Books matching: surreal narrative style
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- #1
The Troika by Stepan Chapman is a surreal and dreamlike novel that follows three unlikely protagonists - an old Mexican woman, a sentient Jeep, and a brontosaurus - as they wander through a desert filled with strange memories, dreams, and stories. The book delves into themes of madness, despair, and hope, creating a unique and curious world that blurs the lines between reality and dreams. While lacking a traditional plot structure, the book is praised for its beautiful scenes, fantasy environments, and the way it weaves together odd fragments to create a sense of coherence.
The three of them were crossing a desert of white sand. They’d been crossing it for as long as they could remember. Today they listened to the wind as they traveled. The wind hadn’t let up all day. It... - #2
The Ruined Map by Kobo Abe is a mesmerizing literary crime novel that follows the story of a private detective who embarks on a puzzling pursuit in Tokyo's dangerous underworld to find a missing salesman. The narrative style combines the suspense of a detective novel with existentialist themes, creating a surreal and hauntingly dreamlike experience for the reader. The book delves into the mysteries of the human mind, challenging the boundaries of identity and reality, while maintaining a fast-paced and disorienting flow that keeps the reader engaged.
The surface of the street was not asphalt but a rough-textured concrete with narrow grooves about five inches apart, apparently to prevent slipping. But they did not look as though they would be much ... - #3
Maggots Screaming! by Max Booth III is a weird and dysfunctional tale that follows a father and son, Max and Dylan, as they unearth mysterious and disturbing secrets buried in their backyard. The story explores themes of decay, dysfunctional relationships, and absurdity, all presented in a comedic and grotesque manner. The plot unfolds in a reality where normalcy is abandoned, leading the characters on a wild and disturbing journey filled with bizarre occurrences and unexpected consequences. Booth's writing style effectively blends horror and comedy, creating a unique narrative that keeps readers engaged through its dark humor and surreal elements.
- #4
White Tears by Hari Kunzru is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of cultural appropriation, race, obsession, and the lingering effects of historical injustices. The story follows two music enthusiasts who fabricate a blues song from the 1920s, leading them down a dark path of revenge, ghostly encounters, and unsettling revelations about the exploitation of Black music and artists. Kunzru's writing style blends elements of horror, history, and social commentary to create a narrative that is both eerie and compelling, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America's past and present.
THAT SUMMER I WOULD RIDE MY BIKE over the bridge, lock it up in front of one of the bars on Orchard Street and drift through the city on foot, recording. People and places. Sidewalk smokers, lovers’ q... - #5
'I Was Dora Suarez' by Derek Raymond is a dark and gritty novel that follows an unnamed detective as he investigates the brutal murder of a prostitute named Dora Suarez. The story delves deep into the depravity of society, exploring themes of violence, exploitation, and psychological darkness. The writing style is described as visceral and surreal, creating a sense of dread and confusion for the reader. The book is part of the 'Factory Series' and is known for its unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of human nature.
Interrupted by her because she had come to see what was happening next door while he was still finishing up with the girl, the killer came up to the old woman without a word, got hold of her as if she... - #6
"Dr. Bloodmoney" by Philip K. Dick is a post-apocalyptic novel set in the near future of 1972, exploring a world ravaged by two nuclear apocalypses. The story is centered around a rural town in West Marin populated by colorful characters, including mutants with unique powers, a man orbiting Earth in a satellite, and a talking dog. The narrative structure, typical of PKD, switches between different points of view, offering a refreshing take on the post-apocalyptic genre. Despite the bleak setting, the book maintains an optimistic tone and incorporates eccentric humor throughout the storyline.
EARLY IN THE BRIGHT sun-yellowed morning, Stuart McConchie swept the sidewalk before Modern TV Sales & Service, hearing the cars along Shattuck Avenue and the secretaries hurrying on high heels to the... - #7
Paprika by Yasutaka Tsutsui is a surrealistic sci-fi novel set in an experimental psychiatric research institute where a powerful dream technology is stolen, leading to chaos as reality merges with the dream world. The story follows Atsuko Chiba, a brilliant psychotherapist who uses psychotherapy devices to enter and manipulate patients' dreams, including disguising herself as Paprika to conduct secret therapy sessions. As the line between reality and dreams blurs, Atsuko must navigate through overlapping worlds to uncover the culprit behind the malicious use of the stolen technology.
The book explores themes of dream manipulation, reality control, and the consequences of merging the subconscious with the conscious mind. It delves into the complexities of human psyche, the potential dangers of advanced technology, and the blurred boundaries between dreams and reality, all while maintaining a surreal and intriguing narrative style that challenges traditional storytelling conventions.
The Senior Staff Room of the Institute for Psychiatric Research had five desks but only two regular occupants – Kosaku Tokita and Atsuko Chiba. Their desks jostled for space near the window at the far... - #8
'The Melancholy of Resistance' by Laszlo Krasznahorkai is a dense and Kafkaesque tale set in a Hungarian city, revolving around themes of anarchy, power, and chaos. The story follows memorable characters such as a reclusive professor, his opportunistic wife, and their humble minion, as they navigate a narrative that unfolds slowly but with leaps and bounds. The writing style is hypnotic and dense, diving deep into philosophical musings and surrealism, creating a unique and unforgettable reading experience that leaves readers grappling with themes of decay, chaos, and the entropic nature of the world.
- #9Peachby:
Peach by Emma Glass is a visceral and surreal narrative that delves into the life journey of a seemingly normal young woman named Peach who has just experienced a horrific sexual assault. The book is described as a short and intense piece of magical realism, blending light and bubbling language patterns with dark subject matters. The author's writing style is poetic, surreal, and at times grotesquely erotic, creating a story that is both disturbing and compelling.
- #10
'Eye in the Sky' by Philip K. Dick explores the concept of multiverse through a group of visitors trapped in the subconscious wish fulfillment worlds of their unconscious companions after an accident at the Bevatron. The plot takes the readers through different distorted perspectives and realities of the characters, touching on political and social views while maintaining a humorous and entertaining narrative style.
The proton beam deflector of the Belmont Bevatron betrayed its inventors at four o'clock in the afternoon of October 2, 1959. What happened next happened instantly. No longer adequately deflected—and ...