Books matching: disturbing and evocative
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- #1
Save:'Mr. Splitfoot' by Samantha Hunt is a contemporary gothic novel that weaves together two interwoven stories. The first storyline follows Ruth and Nat, orphaned children living in a group home under a strange Christian cult leader, who claim they can communicate with the dead and embark on a journey hosting seances. The second storyline focuses on Ruth's niece, Cora, who is led by her mute aunt on a mysterious mission across New York State, while being heavily pregnant. The book delves into themes of mystery, the supernatural, cults, con artists, and the complexities of human relationships, all set in rural upstate New York.
The writing style of 'Mr. Splitfoot' is described as lovely, atmospheric, poetic, and skillfully interwoven. The novel features compelling dual narratives that greet each other in the end, creating an atmospheric and unique ghost story that goes beyond its genre. The book is praised for its beautiful language, evocative descriptions, and the way it merges past and present storylines to deliver a thought-provoking and eerie tale.
But Nat’s a preacher in a fever. His lesson continues with a new topic. “Baby deer have no scent when they are born.” Nat conducts the air. “Keeps those babies safe as long as their stinking mothers s... - #2
Save:Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott is a haunting and heartbreaking story that follows the life of a fifteen-year-old girl, known only as Alice, who has been living in captivity for the past five years after being abducted by a man named Ray. The book delves into the disturbing and tragic realities of Alice's daily life filled with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of her abductor. Through a raw and compelling narrative, the author provides a glimpse into Alice's mental state and the horrors she endures, shedding light on the dark and harrowing world of an abused teenager.
The writing style in Living Dead Girl is described as frank and straightforward, yet evocative and powerful. Elizabeth Scott's narrative captures the reader's attention from the very beginning, drawing them into Alice's world of torment and despair. The book is praised for its ability to convey the emotional depth of the protagonist and the unsettling circumstances she finds herself in, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Shady Pines Apartments, four shabby buildings tucked off the road near the highway. Across from a strip mall with nail places and a cash-loan store that advertises on TV all the time. There’s also a d... - #3
Save:Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood is a haunting exploration of the impact of childhood traumas on adult life, particularly focusing on the themes of bullying, friendship, and self-discovery. The narrative follows the protagonist, Elaine Risley, a middle-aged artist, as she revisits her hometown of Toronto for an art exhibition, prompting a flood of memories from her past. Through vivid and disturbing flashbacks, the book delves into the complexities of girlhood friendships, the lasting effects of childhood experiences, and the struggle for identity and self-acceptance. Atwood's writing style intricately weaves together past and present, creating a poignant and thought-provoking reflection on the darker aspects of human nature and memory.
Elaine's journey of self-reflection and reconciliation with her past unfolds through rich character development, evocative storytelling, and poignant observations on the cruelty of children and the complexities of relationships. Atwood masterfully captures the nuances of Elaine's emotional turmoil, childhood traumas, and artistic expression, offering a profound exploration of themes such as feminism, identity, and the lasting impact of early experiences. The narrative skillfully navigates between past and present, painting a vivid portrait of a woman grappling with the shadows of her past while seeking understanding, closure, and redemption.
Cordelia and I are riding on the streetcar, going downtown, as we do on winter Saturdays. The streetcar is muggy with twice-breathed air and the smell of wool. Cordelia sits with nonchalance, nudging ... - #4
Save:'Sweet Fruit, Sour Land' by Rebecca Ley is a dystopian novel that follows the journey of two women, Mathilde and Jasminder, as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world in Britain. The narrative delves into themes of loss, hope, survival, and female friendship, set against a backdrop of a bleak and lonely world. The story is presented through alternating perspectives of the two main characters, Mathilde in the past and Jasminder in the present, with a spare and lucid prose style that hints at a world where much is left unexplained, yet still manages to captivate the reader.
After we came to London, I dreamt of my mother again. She appeared to me fully formed, her dark hair in Velcro rollers and her mouth pulled together in a small smile. I reached out to touch her, wanti... - #5
Save:Paco's Story by Larry Heinemann is a powerful and raw narrative that delves into the experiences of Paco, the sole survivor of Alpha Company who returns home haunted by the ghosts of his past. The book explores Paco's struggles in both Vietnam and America, portraying the toll that war takes on those who survive. The writing style is evocative, stark, and chilling, providing a truthful depiction of war told through metaphors that question the futility of conflict and the horrors endured by soldiers on both sides.
1. The First Clean Fact. Let’s begin with the first clean fact, James: This ain’t no war story. War stories are out—one, two, three, and a heave-ho, into the lake you go with all the other alewife scu... - #6
Save:'Nothing' by Janne Teller follows the story of seventh grader Pierre Anthon who declares that life has no meaning and climbs a plum tree, challenging his classmates to prove him wrong. As the classmates gather objects that hold personal significance to them, the stakes escalate, leading to horrifying sacrifices and a descent into a Lord of the Flies-esque chaos. The book delves into themes of nihilism, existentialism, and the search for meaning in a stark, cold setting, with elaborate descriptions and a thought-provoking narrative style that leaves readers questioning the purpose of life.
And although the teachers had a job on their hands tidying up after Pierre Anthon in the classroom as well as in our heads, part of Pierre Anthon remained stuck inside of us. Maybe that was why it all... - #7
Save:'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is a suspenseful novel set in an exclusive university where a Classics study group decides to commit murder, reminiscent of Eleusinian mysteries. The story follows a group of eccentric and privileged college students who get entangled in a web of their own making, leading to chilling events and profound changes in their lives. The writing style is erudite, literary, and intriguing, with a focus on character development and relationships, creating an evocative and convincing setting.
Does such a thing as 'the fatal flaw,' that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature? I used to think it didn't. Now I think it does. And I think that mine is this:... - #8
Save:'The Silver Witch' by Paula P.J. Brackston is a novel set in Wales, following the story of Tilda, a widow who moves into a remote cottage after her husband's death. As Tilda discovers a connection to the ancient land and experiences strange occurrences, the narrative weaves between her present-day struggles and the story of Seren, a witch from medieval times. The book explores themes of grief, magic, and female empowerment, with a touch of romance and mystery set against the backdrop of the Welsh landscape.
All is darkness. Blessed night. Freed from light and troubled vision, my thoughts are fed instead by the howling of the wind outside. The sound forms pictures in my mind, where I see the trees moving ... - #9
Save:'When Darkness Loves Us' by Elizabeth Engstrom is a collection of two novellas that delve into dark and twisted themes. The first story follows a young pregnant farm girl who gets trapped in underground caves, while the second story revolves around a woman born disfigured and developmentally disabled. Both stories are described as haunting and thought-provoking, with elements of horror and magical realism. The writing style is praised for being beautiful, vivid, and able to evoke strong emotions in the reader.
Sally Ann Hixson, full with the blush of spring and gleeful playfulness as only sixteen-year-olds know it, hid around the side of the huge tree at the edge of the woods as the great tractor drove past... - #10
Save:Livia Llewellyn's 'Furnace' is a collection of dark and sensual stories that blend horror, the strange, and the erotic into a haunting and evocative narrative. The book features tales that explore themes of death, annihilation, and transformation, all wrapped in sumptuous prose and unsettling dream logic. Readers are drawn into a world where reality is turned inside out, with blood, sex, and horror on full display, leaving a lasting impact reminiscent of Franz Kafka's work.
The collection showcases Llewellyn's talent for crafting stories that are dark, disturbing, and unforgettable. From explicit sex intertwined with themes of death to narratives that challenge perceptions of reality, 'Furnace' takes readers on a journey through ethereal landscapes where characters grapple with their desires, fears, and the unknown. Each story in the collection offers a unique exploration of human nature, often leaving readers with conflicting emotions and a sense of unease that lingers long after the book is closed.
There is a place deep in the warehouse district, far outside the civilized edges of the city called Obsidia, where the population bleeds off into cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads, where only abandoned b...
