Books matching: existentialism in literature
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- #1
Save:A beautifully written, introspective Southern novel that tackles big questions about faith, love, and identity. It's not for everyone, but for those willing to delve into life's complexities with a bit of patience, "The Second Coming" is a rewarding, thought-provoking read.
The Second Coming by Walker Percy is a novel that delves into themes of mental illness, love, existentialism, and spirituality. The story follows Will Barrett, a wealthy widower who is grappling with depression, mysterious fainting spells, and haunting memories from his past. Through a series of events, including encounters with eccentric characters like Allison, a young woman with her own psychological struggles, Will embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. The narrative weaves together elements of personal introspection, societal critique, and philosophical exploration, culminating in Will's pursuit of redemption and a newfound sense of purpose in life.
Walker Percy's writing style in The Second Coming is characterized by its depth, beauty, and existentialist themes. The novel challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of modern society, the search for meaning in a world filled with superficiality, and the role of faith in shaping one's identity. Through vivid descriptions, intricate character development, and thought-provoking dialogue, Percy crafts a narrative that invites readers to contemplate the nature of human existence and the transformative power of love and self-discovery.
For some time he had been feeling depressed without knowing why. In fact, he didn’t even realize he was depressed. Rather was it the world and life around him which seemed to grow more senseless and f...1980•369 pages - #2
Save:'The Map and the Territory' by Michel Houellebecq is a novel that delves into the life of artist Jed Martin, his relationships, and his encounters with various characters, including a reclusive author named Michel Houellebecq himself. The book explores themes of art, human relationships, and existentialism, presenting a unique blend of wit, intelligence, and insight into contemporary life. The narrative weaves together elements of creativity, despair, and philosophical reflections on the meaning of life, all while maintaining a captivating and sometimes unconventional writing style that keeps readers engaged.
Jed no longer remembered when he had first begun to draw. No doubt all children draw, more or less, but as he didn’t know any children, he wasn’t sure. His only certainty was that he had begun by draw...2011•291 pages - #3
Save:A challenging, mesmerizing ride for literary adventurers, but an acquired taste - The Loser is a bold, relentless meditation on genius and failure, told in Bernhard's unmistakably hypnotic style.
The Loser by Thomas Bernhard is a novel that delves into the consequences of encountering genius and perfection, specifically through the lens of a music student who befriends the virtuoso Glenn Gould and another pianist, Wertheimer. The narrative explores how the unmatched talent of Gould leads to both the narrator and Wertheimer giving up their musical ambitions, ultimately resulting in Wertheimer's suicide. The book is written in a unique style, with long, breathless paragraphs that capture the obsessions, failures, and inner turmoil of the characters as they navigate their relationships with each other and with music.
1983•209 pages A funny, clever, and dizzying existential trip - Pirandello’s meditation on identity is as challenging as it is rewarding, but it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
One, No One and One Hundred Thousand is a novel that delves into the existential crisis of the protagonist, Vitangelo Moscarda, who starts questioning his identity after a seemingly insignificant comment about his nose from his wife. The book explores the themes of self-perception, societal expectations, and the construction of identity in a humorous and thought-provoking manner. Luigi Pirandello's writing style blends humor with deep philosophical insights, creating a narrative that keeps the reader engaged and reflective about the nature of existence.
I was twenty-eight years old; and up to now, I had always looked upon my nose as being, if not altogether handsome, at least a very respectable sort of nose, as might have been said of all the other p...1925•269 pages- #5
Save:Big, bold, and challenging - Lessing's cosmic allegory isn't for everyone, but if you're up for a slow-burn exploration of humanity's place in the universe, it's a rewarding read that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
'The Sirian Experiments' in the series 'Canopus in Argos' by Doris Lessing is a science fiction novel that follows the memoir of Ambien II, a powerful administrator of a vast empire, as she meddles in the affairs of a pseudo Earth. Ambien II reflects on her role in planning Galactic enterprises, interacting with primitive societies, and conducting experiments on various planets. The narrative explores themes of social upheavals, planetary engineering, and the ethical dilemmas faced by advanced civilizations when intervening in less developed societies. Lessing's writing style, although criticized for being wooden and passive at times, delves into big social issues and presents a thought-provoking perspective on humanity and colonization.
For some time I had little to do with Rohanda, which was judged by our experts as too much of a bad risk, and I was allotted work elsewhere. This was, too, the period of the worst crisis in Sirian sel...December 1980•315 pages - #6
Save:Marigold and Rose is a slim yet profound novella about twin sisters navigating their first year of life. Marigold is adventurous and introspective, while Rose is sociable and outgoing. The story unfolds through ten short chapters, showcasing their innocent moments of wonder, joy, and the complex reality of growing up. Gluck's writing style is poetic yet accessible, allowing readers to engage deeply with the twins’ thoughts and experiences, even as they reflect on larger themes like individuality and the nature of writing.
The narrative blends whimsy with wisdom, encouraging readers to reflect on the inner voices of infants and their unique perspectives. Despite the seemingly ordinary events, Gluck captures the essence of babyhood with rich language and layered meanings. The chapters function like discrete stanzas of poetry, creating a hypnotic rhythm that draws readers into a world of innocence and deep observation. This book resonates with anyone who has experienced the joys and complexities of early childhood, making it a profound read.
Marigold was absorbed in her book; she had gotten as far as the V. Rose didn’t care for books. She particularly disliked books of the kind Marigold was presently reading, in which animals substituted...2020•65 pages - #7
Save:A dark, intense journey into guilt, fate, and horror - a brutal, beautifully written read for those who like their fiction thought-provoking and unflinchingly grim.
'Children of Chaos' by Greg F. Gifune is a dark and thought-provoking novel that follows the lives of three friends, Phil, Jamie, and Martin, who are haunted by a crime committed in their youth. The book delves into themes of guilt, atonement, and the consequences of past actions, as the characters navigate through dark and dangerous paths, both physically and psychologically. Gifune's writing style is described as sublime, with poetic yet horrifying prose that creates a gripping and atmospheric narrative, leading readers on a journey filled with tension and suspense.
The story unfolds as Phil is hired to find and bring back Martin, who has become the leader of a dangerous cult in Mexico. As Phil embarks on this perilous journey through the eerie Corridor of Dreams, he is confronted with his own demons and forced to confront the darkness that has plagued their lives since that fateful encounter with a scarred stranger. The novel weaves together elements of horror, psychological thriller, and supernatural mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intense narrative and complex characters.
Bad news always comes at night. It wasn't quite dawn and I hadn't slept at all. On the rare occasions when I could sleep, I always came awake terrified that I was back in that rain and mud. But I neve...2009•303 pages - #8
Save:A slender yet powerful novel about the absurdity of life and the search for meaning, best suited to readers who appreciate philosophical musings and moral ambiguity. Not for those who need all the answers or a warm, fuzzy ending.
"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...1942•144 pages - #9
Save:A short, intense, and thought-provoking classic that delivers an unforgettable (if sometimes uncomfortable) dive into self-doubt, spite, and the reasons we act against our own interests. Difficult but rewarding - perfect for those who want their fiction to pull no punches.
'Notes from Underground' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novella that delves into the existential crisis of the unnamed protagonist, referred to as the Underground Man. The story is presented in a diary form, exploring the protagonist's self-loathing, bitterness, and feelings of insignificance. The narrative is a mix of philosophical musings, societal critique, and introspective reflections, showcasing the protagonist's struggles with alienation and his disdain for societal norms. Dostoyevsky's writing style is described as beautiful yet painful, capturing the essence of a man living a life of terrible insignificance.
The novella is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the Underground Man's philosophical ramblings and the second part providing a narrative that sheds light on the protagonist's background and descent into the underground. Dostoyevsky weaves themes of free will, existentialism, and the human condition throughout the narrative, presenting a character who grapples with his own sense of identity and purpose. The book is praised for its smooth writing style, compelling storytelling, and the profound insights it offers into the complexities of human nature and societal conventions.
I am a sick person . . . A spiteful one. An unattractive person, too. I think my liver is diseased. But I don’t give a damn about my disease and in fact I don’t even know what’s wrong with me. I do no...1864•134 pages - #10
Save:A classic that’s as unsettling as it is brilliant - Kafka’s "The Trial" is a deep dive into the absurdities of modern life, bureaucracy, and existential dread. Not an easy read, but unforgettable if you’re up for the challenge.
"The Trial" by Franz Kafka is a surreal and nightmarish tale that follows the protagonist, Josef K., who is arrested for an unspecified crime and must navigate a bizarre and oppressive legal system to defend himself. The book delves into themes of absurdity, bureaucracy, and existentialism, creating a narrative that is both fascinating and frustrating for readers. Kafka's writing style is described as simple yet subtle, with a focus on creating a sinister atmosphere that evokes feelings of paranoia and helplessness.
1925•273 pages
