Books matching: loneliness and isolation
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- #1
Save:Set in Tokyo during the late 1960s, "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami tells the story of Toru, a college student navigating the aftermath of his best friend's suicide and the mental health struggles of his friend's girlfriend, Naoko. As Toru meets Midori, a progressive fellow student, he is faced with the challenge of letting go of the past to embrace the future. The novel delves into themes of mental health, suicide, relationships, and personal growth in a realistic and reflective manner, all set against the backdrop of late 1960s Tokyo.
Murakami's writing style in "Norwegian Wood" is described as poignant, reflective, and touching. The novel unfolds at a walking pace, punctuated by small moments of loss and heartbreak, devoid of the magical realism present in his other works. The characters, particularly Toru, Naoko, and Midori, are portrayed with depth and complexity as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and personal struggles.
I WAS THIRTY-SEVEN THEN, STRAPPED IN MY SEAT AS THE HUGE 747 plunged through dense cloud cover on approach to the Hamburg airport. Cold November rains drenched the earth and lent everything the gloomy... - #2
Save:'Good Morning, Midnight' by Lily Brooks-Dalton is a post-apocalyptic novel that focuses on character development and emotions rather than detailing the cause of the catastrophe. The story follows two main characters - an aging astronomer alone in the Arctic Circle and a group of astronauts returning from Jupiter to a mysteriously silent Earth. The narrative alternates between these two perspectives, exploring themes of self-discovery, loneliness, and the uncertainties of the future in a beautifully written and character-driven manner.
THE BARBEAU OBSERVATORY was built as an extension of the mountain. The blunt fist of the telescope’s dome rose defiantly higher than anything else for miles, surveying the rest of the mountain range l... - #3
Save:The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati is a novel that follows the story of Giovanni Drogo, a young soldier who is stationed at Fort Bastiani on the border of the Tartar Steppe. The book explores themes of solitude, the futility of military preparations in times of peace, and the struggle to find purpose in life while waiting for something significant to happen. Buzzati's writing is described as sparse yet beautifully told, capturing the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the isolated fortress and the desolate steppe.
The novel portrays the protagonist's journey of waiting for glory and purpose in a setting filled with absurd military bureaucracy, monotony, and the passage of time. The narrative delves into Drogo's internal conflicts, his gradual acceptance of his isolated existence, and the haunting realization of missed opportunities and wasted time as he becomes entrenched in the routine and hopelessness of his post at Bastiani fortress.
He had himself called while it was still dark and for the first time put on his lieutenant’s uniform. When he had done, he looked at himself in the mirror by the light of an oil lamp but failed to fin... - #4
Save:The Good Luck of Right Now by Matthew Quick is a quirky and heartwarming novel that follows the story of Bartholomew Neil, a man who, after his mother's death, finds solace in writing letters to actor Richard Gere. Through this unique narrative style, the book explores themes of loss, friendship, and self-discovery, as Bartholomew navigates through life with a cast of eccentric and flawed characters by his side. Quick's writing style is described as charming, witty, and poignant, with a touch of humor and a deep exploration of human emotions and relationships.
As you will recall, your letter was about the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, China—you were advocating for a boycott because of the crimes and atrocities the Chinese government committed against Tibet... - #5
Save:High Life by Matthew Stokoe is a dark and gritty tale set in Los Angeles, following the protagonist Jack as his life spirals into chaos after the brutal murder of his wife. Introduced to a world of snuff shows, prostitution, and drugs, Jack becomes entangled in a web of depravity and violence. The story is filled with despicable characters engaging in heinous acts, creating a brutal and unforgiving atmosphere reminiscent of noir crime movies. Despite its disturbing content, readers are captivated by the unique writing style and the mystery surrounding the crime.
In a city where depravity knows no bounds for those with money, Jack navigates a world of perversion and power in his quest for fame and success. As he encounters characters like Bella and Ryan, each more twisted than the last, Jack's journey into the dark underbelly of Hollywood unfolds, revealing a story of desperation, longing, and the lengths one will go to achieve their dreams.
A hot rain blew in from the sea. It hit Ocean Avenue in sticky washes of reflected neon that took the colored light from the hotels and stores and ran it into the gutters with the trash. In Palisades ... - #6
Save:'Pastoralia' by George Saunders is a collection of short stories that delves into the lives of various characters facing different challenges and situations. The stories range from a man living as a caveman in a museum exhibit to a matriarch returned from the grave, showcasing unique, witty, and sometimes shocking narratives. Saunders' writing style is described as bizarre, funny, and perverse, yet deeply humane and compassionate, offering a glimpse into a slightly skewed version of the modern world.
Down in the blue-green valley is a herd of robotic something-or-others, bent over the blue-green grass, feeding I guess? Midway between our mountain and the opposing mountains is a wide green river wi... - #7
Save:'Killing Commendatore' by Haruki Murakami follows an unnamed narrator, a portrait painter, as he navigates through a series of strange supernatural events after his wife announces she wants a divorce. Renting a house in the mountains that once belonged to a famous old painter, he discovers a hidden painting in the attic called 'Killing Commendatore', setting off a chain of philosophical discussions and existential musings among the characters. The book weaves together elements of art, reality, and surrealism, creating a narrative that is both bright and cheerful yet leaves readers puzzled and intrigued.
The novel delves into themes of dislocation, metaphysics, and existentialism as the protagonist grapples with the breakdown of his marriage, encounters unfriendly spirits, and uncovers mysterious elements like a pit and a bell in the forest. Murakami's writing style, characterized by vivid descriptions, intertwines the impossible with the real, exploring interpersonal relationships, self-discovery, and the blurred boundaries between reality and fantasy in a narrative that is both poetic and thought-provoking.
From May until early the following year, I lived on top of a mountain near the entrance to a narrow valley. Deep in the valley it rained constantly in the summer, but outside the valley it was usually... - #8
Save:'Spaceman of Bohemia' by Jaroslav Kalfar follows the journey of Jakub, the Czech Republic's first astronaut, as he embarks on a space mission to study a mysterious dust cloud near Venus. Through flashbacks and introspection, Jakub reflects on his past, including his family history tied to Soviet rule, his strained relationship with his wife, and his personal quest for redemption. As Jakub navigates through space, he encounters an alien companion and delves into philosophical discussions about life, identity, and the meaning of existence, intertwining elements of science fiction with a deep exploration of human emotions and historical contexts.
MY NAME IS JAKUB PROCHÁZKA. This is a common name. My parents wanted a simple life for me, a life of good comradeship with my country and my neighbors, a life of service to a world united in socialism... - #9
Save:'Natsume's Book of Friends, Vol. 6' by Yuki Midorikawa is a heartwarming manga series that follows the story of Natsume, a teenager who can see spirits known as yokai. In this volume, Natsume encounters a boy who shares his ability to see yokai and is being chased by them. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with friendship, adventure, and supernatural encounters. The book also includes special episodes that delve into the past of characters like Reiko, Natsume's grandmother, adding depth to the overall narrative. Yuki Midorikawa's writing style beautifully weaves together elements of fantasy, emotion, and character development, making it a captivating read for fans of the series.
- #10
Save:'The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly' is a heartwarming fable that follows the journey of Sprout, a battery laying hen, who dreams of hatching an egg and raising a chick of her own. The story touches on themes of motherhood, freedom, identity, and overcoming obstacles. Sprout's determination and courage lead her to escape the coop, find an abandoned egg, and ultimately fulfill her dream of motherhood, despite facing prejudice and challenges along the way. The book is written in a simple and sweet style, with poignant illustrations that enhance the storytelling.
The egg rolled to a stop upon reaching the wire mesh of the coop. Sprout looked at it—a chalky egg flecked with blood. She hadn’t laid an egg in two days; she doubted she could anymore. Yet there it w...
