Books matching: modernist style
38 result(s)
- #1
Some Do Not... is the first part of the Parade's End series by Ford Madox Ford, set against the backdrop of WWI. The novel intricately weaves together the complexities of English upper class society, human nature, and the impact of war on individuals. The story follows Christopher Tietjens, a principled man trapped in a difficult marriage, as he navigates through love, loyalty, and societal expectations amidst the chaos of war.
Ford Madox Ford's writing style in Some Do Not... is characterized by deep psychological perceptiveness and interweaving of present events with characters' thoughts. The narrative is rich in detail, offering a poignant exploration of human emotions, societal norms, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The novel delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the effects of war on individuals, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.
The two young men--they were of the English public official class--sat in the perfectly appointed railway carriage. The leather straps to the windows were of virgin newness; the mirrors beneath the ne... - #2
Berlin Alexanderplatz by Alfred Doblin is a novel set in 1920s Berlin, following the story of Franz Biberkopf, a former criminal trying to lead an honest life amidst the chaos of the city. The book intricately weaves together elements of human damage, decline and fall plot, and a melancholic understanding of the human species against the backdrop of Berlin's societal struggles in the aftermath of World War I and the growing modernity of the era. Doblin's writing style incorporates a mix of narrative, headlines, mythological reflections, and popular military ditties, creating a rich and confusing collage effect that captures the essence of Berlin in that period.
He stood outside the gates of Tegel Penitentiary, a free man. Only yesterday, he had been on the allotments with the others, hoeing potatoes in his convict stripes, and now he was wearing his yellow s... - #3
'Asylum Piece' by Anna Kavan is a collection of short stories that delve into the deep and distressing experiences of the narrator as she navigates through mental illness and the confines of a psychiatric hospital. The book is a blend of surrealism, autobiography, and social commentary, offering a unique and introspective exploration of themes like identity, connection, and loss of autonomy. Kavan's writing style is described as inventive, poetic, and deeply engaging, drawing readers into a world of hopelessness and despair.
WhenI was fourteen my father’s health made it necessary for him to go abroad for a year. It was decided that my mother should accompany him, our home was temporarily closed, and I was sent to a small ... - #4
The Snow Kimono by Mark Henshaw is a complex and enigmatic novel that weaves together the stories of Inspector Jovert, a Paris police inspector, and Tadashi Omura, a Japanese professor. The narrative takes readers through a web of interconnected characters and storylines, exploring themes of love, abandonment, guilt, and atonement. Set in both Japan and Paris, the book unfolds like a puzzle, gradually revealing the hidden truths and complexities of the characters' lives. Henshaw's writing style is described as rich in detail, with vivid and emotionally charged prose that paints a compelling picture of the characters and their intertwined destinies.
The Snow Kimono is a literary masterpiece that challenges readers to piece together the intricate narratives and themes presented in the novel. Through the characters of Inspector Jovert, Tadashi Omura, and others, the book delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for truth amidst layers of deception and self-discovery. Henshaw's storytelling is both captivating and thought-provoking, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and illusion blur, leaving them with a sense of intrigue and contemplation long after the final page is turned.
'Snow White and Russian Red' by Dorota Maslowska is a modernistic novel that delves into the life of the anti-hero Nails, a lazy and hypocritical young man who is caught between worlds of communism and capitalism. The book explores the struggles of a cosmopolitan generation, portraying characters who are entangled in a web of drug use, anti-corporate sentiments, and societal dynamics during a transitional period in Poland's history. The writing style is characterized by profanity, humor, and a satirical take on contemporary youth culture and economic ideologies.
FIRST SHE TOLD ME she had good news and bad news. Leaning across the bar. Which do I want first. The good news, I say. So she told me that in town it looks like there’s a Polish-Russki war under a whi...- #6Caneby:
Cane by Jean Toomer is a unique work that defies categorization, blending poetry with prose in a modernist style that captivates readers. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on the lives of black men and women in different settings, exploring themes of race, emotions, and landscapes. Part 1 is set in rural Georgia, painting a grim picture of religious obsession, fear, and bigotry, with a focus on women's experiences. Part 2 shifts to the north and the city, delving into the Jazz Age and the lives of men through dialogue and stream of consciousness. Part 3 takes the form of a play centered around the character of Ralph Kabnis, bringing the narrative back to its origins in Georgia.
Becky had one Negro son. Who gave it to her? Damn buck nigger, said the white folks’ mouths. She wouldnt tell. Common, God-forsaken, insane white shameless wench, said the white folks’ mouths. Her eye... 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' by James Joyce is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the Dublin childhood and youth of Stephen Dedalus, providing a self-portrait of the young James Joyce. The book delves into questions of origin, authority, and an artist's relationship to family, culture, and race. Written in an exuberantly inventive style, this coming-of-age story showcases Joyce's mastery of technique and narrative.
The novel explores Stephen Dedalus's journey from sin to faith, then back to disbelief, offering a unique perspective on religion and Irish politics. Through vivid characterization and complex prose, Joyce captures the essence of a young man's struggle with his identity, beliefs, and aspirations, ultimately painting a poignant picture of self-discovery and artistic growth.
Dante had two brushes in her press. The brush with the maroon velvet back was for Michael Davitt and the brush with the green velvet back was for Parnell. Dante gave him a cachou every time he brought...- #8
'The 42nd Parallel' in the series 'The U.S.A. Trilogy' by John Dos Passos paints a detailed picture of the United States during the early part of the twentieth century. The book explores the morphing idea of the American Dream from 1900 to 1918, capturing a period where revolution is in the air, capitalism is being questioned, and socialism is gaining attention. Dos Passos uses an innovative collage-like technique to create a journalistic atmosphere, interweaving fictional narratives, newspaper clippings, biographies of public figures, and semi-autobiographical text. The novel delves into the lives of various American men and women as they search for meaning and more in a society overshadowed by industrialization and the looming threat of a Great War.
When the wind set from the silver factories across the river the air of the gray fourfamily frame house where Fainy McCreary was born was choking all day with the smell of whaleoil soap. Other days it... - #9
'Owls Do Cry' by Janet Frame is a deeply poetic and thought-provoking novel that delves into the lives of a family facing various challenges such as mental illness, social isolation, and untimely deaths. The writing style is described as lyrical, rich, and metaphorical, painting a vivid picture of the characters' emotions and struggles. The narrative captures the raw and complex human emotions of anger, jealousy, love, excitement, pride, and dismay, showcasing the harsh realities of life without sugar-coating them.
Janet Frame's debut novel offers a poignant account of a poor family's travails, sharing a partly autobiographical story that explores personal challenges and sadness. The author's remarkable writing skills are evident in her ability to portray the thoughts of mentally challenged characters with empathy and authenticity. takes readers on a journey through a psychiatric institution and into the discordant thoughts of the characters, highlighting the profound impact of personal struggles and familial dynamics on individuals' lives.
JANET Frame’s first full-length work of fiction, Owls Do Cry, is an exhilarating and dazzling prelude to her long and successful career. She was to write in several modes, publishing poems, short stor... - #10
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a novel that delves into the life of a Vietnamese man who works as a spy for the North Vietnamese Viet Cong while residing in South Vietnam and the United States. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the fall of Saigon and portrays the struggles faced by Vietnamese refugees in America. The narrative is characterized by a mix of dark humor, biting satire, and vivid descriptions of war-torn Vietnam, offering a unique perspective on the Vietnam War and its aftermath.
The protagonist, a complex character with mixed heritage, is caught in a web of personal conflicts revolving around loyalty, friendship, identity, and the blurred lines between good and bad. Through the protagonist's journey, the book explores themes of colonialism, American culture, immigration, and the devastating impact of war on individuals and societies. The writing style is sharp, insightful, and at times brutal, immersing readers in a narrative that challenges simplistic notions of morality and patriotism.
I am a spy, a sleeper, a spook, a man of two faces. Perhaps not surprisingly, I am also a man of two minds. I am not some misunderstood mutant from a comic book or a horror movie, although some have t...