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Books matching: descent into madness

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  1. #1

    The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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    'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a short story that delves into a woman's descent into madness as she stays confined in a room with yellow wallpaper, growing obsessed with it. The book explores themes of women's mental health issues in the late 19th century, particularly postpartum depression, and the mistreatment of women by society and the medical profession. The narrative is a powerful commentary on women's lack of power in a male-dominated world, showcasing the consequences of isolation and confinement on one's mental state.

    The writing style in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is often described as gothic, haunting, and psychological. It effectively portrays the slow deterioration of the main character's mental state, capturing the reader's attention with vivid descriptions and a sense of impending madness. The story is lauded for its thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the repression of women, offering a chilling and impactful read in just a few pages.

    If a physician of high standing, and one's own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency—wha...

  2. #2
    The Shining
    Book 1 in the series:The Shining

    The Shining - The Shining by Stephen King
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    Danny and his parents move into a large hotel in Colorado to caretake over the winter shutdown period. Danny's father, an author, intends to use the solitude to write his new novel. However, the hotel is haunted by spirits that begin to influence Danny's father, leading to a fight for survival for Danny and his mother. The book explores the psychological breakdown of the characters, particularly Jack, and the slow decline of their family amidst dark forces at play in the hotel.

    The story is a slow creeping horror that gets under your skin, creating a haunting effect with imagery and ideas that linger long after reading. It delves into themes of alcoholism, supernatural occurrences, and the psychological turmoil of the characters, especially the inner dialogue of the family members portrayed in a realistic and terrifying manner.

    Ullman stood five-five, and when he moved, it was with the prissy speed that seems to be the exclusive domain of all small plump men. The part in his hair was exact, and his dark suit was sober but co...

  3. Eli Sanders details the events leading up to and the court case following a horrific rape and murder that occurred on the outskirts of Seattle in 2009. The victims are admirably profiled, two women who had found each other and were two months away from their wedding. Sanders interviews over fifty family members, people in the jury, law enforcement, and health care workers to get a full view of the circumstances leading up to that night in South Park, Seattle, Washington. The book lays out different topics Summary, Teresa, Jennifer, Isaiah, and the Trial. A bit less than they were scheduled to marry, they became the victims of a brutally violent and random sexual assault in their own home. Teresa was killed, and Jennifer miraculously survived albeit deeply scarred emotionally by the attack and the loss of the love of her life.

    After living in Seattle for the last 17 years, I'm always keeping an eye out for books that take place in this area, whether fiction or non-fiction. While the City Slept is a quick read and I don't mention that with any negative connotations. The overarching theme of the book is mental illness and how our society has not found any effective solutions to proactively deal with this issue through public or private policy, especially since major federal changes occurred during the Kennedy administration. Even when people display warning signs, it is only after tragedy strikes that resources are deployed in the form of the criminal justice system. This book takes a single case in Seattle during the late 2000's to illustrate the challenges and repercussions of where our society is at today.

    On old maps, the Duwamish River bends like discarded ribbon as it passes through a valley on the southern end of this city, winding across land that was once marshes and tribal fishing villages and th...

  4. #4

    The Vegetarian by Han Kang
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    'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang is a haunting and disturbing tale told in three parts from different perspectives, focusing on a young Korean woman named Yeong hye who decides to become a vegetarian after a disturbing dream. This decision sets off a series of events that lead to a slow decline in Yeong hye's mental and physical health, causing turmoil within her family and society. The writing style is stark, depressing, and beautifully constructed, delving into themes of alienation, mental illness, societal oppression, and the impact of personal choices on relationships.

    The deep oxblood curtain fell over the stage. The dancers waved their hands so vigorously the whole row became a blur of movement, with individual figures impossible to make out. Though the applause w...

  5. #5

    The Bird Eater by Ania Ahlborn
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    'The Bird Eater' by Ania Ahlborn is a horror novel that follows Aaron Holbrook as he returns to his childhood home after 16 years, only to face demons from his past and present. The story is a blend of psychological and supernatural horror, with a plot that keeps readers on edge through its creepy and intense atmosphere. The book delves into themes of madness, ghosts, fear, and despair, leaving readers questioning the unknown and terrified of what may lurk around the corner.

    The narrative style of 'The Bird Eater' is described as dark, creepy, and suspenseful, with a focus on creating an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. The author weaves a web of chaos and darkness, building tension as the story unfolds and leading readers through a descent into madness alongside the protagonist. The book is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged and on edge, with moments that are both disturbing and chilling, making it a thrilling and terrifying read for fans of horror.

    Plunging her hands into a wad of pizza dough, Edie Holbrook came to realize that she’d forgotten to turn on the radio two seconds too late. She shot a look over her shoulder, eyeing Fletcher’s old Son...

  6. #6

    The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
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    The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a classic horror novel that tells the story of four individuals invited to investigate the paranormal occurrences at Hill House. As they delve into the mysteries of the house, strange phenomena begin to unfold, leading to a growing sense of disassociation from reality and genuine horror. The narrative is a meditation on isolation, fear, and desperation, particularly focusing on the protagonist Eleanor's psychological journey as she navigates the haunting presence of Hill House.

    No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its ...

  7. #7

    Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror, Vol. 1 - Uzumaki by Junji Ito
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    'Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror, Vol. 1' by Junji Ito is a horror manga series that revolves around a small town called Kurozu cho, where people become obsessed with spirals. The story delves into the bizarre and grotesque phenomena that arise from this spiral obsession, leading to body horror and strange occurrences. The plot weaves together different short stories with distinct plot arcs that mostly get resolved at the end of each issue, creating a tapestry of horror within the city. Junji Ito's writing style is described as masterful, creating an atmosphere of terror and suspense throughout the narrative.


  8. #8

    At Night All Blood is Black by David Diop
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    'At Night All Blood is Black' by David Diop is a powerful and haunting story set during World War I, following the journey of Alfa Ndiaye, a Senegalese soldier fighting for France. The book delves into the horrors of war, exploring themes of friendship, trauma, and the impact of colonialism on African soldiers. Through a unique narrative style that includes circular thought and repetition, the book portrays Alfa's descent into madness after the death of his closest friend, Mademba Diop, on the battlefield.

    The novel skillfully weaves together Alfa's experiences on the Western Front, his struggles with guilt and grief, and his gradual unraveling as he seeks revenge for Mademba's death. Through vivid storytelling and a mix of realism and psychological exploration, 'At Night All Blood is Black' offers a poignant and thought-provoking portrayal of the effects of war on an individual's psyche.

    … I KNOW, I UNDERSTAND, I shouldn’t have done it. I, Alfa Ndiaye, son of the old, old man, I understand, I shouldn’t have. God’s truth, now I know. My thoughts belong to me alone, I can think what I w...

  9. #9

    Twisted by Andrew E. Kaufman
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    Dr. Christopher Kellan, a forensic psychologist at Loveland Psychiatric Hospital, is tasked with evaluating Donny Ray Smith, a patient accused of murdering ten young girls. As Christopher delves deeper into Donny's case, his own grip on reality begins to slip, leading to a rollercoaster journey filled with twists and turns. The book explores themes of truth, psychosis, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the mysteries surrounding Donny Ray and Christopher's descent into madness.

    “Welcome to the jungle, gentlemen,” my boss says, brittle shades of cynicism coloring his words. Jeremy Firestone’s sentiment is not unwarranted, but it’s hardly necessary. Calling Loveland Psychiatri...

  10. #10

    House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
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    House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is a complex and ambitious novel that delves into the mysterious record of a house that defies physics, expanding and lacking spatial boundaries. The story is told unconventionally through different perspectives, utilizing unique page layouts, sentences, paragraphs, and words to create imagery that parallels the narrative. The book also incorporates numerous footnotes that reference various elements, both real and imaginary, adding layers of depth to the storytelling.

    The narrative structure of the book weaves together multiple stories within stories, creating a layered and enthralling journey into the unknown. Readers are drawn into the tale of The Navidson Record, told through the lenses of Zampano and Johnny Truant, each contributing to the unfolding mystery of the house that challenges reality. The book's presentation and narrative style offer a blend of horror, academic critique, and metafictional elements, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

    §Provide examples of hand shadows ranging from crabs, snails, rabbits,and turtles to dragons, panthers, tigers, and kangaroos. Also includehippos, frogs, elephants, birds of paradise, dogs, cockatoos,...

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