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Books matching: themes of life and death

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  1. #1

    The Plague by Albert Camus
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    'The Plague' by Albert Camus revolves around the town of Oran in the 1940s dealing with a sudden plague outbreak, leading to quarantine and isolation from the rest of society. The story focuses on how individuals cope with the challenges of being cut off from their loved ones, the slow progression of the disease, and the impact it has on human relationships. Camus' writing style captures the existential struggles of the characters and delves into philosophical themes of human nature, suffering, and societal responses to crises.

    The unusual events described in this chronicle occurred in 194- at Oran. Everyone agreed that, considering their somewhat extraordinary character, they were out of place there. For its ordinariness is...

  2. #2

    Fresh Water for Flowers by Hildegarde Serle, Valérie Perrin
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    Fresh Water for Flowers is a novel that delves into the life of Violette, a cemetery keeper in a town in Burgundy. The story follows Violette's journey from being an orphaned waif to becoming a woman who finds solace and purpose in tending to the cemetery. The book intertwines various characters' lives, each with their own complexities of grief, love, and human nature. Through unexpected twists and emotional depth, the plot unfolds to reveal the interconnected stories within the French landscape and culture.

    The book is characterized by delicate mysticism, beautiful scenes by the sea, and subtle imagery that reveals the characters' depth. The writing style is described as deep, with interesting twists that keep the reader engaged. The narrative focuses on the lives of a select few characters, including Violette, portraying their tragedies and acts of generosity in a way that is both satisfying and life-affirming.

    In 1997, when our level-crossing was automated, my husband and I lost our jobs. We were in the newspaper. We were seen as the last collateral victims of progress, the employees who worked the last man...

  3. #3

    The End and Other Beginnings by Veronica Roth
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    'The End and Other Beginnings' by Veronica Roth is a collection of short stories set in various worlds, each with unique settings, challenges, and characters. The stories explore themes of life, death, self-discovery, free will, choice, and dealing with loss. The writing style showcases Roth's talent for crafting dark sci-fi narratives with tortured characters, complemented by mind-blowing illustrations that enhance the reading experience. The book includes stories from original worlds as well as from the Carve the Mark universe, offering a mix of speculative fiction that captivates readers with its depth and creativity.


  4. #4

    Pollen by Jeff Noon
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    'Pollen' by Jeff Noon is a surreal cyberpunk novel that explores a world where a high pollen count is causing people to sneeze themselves to death. The story follows a detective novel format, delving into the dream-like and disturbing world filled with androids, plant people, and shadowy characters. The writing style is described as imaginative, mind-expanding, and gripping, reminiscent of Neil Gaiman's Sandman with a touch of metafiction and the New Weird genre.

    My father told me that I would live as many years as the grains of dust I could hold in one hand. Consequently I have lived to such an advanced age that now, when my body is ravaged by time, and power...

  5. #5

    Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer
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    In "Rubbernecker" by Belinda Bauer, the story revolves around Patrick Fort, a young man with Asperger's Syndrome who is studying anatomy to understand death, especially after his father's mysterious passing. As he dissects a body in class, he becomes convinced that the death was not natural and sets out on an unconventional investigation. The book weaves together different perspectives, including that of coma patients, to uncover a gripping mystery filled with twists and turns. Bauer's writing style is praised for its unique premise, tight plotting, and the portrayal of a protagonist with Asperger's in a compassionate and realistic manner.

    He sighed and wished he were on his bicycle. No bother with jams then. But his mother had insisted on driving – even though Patrick didn’t like riding in cars – because he was in his good clothes for ...

  6. #6

    Who Has Seen The Wind by W.O. Mitchell
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    'Who Has Seen The Wind' by W.O. Mitchell is a gentle and realistic account of a boy named Brian O'Connal growing up in a small town on the Saskatchewan prairie in the 1920s and 30s. The story follows Brian from the age of 4 to 11, capturing the essence of childhood and small-town life. The book portrays the struggles and experiences of a young boy as he navigates through life, exploring themes such as birth, hunger, love, and the cycle of life. Mitchell's writing style is described as magical and lyrical, painting vivid pictures of the endless sky, animals, and the wind that characterizes the prairie landscape.


  7. #7

    Seaward by Susan Cooper
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    'Seaward' by Susan Cooper is a coming of age adventure story where two teenagers, Cally and Westerly, find themselves in another world through mysterious means. In this new world, they encounter magic, mythical beings, and unknown dangers as they embark on a quest to reach the sea. The book is described as a page-turner with beautiful language that vividly describes the landscapes and characters, reminiscent of works by George MacDonald and C.S. Lewis.

    The story focuses on themes of life, death, good, evil, and love, offering a more complex examination of these concepts aimed at a slightly older audience. The characters of Cally and Westerly are likable and empathetic, facing challenges both physical and metaphorical as they navigate through a world filled with symbolism and mysticism. The novel presents a gripping tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of hope amidst darkness and uncertainty.

    Westerly came down the path at a long lope, sliding over the short moorland grass. His pack thumped against his back with each stride. A lark flicked suddenly into the air a yard away from him; flew l...

  8. #8

    Renascence And Other Poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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    'Renascence And Other Poems' by Edna St. Vincent Millay is a collection of poems that captivate readers with their deep and thoughtful themes. The poems range from short to long in length, exploring topics such as life, death, hopelessness, and joy. Millay's writing style is described as traditional in form and rhyme, with vivid imagery of gardens and flowers. The collection includes renowned poems like 'Renascence,' 'Sorrow,' 'Ashes of Life,' 'The Dream,' and 'Afternoon on a Hill,' each leaving a lasting impact on readers.


  9. #9

    Olives by A.E. Stallings
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    Olives by A.E. Stallings is a collection of poetry that explores themes such as mortality, relationships, childhood, and the tensions between life and death. The book is praised for its resonances, balance, and encompassing a range of weathers with honesty, compassion, and wisdom. Stallings' writing style is described as clear, concise, spare, and gleaming, with a focus on inherited forms and intricate craftsmanship that amplifies the emotion and meaning of each poem.


  10. #10

    On a Pale Horse - Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony
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    On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony is the first book in the Incarnations of Immortality series, where Death is portrayed as a character who can be killed and replaced by a mortal. The story follows Zane, a photographer who unintentionally takes over the role of Death and must navigate the responsibilities and challenges that come with the position. The book blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, exploring themes of mortality, destiny, and the supernatural, all while offering a unique perspective on traditional beliefs about life and death.

    The writing style of On a Pale Horse is described as a mix of fantasy and philosophical musings, with a touch of humor and a deep exploration of existential themes. Readers appreciate the way the author, Piers Anthony, weaves together a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, creating a world where supernatural entities like Death and Satan are portrayed in a humanized and relatable manner.

    The man smiled, an obviously perfunctory and practiced expression reserved for wavering marks. He was well dressed, but somewhat sallow, in the manner of those who remained in the shade too long. “You...

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