Books matching: nonlinear narrative
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Love' by Toni Morrison is a complex tale that revolves around the relationships between several women and a man named Bill Cosey, a wealthy hotel owner. The story delves into themes of love, betrayal, friendship, and the impact of past decisions on present lives. Through intertwining narratives, Morrison slowly reveals the connections between the characters, their conflicting emotions, and the intricate web of relationships they share with each other and with Cosey. The writing style is described as lyrical, beautiful, and engaging, with the author expertly weaving together threads of the story to create a compelling narrative that explores the various forms of love that shape and sometimes distort lives.
The day she walked the streets of Silk, a chafing wind kept the temperature low and the sun was helpless to move outdoor thermometers more than a few degrees above freezing. Tiles of ice had formed at... - #2
Save:Katie Cotugno's 'Top Ten' is a realistic and engaging novel that delves into the complicated relationship between two best friends, Gabby and Ryan. The story follows their journey from high school freshmen to their graduation night where they decide to list the top 10 moments of their friendship. Through a nonlinear narrative, the readers witness the ups and downs of their friendship turning into a romantic relationship, while also exploring themes of friendship, love, anxiety, and self-discovery.
Sitting with his ankles crossed in Gabby’s leafy green backyard two hours after their high school graduation, Ryan tilted his head back and squinted up at the proud June sun. “Okay,” he said, breathin... - #3
Save:The Tindalos Asset by Caitlin R. Kiernan is a novella that falls perfectly within the parameters of horror and dark fantasy. The story follows Ellison Nicodemo, a former assassin for a black ops agency, who is pulled back into service by The Signalman to combat a dangerous adversary intent on bringing about the end of humanity. The plot unfolds through a non-linear structure, jumping back and forth in time, and delves into themes of loneliness, isolation, and impending doom. Despite the lack of explicit horror, the book excels in creating a rich diegetic stance and a surreal Lovecraftian style.
Kiernan's writing style in The Tindalos Asset is characterized by lyricism, consistency with previous installments, and the use of jump cuts to clue the reader into the deeper layers of the plot. The narrative masterfully incorporates elements of metafiction, pop culture references, and intimate psychological approaches, creating a compelling and unique storytelling experience that keeps the reader engaged.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Tinfoil Dossier ) The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess by Andy Marino is a psychological thriller that delves into the life of Sydney, a former addict trying to rebuild her life as a single mother. The plot unfolds as Sydney experiences a home invasion that leaves her with memory loss and a sense of dread. As she navigates through her past and present, trying to make sense of the strange occurrences around her, she must confront her inner demons and the haunting figure known as the swimmer. The book's writing style is described as intricate and intense, with a narrative that jumps back and forth in time, creating a sense of mystery and suspense that keeps the reader engaged.
- #5
Save:The Known World by Edward P. Jones is a historical novel set in antebellum Virginia, focusing on the lives of black slave owners and their slaves. The narrative weaves together individual sagas of freed slaves living between worlds, exploring the complexities of relationships between free and enslaved people before the Civil War. The story delves into the life of Henry Townsend, a black farmer turned slave owner, and his interactions with white slave owners, shedding light on the brutal realities of slavery through vivid characterizations and detailed descriptions of plantation life.
The evening his master died he worked again well after he ended the day for the other adults, his own wife among them, and sent them back with hunger and tiredness to their cabins. The young ones, his... - #6
Save:'Vertical Motion' by Can Xue, Karen Gernant, Chen Zeping is a collection of surreal and inventive short stories that require readers to immerse themselves in the language, imagery, and power of the narratives. The stories often blend elements of surrealism and realism, creating a unique reading experience where the boundaries between the two genres blur. The book touches on themes of social commentary, subconscious exploration, and dreamlike landscapes, inviting readers to interpret motifs and hidden connections to derive meaning from the text.
The writing style of Can Xue in 'Vertical Motion' has been described as breathtaking, reminiscent of literary giants like Kafka, Rushdie, and David Foster Wallace. The stories in this collection are lauded for their imaginative and subversive nature, prompting readers to engage with the text on a deeper level. The book is praised for its accessibility compared to Can Xue's longer works, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate surrealism and intricate storytelling.
We are little critters who live in the black earth beneath the desert. The people on Mother Earth can’t imagine such a large expanse of fertile humus lying dozens of meters beneath the boundless deser... - #7
Save:'Black Helicopters' in the series 'Tinfoil Dossier' by author Caitlin R. Kiernan is a horror story that deviates from the Mythos towards the creation of a powerful psychic human being, intertwining with super secretive nameless agencies during the Deer Isle incident. The narrative style pushes its way into the reader's mind, containing Lovecraftian elements along with a mix of various genres, creating a mosaic of interwoven storylines with threads reaching back and forth across the series. consists of chapters and small vignettes that jump backward, forward, and sideways through over a century of time, introducing characters who flourish and subside while the ramifications of events and decisions continually present themselves.
Here’s the scene: Ptolema sits alone in the booth at Bewley’s Oriental, sipping bitter black coffee. The October morning sun makes hard candy of Harry Clarke’s stained-glass windows, and she checks he...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Tinfoil Dossier ) - #8
Save:'Moral Disorder' is a collection of 11 interconnected short stories that delve into the lives of women in a single family, primarily focusing on the dynamics between a mother and her two daughters. The narratives explore various periods of the characters' lives, offering a panoramic view of their relationships and experiences. The writing style is described as sharp and ironic, with Atwood's prose often bordering on poetic. The stories vary in focus, with some exploring themes of aging, nostalgia, and the complexities of familial connections, while others venture into fantastical elements, such as time travel and reflections on Roman times.
The book captures the nuances of everyday life and the emotional landscapes of its characters. Atwood's ability to dissect human frailties and relationships is noted, as she portrays her characters with sympathy despite their failings. Readers appreciate her mastery of language, and many find the stories relatable, prompting reflections on their own lives and relationships. However, some opinions express disappointment with certain narratives, suggesting that the book's latter sections lose coherence and focus, leaving readers wanting a stronger connection to the characters.
- #9
Save:Falling into Place by Amy Zhang is a novel that delves into the life of Liz Emerson, a mean girl and bully who struggles with her own problems. The story is narrated in a creative, non-linear fashion, exploring the aftermath of Liz's failed suicide attempt and the impact it has on her family, friends, and those around her. The book weaves a complex web of cause and effect, showcasing the profound influence one person can have on the lives of others.
As she lies on the grass with the shattered window tangled in her hair, her blood all around her, she looks up and sees the sky again. She begins to cry, because it’s so blue, the sky. So, so blue. It... - #10
Save:'A Visit from the Goon Squad' by Jennifer Egan is a novel that intricately weaves together interconnected stories of various characters, exploring themes of aging, time, and redemption. The narrative jumps between different characters' perspectives, timelines, and writing styles, creating a complex and layered reading experience. The book delves into the lives of individuals in New York City, particularly those in the music industry, showcasing their struggles, relationships, and personal growth over the years. Through a series of disjointed vignettes and creative storytelling techniques like Power Point presentations and mobile texts, the author paints a vivid picture of life in the Big Apple and the impact of time on the characters' journeys.
It began the usual way, in the bathroom of the Lassimo Hotel. Sasha was adjusting her yellow eye shadow in the mirror when she noticed a bag on the floor beside the sink that must have belonged to the...
