Books matching: urban isolation
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The short story anthology 'The Elephant Vanishes' by Haruki Murakami presents a collection of stories where ordinary lives are disrupted by extraordinary events. From a man whose favorite elephant disappears into thin air to a woman experiencing moments of horror in her sleep, the narratives delve into the bizarre and unsettling. Murakami's writing style intricately weaves together elements of surrealism, dark humor, and profound character exploration, creating a world where the line between reality and the supernatural is blurred.
The stories in 'The Elephant Vanishes' offer a glimpse into the complexities of human psyche, exploring themes of loneliness, existential dread, and the impact of subtle changes in the world around us. Murakami's masterful storytelling draws readers into a realm where the mundane is intertwined with the extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression with haunting and unforgettable narratives.
I’M IN THE KITCHEN cooking spaghetti when the woman calls. Another moment until the spaghetti is done; there I am, whistling the prelude to Rossini’s La Gazza Ladra along with the FM radio. Perfect sp... - #2
Save:The Twenty Days of Turin by Giorgio De Maria is a dark and atmospheric novel that mirrors society in the twenty-first century, combining elements of horror, magical realism, isolation, paranoia, and monsters. The story revolves around an abandoned library in Turin, where citizens deposit their diaries and thoughts, leading to shared psychotic insomnia and a disturbing connection between the library, the writers, and the evil forces unleashed in the city. As the narrative unfolds, the book delves into themes of urban living, history, identity, and the consequences of baring one's soul to the public.
IN A FAR-FLUNG CORNER of northwestern Italy, girdled by industrial haze, flanked by a crescent of jagged Alps, stands Turin, grandiose necropolis of a town. Baroque palaces, shaded neoclassical arcade... - #3
Save:'Chronic City' by Jonathan Lethem is a surreal and dystopian tale set in a near-future Manhattan. The story follows former child actor Chase Insteadman, who lives on residuals and is engaged to an astronaut stranded in space. As Chase navigates this strange world, he befriends the eccentric Perkus Tooth, and together they engage in philosophical discussions, smoke pot, and embark on a quest to acquire elusive items like chauldrons from eBay. The narrative is filled with oddities like a tiger rampaging through the city and a mysterious mist covering lower Manhattan, all while exploring themes of reality, authenticity, and the blurred lines between the real and the ersatz.
This was in the headquarters of the Criterion Collection, on Fifty-second Street and Third Avenue, on a weekday afternoon at the end of summer. I’d gone there to record a series of voice-overs for one... - #4Breedby:
Save:'Breed' by Chase Novak is a horror novel that follows a wealthy New York couple, Leslie and Alex Twisden, who are desperate to conceive a child. After trying various treatments without success, they travel to Slovenia to undergo a radical fertility procedure. The treatment leads to the birth of twins, Adam and Alice, but the consequences of the procedure start to unravel their lives in horrifying ways. The story delves into themes of obsession, the lengths people will go to for their desires, and the consequences of tampering with nature, all depicted through a fast-paced and gory narrative style.
It’s well known—part fact, part punch line—that people in New York think a great deal about real estate. In the case of Leslie Kramer, she actually was aware of the house Alex Twisden lived in before ... - #5
Save:Cosmopolis tells the story of a young and very wealthy man spending his day in his limousine, encountering various characters, getting caught in a protest, experiencing a loss of reality, and ultimately delving into themes of money, art, control, and the impact of intentions. The novel presents a portrayal of the emptiness in the lives of the rich, showcasing a sense of disconnection from reality and humanity, all while exploring the protagonist's journey towards self-destruction in the midst of chaos and destruction.
Sleep failed him more often now, not once or twice a week but four times, five. What did he do when this happened? He did not take long walks into the scrolling dawn. There was no friend he loved enou... As the title implies, "The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone" by Olivia Laing is a book that delves into the exploration of loneliness through art and the lives of artists who have experienced isolation. Laing weaves her narrative around artists such as Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and Henry Darger, discussing the causes and consequences of loneliness. She combines personal experiences with deep research to provide insight into how loneliness can be expressed through art and how it impacts individuals in urban environments.
Laing's writing style in "The Lonely City" has been described as beautifully written, insightful, and emotional. She blends personal experiences of loneliness with psychological theories and examinations of artists who embody loneliness in their work. The book offers a mix of memoir and art history, exploring themes of connection, empathy, and the impact of isolation on creativity, all while maintaining a focus on the topic of loneliness.
IMAGINE STANDING BY A WINDOW at night, on the sixth or seventeenth or forty-third floor of a building. The city reveals itself as a set of cells, a hundred thousand windows, some darkened and some flo...- #7
Save:The Good Fairies of New York by Martin Millar is a whimsical urban fantasy novel that follows two Scottish fairies who find themselves in New York City, leading to mishaps and adventures. The story is filled with absurd circumstances, quirky characters, and humorous situations, making it a light and entertaining read. The writing style is described as weirdly stylized, with elements of dark humor and punk rock influences, creating a unique and playful atmosphere throughout the book.
- #8
Save:Turtle Diary by Russell Hoban is a poignant tale of two lonely individuals, William G. and Neaera H., who form a deep connection over their shared obsession with liberating sea turtles from the London Zoo. Through alternating diary entries, the readers witness their emotional journey as they plan and execute the daring act of setting the turtles free into the open sea. Hoban's writing style delicately captures the inner thoughts and rationalizations of the characters, creating a narrative that is both melancholic and hopeful.
There are green turtles whose feeding grounds are along the coast of Brazil, and they swim 1,400 miles to breed and lay their eggs on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, half way to Africa. Ascens... - #9
Save:The Blindfold by Siri Hustvedt is a postmodern novel that follows the story of a young woman named Iris in New York City as she navigates through various surreal and unsettling experiences. The book is told in distinct sections presented out of chronological order, where Iris is hired to study objects belonging to a deceased person, has a strange photo taken that seems to morph into other photos, endures a stay in a mental ward, and has an affair with a professor. The narrative explores themes of identity, mental health, and the dark and enigmatic encounters Iris has with different characters in the city.
Sometimes even now I think I see him in the street or standing in a window or bent over a book in a coffee shop. And in that instant, before I understand that it’s someone else, my lungs tighten and I... - #10
Save:'Looking for Mr. Goodbar' by Judith Rossner is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of modern lust and loneliness. The story follows Theresa Dunn, a lonely NYC teacher who seeks solace in local bars and takes home men she doesn't know, leading to her tragic demise. The book explores Theresa's inner turmoil, her attraction to dangerous men, and the consequences of her risky behavior. Through Theresa's journey, the author paints a vivid and haunting portrait of a young woman struggling with her desires and the consequences of her actions.
The novel is written in a compelling and enthralling style that captivates readers from the first page. Rossner skillfully portrays the inner thoughts and feelings of the main character, offering a deep dive into Theresa's psyche and motivations. The narrative weaves together themes of sexuality, loneliness, and self-destructive choices, leaving readers questioning the reasons behind Theresa's actions and pondering the societal norms that influence her behavior.
Gary Cooper White was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He moved to Georgia the year he began school, when his mother’s husband, number three of five, got a job in a mill there. Some of the feeling you...
