Books matching: trickster archetype
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In 'Trickster makes this World' Mr. Hyde explores world trickster myths and their essential role in the reproduction, contestation, and transformation of culture. The book delves into the appearance of the trickster archetype across various cultures and geographically isolated regions, illustrating the universality of this role in the human experience. Through case studies of historic personalities like Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Frederick Douglas, Hyde demonstrates how these individuals embodied the traits of the trickster as boundary crossers and cultural transformers. The writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, with personal anecdotes and in-depth analysis of trickster figures from different mythologies.
The trickster myth derives creative intelligence from appetite. It begins with a being whose main concern is getting fed and it ends with the same being grown mentally swift, adept at creating and unm...- #2
Save:'Redemption in Indigo' by Karen Lord is a unique fairy tale that takes inspiration from Senegalese folklore but adds a Caribbean twist. The story follows Paama, a strong female protagonist, who is given the Chaos Stick and must navigate a world filled with spirit creatures, quest, redemption, and humor. The book is praised for its engaging writing style, the use of African-inspired mythology, and the refreshing departure from typical European-centered fantasy narratives.
There are men of violence. There are men who drink. And then there was Ansige, a man with a vice so pathetic as to be laughable. He ate; he lived for his belly. No one would believe that a woman could... - #3
Save:Anansi Boys is a humorous and entertaining novel that delves into the folklore of the spider god, Anansi, and his two sons, Fat Charlie Nancy and Spider. The story follows the brothers as they meet for the first time after their father's death, leading to a series of events that turn their lives upside down in a funny and dangerous manner. The book combines mythology, magic, and life lessons, weaving a tale that is both modern and rooted in African Anansi myths.
The narrative style of Anansi Boys is a mix of contemporary storytelling and mythical elements, creating a quirky and playful atmosphere. Through the characters of Fat Charlie and Spider, the book explores themes of family, friendship, love, and the power of gods, all set against a backdrop of humor and whimsy. Neil Gaiman's writing skillfully intertwines folklore and modern life, presenting a story that is both inventive and engaging.
In the beginning, after all, were the words, and they came with a tune. That was how the world was made, how the void was divided, how the lands and the stars and the dreams and the little gods and th...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series American Gods ) - #4
Save:In 'The Devil You Know' by K.J. Parker, readers are taken on a Faustian journey where the greatest philosopher, Saloninus, makes a deal with the devil to exchange his soul for twenty more years of life and power. The novella explores the dynamics between Saloninus, a master trickster, and the devil, who is puzzled by the philosopher's seemingly straightforward deal. The story is told from both the devil's and Saloninus' perspectives, offering a glimpse into a world of wit, ambition, and moral complexity.
The writing style of 'The Devil You Know' is described as clever and entertaining, with a focus on deception, manipulation, and the intricate dance between the philosopher and the demon. Through a narrative that switches between the two main characters, readers are drawn into a world where power dynamics, moral dilemmas, and unexpected twists keep the story engaging and thought-provoking.
I DON’T DO EVIL when I’m not on duty, just as prostitutes tend not to have sex on their days off. My ideal off-shift day starts with a hot bath and the scent of black tea, followed by an hour on my ba...
(Also, see 8 recommendations for the series Saloninus ) - #5
Save:Blue and Gold follows Saloninus, an alchemist known for his charisma and deceit, as he navigates a life of crime and deception while attempting to fulfill the demands of his patron, Prince Procas. The novella delves into Saloninus' pursuit of creating the elixir of eternal life and transforming base metal into gold, all while dealing with the consequences of his actions, including the accidental poisoning of his wife. The story unfolds with an unreliable narrator, blending elements of alchemy with themes of deception, ambition, and the complexities of human nature.
The narrative of Blue and Gold is presented in a series of scenes that shift between past and present, gradually revealing more about Saloninus' character and motivations. The writing style captures the essence of academia and alchemy, using the science of alchemy as a metaphor for various aspects of life such as time, money, social status, and personal growth. Through its fast-paced and dramatic storytelling, the novella explores themes of trust, morality, and the blurred lines between truth and deception in a world where nothing is as it seems.
“Ah.” The barman nodded and turned away. Alchemists, murderers and other cheapskates, the back of his neck seemed to be saying. I picked up my beer and looked at it. Worse things had happened, but not... - #6Lokiby:
Save:"Loki" by Mike Vasich is a well-written adaptation of Norse mythology stories that focuses on different gods to provide multiple perspectives on the unfolding events. Through vivid language and imagery, the author creates distinct personalities for primary gods, including Loki, while narrating the events leading up to Ragnarok and Odin's role in shaping the outcome. delves into the myths of Loki, portraying him as a complex anti-hero with desires and aspirations, challenging traditional perceptions of Norse deities and bringing familiar figures like Odin, Thor, and Freya to life.
As always, the venom dripped down slowly, like acidic syrup. The man below was fixed in position. He was strapped upright to a rocky outcropping, arms and legs bound, fetters around his neck limiting ... - #7
Save:In 'How the Marquis Got His Coat Back', Neil Gaiman continues the story of the Marquis de Carabas from his novel Neverwhere. The Marquis embarks on an adventure through London Below, encountering dangerous cults, his enemy the Elephant of the Elephant and Castle, and his intriguing brother Peregrine. The story revolves around the Marquis trying to retrieve his unique coat, which has a multitude of hidden pockets and a mysterious history, leading him into various scrapes and unexpected situations in the surreal world of London Below. Gaiman's writing style is described as dark, whimsical, and full of surprises, drawing readers into a fairy tale-like narrative filled with exuberant imagination and wry humor.
It was beautiful. It was remarkable. It was unique. It was the reason that the Marquis de Carabas was chained to a pole in the middle of a circular room, far, far underground, while the water level ro...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series London Below ) Monkey: The Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en is a whimsical and exciting Chinese epic featuring the mischievous trickster character, Monkey. The story follows Monkey's adventures as he accompanies the monk Tripitaka on a journey to India to retrieve Buddhist scriptures. The book combines humor, magic, monsters, and battles, offering a delightful insight into ancient Chinese culture. The writing style is described as episodic, satirical, and full of puns, making it an enjoyable and accessible read for both adults and children.
By a great ocean lay a land called Aolai, within which was a mountain called Flower-Fruit, home to sundry immortals. What a mountain it was: of crimson ridges and strange boulders, phoenixes and unico...In a future world obsessed with timekeeping and punctuality, the story follows the Harlequin, a figure who rebels against the strict societal constraints enforced by the Master Timekeeper, also known as the Ticktockman. Through whimsical and satirical storytelling, the Harlequin disrupts the highly regimented society by wasting people's time, causing delays, and challenging the system that values order and promptness above all else. The writing style is described as surreal, whimsical, and wonderfully stylized, reflecting the theme of servitude to time and the rebellion against it.
The coward body my soul inhabits has pleaded with the renegade, has cried for pity, has implored the pistolero, my soul, to live safely, to observe quietly, to live in peace, with a degree of contentm...- #10
Save:The Cyberiad by Stanisław Lem is a collection of stories featuring two constructors, Trurl and Klapaucius, who are brilliant robot engineers creating whimsical and philosophical robots. The stories are satirical, filled with wordplay, and explore themes of happiness, philosophical allegories, and the nature of consciousness. The book is described as a blend of fairy tale, fable, and science fiction, with nested stories and interconnected tales reminiscent of Arabian Nights.
One day Trurl the constructor put together a machine that could create anything starting with n. When it was ready, he tried it out, ordering it to make needles, then nankeens and negligees, which it ...
