Books matching: symbolic characters
100 result(s)
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- #1
Save:'The Human Comedy' by William Saroyan is a heartwarming novel set in 1940s California during World War II, focusing on the Macauley family. The story follows Homer, a young boy who takes on the responsibility of working as a telegram messenger to support his family while his older brother is away at war. Through simple yet profound storytelling, Saroyan captures the essence of small-town America, touching on themes of love, loss, family, and community. The writing style is described as wise, funny, and poignant, immersing readers in the daily lives and struggles of the characters.
The little boy named Ulysses Macauley one day stood over the new gopher hole in the backyard of his house on Santa Clara Avenue in Ithaca, California. The gopher of this hole pushed up fresh moist dir... - #2
Save:The Pilgrim's Regress by C.S. Lewis is an autobiographical allegory that follows the journey of John, reflecting Lewis' own search for spiritual fulfillment that ultimately led him to Christianity. The book features a cast of characters representing different philosophies and schools of thought, as John travels through various cities and encounters individuals like Mr. Enlightenment, Mr. Mammon, and Mother Kirk. The narrative delves into John's longing for a beauty he glimpses from afar, his disobedience of societal rules, and his relentless pursuit of fulfillment that remains unsatisfied.
I DREAMED OF A BOY who was born in the land of Puritania and his name was John. And I dreamed that when John was able to walk he ran out of his parents’ garden on a fine morning on to the road. And on... - #3
Save:The novel 'The Bridge on the Drina' by Ivo Andrić is a rich tapestry of stories spanning over 400 years, centered around a stone bridge in the heart of the Balkans. The bridge serves as a silent witness to the lives and struggles of the people who inhabit the region, reflecting the intersecting histories of various nationalities, religions, and empires. Through a series of vignettes, the author captures the essence of Balkan history, exploring themes of cultural diversity, religious tensions, and the impact of war on civilian populations. The writing style is evocative and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of life in the region from the Ottoman era to World War I.
For the greater part of its course the river Drina flows through narrow gorges between steep mountains or through deep ravines with precipitous banks. In a few places only the river banks spread out t... - #4
Save:The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri is a poetic masterpiece that takes readers on an allegorical journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. Through vivid imagery and beautiful writing, Dante explores themes of redemption, spirituality, and the afterlife. The book is structured as a pilgrimage guided by the poet Virgil and the love of Dante's life, Beatrice, and is filled with encounters with various souls that reflect Dante's personal struggles and reflections on life.
The book is known for its depth, breadth, and power in poetry, capturing medieval attitudes and serving as a window into the late Middle Ages in Italy. Dante skillfully weaves historical, political, and religious elements into his work, creating a timeless exploration of human nature and the journey towards salvation.
For each canto in these notes, the reader will find broadly factual information and cross-references to texts cited by Dante that are worth reading alongside Dante’s own. The asterisks in the poem tex... - #5
Save:'Collected Stories' by Peter Carey is a collection of surreal and imaginative short stories that explore a variety of themes such as class struggles, political commentary, and twisted realities. The stories range from elements of fantasy and science fiction to dark and pessimistic narratives, all tightly constructed with surprise endings and thought-provoking themes. Carey's writing style is described as a cross between Hemingway's descriptive prose and Flann O'Brien's surreal storytelling, creating a unique blend that captivates readers.
To begin with one must understand the nature of the yearly census, a manifestation of our desire to know, always, exactly where we stand. The census, originally a count of the population, has graduall... - #6
Save:In "Winter's Tale" by Mark Helprin, readers are taken on a journey to a magical version of New York City where a love story unfolds between a middle-aged Irishman and a young girl who is dying. The book is described as a fabulous urban fairy tale that defies labels, with characters that are vividly drawn and belong to a more magical time. The author's writing style is praised for its beautiful descriptions of surroundings and events, capturing the essence of the city and creating a sense of wonder and magic.
THERE was a white horse, on a quiet winter morning when snow covered the streets gently and was not deep, and the sky was swept with vibrant stars, except in the east, where dawn was beginning in a li... - #7
Save:The Magus by John Fowles is a complex and mysterious novel set in Greece, following the story of Nicholas Urfe, a self-absorbed Englishman who takes a teaching position on a Greek island. Nicholas finds himself entangled in a series of mind games and deceit orchestrated by the eccentric millionaire Maurice Conchis. The plot twists and turns, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, questioning themes of freedom, power, knowledge, and love. The writing style is described as beautifully written, suspenseful, and engaging, with a mix of psychological mind games and supernatural events that keep the reader intrigued.
I was born in 1927, the only child of middle-class parents, both English, and themselves born in the grotesquely elongated shadow, which they never rose sufficiently above history to leave, of that mo... - #8
Save:'Visitation' by Jenny Erpenbeck is a novel that delves into the history of a house in Brandenburg, Germany, spanning from before World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores the lives of various inhabitants who have resided in the house, touching on themes of impermanence, political upheaval, and the passage of time. The writing style is described as poetic and lyrical, with a focus on the details of the landscape, the house, and the people who have passed through, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives.
WHEN A WOMAN GETS married, she must not sew her own dress. The dress may not even be made in the house where she lives. It must be sewn elsewhere, and during the sewing a needle must not be broken. Th... 'Axiomatic' by Greg Egan is a collection of short science fiction stories that delve into compelling ideas about humanity's possible future, exploring themes of bioengineering, chemistry, and physics. The stories are presented in a readable manner, addressing what it means to be human in a world dominated by technological developments. Egan's writing style is described as intense yet accessible, with a focus on thought-provoking concepts that challenge readers to consider the impact of technology on society and individuals.
Why? They tell me I’m stable. Reliable. Dependable. After each debriefing, The Company’s psychologists (complete strangers, every time) shake their heads in astonishment at their printouts, and tell m...- #10
Save:'The Goddess Chronicle' by Natsuo Kirino is a captivating retelling of the Japanese creation myth of Izanami and Izanaki, exploring themes of fate, expectations, and the struggles of women. The story follows Namima, who is destined to become the priestess of death on a poor island, while her sister is trained to be the Oracle. As Namima rebels against her fate, the narrative delves into the complexities of mythology, societal roles, and women's empowerment. Kirino's writing style weaves a tale of joy and sorrow, light and darkness, love and vengeance, creating a compelling and thought-provoking story that resonates with readers.
My name is Namima – ‘Woman-Amid-the-Waves’. I am a miko. Born on an island far, far to the south, I was barely sixteen when I died. Now I make my home among the dead, here in this realm of darkness. H...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Canongate's The Myths )
