Books matching: unnamed protagonist
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- #1
Save:'The Invoice' by Jonas Karlsson is a thought-provoking novel that follows an unnamed protagonist who receives an astronomical bill for the happiness he has experienced in his life. The story delves into themes of contentment, self-discovery, and the true value of happiness. Through a blend of humor and existential contemplation, the protagonist navigates the surreal situation of disputing the bill and embarks on a journey to understand the essence of a fulfilling life. Karlsson's writing style is described as charming, quirky, and profound, offering readers a quick and engaging read that leaves them pondering the significance of life's simple pleasures.
It was such an incredible amount, 5,700,000 kronor. Impossible to take seriously. I assumed it must be one of those fake invoices, the sort you hear about on television and in the papers. Unscrupulous... - #2
Save:Toplin by Michael McDowell is a moody, hallucinatory book about madness and redemption, following the journey of an unnamed protagonist through a grotesque urban landscape in search of a higher purpose. The protagonist, consumed by the acute symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, fixates on a waitress named Marta, whom he believes desires her own death. The novel delves into the disturbed narrator's world through powerful imagery and a style of narration that creates an unsettling and absorbing reading experience.
The story in Toplin is more akin to the weird writings of Thomas Ligotti than mainstream horror fiction, portraying a life of solitude and order marred by compulsions and obsessions. McDowell's skillful use of black and white imagery, along with the subtle incorporation of photos, adds to the overall feeling of unease and enhances the reader's understanding of the narrator's limited vision and unconventional views of society.
I hadn’t expected that. I had passed that grocery store every day for I couldn’t remember how many years, and it had never been shut at this hour. I had passed it every day on my way to work, and ever... - #3
Save:'The Shell Collector' by Anthony Doerr is a collection of short stories that paint vivid pictures of human life, love, and frailties. Each story revolves around a central, singular character with magical qualities, exploring themes of man's relationship with nature, the price of renouncing our natures, and the journey towards redemption. The stories take place in various settings, including Africa, Eastern Europe, and the south seas, delving into the complexities of human emotions and experiences.
The shell collector was scrubbing limpets at his sink when he heard the water taxi come scraping over the reef. He cringed to hear it—its hull grinding the calices of finger corals and the tiny tubes ... - #4
Save:A man wakes up in a dark room with little memory, guided by a disembodied voice to recover his memories after a pandemic. The plot unravels slowly, leading to a predictable ending that may hinder the narrative impact. The story explores loss during a pandemic, asking uncomfortable questions and building suspense through a creepy reveal.
You lift your right foot, it is so heavy and unsure, and you lurch clumsily forward. Your second and third steps are too long of stride and you miss the moving belt, the heel of one foot crashing into...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Forward ) - #5
Save:"Dhalgren" by Samuel R. Delany is a dense and challenging novel that defies easy categorization. Set in the city of Bellona, the book explores themes of post-apocalyptic surrealism, sexuality, race, and societal collapse through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist. The narrative is described as circular and dreamlike, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Delany's writing style is noted for its poetic descriptions, vivid imagery, and experimental structure that plays with the concept of time and space.
Beginning in this tone, for us, is a little odd, but such news stands out, to your editor's mind, as the impressive occurrence in our eccentric history. Ernest Newboy, the most notable English-languag... - #6
Save:'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison is a powerful novel that delves into the struggles faced by a young generation of black Americans in the midst of racism and discrimination. The book offers a unique perspective on politics, racial issues, and the formation of American identity, addressing themes of race, class, gender, and the complexities of the human condition. Through the eyes of an unnamed narrator who feels invisible in society, the novel explores the challenges and injustices experienced by African Americans in the United States during the early 20th century.
Ellison's masterful writing style weaves together a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, filled with irony, humor, and impactful messages. The story unfolds with a mix of action, twists, and humor, while delivering an important message about identity, race relations, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. 'Invisible Man' is praised for its ability to engage readers in a vivid portrayal of the African American experience, offering a poignant reflection on the historical and societal context of the time.
It goes a long way back, some twenty years. All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were o... - #7
Save:'A Thousand Nights' by E.K. Johnston is a retelling of the Arabian Nights story set in the ancient Middle East. The book follows a desert girl forced to marry a king possessed by a mythic demon who has killed hundreds of wives before her. Through the power of mind, magic, and a will to survive, the protagonist transforms and navigates the challenges of her new life in the palace. The writing style is described as poetic, with an air of mysticism that immerses readers in the desert setting and the richly woven storyline filled with authentic details.
The creatures that live here crawl beneath a crippling sun, eking what living they can from the sand before they are returned to it, as food for the sand-crows or worse. We are not troubled by the sun... - #8
Save:The novella "Schoolgirl" by Osamu Dazai, translated by Allison Markin Powell, follows a day in the life of a postwar Japanese schoolgirl who is dealing with the loss of her father and trying to find herself. The story is narrated in a stream of consciousness style, providing insight into the girl's thoughts and emotions as she navigates through her day. The book explores themes of identity, family, grief, and the clash between traditional Japanese customs and the protagonist's desire for self-expression and individuality.
Waking up in the morning is always interesting. It reminds me of when we're playing hide-and-seek—I'm hidden crouching in the pitch-dark closet and suddenly Deko throws open the sliding door, sunlight... - #9
Save:'The Diver's Clothes Lie Empty' by Vendela Vida is a novel that delves into themes of identity and appearance through the journey of an unnamed protagonist in Casablanca, Morocco. The story follows the protagonist who loses her passport and identifying documents, forcing her to navigate a foreign city without credit or ID. As she interacts with a cast of characters and adopts different identities, the novel slowly builds towards a heartbreaking reveal, exploring the impact of anonymity on one's sense of self.
The book is narrated entirely in the second person, which immerses the reader in the protagonist's adventures and misadventures. Through a series of unexpected turns, the story unfolds in a way that prompts readers to reflect on their own identity and the concept of anonymity, ultimately leading to a compelling and ambiguous ending that leaves room for interpretation.
- #10
Save:'Apex Hides the Hurt' by Colson Whitehead follows the story of a nomenclature consultant tasked with renaming a small town named Winthrop. The town council members have conflicting ideas on what the new name should be, ranging from Freedom to New Prospera. As the consultant delves into the town's history and the motives of the council members, he navigates through satire on contemporary culture, history, advertising, race relations, and branding. The novel explores the complexities of naming, identity, and the impact of history on present-day decisions, all while delivering sharp and witty commentary on society.
HE CAME UP WITH the names. They were good times. He came up with the names and like any good parent he knocked them around to teach them life lessons. He bent them to see if they’d break, he dragged t...
