccines to a town in Russia amidst a zombie outbreak. The journey, undertaken through a surreal and snowy landscape, is the focal point of the story rather than the zombie situation itself. The plot is filled with strange beings, machines, and unexpected events, creating a dream-like and fantastical atmosphere. The narrative weaves elements of magical realism, satire, and fantasy, set in a dystopian future Russia, where the characters face weirdness and grotesque scenarios typical of Sorokin's writing style.
The journey through the blizzard serves as a metaphor for human struggles and the meaning of life. delves into themes of acceptance, mistakes, and the importance of living honestly. The relationship between Dr. Garin and Crouper, the sled driver, takes center stage, offering a deeper interpretation of the story. Despite the bizarre events and constant hardships faced by the characters, the book ultimately explores profound ideas about the human condition and the journey towards inner peace.
“That’s what for, but all of ’em are out, and there ain’t a one to be found nowheres!” the stationmaster shouted, as though speaking to a deaf man. “Not ’less some miracle brings the mail horses in to... - #5
Save:Manazuru is a haunting and melancholic story of loss and renewal, following Kei's journey as she grapples with the disappearance of her husband, Rei, over a decade ago. The narrative is a poetic exploration of memory, grief, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination, set in the coastal town of Manazuru. The writing style is described as quiet, ethereal, and atmospheric, focusing on Kei's internal struggles and relationships with her daughter, lover, and family.
I had set out before noon from the guest house on the inlet, headed for the tip of the cape. I stayed there last night, in that small building set amidst an isolated cluster of private houses, run by ... - #6
Save:'Nostalgia' by Mircea Cartarescu is a collection of five unconnected stories, which the author subtitled as a novel. The stories play with ideas of authorship and authority, incorporating postmodern effects like shifting points of view, blurring of dreams and reality, and episodes of magical realism. The first story involves a roulette player surviving against astonishing odds, while the second story, 'The Twins', consists of a banal adolescent romance intertwined with descriptions of a man dressing in drag. The book's prose shines occasionally, with descriptions like a suicide on the pavement displaying a noble profile against a cheery stain. The collection is described as self-consciously postmodern, which may be off-putting for readers accustomed to realist fiction.
I record here (for what reason?) these verses from Eliot. In any case, not as a possible opening for one of my books, because I will never write anything else again. Yet, if I write these lines,... - #7
Save:The Squirrel Machine by Hans Rickheit is a graphic novel that delves into the twisted world of two brothers, Edmund and William Torpor, who have a macabre hobby of turning animal corpses into musical instruments. Set in 19th century New England, the narrative follows the Torpor brothers' journey from their teenage years to old age in a non-linear structure. The book explores themes of artistic creation, the interplay between the conscious and subconscious, and the exploration of the inner self through surreal and nightmarish imagery.
The writing style of The Squirrel Machine is characterized by its dark and provocative nature, blending elements of horror, fantasy, and macabre fantasy. The author, Hans Rickheit, weaves a complex narrative that challenges societal norms and delves into the depths of the characters' psyches. Through detailed black and white drawings and dreamlike sequences, Rickheit creates a haunting and hallucinatory atmosphere that immerses readers in a world of grotesque beauty and artistic exploration.
- #8
Save:'Anil's Ghost' by Michael Ondaatje follows the journey of Anil Tissera, a forensic anthropologist returning to Sri Lanka to investigate political murders during the civil war. Through Anil's investigation, the story delves into the complexities of the war-torn country, touching on themes of human rights, corruption, and the impact of violence on individuals. The writing style is described as lyrical, fragmented yet engaging, with a focus on character development and exploring the personal and political struggles faced by the characters.
The narrative of 'Anil's Ghost' navigates through different time periods and characters, providing a multilayered and thought-provoking exploration of the Sri Lankan civil war. Ondaatje's prose is praised for its beauty, precision, and ability to evoke emotions in the reader. offers a mix of mystery, love, and lament for the horrors of war, creating a poignant and immersive reading experience that sheds light on the personal and political challenges in Sri Lanka.
Halfway into Michael Ondaatje's new novel, Anil's Ghost, there is a scene so quietly devastating that it alone makes the novel worth reading. It is the mid-1980s, and a civil war is raging on the tiny... - #9
Save:'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke is a genre-bending oddball that unfolds a mysterious world through the eyes of the narrator who lives in a vast house, which to him, is the whole world. As the story progresses, the House slowly reveals its secrets, leading the narrator to rediscover himself while questioning everything he thought he knew. captures themes of memory, identity, and mental health, creating a fascinating and claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps readers intrigued till the end.
I climbed up the Western Wall until I reached the Statue of a Woman carrying a Beehive, fifteen metres above the Pavement. The Woman is two or three times my own height and the Beehive is covered with... - #10
Save:The 'Palm-of-the-Hand Stories' by Yasunari Kawabata is a collection of very short stories, ranging from 1 to 3 pages in length, written over a period of 50 years. The stories often explore themes of death, family life, beauty, surrealism, and the blurring line between reality and dreams. Kawabata's writing style is described as minimalistic, poetic, and impressionistic, focusing on brief character studies, sensory impressions, and the unsaid or implied aspects of the narrative.
