Books matching: love and infidelity
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
A deeply affecting, poetic, and searing novel about human endurance and moral complexity in war - certainly not an easy read, but an unforgettable one for those willing to tackle its dark beauty.
"The Narrow Road to the Deep North" by Richard Flanagan is a powerful and harrowing novel that delves into the experiences of Australian prisoners of war in Siam during World War II. The story follows Dorrigo Evans, a doctor and commanding officer of the POWs, as he navigates the brutal conditions of the Japanese work camp, the aftermath of the war, and his complex relationships. The narrative seamlessly weaves between past and present, exploring themes of love, humanity, and the horrors of war with haunting detail and emotional depth.
The book is structured around the building of the Burma death railway, providing graphic descriptions of the dehumanizing treatment endured by both the prisoners and their Japanese captors. Flanagan skillfully incorporates multiple perspectives, including those of Australian, Japanese, and Korean characters, offering insights into the complexities of wartime experiences and the lasting impact on individuals. Through a blend of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling, the novel highlights themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the search for meaning in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Why at the beginning of things is there always light? Dorrigo Evans’ earliest memories were of sun flooding a church hall in which he sat with his mother and grandmother. A wooden church hall. Blindin...2013•474 pages- #2
Save:A sparkling collection of sharp, evocative tales that prove why Maupassant is a master - this is essential reading for short story lovers, as long as you don’t mind a few rough edges and a spotlight on life’s messy bits.
Selected Short Stories by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of stories that delve into various aspects of human nature, relationships, and society. Maupassant's writing style is characterized by its humor, subtlety, and descriptive storytelling. The stories touch on themes of love, sex, relationships, religion, culture, and the meanness of people, showcasing a range of emotions from poignant to tragic to absurd. The narratives capture snapshots of moments, places, and characters, providing a glimpse into life in 1800s France with real feeling and authenticity.
1880•368 pages - #3
Save:A beautifully crafted, provocative blend of philosophy and fiction: challenging, original, and moving - but best suited for readers who enjoy deep, reflective novels with unconventional structure and style.
'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' by Milan Kundera is a philosophical novel that delves deep into themes of love, sex, human condition, and relationships. It follows the intertwined lives of four main characters - a doctor, a painter, a waitress, and a professor - set against the backdrop of communism and democracy. The novel is known for its unique narrative style that blends philosophical musings with the characters' stories, creating a complex and thought-provoking read.
Kundera's writing style in 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' is characterized by its blend of dreamlike imagery and brutal reality, creating a poetic and touching work that explores the weight of existence. The story unfolds through interconnected relationships, where the characters navigate between societal demands, political turmoil, and personal desires, leading to profound reflections on fidelity, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature.
15 While she marched around the pool naked with a large group of other naked women, Tomas stood over them in a basket hanging from the pool's arched roof, shouting at them, making them sing and do kne...1984•326 pages - #4
Save:A clever, addictive, and modern love story told entirely through emails - it’s equal parts thought-provoking and entertaining. Great for a quick, heartfelt read (but only if you don’t mind ambiguity and leaving some questions unanswered!).
'Love Virtually' by Daniel Glattauer is an epistolary novel that unfolds through email exchanges between two characters, Leo and Emmi, who accidentally meet online. The plot delves into their virtual relationship, exploring themes of love, communication, and the blurred lines between the digital and physical world. The writing style is described as engaging, realistic, and witty, with the email format allowing for a deep dive into the characters' thoughts, emotions, and interactions.
2006•280 pages A slow-burning, thoughtful read - rich in ideas and atmosphere but not for everyone. Best enjoyed by those who appreciate classic introspection and don’t mind a bit of literary effort.
Elective Affinities by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a novel that delves into the intricate relationships between characters, exploring the concept of human chemistry and the inevitability of attraction. The plot revolves around a married couple, Charlotte and Eduard, who invite an old friend and a young girl to live with them, leading to a series of romantic entanglements reminiscent of chemical reactions. Goethe's writing style in this book is characterized by a deep exploration of human behavior and emotions, using the analogy of chemistry to portray the complexities of love, marriage, and free will.
Eduard—let that be the name we give to a wealthy baron in the best years of his life—Eduard had spent the loveliest hours of an April afternoon in his nursery grafting young trees with shoots newly ar...1809•298 pages- #6
Save:A dark, layered village mystery - moody, twisty, and atmospheric. Best for those who enjoy intricate whodunits, but the tangled cast and slow-burn style won’t be for everyone.
'Into the Water' by Paula Hawkins is a thriller that unfolds a story of murder, revenge, love, and infidelity in a small town where several women have drowned in a place called The Drowning Pool. The narrative is told from multiple points of view, switching between characters in the past and present, as they uncover dark secrets and mysteries surrounding the deaths. delves into the complexities of human behavior, secrets, misunderstandings, and the repercussions of buried truths, all set against a moody and suspenseful backdrop.
There was something you wanted to tell me, wasn’t there? What was it you were trying to say? I feel like I drifted out of this conversation a long time ago. I stopped concentrating, I was thinking abo...May 2017•400 pages - #7
Save:A nuanced, often underappreciated exploration of relationships, self-discovery, and the American psyche between the wars - well worth reading for lovers of classic novels and cultural insights, even if it takes a little patience to get there.
"Dodsworth" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel that delves into the complexities of marriage and self-discovery. The story follows Samuel Dodsworth, a wealthy American auto manufacturer who, upon retiring, embarks on a journey to Europe with his wife, Fran. As they navigate the cultural differences between America and Europe, their marriage faces strains and challenges, particularly as Fran's desires clash with Sam's preferences. The narrative explores themes of love, infidelity, personal growth, and societal expectations, all set against the backdrop of the 1920s.
Sinclair Lewis's writing style in "Dodsworth" is characterized as elegant, engaging, and thought-provoking. Through his meticulous character development and lyrical descriptions, Lewis creates a narrative that draws readers in, presenting them with flawed yet psychologically sound characters. The novel offers a leisurely pace, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story of Dodsworth and Fran, their struggles, and the exploration of American and European cultures during a time of personal and societal change.
The aristocracy of Zenith were dancing at the Kennepoose Canoe Club. They two–stepped on the wide porch, with its pillars of pine trunks, its bobbing Japanese lanterns; and never were there dance– fro...1929•446 pages - #8
Save:A grand, immersive historical classic - dense with drama, romance, and treasures for history lovers - but be ready for a lengthy medieval journey and some old-fashioned storytelling.
'Katherine' by Anya Seton is a historical fiction novel that brings to life the relationship between Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt in 14th century England. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of the time period, rich historical accuracy, and the portrayal of the intertwined lives of the main characters. Seton's writing style is described as beautifully written, captivating, and immersive, making readers feel like they are experiencing the events alongside the characters.
The invisible sun had scarcely risen as they quitted the little convent of Sheppey, and guiding the horses westward towards the Kentish mainland, rode gingerly down the steep hill. Dripping dun clouds...1954•581 pages - #9
Save:A beautifully written, moody meditation on family and place, best suited for those who enjoy poetic prose and reflective, nonlinear tales. It’s a unique, emotional trip - just know you’re in for an unconventional ride.
In "Creatures" by Crissy Van Meter, the narrative flows back and forth through time as Evie reckons with her complicated upbringing on Winter Island off the coast of Southern California. Raised by a father dealing the island's world-famous strain of weed, Evie navigates love, abandonment, guilt, and forgiveness while preparing for her wedding. The story delves into Evie's relationships with her dysfunctional family, her fiancé Liam, and her wild girlfriend Rook, all set against the backdrop of an alternate version of Catalina Island.
The book explores themes of love, longing, parental strife, climate change, and the complexities of relationships. With achingly beautiful prose, Crissy Van Meter weaves a lyrical and funny tale about Evie's journey of self-discovery amidst the haunting nature of Winter Island, diving into the depths of her past while confronting the challenges of her present.
We lied about many things, but we never lied about weather. The constant foreboding of eerily colored skies, the dry summer winds, and the densely fogged harbor mornings did not hide. Even the mainlan...January 2020•273 pages - #10
Save:A clever, thought-provoking classic that challenges your trust in narrators and keeps debates alive long after it's finished - especially great for anyone craving literary puzzles and layered, psychological drama.
Dom Casmurro by Machado de Assis is a first-person narrative that delves into the life of Bento Santiago, who reminisces about his youth, friendships, romantic life, and family relationships. The book explores themes of love, betrayal, and jealousy through the lens of Bento's experiences with his childhood sweetheart, Capitu. Written in a unique style that blends elements of realism and metafiction, the novel captivates readers with its engaging characters and intricate storytelling. As the story unfolds, Bento grapples with the question of whether Capitu was unfaithful to him, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions about the truth of the matter.
1899•295 pages
