Books matching: themes of isolation
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- #1
Save:'The Outsider' by H.P. Lovecraft is a short story that delves into themes of loneliness, existential dread, and the macabre. The protagonist's journey through a strange world and the haunting ending leave a lasting impact on readers. Lovecraft's dense prose style, typical of his works, adds to the eerie atmosphere of the story, making it a standout piece in his collection.
Unhappy is he to whom the memories of childhood bring only fear and sadness. Wretched is he who looks back upon lone hours in vast and dismal chambers with brown hangings and maddening rows of antique... - #2
Save:The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a classic horror novel that tells the story of four individuals invited to investigate the paranormal occurrences at Hill House. As they delve into the mysteries of the house, strange phenomena begin to unfold, leading to a growing sense of disassociation from reality and genuine horror. The narrative is a meditation on isolation, fear, and desperation, particularly focusing on the protagonist Eleanor's psychological journey as she navigates the haunting presence of Hill House.
No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its ... - #3
Save:'Good Morning, Midnight' by Lily Brooks-Dalton is a post-apocalyptic novel that focuses on character development and emotions rather than detailing the cause of the catastrophe. The story follows two main characters - an aging astronomer alone in the Arctic Circle and a group of astronauts returning from Jupiter to a mysteriously silent Earth. The narrative alternates between these two perspectives, exploring themes of self-discovery, loneliness, and the uncertainties of the future in a beautifully written and character-driven manner.
THE BARBEAU OBSERVATORY was built as an extension of the mountain. The blunt fist of the telescope’s dome rose defiantly higher than anything else for miles, surveying the rest of the mountain range l... - #4
Save:'The Hole' by Hiroko Oyamada is a surreal and mysterious novella that explores the life of Asa, a woman who moves to a remote location with her husband. As Asa navigates her mundane life and the challenges of isolation, she encounters strange occurrences, such as falling into a hole and experiencing supernatural events. The story delves into themes of absurdism vs existentialism, leaving readers questioning reality and the meaning of life. Oyamada's writing style is described as bizarre, weird, and poetic, with detailed descriptions that evoke a sense of curiosity and enchantment.
- #5
Save:The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling is a psychological and intense sci-fi novel set on a distant planet in the future. The story follows Gyre, a young caver who embarks on a dangerous and highly paid exploration of a vast underground cave system with only her handler, Em, as her lifeline above ground. As Gyre delves deeper into the caves, she uncovers sinister truths and faces mortal dangers, all while navigating a complex and evolving relationship with Em. The book explores themes of survival, isolation, trust, and the blurred lines between reality and paranoia in a claustrophobic and perilous setting.
Gyre wriggled her armored body another centimeter into the crevice, then eased her bag of gear after her. The plating on the back of her calf scraped over the stone, and she winced at the noise. Nobod... - #6
Save:'Who Goes There?' by John W. Campbell Jr. is a novella that serves as the inspiration for the movies 'The Thing' and 'The Thing From Another World.' The story revolves around a group of individuals in an Antarctic setting who encounter an alien life form that has the ability to imitate any living being perfectly. As paranoia and mistrust grow among the group, they must work together to uncover the true identities of their companions and survive the deadly threat lurking among them. The writing style is described as quick, easy to get through, and perfect for fans of the horror and science fiction genres.
A queer, mingled stench that only the ice-buried cabins of an Antarctic camp know, compounded of reeking human sweat, and the heavy, fish-oil stench of melted seal blubber. An overtone of liniment com... - #7
Save:The Safe Place by Anna Downes is a thrilling novel following Emily Proudman, a struggling actress who is offered a job as a nanny and assistant on a luxurious estate in France. As she starts to suspect that her employers are hiding dangerous secrets, the suspenseful plot unfolds through alternating perspectives, keeping readers guessing until the riveting ending. The atmospheric setting, well-developed characters, and evocative writing style create a dark psychological thriller that hooks readers from start to finish.
Emily smiled politely. She had auditioned in countless church halls, but this one took cold and drafty to new levels. Echoes bounced off the walls and danced around the room, making it almost impossib... - #8
Save:'The Diving Pool: Three Novellas' by Yoko Ogawa is a collection of three novellas that delve into the darker side of human nature. Each story disrupts the routine lives of its protagonists, revealing unsettling and disturbing aspects of their characters. From a troubled teen infatuated with her foster brother to a woman chronicling her sister's pregnancy with strange occurrences, the novellas explore themes of jealousy, cruelty, and eerie atmospheres. The writing style is described as spare, dreamy, and atmospheric, drawing readers into a world where subtle tensions and unresolved endings leave a lasting impression.
It's always warm here: I feel as though I've been swallowedby a huge animal. After a few minutes, my hair,my eyelashes, even the blouse of my school uniform aredamp from the heat and humidity, and I'm... - #9
Save:Wake in Fright by Kenneth Cook is a harrowing novel set in the Australian outback, following the story of a schoolteacher named John Grant who finds himself stranded in a desolate town called Bundanyabba. The book delves into the dark and menacing side of Australian masculinity, portraying the outback as a place of violence, hard drinking, and isolation. Through Grant's experiences, the author captures the grim reality of the outback towns and their inhabitants, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive heat and claustrophobia faced by the protagonist.
Cook's writing style effectively captures the sense of place, with memorable moments such as the kangaroo hunt adding depth to the narrative. The book provides a fascinating insight into a particular time and place in Australian history, shedding light on the harsh realities of the outback and the complexities of human nature in the face of adversity.
Wake in Fright was first published in 1961 when Kenneth Cook was thirty-two. It was his second novel, the first having been withdrawn because of a threat of legal action. It was a publishing success, ... - #10
Save:"Long Day's Journey into Night" by Eugene O'Neill is an autobiographical play that delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of the Tyrone family over the course of a single day. The play unfolds slowly, revealing the family's struggles with addiction, repression, and emotional turmoil. O'Neill's writing style is described as powerful, dark, and brutally honest, shining a searing spotlight on the destructive force of dysfunctional family relationships. The stage directions are meticulous, adding depth to the characters and setting, making the play read like a novel.
The play explores themes of addiction, denial, family dysfunction, and the impact of past decisions on the present. Set in the early 20th century, the Tyrone family members grapple with their inner demons and confront the harsh realities of their lives. O'Neill's portrayal of the characters is both intimate and heart-wrenching, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for redemption amidst despair.
At rear are two double doorways with portieres. The one at right leads into a front parlor with the formally arranged, set appearance of a room rarely occupied. The other opens on a dark, windowless b...
