Books matching: adult disillusionment
8 result(s)
Alfred Bester's 'Virtual Unrealities' is a collection of short fiction that showcases his unique perspective on childhood fantasies, time travel, and the consequences of wishes. The stories range from hard Sci-Fi to dark narratives, all delivered in Bester's distinctive writing style that combines rhythm and enchantment with satirical elements. The book explores themes of psychological maturity, delusions, and the need to grow up, all wrapped in playful typesetting and creative storytelling techniques.
There are fighting generals (vital to an army),political generals (vital to an administration),and public relations generals (vital to a war). General Carpenter was a master of public relations. Forth...- #2
"Black House" is a sequel to "The Talisman" and follows Jack Sawyer, now an adult retired police detective, as he becomes a police consultant to catch a serial killer. The story combines elements of mystery and fantasy, with a focus on Jack's denial of The Territories. The narrative unfolds slowly, introducing creepy and engaging characters, such as the brewing bikers and the blind deejay, while weaving in references to The Dark Tower series and the mythology of the last books, creating a dark and horrifying atmosphere. The writing style is a mix of Peter Straub's poetic imagery and Stephen King's character development, offering a captivating and well-paced plot that delves into the world of the supernatural.
RIGHT HERE AND NOW, as an old friend used to say, we are in the fluid present, where clear-sightedness never guarantees perfect vision. Here: about two hundred feet, the height of a gliding eagle, abo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Talisman ) - #3
'What Was Lost' by Catherine O'Flynn is a mystery novel that weaves together the lives of various characters connected to a young girl named Kate who disappears in the 1980s. The story unfolds through different perspectives, including Kate's dreams of becoming a detective, the suspicions surrounding a young man named Adrian, and the lives of those who worked at the shopping mall where Kate vanished. The narrative jumps between different timelines, exploring the impact of Kate's disappearance on the characters and their interconnected lives.
The book captures the ordinariness of daily life, the emptiness of a shopping mall at night, and the humor found in mundane situations. O'Flynn's writing style combines elements of mystery, social commentary, and coming-of-age themes, creating a compelling and evocative story that keeps readers engaged as they unravel the mystery of what happened to Kate.
Crime was out there.Undetected, unseen. She hoped she wouldn’t be too late. The busdriver was keeping the bus at a steady 15mph,braking at every approaching green light until it turned red. Sheclosed ... - #4
The Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen is a novel that follows the story of Portia Quayne, a 16-year-old orphan who comes to live with her half-brother Thomas and his wife Anna in London. Portia's innocence and naivety clash with the harsh realities of the adult world surrounding her, leading to a coming-of-age tale filled with heartbreak and disillusionment. The novel delves into themes of loss of innocence, the complexities of familial relationships, and the societal mores of the time, all portrayed with Bowen's profound artistry and insight.
Through detailed and vivid writing, Bowen paints a poignant picture of Portia's journey as she navigates a world filled with selfishness, pretense, and unfulfilled desires. The novel skillfully captures the emotional turmoil of its characters, particularly Portia, as she grapples with the challenges of growing up in a society where hearts are often portrayed as ill or dead, highlighting themes of alienation and the harsh realities of adulthood.
THATmorning’s ice, no more than a brittle film, had cracked and was now floating in segments. These tapped together or, parting, left channels of dark water, down which swans in slow indignation swam.... - #5
Testing the Current by William McPherson is a novel set in a small town in Michigan, focusing on the life of an 8-year-old boy named Tommy MacAllister. The story is narrated through Tommy's innocent and observant eyes, providing a unique perspective on the adult world surrounding him in 1939. The book explores themes of family dynamics, community politics, and the disillusionment of a seemingly perfect society, all seen through the lens of a precocious young protagonist. The writing style is described as exquisite, with strong character development and a sense of place that immerses the reader in the time and setting of the story.
- #6
'Who Will Run the Frog Hospital?' by Lorrie Moore is a coming-of-age novel that follows the friendship between two teenage girls, Berie and Sils, set in the 1970s. The story delves into themes of adolescence, friendship, rebellion, and the complexities of female relationships. The narrative alternates between the characters' teenage years working at an amusement park and their present-day lives, offering a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the impact of past decisions on their current selves. Moore's writing style is described as beautifully written, intelligent, and moving, capturing the essence of teenage angst with a mix of humor and melancholy.
IN PARIS we eat brains every night. My husband likes the vaporous, fishy mousse of them. They are a kind of seafood, he thinks, locked tightly in the skull, like shelled creatures in the dark caves of... - #7
'Someone Like You' by Roald Dahl is a collection of dark, bizarre, and sometimes grotesque short stories that showcase a darker side to Dahl's writing. The stories range from tales of unexpected twists and unsettling situations to depictions of people suffering from trauma, all crafted with finesse and a touch of wicked cleverness. The book presents a mix of horror, humor, and twisted narratives that keep the reader engaged and on edge, with each story offering a unique and engrossing experience.
Dahl's writing style in 'Someone Like You' is characterized by his ability to weave tall tales that are both wicked and clever. He expertly crafts stories that are dark, bizarre, and written with finesse, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and macabre atmospheres. The book explores themes of cruelty, trauma, and psychological violence, showcasing Dahl's mastery in creating stories that blur the lines between horror and delight, leaving readers both horrified and entertained.
Richard Pratt was a famous gourmet. He was president of a small society known as the Epicures, and each month he circulated privately to its members a pamphlet on food and wines. He organized dinners ... - #8
"Dreams Die First" by Harold Robbins depicts the journey of a young man who rises from living on social security to becoming successful in the pornography publishing industry with the help of his uncle. The story explores the price of success and wealth, delving into themes of ambition, morality, and the consequences of one's choices. The writing style of the book is described as engaging, action-packed, and immersive, drawing readers into a world of intrigue and high-stakes drama.
It was five o’clock in the afternoon when I woke up. The room stank of stale cigarettes and cheap sour red wine. I rolled out of bed and almost fell as I stumbled over the boy sleeping on the floor be...