Books matching: allegorical elements
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- #1
Save:The Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola is a fantastical tale following the adventures of the main character, an alcoholic who must retrieve his tap man after he dies. The story is filled with mythical creatures, magical realism, and surreal events, all narrated in a unique cadence of broken English that adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. The protagonist embarks on a journey through various bushes in search of the Dead Lands to bring back his tap man and continue enjoying his daily supply of palm wine.
Amos Tutuola's writing style in The Palm-Wine Drinkard is described as both absurd and epic, with a defying use of grammar that enhances the storytelling. The book combines elements of African folklore, surrealism, and weird fiction, creating a darkly fantastical and sensually vivid world that is both mesmerizing and immersive. Tutuola's ability to transport the reader into a magical realm while maintaining a connection to the African bush through ancient storytelling traditions makes this book a captivating and unique literary experience.
I was a palm-winedrinkard since I was a boy of ten years of age. I had no other workmore than to drink palm-wine in my life. In those days we did notknow other money, except COWRIES, so that everythin... - #2
Save:Sarah Kane's play 'Blasted' is a dark and twisted piece of theater that delves into themes of violence, sexuality, and human depravity. The plot unfolds in a hotel room in Leeds where two characters, Ian and Cate, navigate a complex and disturbing relationship while being confronted by the horrors of war and the presence of a menacing Soldier. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, well-executed, and beyond the point of shock, pushing readers to the limits of human experience.
The Conference of the Birds is a Sufi treatise on the spiritual life written in Persian rhyming couplets. The book follows a flock of birds led by the wise hoopoe on a journey to find their king, the legendary Simorgh bird, symbolizing the quest of the human soul for unity with the Supreme Being. Each bird represents a human fault hindering enlightenment, and the journey is filled with parables and riddles guiding the birds towards self-discovery and spiritual growth. The book delves into deep philosophical and theological concepts while providing a metaphorical exploration of the challenges faced in the pursuit of divine unity.
- #4
Save:'The World of Edena' by Moebius is a visually mesmerizing graphic novel that tells the story of interstellar mechanic Stel and his partner Atan, who are transported to the legendary planet Edena. The plot delves into themes of mysticism, artificial civilizations, and the journey of self-discovery as Stel and Atan navigate through symbolic adventures in this supernatural paradise. Moebius's writing style combines off-the-wall and satirical situations with a New Age Back To Eden orientation, creating a complex and intriguing narrative that explores deep human issues while maintaining a sense of playfulness and humor.
"Our Ancestors" by Italo Calvino is a collection of three short stories, each unique in its own way. From a viscount split in two halves with contrasting personalities to a young boy living his entire life in the trees, and a knight who is only an empty suit of armor, the book explores themes of identity, integration with society, and virtue. Calvino's writing style is described as magical and whimsical, with elements of magic realism and chivalric novels intertwined to create an engaging narrative.
There was a war on against the Turks. My uncle, the Viscount Medardo of Terralba, was riding towards the Christian camp across the plain of Bohemia, followed by a squire called Kurt. Storks were flyin...- #6
Save:'Paradise' by Toni Morrison is a complex and haunting novel that delves into the lives of multiple characters in the isolated town of Ruby, Oklahoma. Founded by nine African American families in the 1940s, the town initially appears idyllic but harbors deep-seated issues beneath the surface. The story revolves around a group of women living in an old mansion known as The Convent, who become scapegoats for the town's troubles, leading to a gripping and surreal narrative that explores themes of prejudice, hatred, passion, and love. Morrison weaves a tale that is both disturbing and magical, with a writing style that is poetic, mystical, and elegiac.
They shoot the white girl first. With the rest they can take their time. No need to hurry out here. They are seventeen miles from a town which has ninety miles between it and any other. Hiding places ... - #7
Save:The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser is a lengthy epic poem divided into six main books, each focusing on a specific virtue of chivalry such as Holiness, Temperance, Chastity, Justice, Friendship, and Courtesy. The narrative follows Arthurian knights, each representing a different virtue, as they embark on quests, fight foes symbolizing the opposite of their virtue, and encounter allegorical characters in a fantasy landscape. The book is rich in imagery, symbolism, and moral lessons, with intertwining storylines that keep the reader engaged despite its length and complexity.
- #8
Save:'Cup of Gold: A Life of Sir Henry Morgan, Buccaneer, with Occasional Reference to History' by John Steinbeck is a fictionalized account of the life of the notorious 17th-century British pirate, Henry Morgan. It follows Morgan's journey from his farmboy beginnings to his successful plundering of the Spanish main and his eventual return to England. Steinbeck portrays Morgan as a strategic pirate captain who meticulously plans his raids and maintains strict discipline over his crew. The novel delves into Morgan's legendary conquests, including his capture of Panama, while also exploring themes of ambition, adventure, and disillusionment. Despite being Steinbeck's first published novel and his only work of historical fiction, 'Cup of Gold' showcases the author's skill in storytelling and provides a glimpse into the darker aspects of piracy during the Golden Age of Piracy.
All afternoon the wind sifted out of the black Welsh glens, crying notice that Winter was come sliding down over the world from the Pole; and riverward there was the faint moaning of new ice. It was ... - #9
Save:'The Buried Giant' by Kazuo Ishiguro is a unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy, set in ancient Britain where an elderly couple embarks on a journey to find their son. The story unfolds in a land covered in mist, where the inhabitants have foggy memories due to a mysterious mist generated by a she-dragon. Along the way, they encounter knights, warriors, ogres, and dragons, exploring themes of memory loss, love, and the fragility of relationships. The narrative is described as haunting, moving, and sublime, with elements of magical realism and a focus on the power of memory and forgetfulness.
The prose in 'The Buried Giant' is praised for its beauty and emotional depth, delving into complex themes such as loss, aging, and the impact of memory on relationships. The book is noted for its allegorical nature, exploring the consequences of forgetting the past and the challenges of reconciling memory with reality. Ishiguro's storytelling is described as enigmatic and multi-layered, offering a dreamlike tale that provokes introspection and contemplation on love, loss, and the human experience.
You would have searched a long time for the sort of winding lane or tranquil meadow for which England later became celebrated. There were instead miles of desolate, uncultivated land; here and there r... - #10
Save:Deerskin by Robin McKinley is a dark and powerful retelling of the fairy tale Donkeyskin, focusing on the story of Princess Lissar who is subjected to a horrific trauma at the hands of her own father. The novel delves into themes of abuse, survival, recovery, and self-healing as Lissar embarks on a journey of escape and redemption with her loyal hound, Ash, by her side. The writing style is described as lyrical, dreamlike, and at times, nightmarish, weaving together elements of fantasy, mythology, and raw emotion to create a compelling narrative that explores the depths of human resilience and the healing power of love.
MANY YEARS LATER SHE REMEMBERED HOW HER PARENTS HAD looked to her when she was a small child: her father as tall as a tree, and merry and bright and golden, with her beautiful black-haired mother at h...
