Books matching: detached protagonist
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- #1
Save:"The Stranger" by Albert Camus is a novel that delves into existentialism through the story of Meursault, a man who seems indifferent and detached from the world around him. The plot follows Meursault as he navigates through life events such as his mother's death, a murder he commits, and a trial he faces, all while displaying a lack of emotion and connection with those around him. The writing style is described as choppy, matter-of-fact, and detached, reflecting the character's own demeanor and emphasizing the themes of absurdity and alienation.
Camus' exploration of the absurdity of life and society's inability to understand a man like Meursault forms the core of the narrative. Through vivid storytelling and a compelling portrayal of existential themes, the book challenges readers to reflect on concepts of meaning, morality, and the human condition. The character of Meursault serves as a vehicle for Camus to question societal norms and beliefs, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of existential philosophy and the complexities of human existence.
The old people’s home is at Marengo, about eighty kilometers from Algiers, I’ll take the two o’clock bus and get there in the afternoon. That way I can be there for the vigil and come back tomorrow ni... - #2
Save:The Floating Opera by John Barth is a novel that delves into the existential musings of the protagonist, Todd Andrews, as he recounts the day he contemplated suicide but ultimately decides against it. The narrative explores themes of absurdity, nihilism, and the value of life through Todd's introspective reflections and interactions with various characters. The writing style is characterized by a blend of philosophical introspection, dark humor, and clever wordplay, creating a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience.
To someone like myself, whose literary activities have been confined since 1920 mainly to legal briefs and Inquiry-writing, the hardest thing about the task at hand — viz., the explanation of a day in... - #3
Save:'Chronic City' by Jonathan Lethem is a surreal and dystopian tale set in a near-future Manhattan. The story follows former child actor Chase Insteadman, who lives on residuals and is engaged to an astronaut stranded in space. As Chase navigates this strange world, he befriends the eccentric Perkus Tooth, and together they engage in philosophical discussions, smoke pot, and embark on a quest to acquire elusive items like chauldrons from eBay. The narrative is filled with oddities like a tiger rampaging through the city and a mysterious mist covering lower Manhattan, all while exploring themes of reality, authenticity, and the blurred lines between the real and the ersatz.
This was in the headquarters of the Criterion Collection, on Fifty-second Street and Third Avenue, on a weekday afternoon at the end of summer. I’d gone there to record a series of voice-overs for one... - #4
Save:'Ashenden' by W. Somerset Maugham is a collection of stories based on the experiences of a fictional spy named Ashenden, who operates in Europe during World War I. The book provides a realistic and unglamorous portrayal of espionage, focusing on the psychological aspects of spying rather than action-packed scenarios. Maugham, drawing from his own background as a British agent, weaves together episodes that delve into the lives of various characters involved in the world of espionage, showcasing the grim and sometimes bizarre nature of the profession.
The writing style of 'Ashenden' is characterized by Maugham's cool precision and clean narrative, which offers incisive character observations and a glimpse into the complexities of human nature. The book is a series of vignettes or short stories rather than a singular story arc, emphasizing details surrounding intelligence work and providing a more realistic depiction of the spy genre, devoid of high-octane thrills but rich in atmospheric storytelling.
It was not till the beginning of September that Ashenden, a writer by profession, who had been abroad at the outbreak of the war, managed to get back to England. He chanced soon after his arrival to g... - #5
Save:Blood-drenched Beard by Daniel Galera is a complex narrative that delves into the life of an unnamed protagonist with prosopagnosia, exploring his detachment from others and his search for truth within his family's history. The story unfolds in a coastal town in southern Brazil, where the protagonist's relationships with women and his struggles with commitment mirror his internal conflicts. The book blends elements of magical realism and postmodern storytelling, leading readers through a journey of self-discovery and existential questioning. With vivid descriptions of the environment and characters, Galera's prose creates a haunting atmosphere that draws readers into the protagonist's world of rootlessness and introspection.
- #6
Save:'Shoot the Piano Player' by David Goodis follows the story of Eddie, a former concert pianist who now plays jazz in a bar. When his brother, Turley, on the run from the mob, seeks his help, Eddie is reluctantly drawn back into a world he tried to escape. The narrative is filled with scenes of pain, brutality, and dark themes, but amidst the darkness, there are glimpses of humanity as characters reach out to help Eddie in small ways, making the story compelling and hard to put down. Goodis intricately weaves a tale of family loyalty, personal tragedy, and the consequences of running away from one's past, creating a gritty and intense noir atmosphere that keeps readers engaged until the end.
There were no street lamps, no lights at all. It was a narrow street in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. From the nearby Delaware a cold wind came lancing in, telling all alley cats they'd b... - #7
Save:In 'Not Quite a Lady' by Loretta Chase, the story revolves around Lady Charlotte, who has a secret from her past that haunts her and prevents her from leading a normal life. When she meets Darius, the youngest Carsington brother, she starts to reconsider her choices and confront her emotional pain. The book portrays a charming courtship between two reasonable, intelligent individuals, with humor, unusual settings, and amusing situations adding depth to the narrative. Despite some improbable plot twists, the story is written in a moving and engaging manner, drawing readers into the emotional conflicts and evolving relationship between the main characters.
All arrogant certainty, he stood in front of his father’s desk and met his gaze straight on. To do otherwise was fatal. Even a man of lesser intelligence would have learned this, growing up with four ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Carsington Brothers ) - #8
Save:Yukikaze is a military science fiction novel that follows the story of Rei Fukai, a skilled pilot in the Faery Air Force, who is tasked with collecting data on the alien race known as JAM. Set on the planet Faery, the novel explores themes of war, humanity's relationship with technology, and the impact of advanced fighter aircraft in the ongoing battle against the JAM. The writing style is described as engaging, with kinetic and hazardous air battles that have terrifying implications, making it a thought-provoking read.
TWENTY-FOUR ASSAULT fighter planes in combat formation punched their way through the skies toward an enemy base. They were units attached to the Faery Air Force’s Tactical Frontline Base TAB-16, 1666t... - #9
Save:'Morvern Callar' by Alan Warner is a dark and unsettling story following the life of Morvern, a young woman living in a remote Scottish village. The book begins with Morvern's shocking discovery of her dead boyfriend's body in her kitchen, and her subsequent unconventional reaction to his suicide. As the narrative unfolds, Morvern's detached and self-centered nature is explored through her experiences involving rave scenes, drugs, casual brutality, and her job at a supermarket. The writing style is described as immersive and unique, with the use of colloquial Scots adding a personal touch to Morvern's narration, making her voice stand out throughout the novel.
- #10
Save:Submission by Michel Houellebecq is a satirical novel set in a near future France where the Muslim Brotherhood forms a coalition and becomes the ruling party, leading to major societal changes such as the enforcement of Sharia law. The protagonist, Francois, a literature professor at the Sorbonne, navigates the new reality where women are marginalized, polygamy is encouraged, and non-Muslims face discrimination. The book delves into themes of societal exhaustion, political upheaval, and the protagonist's apathetic response to the changing world around him.
Houellebecq's writing style in Submission is described as provocative, satirical, and thought-provoking. The novel offers a commentary on modern French society, secular values, and the impact of political shifts on individuals like Francois. Through dark humor and sharp observations, the author explores themes of cultural clash, ideological surrender, and the protagonist's self-absorbed perspective amidst societal transformation.
A noise recalled him to Saint-Sulpice; the choir was leaving; the church was about to close. “I should have tried to pray,” he thought. “It would have been better than sitting here in the empty church...
