Books matching: experimentational storytelling
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Save:Brilliantly inventive and deeply introspective, The Seventh Perfection is a masterclass in unconventional storytelling - but it’s not for everyone. Try it if you crave something truly different in your fantasy reads.
The Seventh Perfection is a fantasy novella that explores the theme of Truth with a capital 'T'. The narrative follows the protagonist, Manet, on a quest to unravel the mystery of a woman whose identity is sent to her anonymously. Through a unique writing style consisting solely of conversations, the story delves into the protagonist's journey, her encounters with various characters, and the revelation of truths that challenge the existing order.
The book is written in a distinct style where each chapter is essentially a conversation with a different character, showcasing the protagonist's silent presence and the way others interact with her. As the story progresses, the reader uncovers the layers of complexity surrounding Manet's personal mission, the God King she serves, and the ultimate truths she seeks to uncover.
Come in, please come in! May I get you anything? Tea? I have a bottle of . . . no? Excuse the mess, I was re-cataloging my collection of pre-Ascension medals. The Anathema’s forces—there were few enou...September 2020•176 pages - #2
Save:Inventive, unnerving, and sometimes divisive, this is a collection best suited for readers who appreciate experimental storytelling and ambiguous, thought-provoking horror - expect some new favorites and a few head-scratchers.
'Growing Things and Other Stories' by Paul Tremblay is a collection of short stories that blend horror, the supernatural, paranormal, and basic fiction. The stories feature unique premises and formats, such as a Choose Your Own Adventure style narrative and stories told by unreliable narrators. Tremblay's writing style keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with some stories leaving a lasting impact and others exploring dark and ambiguous themes.
Their father stayed in his bedroom, door locked, for almost two full days. Now he paces in the mudroom, and he pauses only to pick at the splintering doorjamb with a black fingernail. Muttering to him...April 2013•360 pages - #3XXby:
Save:A visually wild, ambitious first-contact novel that’s brilliant if you love experimental storytelling, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Bold, meta, and memorable - just know what you’re getting into!
XX by Rian Hughes is a massively ambitious work that delves into visual and written communication, exploring the power of ideas and the interaction between the material and immaterial worlds. The story involves receiving a Signal from Space that contains the DNA of billions of aliens, leading to discoveries about alien races, artificial intelligence, and the history of the universe. The book is described as a mix of realistic sci-fi with layers of meaning and symbolism, challenging readers to think deeply while enjoying a good story.
Nixon Rappaport crossed something off a list. “Big sign with the company name and logo: check. All Jack’s packing crates: check. What else? Seating— we still need to get some chairs, but I’m going to...November 2020 - #4
Save:Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil by Ananda Lima is a unique exploration of the immigrant experience through an innovative blend of magical realism and dark humor. The stories revolve around a writer who has had a brief encounter with the Devil, serving as a quirky unifying thread throughout the loosely connected narratives. Each tale showcases vivid characters and imaginative plots, such as a vending machine that dispenses tiny people, while delving into deeper themes of identity and the immigrant struggle, ultimately creating a dazzling, if sometimes confusing, reading experience.
You probably can’t tell by looking at me now, but once, back in my twenties, I slept with the Devil. We met at a Halloween party in a closed-down store space in Manhattan, Union Square, in 1981. I was...June 2024•192 pages - #5
Save:A treasure trove of classic weird fiction, sometimes imperfect but endlessly inventive - essential reading for genre fans and anyone curious about the roots of modern horror and sci-fi.
'Collected Stories, Vol. 1' by William F. Nolan, Stanley Wiater, Robert Bloch, Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson is a collection of early short stories by Richard Matheson, a highly influential writer in the science fiction genre. The book features stories that have inspired countless authors and filmmakers, with themes ranging from horror and suspense to science fiction and fantasy. Matheson's writing style is described as straightforward brilliance, offering readers a bag of candy filled with wonderful treats in the form of captivating and imaginative tales.
After being directed, he walked out of the building into the overcast day. The threat of rain had been constant since he'd woken up that morning as the bus was pulling over the mountains into Casca Va...1989•403 pages - #6
Save:A clever, delightfully strange book that’s more artful experiment than classic novel - best for adventurous readers who like their stories full of riddles and layered meanings.
The Castle of Crossed Destinies is a unique book where travelers find themselves in a castle unable to speak, telling their life stories through tarot cards. The book consists of interconnected stories inspired by tarot cards, retelling classic narratives like Orpheus and Shakespeare in a new way. The concept of using tarot cards to construct stories and explore the nature of communication and fate is central to the book, showcasing Calvino's imaginative and experimental writing style.
I crossed a rattling drawbridge. I slipped from my saddle in a dark courtyard. Silent grooms took my horse. I was breathless, hardly able to stand on my legs; after entering the forest I had faced so...1969•144 pages - #7
Save:A mind-expanding journey that will make you rethink humanity’s place in the world - rewarding for open-minded readers, but likely polarizing for those who prefer traditional storytelling or more nuanced debates.
'Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit' by Daniel Quinn is a thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of a man who answers an ad seeking a pupil with an earnest desire to save the world. Through a series of conversations with a telepathic gorilla named Ishmael, the protagonist delves into philosophical discussions about human nature, ecological destruction, and societal structures. The book challenges traditional Western beliefs and explores the concept of humanity's place in the world, ultimately aiming to enlighten readers about the interconnectedness of all living beings.
The narrative style of 'Ishmael' is described as conversational and engaging, with the gorilla Ishmael serving as a mentor figure who imparts wisdom and prompts introspection in the protagonist and readers alike. The book presents complex ideas in a straightforward manner, using dialogue to convey the author's philosophical positions on topics such as narratology, ecology, human ethics, and interpretation of scripture. Despite some readers finding the ending unsatisfying and the writing style polarizing, 'Ishmael' is praised for its ability to spark deep reflection and challenge readers to reconsider their perspectives on the world.
The first time I read the ad, I choked and cursed and spat and threw the paper to the floor. Since even this didn’t seem to be quite enough, I snatched it up, marched into the kitchen, and shoved it i...1992•280 pages - #8
Save:Inventive, moving, and beautifully written - a must-read for fans of book club fiction and historical novels who aren’t afraid of a little narrative experimentation.
In 'Life After Life' by Kate Atkinson, the protagonist Ursula Todd experiences multiple lives, each starting with her birth in 1910 and ending with her death. She navigates through different scenarios, making various choices that lead to alternate outcomes. The novel explores themes of reincarnation, fate, and the impact of individual decisions on one's life path. Through Ursula's repeated lives, the story delves into historical events like World War I and II, showcasing how small changes can have significant consequences. Atkinson's writing style weaves together elements of mystery, drama, and introspection, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of life and the concept of second chances.
SYLVIE WAS WOKEN by a dazzling sliver of sunlight piercing the curtains like a shining silver sword. She lay languidly in lace and cashmere as Mrs Glover came into the room, proudly bearing a huge bre...April 2013•664 pages - #9
Save:Unusual, atmospheric, and striking - The Vagrant is a must for fans of dark fantasy who like their stories offbeat, slow-burn, and packed with weird charm. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for the right reader!
In a world ravaged by demons, a mute protagonist known as the Vagrant embarks on a perilous journey with a baby, a goat, and a powerful sword. The story follows his quest to deliver the weapon to the last bastion of humanity, the Shining City, while navigating through a landscape where human bodies are used like components in a strange jigsaw puzzle. As the Vagrant encounters allies and enemies along the way, the plot unfolds through a mix of action, worldbuilding, and lyrical prose, providing a unique blend of dystopian, sci-fi, and fantasy elements.
The narrative weaves between past and present, gradually revealing the backstory of the Vagrant and his companions, including a rebellious member named Harm and a very stubborn goat. Through the author's smart and beautiful writing, the characters come to life in a devastated world where survival is tough and alliances are crucial. Despite challenges and betrayals, the Vagrant's silent determination and the interactions with his companions add depth and contrast to the dark and gritty setting of the novel.
Excited shouts draw a crowd ahead. A mixture of half-bloods and pimps, dealers and spectators gather in force. Platforms rise up in the street, unsteady on legs of salvaged metal. Wire cages sit on to...April 2015•417 pages An uncompromising, poetic, and nightmarishly violent vision of the American West; admired as a literary masterpiece, but definitely not for the faint of heart.
Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West by Cormac McCarthy is a brutal and violent tale set in the American Southwest and Mexico during the 19th century. The story follows a young man known as The Kid who joins a group of scalp hunters led by the enigmatic and ruthless Judge Holden. The book delves into themes of violence, survival, and the darkness of human nature, all portrayed through McCarthy's haunting and vivid prose. The narrative is bleak and unrelenting, showcasing the harsh realities of life on the border between Mexico and America, where evil takes on human form in the physical world.
The book is described as a western where the Wild West is stripped of any heroic illusions, focusing instead on a group of merciless scalp hunters collecting bounties along the US-Mexico borderlands. McCarthy's writing style is elegant, detached, and breath-catching, rendering the beauty of the desert landscapes, the brutality of survival, and the emotional bankruptcy of the characters with exquisite detail. The characters, especially the enigmatic Judge Holden, provide a glimpse into mankind's addiction to violence, making the novel a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of morality and human nature.
See the child. He is pale and thin, he wears a thin and ragged linen shirt. He stokes the scullery fire. Outside lie dark turned fields with rags of snow and darker woods beyond that harbor yet a few...1985•352 pages
