Books matching: moral degradation
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- #1
Save:A strange but entertaining foray into gothic horror from a master of realism - far from Maugham’s best, but irresistible for fans of literary oddities and the occult.
The Magician by W. Somerset Maugham is a gothic thriller set in Edwardian England and Paris, exploring the fine line between rationality and the occult. The story follows an unsettling contrast of sweet ordinariness and unhinged evil, with the character of Oliver Haddo based on Aleister Crowley. The novel presents a breathless chase to the end, showcasing Maugham's versatility as a writer by incorporating nonstop action and a whiff of the supernatural.
The plot revolves around a sensational portrayal of a cunning magician, Oliver Haddo, who may or may not possess real magical abilities, keeping the readers guessing until the intense climax. The narrative cleverly weaves together elements of mystery, horror, and dark magic, creating a thrilling and eerie atmosphere that captivates the audience till the end.
ARTHUR BURDON and Dr. Porhoët walked in silence. They had lunched at a restaurant in the Boulevard Saint Michel, and were sauntering now in the gardens of the Luxembourg. Dr. Porhoët walked with stoop...1908•241 pages - #2
Save:A Child of the Jago is a raw, powerful look at Victorian slum life - a classic that deftly blends fiction and social commentary. It's not always an easy read, but it leaves a strong impression long after you finish the final page.
A Child of the Jago by Arthur Morrison is a gripping novel set in the bleakest slums of late Victorian East London. The story follows Dicky Perrott, a young boy trying to survive in a community defined by crime and poverty. The Jago, a fictional area, feels real through Morrison's detailed observations of its harsh conditions. Dicky's journey is heart-wrenching as he learns the cruel realities of his environment. As he struggles with his circumstances, he is drawn deeper into the violence and criminality that surround him, illustrating the desperate choices faced by those living in such dire situations.
Morrison's writing style is rich and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of life in the Jago. While the dialect may pose a challenge, it enhances the authenticity of the narrative. The novel does not provide a typical uplifting ending; rather, it offers a stark commentary on the systemic poverty that ensnares its characters. Critics have noted its similarities to Dickens but emphasize its more brutal realism. Ultimately, A Child of the Jago is a powerful exploration of community and human struggle in a place where hope seems nearly impossible.
It was past the mid of a summer night in the Old Jago. The narrow street was all the blacker for the lurid sky; for there was a fire in a farther part of Shoreditch, and the welkin was an infernal cop...1896•234 pages - #3
Save:A gothic classic that’s more brainy and biting than bloody - come for the scandal and sparkling wit, stay for the chilling lesson that beauty can be only skin deep.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a classic tale exploring the consequences of vanity and moral degradation. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man who makes a Faustian deal to retain his youth and beauty while his portrait ages and reflects the consequences of his debauched lifestyle. The novel delves into themes of the value of youth, the meaning of life, and the impact of one's actions on oneself and others, leaving readers pondering questions of free will and self-improvement. Wilde's writing style is described as brilliant, witty, and horrifying, with a focus on decadence, morality, and the consequences of one's choices.
The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more del...1890•257 pages - #4
Save:Vathek is a dazzling, bizarre Gothic-Oriental fantasy - equal parts intoxicating and perplexing. It’s a fun, quick cult classic for adventurous readers, but definitely not everyone’s cup of sherbet.
Vathek is a Gothic novel set in the opulent East, following the adventures of the dissolute Caliph Vathek and his evil mother Catharis, who seek ultimate knowledge and power. Tempted by a demon named the Giaour, Vathek embarks on a quest for dark treasures, leading to a series of atrocious actions and blind ambition. The plot is a moralistic tale with a fantastical and bizarre narrative, incorporating elements of Orientalism and Gothic fiction. The writing style is described as slyly humorous and ironic, with beautiful passages and great imagination, although some find it overly descriptive at times.
VATHEK, ninth Caliph1 of the race of the Abassides, was the son of Motassem, and the grandson of Haroun al Raschid. From an early accession to the throne, and the talents he possessed to adorn it, his...1786•176 pages - #5
Save:Brilliantly written but deeply disturbing, "The Doloriad" isn't for everyone - but if you like your fiction dark, weird, and thought-provoking, it's hard to forget.
The Doloriad by Missouri Williams delves into a post-apocalyptic world where a brother and sister attempt to repopulate the earth, leading to a society riddled with incest and birth defects. The narrative follows a dark and disturbing path, exploring themes of perversion, incest, and a surreal post-apocalyptic setting. The writing style is described as dense and intense, with some readers finding it beautifully written but others feeling overwhelmed by the continuous stream of consciousness.
When Dolores inclined her head to acknowledge the presence of her uncle the movement dragged her down toward the earth; her breasts dipped and swung in a low arc and the rest of her droopy, fat body s...March 2022•234 pages - #6
Save:Bold, uncomfortable, and endlessly creative - this is not your typical short story collection. Matt Bell weaves gorgeous darkness and raw emotion into literary horror that demands your attention and lingers in your thoughts. Worth it if you crave the strange and thought-provoking.
A Tree or a Person or a Wall by Matt Bell is a collection of dark and disturbing short stories that delve into themes of captivity, loneliness, marriage, existential horror, and the repercussions of human folly. The stories feature a wide range of characters, from refugees to mutant gang members, and explore post-apocalyptic worlds, dystopian societies, and surrealistic scenarios. Bell's writing style is haunting and evocative, with a focus on beautiful language and thought-provoking imagery that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.
EVEN BEFORE THE MAN WITH rough hands brought the boy to the locked room, even then there was always already the albino ape sitting on the chair beside the nightstand, waiting for the man and the boy t...2011•400 pages - #7
Save:A gripping, atmospheric tale of psychological horror and duality - perfect for fans of Poe, gothic fiction, and anyone fascinated by the shadowy depths of the human mind.
William Wilson is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe that explores the life of a young man struggling with his identity. The protagonist, also named William Wilson, recounts his experiences at various schools, particularly a strict prep school run by Dr. Bransby. Throughout his journey, he is constantly challenged by his doppelganger, another boy named William Wilson who mirrors him in many ways and becomes both a rival and a source of torment that drives him toward self-destruction.
Poe's writing style is vivid and engaging, characterized by psychological depth and a blend of horror with mystery. He effectively uses symbolism, such as stormy seas and dark forests, to heighten the atmosphere and reflect the protagonist's inner turmoil. The story leaves readers contemplating the complexities of identity and morality, making it a powerful addition to the horror genre.
Let me call myself, for the present, William Wilson. The fair page now lying before me need not be sullied with my real appellation. This has been already too much an object for the scorn – for the ho...1839•64 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Edgar Allan Poe Tales ) - #8
Save:A haunting and challenging novel that offers a unique, feminist twist on the lost-on-an-island genre. John Dollar is beautifully written, deeply disturbing, and best for readers up for an intense literary ride.
John Dollar is a novel that explores the aftermath of a group of girls and a woman stranded on a deserted island off Burma. The story unfolds with themes of survival, cannibalism, and the impact of a maritime disaster on the characters' sanity. The author, Marianne Wiggins, skillfully paints a vivid picture of the characters' struggles and the moral dilemmas they face, drawing comparisons to other literary works like Lord of the Flies and Robinson Crusoe. The writing style is described as poetic yet sometimes veiled, with a focus on setting up the narrative for a climactic event that may not fully deliver on its promised impact.
decorated head because she’d found aigrettes w h ile b ird w atching w ith Fitzgibbon, and she w ore them tucked beh ind her ears: her face was ye llo w , lik e a tig e r’s, w ith black m arkings. “ Y...1988•224 pages - #9
Save:Unsettling, beautifully written, and morally complex: "The Sea and Poison" is a dark but unforgettable look at the capacity for good and evil within us all. If you’re ready for big ethical questions and don’t mind being challenged, this is a must-read.
'The Sea and Poison' by Shusaku Endo explores the lives of doctors and nurses involved in vivisection experiments on American PoWs in Japan during WWII. The book delves into moral degradation, the devaluing of human life, and the haunting effects of external pressures on individuals. Endo's writing style is described as evocative, elegant, and without judgment, offering a compassionate exploration of dark themes and the inner struggles of the characters.
1958•170 pages - #10
Save:A powerful and stark exploration of survival and ethics in an unforgiving setting - raw, unflinching, and absolutely gripping. A must-read for fans of serious historical fiction.
'King Rat' by James Clavell is a gripping novel set in a Japanese prisoner of war camp during WWII. The story follows the social dynamics and struggles of the Allied prisoners, focusing on the character known as 'The King' who defies the norms of the camp and thrives through wheeling and dealing. The book provides a detailed and realistic portrayal of life in the camp, showcasing the extreme conditions, survival instincts, and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Clavell's writing style delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of survival, morality, and the impact of war on individuals.
“I’m going to get that bloody bastard if I die in the attempt.” Lieutenant Grey was glad that at last he had spoken aloud what had so long been twisting his guts into a knot. The venom in Grey’s voice...
