Books matching: surreal references
29 result(s)
The Book of Sand and Shakespeare's Memory by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short stories that delve into hidden worlds, evoking distant sadness and mystery in readers. Borges' writing style is described as calm, quiet, yet unsettling and thought-provoking, taking readers on a journey through fantastical plots that pay homage to other literary giants like H.G. Wells and H.P. Lovecraft. The stories cover themes such as the perfect one-word poem, a book with no end, and the complexities of Shakespeare's memory, showcasing Borges' ability to captivate readers with brevity and clarity.
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Save:'The Garden of Forking Paths' by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of mind-bending short stories that explore themes of parallel realities, free will, and the nature of storytelling. The writing style is described as imaginative, magical, and thought-provoking, with stories that often have mind-blowing or mind-bending endings. Borges' work is praised for its ability to challenge readers' perceptions and offer unique narrative experiences that blend genres like detective, spy, literary, and historical fiction.
The book is known for its intricate narratives, philosophical depth, and the way Borges plays with concepts of time, causation, and the multiplicity of choices. Readers appreciate the complexity of the stories, the literary references woven throughout, and the way Borges crafts tales that leave a lasting impact on the imagination.
I owe the discovery of Uqbar to the concurrence of a mirror and an encyclopaedia. The mirror unsettled the far end of a corridor in a villa in Gaona Street, in the Buenos Aires suburb of Ramos Mejía; ... - #3
Save:Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas by Tom Robbins is a whimsical novel that blends fantastical scenarios with social commentary. The book follows a stockbroker named Gwen who embarks on a journey with a mysterious man named Larry Diamond, exploring themes of materialism, spirituality, and absurdity. Robbins' writing style in this novel is described as maniacal, poetic, and hypnotic, with characters that defy Earth's physics and a narrative that mixes magic realism with eccentricity.
The day the stock market falls out of bed and breaks its back is the worst day of your life. Or so you think. It isnt the worst day of your life, but you think it is. And when you give voice to that t... - #4
Save:Marabou Stork Nightmares by Irvine Welsh is a twisted and innovative story narrated by a man in a coma. The book delves into themes of violence, rape, drugs, and abuse, following the protagonist's journey through his twisted fantasies that serve as a smokescreen for the squalid violence that led to his current state. As the story progresses, the reader uncovers the brutal and shocking reality behind the narrator's coma, creating a compelling and disturbing narrative that challenges traditional storytelling conventions.
The writing style of Marabou Stork Nightmares is described as unique and daring, with a narrative that weaves back and forth between feelings of disgust and sympathy towards the characters. The author, Irvine Welsh, displays a genius imagination in crafting a dark and complex story that explores the depths of human behavior through flashbacks and intricate storytelling techniques, making the book a challenging yet rewarding read for those willing to delve into its disturbing themes.
I grew up in what was not so much a family as a genetic disaster. While people always seem under the impression that their household is normal, I, from an early age, almost as soon as I was aware, was... 'Something That May Shock and Discredit You' by Daniel Mallory Ortberg is a memoir that delves into the author's transition, mixed with random pop culture reflections and surreal humor. The book contains a collection of essays that touch on topics such as religion, literature, and personal experiences of being a trans person. Ortberg's writing style combines humor, introspection, and literary references, making the book a unique and enlightening read.
One generally grows up thinking about the Rapture a great deal or not at all. Most don’t, I think, but among those who did, there’s always the question of how, if at all, to bring up the subject in mi...- #6
Save:The sixth book in 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King, titled 'Song of Susannah', follows the adventures of Susannah as she becomes occupied by Mia and struggles with a split personality. The narrative takes us to New York and Maine, with different groups of characters trying to save Susannah and protect her from the Crimson King's clutches. The book delves into themes of pregnancy, identity, and the complexities of the characters' relationships. The inclusion of the author, Stephen King, as a character in the story adds a unique and intriguing element to the plot.
The writing style of 'Song of Susannah' is described as disjointed by some readers, with a focus on multiple storylines and characters spread across different locations and time periods. The book serves as a bridge between the previous and final installment of the series, setting the stage for the epic conclusion while exploring the growth and challenges faced by the ka-tet as they near the Dark Tower.
At first no one answered Roland’s question, and so he asked it again, this time looking across the living room of the rectory to where Henchick of the Manni sat with Cantab, who had married one of Hen...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Dark Tower ) - #7
Save:'I Am Behind You' by John Ajvide Lindqvist is a surreal supernatural chiller that follows four very different families waking up in an endless field of grass, separated from the rest of the world. The novel explores the characters' humanity in vulnerable ways, creating a feeling of uneasiness and confusion throughout the story. Lindqvist's writing style pulls readers into the book, leaving them with a sense of unease even after finishing it.
The plot of 'I Am Behind You' focuses on the characters' points of view, with alternating perspectives including those of a dog and a cat. As the characters navigate their surreal and unsettling new reality, practical concerns quickly give way to more threatening events. The novel delves into the emotional and psychological issues of the characters, revealing their backstories and how they respond to increasingly eerie circumstances.
Isabelle Sundberg props herself up on her elbow. Her six-year-old daughter Molly is kneeling by the window. Isabelle pushes her out of the way and pulls back the curtain. She is just about to point in... - #8
Save:'Aberystwyth Mon Amour' by Malcolm Pryce is a humorous and entertaining spoof of hard-boiled detective stories, set in a parallel universe where Wales is run by a mafia of Druids. The story follows private detective Louie Knight as he investigates the disappearance of a schoolboy in the mean streets of Aberystwyth, encountering strange characters, surreal events, and dark humor along the way. The book is written in a 'noir' style, blending PI investigations, dames, murder, and mayhem with witty and dark humor, creating a unique and engaging narrative that pays homage to the detective genre.
The novel is set in a fictional version of Aberystwyth that is both familiar and fantastical, filled with references to Welsh culture and landmarks. The plot unfolds rapidly, keeping readers engaged with a mix of humor, mystery, and clever storytelling. Pryce's writing style combines elements of Raymond Chandler and Dylan Thomas, creating a rich and fantastical mythology within the familiar setting of Aberystwyth, making the book a clever and enjoyable read for fans of detective fiction and Welsh culture alike.
THE THING I remember most about it was walking the entire length of the Prom that morning and not seeing a Druid. Normally when I made my stroll shortly before 9am I would see a few hanging around at ... - #9
Save:"Zeroville" by Steve Erickson is a novel that delves into the world of vintage movies, Hollywood, and the 1960s through the eyes of its main character, Vikar Jerome. Vikar, a cinephile with a tattoo of Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor on his head, embarks on a quest in Hollywood, encountering a mix of eccentric characters and immersing himself in the film industry. The book weaves a narrative filled with cinematic references, existential themes, and a touch of surrealism, capturing the essence of Vikar's journey of self-discovery and obsession with movies.
Erickson's writing style in "Zeroville" has been described as erudite, provocative, and subversive, akin to a blend of Don Delillo's work. The novel intricately explores the themes of existential panic, cosmic questions, and the interplay between reality and myth, leaving readers to decipher its imagery and symbolism long after finishing the book. Through Vikar's experiences and encounters, the story unfolds as a mood novel that evokes specific emotions and mindsets, creating a unique reading experience that lingers with the reader.
On Vikar’s shaved head is tattooed the right and left lobes of his brain. One lobe is occupied by an extreme close-up of Elizabeth Taylor and the other by Montgomery Clift, their faces barely apart, l... - #10
Save:'Punk Land' by Carlton Mellick III is a bizarro fiction novel set in a unique afterlife called Punk Land, created by punk icon Sid Vicious. The story follows Goblin, a guard at the main gate of Punk Land, as he navigates through a series of bizarre and grotesque scenarios after the afterlife begins to deteriorate. With the help of new friends like Shark Girl, Nan, and Mortician, Goblin unravels the mysteries behind the strange rules and corrupt leaders of Punk Land, aiming to restore the anarchistic essence of the afterlife.
The book combines elements of horror, satire, and parody to deliver a fast-paced and darkly humorous narrative. Through unexpected plot twists, grotesque imagery, and witty writing, Carlton Mellick III crafts a story that explores themes of rebellion, identity, and the absurdity of existence in a punk-inspired afterlife.
