Books matching: episodic and disjointed pacing

8 result(s)

Readers also searched for:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 
  1. #1

    Pnin by Vladimir Nabokov
    Save:

    'Pnin' by Vladimir Nabokov is a collection of self-contained short stories centered around the character Pnin, a hapless Russian emigrant teaching at an American university. The novel explores themes of exile, university life, and complex relationships, portraying Pnin as an endearing but eccentric character. Nabokov's prose is described as acrobatic and beautiful, with a focus on wordplay and clever observations.

    The elderly passenger sitting on the north-window side of that inexorably moving railway coach, next to an empty seat and facing two empty ones, was none other than Professor Timofey Pnin. Ideally bal...

  2. #2

    Cities of the Red Night - Red Night by William S. Burroughs
    Save:

    Cities of the Red Night by William S. Burroughs is a surreal and experimental novel that blurs the boundaries of time and space. The story unfolds in a world where past, present, and future collide, featuring characters ranging from seventeenth-century pirates to modern police forces and creatures from unknown realms. The writing style of the book is described as witty, poetic, and at times disguised as filthy trash, showcasing Burroughs' unique blend of genius and madness.

    The plot of Cities of the Red Night may be confusing with characters morphing into each other, but the book shines with its imaginative storytelling and dreamlike logic. The novel is structured into three books, each featuring distinct sets of characters and timelines, with themes ranging from biowarfare and consumer capitalism to time travel and extraterrestrial references. The narrative culminates in a series of episodic and surreal events, with a cut-up grammar predominant, leaving the reader questioning the identity of the narrator and the resolution of the plot.

    Farnsworth, the District Health Officer, was a man so grudging in what he asked of life that every win was a loss; yet he was not without a certain plodding persistence of effort and effectiveness in ...

  3. #3

    Topics of Conversation by Miranda Popkey
    Save:

    "Topics of Conversation" by Miranda Popkey is a collection of stories from one woman's perspective, exploring themes of power dynamics in relationships, societal expectations, and the complexities of women's experiences. The narrative delves into topics such as relationships, consent, desire, violence, and feminism, presented through primarily one-sided conversations that make up the novel. Each chapter is denoted by a place and year, providing a chronological look at the protagonist's life as she navigates through making decisions, facing consequences, and striving to define her own path.

    From the shore, the sea in three pieces like an abstract painting in gentle motion. Closest to the sand, liquid the pale green of a fertile lake. Then a swath of aquamarine, the color you imagine read...

  4. #4

    Second Hand Curses by Tavia Gilbert, Marc Vietor, Scott Aiello, Drew Hayes
    Save:

    "Second Hand Curses" by Drew Hayes is a reimagining of fairy tales in a modern capitalist setting where practicality triumphs over honor. The protagonists are fixers who solve fairy tale problems for a price, adding a grim and realistic twist to well-known stories. The novel follows a braided short story format, with each chapter focusing on a specific fable or two, intertwined to create a cohesive overarching whole. The writing style combines sly wit, action, and humor, providing a fresh take on classic tales while adding a dash of darkness.

    “And what happened after you lost the shoe?” Jack asked. Hewas wearing his client face, radiating confidence and just a touch of swarthy danger as he listened to the straw-haired young woman’s tale. O...

  5. #5

    I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays by Sloane Crosley
    Save:

    "I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays" by Sloane Crosley is a collection of humorous autobiographical essays that touch on various aspects of the author's life, from growing up with an uncommon name to navigating the challenges of adulthood in New York City. Crosley's writing style is described as witty, insightful, and self-reflective, with stories that often evolve into the absurd or embarrassing moments of everyday life. The essays cover a range of topics, from childhood memories to experiences as a maid of honor, providing a fresh and relatable perspective on modern urban living.

    As most New Yorkers have done, I have given serious and generous thought to the state of my apartment should I get killed during the day. Say someone pushes me onto the subway tracks. Or I get acciden...

  6. #6

    The Grass Dancer by Susan Power
    Save:

    The Grass Dancer by Susan Power is a unique novel that weaves together multiple short stories of characters across generations, exploring the history and mystical influences on the Lakota people. The book is told in a non-linear format, with each chapter narrated from a different character's point of view, revealing interconnected relationships and themes of love, family, magic, and Native American heritage. Power's writing style incorporates rich descriptions, metaphors, and elements of myth and mysticism, creating a beautifully melancholy and engaging narrative that delves into the past and present of the Sioux families in North Dakota.


  7. #7

    The Golden Mean by Annabel Lyon
    Save:

    Set in Ancient Greece, "The Golden Mean" by Annabel Lyon narrates the story of Aristotle's time tutoring Alexander the Great. The book delves into Aristotle's philosophical musings, his interactions with Alexander, and the political landscape of Greece during that era. The writing style alternates between gritty depictions of life in the ancient Mediterranean and Aristotle's introspective thoughts, offering a glimpse into the complexities of their relationship.

    THE RAIN FALLS IN black cords, lashing my animals, my men, and my wife, Pythias, who last night lay with her legs spread while I took notes on the mouth of her sex, who weeps silent tears of exhaustio...

  8. #8

    The Adventures Of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
    Save:

    The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi is a classic children's tale that follows the story of a wooden puppet named Pinocchio who comes to life and embarks on various adventures. The book explores themes of morality, growth, and the consequences of one's actions. The writing style is engaging and filled with moral lessons, making it an entertaining and insightful read for both children and adults.

    No, children, you are mistaken. Once upon a time there was a piece of wood. It was not an expensive piece of wood. Far from it. Just a common block of firewood, one of those thick, solid logs that are...

Page 1 of 1