Books matching: autobiographical fiction
100 result(s)
- #1
Bold, brutally honest, and darkly funny, "The Best Awful" is classic Carrie Fisher - unflinching and original. Perfect for fans of memoirs with bite and humor-fueled fiction about coping with life’s messiest moments.
- #2
A haunting and brutally honest debut that explores the darker sides of love and self-worth - beautifully written, but not for the faint of heart.
I had been with someone else then, and even if I hadn’t, I had never approached a man in my life, not like that. I thought about him afterwards, and assumed he must have been passing through. Nobody w... - #3
'A Small Person Far Away' by Judith Kerr is the final installment in the 'Out of the Hitler Time' trilogy, providing a new perspective on Anna's life as an adult and her journey as a writer. Set mainly in Berlin, the narrative delves into a few days in 1956, coinciding with historical events like the Hungarian Uprising and the Suez Crisis. Through a beautifully structured storyline, the author masterfully weaves past memories with present experiences, offering a deep exploration of Anna's emotions and relationships, especially with her mother.
Kerr's writing style in this book is described as subtle, moving, and psychologically deep, capturing the essence of post-war Berlin with clarity and authenticity. is praised for its ability to make both the protagonist's present and past memories vivid and significant, without being overly sentimental or dramatic. It offers a poignant portrayal of Anna's journey, filled with emotion, bravery, and a sense of realism that resonates with readers.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Out of the Hitler Time ) - #4
Waugh’s most personal, surreal novel - unlike anything else he wrote. Fascinating for fans and psychodrama lovers, but not for everyone.
It may happen in the next hundred years that the English novelists of the present day will come to be valued as we now value the artists and craftsmen of the late eighteenth century. The originators,... - #5
A delightfully oddball, comedic slice of historical fiction that mixes zany adventures with heartfelt life lessons - best enjoyed by readers who love character-driven stories with a twist of weird.
School was finally out and I was standing on a picnic table in our backyard getting ready for a great summer vacation when my mother walked up to me and ruined it. I was holding a pair of camouflage J... - #6
Unsettling, thought-provoking, and unlike any other Holocaust novel - 'Fatelessness' offers a deeply personal yet oddly universal perspective. Not an easy or comforting read, but definitely a literary experience that lingers long after the last page.
That, however, took an age. I tried to be patient for a bit, striving to think of Father, and more specifically the fact that he would be going tomorrow and, quite probably, I would not see him for a... - #7
A heartbreaking, gorgeous meditation on grief, family, and childhood in early 20th-century Tennessee. Slow and poetic, but unforgettable if you’re up for a moving, introspective read.
DEEP IN THE NIGHT they experienced the sensation, in their sleep, of being prodded at, as if by some persistent insect. Their souls turned and flicked out impatient hands, but the tormentor would not... - #8
Unflinching and beautifully written, Faces in the Water is both devastating and essential - if you’re ready for a challenging and eye-opening literary dive into the realities of mental illness and institutional life, Janet Frame’s novel is a must-read.
They have said that we owe allegiance to Safety, that he is our Red Cross who will provide us with ointment and bandages for our wounds and remove the foreign ideas the glass beads of fantasy the bent... - #9
'Quiet Days in Clichy' by Henry Miller is a short book set in 1940 Paris that graphically describes the sexual escapades of the author, depicted as Joey, and his roommate Carl with various prostitutes. The book is characterized by a spare prose that is insightful and at times melodiously lyrical. It delves into the destitute life of a writer in Paris, showcasing a hideous objectification of women alongside gems of wit, raw emotion, and a peek into the author's soul. The narrative shifts from brutal renditions of actions to mature reflections on scene, character, and emotion, revealing a nuanced exploration of relationships and self-discovery.
As I write, night is falling and people are going to dinner. It’s been a gray day, such as one often sees in Paris. Walking around the block to air my thoughts, I couldn’t help but think of the tremen... - #10
Unfiltered, gutsy, and bursting with literary energy - "Nexus" is a wild ride through the mind of a writer. It’s not for everyone, but if you want prose that punches and dazzles, this one’s worth the trip.
Eyes closed, I summon her image. There it is, floating in the dark, a mask emerging from the spindrift: the Tilla Durieux bouche, like a bow; white, even teeth; eyes dark with mascara, the lids a visc...
(Also, see 28 recommendations for the series The Rosy Crucifixion )