Books matching: postmodernism
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- #1
Save:'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon is a short yet complex novel that delves into the world of conspiracy theories and underground societies. The story follows Oedipa, who becomes entangled in a mysterious web of secrets and subversive postal systems after being named the executor of her ex-husband's will. The writing style is described as dense and intricate, with eccentric characters and a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the end, leaving them feeling both intrigued and confused.
The book is praised for its fast-paced and witty narrative, offering a unique blend of humor, satire, and mystery within its concise 160 pages. Readers find the novel to be a good introduction to Pynchon's oeuvre, showcasing his ability to create a labyrinthine and addictive story that captures the essence of 1960s America. Despite its short length, 'The Crying of Lot 49' is commended for its ability to engage readers with its unconventional storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
One summer afternoon Mrs Oedipa Maas came home from a Tupper-ware party whose hostess had put perhaps too much kirsch in the fondue to find that she, Oedipa, had been named executor, or she supposed e... - #2
Save:Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace is a vast and sprawling novel that delves into themes of addiction, recovery, popular entertainment, and tennis. The book's 981 pages, along with extensive endnotes, present a labyrinthine mass of plot lines that intersect in intricate ways, revealing linguistic complexities and stylistic experimentation for which Wallace is renowned. The narrative threads, though disjointed at times, come together towards the end, offering a fictional DSM IV of American malaise and serving as a deep reflection on communication and human nature.
3 E.T.A. is laid out as a cardioid, with the four main inward-facing bldgs. convexly rounded at the back and sides to yield a cardioid's curve, with the tennis courts and pavilions at the center and t... - #3
Save:House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is a complex and ambitious novel that delves into the mysterious record of a house that defies physics, expanding and lacking spatial boundaries. The story is told unconventionally through different perspectives, utilizing unique page layouts, sentences, paragraphs, and words to create imagery that parallels the narrative. The book also incorporates numerous footnotes that reference various elements, both real and imaginary, adding layers of depth to the storytelling.
The narrative structure of the book weaves together multiple stories within stories, creating a layered and enthralling journey into the unknown. Readers are drawn into the tale of The Navidson Record, told through the lenses of Zampano and Johnny Truant, each contributing to the unfolding mystery of the house that challenges reality. The book's presentation and narrative style offer a blend of horror, academic critique, and metafictional elements, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
§Provide examples of hand shadows ranging from crabs, snails, rabbits,and turtles to dragons, panthers, tigers, and kangaroos. Also includehippos, frogs, elephants, birds of paradise, dogs, cockatoos,... - #4
Save:Mumbo Jumbo by Ishmael Reed is a wild and wonderful ride, described as a Neo Hoodoo conspiracy yarn. The novel delves into a world where Black and European cultures collide, giving rise to a unique flowering of American culture. Through a satirical lens, Reed explores the spread of Black culture and music, the battle between the straight-laced society and the hip music world, and the power dynamics at play. The book is a multi-vocal, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural jazz novel that challenges readers' knowledge of history, culture, and literature.
The plot revolves around the Jes' Grew epidemic, the spread of Black culture and music that is treated as a plague by the whites in power. Reed's writing style is described as wildly rambling, hilarious, and satirical, with a mix of comic relief, sarcasm, and deep political commentary. The novel incorporates legends from Europe and Africa, weaving together elements of African Voodoo and postmodernism to create a mystical murder conspiracy narrative.
A TRUE SPORT, THE Mayor of New Orleans, spiffy in his patent-leather brown and white shoes, his plaid suit, the Rudolph Valentino parted-down-the-middle hair style, sits in his office. Sprawled upon h... - #5
Save:'Girl With Curious Hair' by David Foster Wallace is a collection of short stories that showcase Wallace's early writing style and themes that run through his later works. The stories explore topics such as negotiating sincerity in a postmodern world, the cult of celebrity, and the complexities of language. The writing is described as maximalist, self-referential, and challenging, with some stories touching on deep societal commentary through fiction.
On 12 March 1988 it rains. Faye Goddard watches the freeway outside her mother’s office window first darken and then shine with rain. Dee Goddard sits on the edge of her desk in stocking feet and look... - #6
Save:"Jacques the Fatalist" by Denis Diderot is a novel that follows Jacques and his nameless master as they travel through the French countryside, recounting tales to each other and encountering various adventures and characters along the way. The book is described as a picaresque romp through pre-Revolutionary France, filled with digressions, interruptions, and philosophical musings. The narrative is fragmented, challenging traditional storytelling conventions of the 18th century and questioning ideas of fate, human liberty, and the boundaries of what constitutes a novel.
The writing style of "Jacques the Fatalist" is characterized as a mix of philosophical comedy, stream of consciousness, and postmodernism. The author, Denis Diderot, is praised for his clever parody of narration clichés and his ability to challenge the standards of storytelling in 18th century France. The book is noted for its constant interruptions, disruptions, and recommencements, creating a unique reading experience that blends humor, philosophical discussions, love stories, and social commentary.
JACQUES: Because while I was getting drunk on his bad wine I forgot to water our horses. My father noticed and got angry. I shook my head at him and he took a stick and hit me rather hard across the s... - #7
Save:Lookout Cartridge is a postmodern novel that delves into the making and destruction of a mysterious art film, intertwining the protagonist's investigation with first-person reports of key scenes. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, with shifts in time and place, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The writing style is described as dry and featureless, focusing on the philosophical aspects of cognition and the complexities of turning images into words. The plot is filled with absurd scenarios and conspiratorial threads, challenging readers to piece together the fragmented narrative.
From my height the detonation noise is a signal of light only. My cabin responds by at once easing its forward motion so we’re barely moving. We hover level with the 900-foot tower at 40 Wall Street, ... - #8
Save:'You Bright and Risen Angels' by William T. Vollmann is an epic postmodernist novel that delves into themes of history, politics, capitalism, and the human condition. The book is known for its complex narrative structure, blending digressions with action sequences, and featuring a wide array of characters navigating a world filled with allegory and satire. Vollmann's writing style is described as lush, philosophical, and at times overwhelming, with a dark sense of humor that challenges readers to suspend their disbelief and engage with the intricate layers of the story.
Synthetic Cognitions a Priori—In the Jungle—Station Identification—Snakes and Ladders (1909)—Premonitions of the Ideal (1805—1878)—Mr. White Makes His Million (1898)— The Rise of the Blue Globes (1663... - #9
Save:"Enigma" by Duncan Fegredo, Peter Milligan, Sherilyn van Valkenburgh, Grant Morrison is a comic that delves into issues of identity, sexual identity, and mistreatment of children. The story follows Michael, a young man whose life is disrupted when characters from a comic he loved as a child come to life. As he navigates this surreal situation, he encounters the comic's creator, Titus, and the enigmatic hero of the story. The book is described as dark, twisted, and engaging, with complex characters that evolve throughout the narrative.
- #10
Save:"Sayonara, Gangsters" by Genichiro Takahashi is a surrealistic tale about a poetry teacher known as Sayonara, Gangsters, who continues to write poetry in various life situations, such as the birth and death of his daughter, finding and losing love, and attempting to become a gangster. The novel is divided into three parts, with the first part focusing on the former lover of Sayonara, Gangsters and their daughter, while the second part delves into his job at the poetry school and his musings on the purpose of writing poems. The final part introduces three yakuza characters who enroll in the poetry school and meet a tragic end, creating a funny yet vivid scene in the narrative.
