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Books matching: themes of time and existence

7 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 7 of 7 
  1. #1

    The Island of the Day Before by Umberto Eco
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    Readers describe "The Island of the Day Before" as a fictional historical biography set in the 17th century, involving a protagonist stranded between two islands on opposite sides of the international date line. The book delves into themes of memory, love, loss, and redemption, with a narrative that includes flashbacks, philosophical discussions, and historical information. The writing style is praised for being highbrow, well-written, and featuring continuous digressions akin to "Moby Dick."

    Itake pride withal in my humiliation, and as I am to this privilege condemned, almost I find joy in an abhorrent salvation; I am, I believe, alone of all our race, the only man in human memory to have...

  2. #2

    The Book of Sand by Jorge Luis Borges, Norman Thomas di Giovanni
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    The Book of Sand by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of surreal short stories that explore the concept of time and being. The stories delve into themes such as books and libraries, nameless strangers, intersections of the past and present, bards and skalds, Christianity's pagan roots, architecture, mathematics, and unreliable first-person narrators. Each story in the collection shares a reflective and somber tone, often leading to a sense of resignation in the face of the inscrutable universe. The title story, "The Book of Sand," tells the tale of a man who encounters a mysterious book with infinite pages, leading to a series of philosophical questions and a sense of being trapped by its endlessness.


  3. #3

    All Men Are Mortal by Simone de Beauvoir
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    Simone de Beauvoir's 'All Men Are Mortal' tells the tale of an immortal man, Fosca, who embarks on a journey from being part of the nobility in Italy to seeking ultimate success in his endeavors, only to realize the futility and absurdity of eternity. The book explores themes of existentialism, immortality, the passage of time, and the human condition through the experiences of Fosca and Regina, an ambitious actress who becomes obsessed with the idea of immortality through Fosca's memory. The writing style is described as original, fast-paced, and thought-provoking, reminiscent of works by existentialist philosophers such as Camus and Sartre.


  4. #4
    Thief of Time
    Book 26 in the series:Discworld

    Thief of Time - Discworld by Terry Pratchett
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    In Terry Pratchett's 'Thief of Time', the Auditors aim to stop time by creating a perfect clock, leading to potential chaos and the end of the world. Death's granddaughter, Susan Sto Helit, teams up with a young monk, Lobsang Ludd, and the eccentric Lu Tze, a Monk of History, to prevent this catastrophe. The story delves into themes of time management, embracing the present moment, and the consequences of disrupting the natural order, all presented in Pratchett's signature witty and humorous writing style.

    The novel blends elements of fantasy, satire, and philosophical musings, exploring complex concepts such as quantum mechanics, eastern philosophy, and the human perception of time. Through a mix of absurd scenarios, clever wordplay, and a diverse cast of characters including Death, Susan, and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, 'Thief of Time' offers a thought-provoking and entertaining journey that challenges readers to reflect on the nature of time and existence.

    According to the First Scroll of Wen the Eternally Surprised, Wen stepped out of the cave where he had received enlightenment and into the dawning light of the first day of the rest of his life. He st...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld )

  5. #5

    The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
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    The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab follows the story of Addie, a young woman who makes a deal with the devil to escape a forced marriage, granting her immortality but with the curse of being forgotten by everyone she meets. Spanning 300 years, the book explores Addie's journey through history as she struggles to leave her mark on the world and be remembered. The narrative weaves themes of love, loss, time, and the desire for recognition, creating a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.

    The book is praised for its enthralling and creative storytelling that seamlessly blends past and present, highlighting the importance of being seen and appreciated. Readers are drawn into Addie's world, captivated by the lush descriptions of settings, the well-developed characters, and the exploration of complex themes such as loneliness, memory, and the desire for immortality. The writing style is described as beautiful, eloquent, and engaging, with the author skillfully examining the nuances of love, possession, promises, and the yearning to be remembered.

    She lies there, perfectly still, tries to hold time like a breath in her chest; as if she can keep the clock from ticking forward, keep the boy beside her from waking, keep the memory of their night a...

  6. #6

    The Immense Journey by Loren Eiseley
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    'The Immense Journey' by Loren Eiseley is a collection of natural history essays that explore various concepts related to evolution, anthropology, and man's connection to the natural world. Eiseley's writing style is described as lyrical, philosophical, and spiritual, as he muses on topics such as human origins, evolution, and the mysteries of nature. The book delves into the timeless themes of man's place in nature, the wonders of the world, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

    Eiseley's essays in 'The Immense Journey' cover a wide range of topics, from primordial ooze to the mysteries of human evolution, all presented in a poetic and thought-provoking manner. The author's deep appreciation for nature, combined with his scientific background, results in a unique blend of science, philosophy, and literature that invites readers to ponder the complexities of life on Earth and their own place within it.

    Some lands are flat and grass-covered, and smile so evenly up at the sun that they seem forever youthful, untouched by man or time. Some are torn, ravaged and convulsed like the features of profane ol...

  7. #7
    Ultima
    Book 2 in the series:Proxima

    Ultima - Proxima by Stephen Baxter
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    'Ultima' in the 'Proxima' series by Stephen Baxter continues the exploration of alternate histories and multiple universes. The plot delves into concepts of space exploration, advanced civilizations like the Incas and Romans reaching the stars, and the impact of these alternate realities on the characters. The writing style combines elements of hard science fiction with philosophical ponderings on existence, astrophysical theories, and mind-bending scientific ideas.


    (Also, see 18 recommendations for the series Proxima )

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