Books matching: identity and reality
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- #1
Save:The Return by Walter de la Mare follows the story of Arthur Lockwood, who falls asleep in a graveyard and wakes up believing himself possessed by the spirit of the dead man Nicholas Sabathier. The book is beautifully written, highly descriptive, and romantic, typical of its era. However, the tale shifts from possession to Lockwood's mental breakdown, reflecting his terror at losing his mind rather than belief in the supernatural. The story delves into questions of identity and reality, leaving the reader guessing and pondering the strange occurrences surrounding the characters.
THE churchyard in which Arthur Lawford found himself wandering that mild and golden September afternoon was old, green, and refreshingly still. The silence in which it lay seemed as keen and mellow as...1910•204 pages A quirky, thought-provoking collection packed with clever twists - ideal for sci-fi fans and those looking to dabble in Philip K. Dick’s strange and wonderful universe.
We Can Remember It for You Wholesale is a collection of Philip K. Dick's short stories, showcasing his unique take on reality and identity. The stories, penned in the 1950s, often feature clever twists reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. Some tales explore themes of paranoia and the aftermath of nuclear war, while others delve into the absurdities of life and technology. Dick’s writing encourages readers to think deeply about ordinary experiences, making them question the nature of existence.
The book includes well-known stories like the titular We Can Remember It for You Wholesale, which inspired the movie Total Recall. While not every story may resonate with readers, they generally offer imaginative narratives filled with intriguing concepts. Whether it’s robots taking control or the exploration of human morality, Dick's work continues to fascinate. The collection is a great introduction to his writing, though some readers find the physical book's design less appealing.
He awokeand wanted Mars. The valleys, he thought. What would it be like to trudge among them? Great and greater yet: the dream grew as he became fully conscious, the dream and the yearning. He could a...1976•408 pages- #3
Save:The Island Will Sink by Briohny Doyle is a captivating debut novel set in a post-energy crisis world, where Pitcairn Island is on the verge of disappearing beneath the Pacific Ocean. The protagonist, Max Galleon, faces a surreal existence as a filmmaker specializing in immersive virtual reality disaster movies while grappling with fragmented memories and the reality of his family's struggles. Amidst ecological collapse, his children navigate a childhood influenced by both digital escapism and environmental activism, presenting a disconcerting blend of the alarming and the absurd.
Doyle's writing style effectively marries dark humor with profound themes, ensuring the narrative remains engaging despite its complexities. The story oscillates between memory, identity, and reality, as Max's life becomes intertwined with his cinematic creations and the pressing issues of climate change. Although the plot defies traditional coherence, its rich ideas and vivid world-building prompt readers to reflect deeply on survival, family dynamics, and the urgent need for sustainability.
August 2016•245 pages - #4
Save:In "You Were Gone" by Tim Weaver, missing persons investigator David Raker is taken aback when a woman walks into the police station claiming to be his deceased wife. The woman not only looks identical to his late wife but also possesses intimate knowledge of their marriage, leaving David questioning his own sanity. As the story unfolds, the novel delves into themes of identity, loss, and psychological manipulation, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate and complex storyline filled with twists and surprises. Despite the questionable premise of a dead woman resurfacing, the book progresses at a fast pace, engaging readers with its well-written narrative and realistic characters.
After it was all over, they let me watch the footage of her entering the police station. She seemed small, almost curved, in her green raincoat and dark court shoes, as if her spine was arched or she...May 2018•496 pages - #5
Save:A brilliantly strange, chilling, and unapologetically honest Arctic ghost-dream - demanding, but rewarding for adventurous readers.
The Rifles by William T. Vollmann is a unique blend of modern travelogue, historical research, and imagination, centered around the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845-1848 to discover a northwest passage. The novel delves into the themes of European and Native American interaction, particularly focusing on the forced 1950's Inuit relocation by the Canadian government. Vollmann's writing style is described as cutting-edge, with heavy doses of modern realism scattered throughout the text, creating a dream-like and surreal atmosphere. The narrative frequently shifts between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person, blurring the lines between characters and time periods, while exploring the history of rifles and their impact on Inuit culture.
pools where the Inuk girl said people liked to bathe (and it was sunny and hot because you were under a blue sky-hole although there were occasional flurries of snow on this mid-August day); for after... - #6
Save:A haunting, imaginative, and ultra-influential collection of sci-fi stories that may feel a bit dated in places, but still pack a punch and showcase Dick's pioneering ideas. Perfect for anyone wanting a crash course in why PKD is a legend.
'The Second Variety' by Philip K. Dick is set in a dystopian future where the Russians and Americans are at war, using evolved robots to fight on their behalf. These robots have become increasingly human-like and are preparing to turn against their creators. The setting is a scorched earth with cities reduced to rubble, and the story explores themes of war, destruction, and the blurred line between man and machine. The writing style is described as well-written, recommended for science fiction fans, and featuring intricate plotting with sudden reversals in moral sympathies.
THE RUSSIAN SOLDIER made his way nervously up the ragged side of the bill, holding his gun ready. He glanced around him, licking his dry lips, his face set. From time to time he reached up a gloved ba...1953•415 pages - #7
Save:A hypnotic, reality-bending exploration of identity and memory - delightfully disorienting for fans of psychological and speculative fiction, but not for those who want tidy endings or a straightforward narrative.
'The Affirmation' by Christopher Priest is a mind-bending read that delves into themes of mental illness, alternate realities, self-identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. The plot follows a self-absorbed protagonist navigating through a narrative filled with ambiguity and uncertainty, where the distinction between two parallel lives and identities is constantly blurred. The writing style is described as challenging, compelling, introspective, and thought-provoking, offering a unique exploration of memory, identity, and sanity through a narrative that gradually unravels the mind of the narrator.
My name is Peter Sinclair, I am English and I am, or I was, twenty-nine years old. Already there is an uncertainty, and my sureness recedes. Age is a variable; I am no longer twenty-nine. I once thoug...1981•244 pages - #8
Save:A quirky, thought-provoking literary puzzle that's as bewildering as it is brilliant - perfect for lovers of the surreal and cerebral, but probably too dense for anyone looking for a comfy, clear-cut read.
In 'Atmospheric Disturbances' by Rivka Galchen, the story follows Dr. Leo Lieberstein, a psychiatrist who comes home to find his wife replaced by a doppelganger. As he embarks on a quest to find his true wife, Leo delves into themes of reality, identity, and madness. The writing style is described as engaging, with darkly humorous insights into relationships and a narrative that blurs the lines between truth and delusion.
The plot of the book revolves around Leo's journey to uncover the mystery surrounding his wife's disappearance and his encounters with patients like Harvey, who believes he can control the weather. The book explores themes of perception, paranoia, and the complexities of the human mind, all while maintaining a narrative that is both intriguing and disconcerting.
I have mentioned my patient Harvey, but I have failed to properly discuss him and the odd coincidence, or almost co-incidence, of his having vanished just two days before Rema did. So, actually, most...May 2008•253 pages Surreal, intellectually dazzling tales packed with black humor and philosophical twists - not for everyone, but an invigorating read for adventurous lovers of literary oddities.
"Autobiography of a Corpse" by Krzhizhanovsky is a collection of surreal and imaginative stories that delve into themes of identity, philosophy, and existentialism. The stories are set in Moscow and offer unique perspectives on Russian history and society, blending elements of fantasy, dark humor, and absurdity. The writing style is described as rough yet brilliant, reminiscent of other renowned authors like E.T.A. Hoffmann and Kafka, but with a distinctive voice that explores scientific topics, psychology, and philosophical musings.
Shtamm believed in his elbows and in the ability of Etal to swap drops of ink for rubles, but the question of living space worried him. He knew that on the metropolitan chessboard, squares had not bee...December 2013•265 pages- #10
Save:A witty, wild ride for theatre buffs and fans of parodies - Stoppard’s classic is a clever satirical spin on murder mysteries and theatrical traditions. Not for those who want their comedy or mysteries straight, but a must if you love absurd twists and inside-theatre humor.
"The Real Inspector Hound" by Tom Stoppard is a convoluted farce that plays with identity and the nature of reality, containing a play within a play and a marvelous send-up of drawing-room mysteries. The book features a couple of drama critics who comment on the stage action in oblique ways, blurring the lines between reality and performance. Stoppard's writing style is characterized by clever humor, witty dialogue, and a multi-layered narrative that challenges the audience to remain engaged and entertained throughout the absurd and satirical storyline.
June 1968•135 pages
