Books matching: surrealism and politics
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- #1
The Girl in the Road by Monica Byrne is a futuristic novel set in a world where Africa has become the new cultural superpower. The story follows two female protagonists, Meena and Mariama, as they embark on separate journeys filled with danger, self-discovery, and haunting pasts. The plot is a blend of surrealism, politics, and technological aspects, painting a picture of a future where the West is in decline and Africa takes center stage. The narrative alternates between Meena's escape from India to Africa via the Trans Arabian Linear Generator and Mariama's journey across Africa, with their stories intertwining in a shocking revelation.
- #2
Hannah Arendt's 'The Origins of Totalitarianism' is a comprehensive exploration of the rise of totalitarian movements, with a focus on Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia. Arendt delves into the roots of totalitarianism, tracing its development from historical events such as anti-Semitism and imperialism. She skillfully connects pivotal historical facts to overarching ideas, enhancing the reader's understanding of totalitarianism and its manifestations throughout history. The book is described as engaging, clear, and accessible, despite its complex subject matter, making it a valuable resource for those interested in totalitarianism, imperialism, and related historical topics.
Many still consider it an accident that Nazi ideology centered around antisemitism and that Nazi policy, consistently and uncompromisingly, aimed at the persecution and finally the extermination of th... - #3Iceby:
Ice by Anna Kavan is a surreal, dystopian novella that follows an unnamed narrator's obsessive pursuit of a woman through a world slowly being engulfed by ice. The book features vivid descriptions of a cold, desolate landscape and explores themes of abuse, violence, and trauma. The writing style is described as darkly sparkly, with beautiful prose that creates haunting and harrowing imagery, reminiscent of authors like Kafka and Borges. The plot is simple yet complex, with elements of surrealism and dreamlike sequences that leave the reader questioning reality.
I was lost, it was already dusk, I had been driving for hours and was practically out of petrol. The idea of being stranded on these lonely hills in the dark appalled me, so I was glad to see a signpo... - #4
Kleinzeit by Russell Hoban is a surreal and poetic story that follows the protagonist, Kleinzeit, as he navigates through a world filled with illness, significance, love, sex, mystery, and meaning. The narrative is fractured, humorous, and abounds in wordplay and allusions, creating a hallucinatory stream of consciousness that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as a mix of weird truth, freaky beauty, and psychedelic freakouts, offering a unique reading experience that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.
The fat man in the bed next to Kleinzeit sat up, smiled, nodded over his teacup. From his bedside locker he took four fruity buns, sliced them in half, spread them with butter, loaded four of the halv... - #5
'Riddley Walker' by Russell Hoban is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a future England where civilization has regressed to a primitive state after a nuclear war. The story follows the eponymous narrator, Riddley, as he navigates this harsh world and tries to uncover the mysteries of the past through a mix of oral history, myths, and a language that reflects the decay of society. The book is known for its unique writing style, incorporating a degraded English language that challenges readers but ultimately immerses them in the world of Riddley.
On my naming day when I come 12 I gone front spear and kilt a wyld boar he parbly ben the las wyld pig on the Bundel Downs any how there hadnt ben none for a long time befor him nor I aint looking to ... - #6
Sudden Death by Alvaro Enrigue is a novel that intricately weaves together a tennis match between historical figures, such as Caravaggio and Quevedo, with events from the 16th century like the conquest of Mexico and the Counter Reformation. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, offering insights into the lives of these characters and exploring themes of power, religion, and cultural clashes. The author's writing style blurs the line between fact and fiction, creating a playful yet erudite atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged and questioning the boundaries of history and storytelling.
The oldest written record of the word tennis makes no mention of athletic shoes; rather, it refers solely to the sport from which they take their name, a sport that—along with fencing, its near kin—wa... - #7
Mumbo Jumbo by Ishmael Reed is a wild and wonderful ride, described as a Neo Hoodoo conspiracy yarn. The novel delves into a world where Black and European cultures collide, giving rise to a unique flowering of American culture. Through a satirical lens, Reed explores the spread of Black culture and music, the battle between the straight-laced society and the hip music world, and the power dynamics at play. The book is a multi-vocal, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural jazz novel that challenges readers' knowledge of history, culture, and literature.
The plot revolves around the Jes' Grew epidemic, the spread of Black culture and music that is treated as a plague by the whites in power. Reed's writing style is described as wildly rambling, hilarious, and satirical, with a mix of comic relief, sarcasm, and deep political commentary. The novel incorporates legends from Europe and Africa, weaving together elements of African Voodoo and postmodernism to create a mystical murder conspiracy narrative.
A TRUE SPORT, THE Mayor of New Orleans, spiffy in his patent-leather brown and white shoes, his plaid suit, the Rudolph Valentino parted-down-the-middle hair style, sits in his office. Sprawled upon h... - #8
'The Third Policeman' by Flann O'Brien is a surreal and absurd novel that takes readers on a bizarre journey filled with dark humor, whimsicality, and philosophical ponderings. The story follows a protagonist who commits a murder and ends up in a police station where strange events unfold, including policemen obsessed with bicycles, merging of humans with bicycles, and explorations of an underground world where anything is possible. The book is described as a blend of comedy, meta physics, satire, and rural Irishness, creating a unique and non-perpendicular narrative that challenges assumptions about society and identity. O'Brien's writing style is noted for its fine comic writing, psychedelic moments, and fusion of Kafka, Beckett, and Alice in Wonderland elements.
'The Third Policeman' is a delightfully weird and absurd tale that defies easy description, offering readers a mix of dark comedy, surrealism, and inventive storytelling. The book is praised for its originality, wild imagination, and brilliant writing that blends humor with unsettling themes. O'Brien's ability to craft a narrative that is both funny and profound, challenging readers to engage with its strange world and complex structure, makes this novel a standout work of postmodern literature.
Not everybody knows how I killed old Phillip Mathers, smashing his jaw in with my spade; but first it is better to speak of my friendship with John Divney because it was he who first knocked old Mathe... - #9
"Il cavaliere inesistente" by Italo Calvino is a whimsical tale that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of human nature. Through the adventures of characters like Agilulfo, Rambaldo, and Bradamante, Calvino weaves a narrative that challenges traditional notions of chivalry and heroism, while also delving into the duality of human nature. The story is filled with clever twists and turns, offering a satirical take on medieval legends and the concept of knighthood, all while maintaining a playful and engaging writing style that keeps readers intrigued.
- #10
'The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047' by Lionel Shriver is a dystopian novel set in the near future where the United States faces a severe economic collapse. The story follows the Mandible family as they navigate through the financial meltdown, societal chaos, and lawlessness that ensue. The author creatively imagines various technologies and societal changes, depicting a world where the American economy crumbles, leaving its citizens struggling to survive. Shriver's writing style combines elements of humor, satire, and thought-provoking scenarios to paint a vivid picture of a society on the brink of collapse.
Intended as a gentle reminder, the admonishment came out shrill. Florence didn’t want to seem like what her son would call a boomerpoop, but still—the rules of the household were simple. Esteban consi...