Books matching: delusions of grandeur
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- #1
"Diary of a Madman" by Nikolai Gogol is a collection of short stories that delves into themes of madness, absurdity, and social satire. The protagonist in the titular story gradually descends into madness, believing himself to be the King of Spain. The writing style is described as funny, frightening, and thought-provoking, with elements of satire and absurdity intertwined throughout the narratives. Gogol's storytelling captures the protagonist's erratic thoughts and actions, creating an unsettling yet engaging reading experience.
A strange occurrence has taken place to-day. I got up fairly late, and when Mawra brought me my clean boots, I asked her how late it was. When I heard it had long struck ten, I dressed as quickly as p... - #2
'Angel' by Elizabeth Taylor is a novel that follows the rise and decline of the title character, Angelica Deverell, a bestselling author known for her tasteless yet successful novels. The story depicts Angel's journey from a young girl born into poverty to a celebrated author, showcasing her self-absorbed and disdainful nature. Set against the backdrop of the English class system in the early 20th century, the novel explores Angel's relationships with her family and friends, who oscillate between protective love and exasperation towards her. Elizabeth Taylor's writing style in 'Angel' is described as clear and rich in vocabulary, creating a memorable cast of characters and offering a great escape read for the readers.
“Yes, the sky,” Miss Dawson said suspiciously. She handed the exercise-book to Angel, feeling baffled. The girl had a great reputation as a liar and when this strange essay had been handed in—“A Storm... - #3
'The Three Christs of Ypsilanti' by Milton Rokeach is a fascinating study that recounts the tale of three mental patients, each believing themselves to be Jesus Christ. The book delves into an experiment conducted by a doctor to see how the three men would react when confronted with others who challenge their assertions. The narrative is darkly comical, intriguing, and well-crafted, providing insights into delusion, belief, and authority within a clinical setting.
The writing style of the book is a mix of novel-like storytelling and snippets of conversations, providing a unique perspective on the lives of the three patients. The author's approach to detailing the interactions between the patients and the doctors, as well as the ethical questions raised by the experiment, adds depth to the exploration of personal identity and the lengths people will go to defend their perceptions of themselves.
LET ME EMPHASIZE at the outset that my main purpose in bringing the three Christs together was scientific—the end result of investigations in which, as a social psychologist, I had a long-standing int... - #4
"My Uncle Napoleon" is a hilarious and heartwarming novel set in Iran during the early 1940s, following the narrator, a 13-year-old boy, as he navigates family dynamics and falls in love with his cousin amidst the eccentricities of his uncle, who fancies himself as Napoleon. The book is filled with scandals, follies, and grotesque situations, portraying the extended Iranian family with all its quirks and complexities. The story unfolds with a mix of romance, comedy, and arguments, drawing readers in with its unexpected twists and vivid storytelling.
The novel offers a glimpse into traditional Iranian culture, blending comedy, romance, and political satire to create a rich narrative that captures the essence of the tensions, strengths, and challenges within an Iranian family. Through humorous and offbeat storytelling, the author, Iraj Pezeshkzad, presents a colorful cast of characters and a vibrant portrayal of Iran during a tumultuous period, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a different reality and engage with the vivid and lovable exaggerations of Persian life.
ONE HOT SUMMER DAY, to be precise one Friday the thirteenth of August, at about a quarter to three in the afternoon, I fell in love. The bitterness and longing I’ve been through since have often made ... - #5
Quincas Borba by Machado de Assis is a philosophical fiction masterpiece that delves into themes of humanitism and selfishness. The novel follows the legacy left by the eponymous character, exploring Brazilian selfishness and delusions of grandeur with a touch of humor despite the grim subject matter. Quincas Borba, the philosopher and friend of Bras Cubas, provides a formalized philosophy to the narrative that echoes various philosophical concepts like Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Eastern religion, pointing towards the Buddhist notion of maya and the absurdity behind existence.
Posthumous Memories of Bras Cubas, another work by Machado de Assis, continues to resonate with readers from Rio, portraying the city as beautiful, unpredictable, and unjust. The novel reflects on historical buildings, monuments, and the lack of community in the city, while also commenting on social and economic conditions through characters like Marcella. Machado skillfully weaves in critiques of the alienation of upper classes and the use of theories to justify crimes, creating a rich narrative that encompasses societal issues and philosophical musings.
The Library of Latin America series makes available in translation major nineteenth–century authors whose work has been neglected in the English–speaking world. The titles for the translations from th... 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...- #7
Despair by Vladimir Nabokov is a dark and strange murder tale that delves into the mind of an unreliable narrator named Hermann. The story follows Hermann, a Russian emigre businessman, who becomes obsessed with a tramp in Prague whom he believes to be his exact double. As Hermann hatches a plan to profit off their shared likeness, the narrative unfolds into a twisted plot of deception and madness. The book is narrated in a playful yet droll style, characteristic of Nabokov's intricate and dazzling prose.
If I were not perfectly sure of my power to write and of my marvelous ability to express ideas with the utmost grace and vividness … So, more or less, I had thought of beginning my tale. Further, I sh... - #8
"The Road to Los Angeles" by John Fante follows the life of Arturo Gabriel Bandini, a young writer with a narcissistic personality, portrayed as pretentious, lazy, and abrasive. The story delves into Bandini's struggles and failures as he navigates through life with his overactive mind and violent tendencies. The writing style is described as a mix of good and bad, showcasing Fante's potential as a writer but also highlighting the flaws in character development and plot progression.
I had a lot of jobs in Los Angeles Harbor because our family was poor and my father was dead. My first job was ditchdigging a short time after I graduated from high school. Every night I couldn’t slee...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Saga of Arturo Bandini ) - #9
In Larry Niven's 'Ringworld', readers are taken on a journey to a massive artificial world that serves as the backdrop for a story involving two humans and two aliens exploring its mysteries. The book delves into themes of exploration, alien civilizations, and the mind-boggling vastness of the Ringworld itself. Niven's writing style combines detailed scientific concepts with sociological exploration, creating a backdrop for characters to navigate through a world beyond imagination.
His foot-length queue was as white and shiny as artificial snow. His skin and depilated scalp were chrome yellow; the irises of his eyes were gold; his robe was royal blue with a golden stereoptic dra... - #10
'The Onset' revolves around the protagonist Andrew, a student at a university in Novosibirsk, who finds himself in the midst of an apocalypse caused by a mysterious dark sphere turning people into zombies. The story follows Andrew's journey as he navigates this post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies, mutants, and survivors, while developing new skills and abilities to survive. The plot is fast-paced, with a focus on action, world-building, and character progression, set in a dark and engaging setting where the protagonist faces challenges and battles undead creatures.
The writing style of 'The Onset' is described as easy to read, engaging, and fast-paced, with a good translation that captures the essence of the story. incorporates elements of LitRPG, system apocalypse, and progression genres, offering a mix of action, dark humor, and world-building that keeps readers entertained and immersed in the story.