Books matching: alienation and disillusionment
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- #1
Save: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.... - #2
Save:Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski is a raw and honest semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the unruly and depressing youth and young adulthood of Henry Chinaski. The story follows Chinaski's struggles with an abusive father, sexual frustration, schoolyard beatings, and the discovery of alcohol, all set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Bukowski's writing style is described as dark, humorous, and brutally funny, capturing the difficulties of growing up for young outsiders in a transgressive and at times disgusting narrative.
The novel explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, survival, and the impact of a traumatic childhood on shaping one's adulthood. Through vivid recollections, frank statements, and a fast-paced narrative, Bukowski paints a poignant picture of Chinaski's journey from birth to late adolescence, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity and his struggle to find his place in a hypocritical and false society.
The first thing I remember is being under something. It was a table, I saw a table leg, I saw the legs of the people, and a portion of the tablecloth hanging down. It was dark under there, I liked bei... Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture by Douglas Coupland is a novel that captures the essence of a disenfranchised generation who cannot see the value in the 'Great American Dream' anymore. The story focuses on three friends, Dag, Andy, and Claire, who have dropped out and live on the margins, escaping to the desert, working minimum wage jobs, and entertaining each other by telling stories that highlight the emptiness of their lives. The book popularized the term 'Generation X' and explores themes such as information overload, declining standards of living, and the struggles of finding meaning in a world of materialism and commercialism.
One and a half decades later my feelings are just as ambivalent and I sit on the front lanai of my rented bungalow in Palm Springs, California, grooming my two dogs, smelling the cinnamon nighttime po...- #4
Save:'The Town' by Shaun Prescott is a unique and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of existential nihilism, self-awareness, and the search for purpose in life. Set in a small town on the edges of the Australian desert, the story follows an unnamed narrator who embarks on a journey to research disappearing towns, only to find himself caught in a surreal and absurd world where meaning and purpose seem elusive. The novel's nontraditional format, lack of direct dialogue, and uncanny observations create a tense atmosphere that challenges readers to ponder the value of human existence and the consequences of a civilization losing its intrinsic worth.
It was only possible after many years in the town to notice the strangeness of certain aspects of familiar visions. Only then could you stand at the foot of a quiet street and at a certain time of day... In Ling Ma's 'Severance', the protagonist Candace Chen navigates a post-apocalyptic world where a fever pandemic has decimated the population, leaving only a few survivors. The story follows Candace and a small group of immune individuals as they travel towards safety under the leadership of Bob. Through Candace's reminiscences about her past and observations of the world around her, the novel weaves together themes of routine, consumerism, and the immigrant experience. The writing style is described as darkly humorous, precise, and enthralling, with a focus on the protagonist's introspection and the exploration of modern life amidst a devastating epidemic.
The End begins before you are ever aware of it. It passes as ordinary. I had gone over to my boyfriend’s place in Greenpoint directly after work. I liked to stay over on hot summer nights because the ...Red Dust by Ma Jian is a captivating blend of travelogue and personal journal, offering readers a unique perspective on post-Mao China. Through the eyes of the author, readers are taken on a three-year journey through the vast Chinese countryside, exploring dialects, traditions, and forbidden aspects of society. Ma Jian's writing style delicately balances the internal reflections of the author with a vivid portrayal of China in the 1980s, post-Cultural Revolution but pre-economic opening. The book touches on themes of self-discovery, art, love, and societal norms, providing a deep dive into a China rarely seen by the outside world.
- #7
Save:'Serotonin' by Michel Houellebecq is a novel that delves into the life of Florent Claude Labrouste, a wealthy middle-aged man who isolates himself from the world, attempting to relive past love affairs. The protagonist, impotent due to medication, navigates through a world filled with despair, failed relationships, and a sense of alienation. The book is characterized by its bleak tone, detailed descriptions of surroundings, and a narrative that follows the protagonist's internal struggles and unfulfilled desires.
I wake up at about five o’clock in the morning, sometimes six; my need is at its height, it’s the most painful moment in my day. The first thing I do is turn on the electric coffee maker; the previous... - #8
Save:Thomas Wolfe's 'You Can't Go Home Again' follows the story of novelist George Webber, who returns to his hometown after writing a successful novel about the people there. The book explores the repercussions of his work on the town's residents, showcasing their outrage and hatred towards him. As Webber navigates the aftermath of his publication, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, traveling to New York, Paris, Berlin, and back to America. Through vivid descriptions and philosophical musings, Wolfe delves into themes of alienation, identity, and the changing world of the 1920s and 30s.
Wolfe's writing style in 'You Can't Go Home Again' is characterized by rich language, detailed scenes, and philosophical reflections. The novel meanders through social concerns in the U.S. and abroad, weaving together the personal struggles of a struggling writer with broader themes of societal changes, the Great Depression, and pre-World War II era. With eccentric characters and sprawling narratives, Wolfe creates a captivating yet complex story that delves into the loss of innocence, the impact of truth, and the impossibility of returning to a past that no longer exists.
It was the hour of twilight on a soft spring day toward the end of April in the year of Our Lord 1929, and George Webber leaned his elbows on the sill of his back window and looked out at what he coul...
