Books matching: internal turmoil
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- #1
Save:A gorgeously written, slow-burn exploration of family, forgiveness, and the search for belonging - quiet, powerful, and deeply affecting, but not for those craving big plot twists or swift action.
"Home" by Marilynne Robinson revolves around the story of Glory Boughton returning home to take care of her dying father, Reverend Robert Boughton, in the small town of Gilead. Her wayward brother Jack also returns after a twenty-year absence, seeking refuge and reconciliation. The novel delves into themes of family relationships, forgiveness, redemption, and the concept of home. Robinson's writing style is described as contemplative, slow-paced, and emotionally honest, with a focus on character development and subtle storytelling.
“HOME TO STAY, GLORY! YES!” HER FATHER SAID, AND her heart sank. He attempted a twinkle of joy at this thought, but his eyes were damp with commiseration. “To stay for a while this time!” he amended,...September 2008•334 pages - #2
Save:A challenging, innovative novel that rewards patient readers who enjoy playing detective with text. If you love stories that blur the line between reality and fiction, you'll want to experience Andrew's Brain - maybe twice.
Andrew's Brain by E.L. Doctorow is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of life, love, and perception. The narrative follows Andrew, a cognitive scientist, as he navigates through his past relationships, personal tragedies, and his own internal struggles. The story is told in a unique narrative style, blending elements of psychological narration, an unreliable narrator, and a touch of real-life experiences. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through Andrew's mind, questioning reality and interpretations of his experiences, ultimately leading to a surprising revelation about his current situation.
I CAN TELL you about my friend Andrew, the cognitive scientist. But it’s not pretty. One evening he appeared with an infant in his arms at the door of his ex-wife, Martha. Because Briony, his lovely y...1960•222 pages - #3
Save:A beautifully honest, sensual, and emotional poly romance that may feel different from Sidney Bell’s usual fare, but delivers unforgettable characters and heaps of heart. Perfect for readers open to love stories that break the mold.
'This Is Not the End' by Sidney Bell revolves around a polyamorous relationship between characters Anya, Zac, and Cal. The story delves into their deep emotional connections and explores the dynamics of their triad relationship with honesty and maturity. The author, Sidney Bell, portrays the characters in a nuanced and realistic manner, making their love and struggles feel raw and authentic. Readers praised the book for its steamy love scenes, character depth, and the way it beautifully portrays the complexities of love in various forms.
“Why haven’t you ever fucked Cal?” Anya asks her husband one afternoon in the kitchen, musing aloud around a mouthful of undressed spinach salad. She’s trying to shuck the last of the post-baby weight...January 2021•216 pages - #4
Save:A gripping, anxiety-inducing thriller with a unique angle - perfect if you love dark suspense and complex female leads, but less so if you want tidy endings or lighter fare.
'Stillhouse Lake' by Rachel Caine follows the story of Gina Royal, now known as Gwen Proctor, a woman on the run with her two children after her husband is revealed to be a serial killer. Gwen must constantly change her identity to protect her family from the threats of her husband's fans and online trolls. As they try to build a new life in a small town by Stillhouse Lake, a body is found, putting them in the spotlight once again. is described as a gripping psychological thriller with a strong focus on family, survival, and the constant fear of being hunted.
The writing style of Rachel Caine in 'Stillhouse Lake' is praised for being fast-paced, descriptive, and engaging. The plot unfolds with intense suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Gwen navigates the challenges of trust, survival, and protecting her children from the horrors of her past life with a serial killer.
I take a deep breath that reeks of burned gunpowder and old sweat, set my stance, focus, and pull the trigger. I keep my body balanced for the shock. Some people blink involuntarily with every shot; I...July 2017•308 pages - #5
Save:A heartfelt and emotional follow-up for Nino and Kiara fans - while a bit repetitive in places, it’s a rewarding ride for those invested in the Camorra family saga. Mafia romance lovers will devour it!
'Twisted Bonds' in 'The Camorra Chronicles' series by Cora Reilly is a captivating story that delves into the complex relationships within the Camorra family. The book follows the journey of Nino and Kiara, exploring their struggles, emotions, and growth as individuals. The writing style is immersive, drawing readers into a world filled with mafia intrigue, emotional depth, and intricate character development. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as they witness the evolution of the characters and the challenges they face.
I shrugged. “I know that now, or I think I do. But when I was a young girl, Father always blamed me or Mother when something went wrong, and so did my brothers even when they had messed up, and I beli...August 2019•348 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Camorra Chronicles ) - #6
Save:Gritty, eloquent, and unapologetically adult, "The Last Werewolf" is a bold, philosophical spin on werewolf lore - perfect for those who prefer their dark fantasy with substance and bite. Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable for the right reader.
The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan is a dark and gritty tale following Jake Marlowe, the last known werewolf on earth, as he navigates a world filled with vampires, werewolf hunters, and his own existential struggles. The story is told through Jake's journals, delving into his survival instincts, sexual compulsions, and the constant threat to his life. The narrative is a mix of Gothic horror with modern elements, incorporating lush and voluptuous language to describe the protagonist's inner turmoil and external challenges.
Yesterday evening this was. We were in the upstairs library of his Earl’s Court house, him standing at a tense tilt between stone hearth and oxblood couch, me in the window seat with a tumbler of fort...2011•357 pages - #7
Save:Heartbreakingly beautiful and relentlessly bleak, Good Morning, Midnight is a must-read for fans of literary fiction who aren’t afraid to confront the darkness.
'Good Morning, Midnight' by Jean Rhys is a novel that delves into the struggles of Sasha Jensen, an Englishwoman living in Paris, as she copes with grief, loneliness, and alcohol. The narrative follows Sasha's stream of consciousness as she wanders through Paris, reminiscing about her past and dealing with her present reality. Set against the backdrop of Paris in the interwar period, the story explores themes of lost love, fading beauty, and financial difficulties, painting a dark and intense portrait of Sasha's life.
Rhys' writing style in 'Good Morning, Midnight' is characterized by nuanced observations, devastating clarity, and intense character portrayals. The novel offers a glimpse into Sasha's internal monologue, filled with flashbacks that intertwine with her current struggles. Through a narrative that is both bleak and introspective, Rhys captures the essence of Sasha's existence, marked by loneliness and a sense of resignation, while also hinting at moments of wit and self-awareness amidst the despair.
There are two beds, a big one for madame and a smaller one on the opposite side for monsieur. The wash-basin is shut off by a curtain. It is a large room, the smell of cheap hotels faint, almost imper...1939•205 pages - #8
Save:A darkly funny and unsettling classic about language and isolation in a surreal, never-ending city. Not for everyone, but unforgettable if you love urban paranoia or literary experiments.
In Metropole, Budai, a Hungarian linguist, finds himself in a strange city after boarding the wrong plane. Despite his language skills, he struggles to communicate with the city's inhabitants and navigate the chaotic urban environment. The novel explores themes of language barriers, urban life, and the frustration of being unable to connect with others in a foreign place, creating a nightmarish and Kafkaesque experience for the protagonist.
Budai's journey in Metropole is a surreal exploration of the challenges of communication, isolation, and survival in a city where he is constantly misunderstood and unable to grasp the local customs. The book delves into the protagonist's futile attempts to navigate the unfamiliar city, highlighting the absurdity and humor in his struggles as he grapples with the overwhelming environment and his own desperation.
Looking back on it later it could only have happened because Budai had gone through the wrong door in the confusion at the transit lounge and, having mistaken an exit sign, found himself on a plane bo...1970•279 pages - #9
Save:A compelling, empathetic portrait of addiction behind the ‘perfect’ facade - timely, relevant, and not always comfortable, but definitely worth a read.
"All Fall Down" by Jennifer Weiner is a gripping and realistic portrayal of a woman named Allison Weiss who seems to have it all - a seemingly perfect life with a house in the suburbs, a successful blogger job, a supportive family, and a journalist husband. However, beneath the facade lies a woman struggling to cope with the pressures of motherhood, work, and family, leading her to turn to prescription drugs for relief. As Allison's addiction spirals out of control, the novel delves into the harrowing journey of her battle with addiction, denial, and the consequences that follow. Through a compelling narrative, Weiner skillfully captures the everyday struggles of a high-functioning addict, shedding light on the thin line between maintaining a perfect facade and losing everything.
I hesitated with my hand over the page. I’d picked up the magazine to read the “How to Dress Right for Your Shape” story advertised on the cover, but it had opened to a quiz that asked “Has Your Drink...June 2014•411 pages A heartfelt memoir about survival, faith, and forgiveness in the aftermath of unimaginable betrayal. Not your typical true crime - raw, honest, and centered on family, not forensic detail.
'A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming' by Kerri Rawson is a memoir that delves into the life of the author, who is the daughter of the notorious BTK serial killer, Dennis Rader. Kerri Rawson recounts the day in 2005 when she learned from the FBI that her father was the BTK killer, shedding light on the internal turmoil and emotional journey she embarked on as she grappled with the revelation of her father's dark and monstrous side. The narrative explores the complexities of family dynamics, faith, forgiveness, and resilience as Kerri navigates through the trauma and betrayal caused by her father's heinous crimes.
On the day the world dropped out on me, I woke up late. I had pulled my dark brown hair back in a loose scrunchie, and at noon, I was still in my mint-green fleece pajamas. They’d been a gift from my...January 2019•336 pages
