Books matching: raw narrative
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Smack' by Melvin Burgess follows the story of two teenage runaways, Tar and Gemma, who spiral into heroin addiction while living in squats in Bristol, UK. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, giving insight into the characters' struggles with addiction, homelessness, and self-deception. The writing style is described as honest, brutal, and realistic, providing a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by young addicts in the 1980s.
‘I’m hungry,’ complained the girl. The boy turned on a torch and peered inside a grey canvas rucksack behind him. ‘There’s an apple.’ ‘Nah. Any crisps left?’ ‘Nope.’ Gemma sighed and leaned back in th... - #2
Save:From corrupt cops and drug dealers to innocent civilians, the characters in "Desperate Souls" add flavor to the mix, with a complex protagonist, Jake Helman, at the forefront. The novel offers a raw and edgy addition to the genre, blending film noir elements with a modern-day New York City setting and a unique twist on a zombie tale.
Peopled with intriguing supporting characters on both sides of the law, "Desperate Souls" is a page-turner that defies categorization, keeping readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Jake Helman Files. The plot revolves around Jake's investigation into machete murders linked to a new street drug, Black Magic, which turns users into subhuman scarecrows and sellers into zombies, creating a breakneck pace filled with questions and surprises.
(Also, see 8 recommendations for the series The Jake Helman Files ) - #3
Save:'Mercy' by Andrea Dworkin is a provocative and intense novel that delves into the impact of sexual abuse on an individual. The narrative is raw and personal, challenging societal norms and perceptions of gender-based violence. Dworkin's writing style incorporates stream of consciousness techniques, creating a sense of immediacy and authenticity that draws readers into the story.
The novel explores themes of feminism, justice, and mercy, questioning conventional notions of these concepts. Through the character of Andrea, the author challenges readers to consider the experiences and struggles faced by women in a society that often fails to address their needs. Dworkin's passionate and powerful writing urges readers to reflect on the complexities of gender relations and the need for a more inclusive and empathetic society.
My name is Andrea. It means manhood or courage, from the ancient Greek. I found this in Paul Tillich, although I like Martin Buber better because I believe in pure love, I-Thou, love without boundarie... - #4
Save:'Poilu: The World War I Notebooks of Corporal Louis Barthas, Barrelmaker, 1914-1918' by Louis Barthas is a firsthand account of a French soldier's experiences in the trenches during World War I. The author, a socialist and pacifist, vividly describes the horrors and hardships faced by the common soldiers, including endless marches, harsh conditions, and the mistreatment by officers. Barthas offers a critical view of the officer class and the social exploitation of frontline soldiers, highlighting the reality of war devoid of glory or honor.
Barthas' narrative delves into the psychological aspects of warfare, exploring why people willingly march to their own slaughter at the command of indifferent and sadistic commanders. serves as a poignant commentary on human psychology and the mechanisms of totalitarian control over soldiers' bodies, hearts, minds, and souls. Through Barthas' candid and harrowing account, readers gain insight into the brutal realities of war and the sacrifices made by ordinary soldiers at the behest of those in power.
Few documents from the Great War are as remarkable as the war notebooks of Louis Barthas, published in English for the first time in Edward M. Strauss’s fine translation. They are special for a number... - #5
Save:In "Heavy: An American Memoir" by Kiese Laymon, the author addresses his mother in a powerful and emotional memoir that delves into his tumultuous relationship with her, marked by physical abuse and high expectations. Laymon shares his experiences growing up as a Black man in America, navigating issues of racism, addiction, and self-discovery. Through a series of essays, Laymon explores the complexities of his upbringing, the impact of his mother's actions on his life, and the societal challenges he faces as a Black man.
The book candidly addresses themes of abuse, racism, addiction, and cultural identity, as Laymon reflects on his struggles with weight, relationships, and societal expectations. The narrative is raw and intimate, offering a poignant insight into the author's journey from childhood to adulthood, highlighting the lasting effects of trauma and the quest for self-understanding in a world marked by inequality and injustice.
You stood in a West Jackson classroom teaching black children how correct usage of the word “be” could save them from white folk while I knelt in North Jackson, preparing to steal the ID card of a fif... - #6Meanby:
Save:'Mean' by Myriam Gurba is a raw and fearless narrative that delves into the author's formative years, trauma, healing, and self-discovery. The book is described as a coming-of-age story that navigates through themes of love, sex, racism, inequality, and violence in US American society. Gurba's writing style is poetic, bold, and unapologetically honest, capturing the reader's attention from the very first page with vivid imagery and sharp language.
My English and Spanish came from a pact my parents made. My father, a green-eyed American, agreed to speak to me in English. My mother, a Mexican by birth, a feminist by choice, promised to speak to m... - #7
Save:'Memoirs of a Beatnik' by Diane di Prima is a memoir that delves into the author's wild and uninhibited sexual escapades during the beatnik era. The book offers a vivid portrayal of her experiences, relationships, and encounters with various individuals, showcasing a carefree and rebellious lifestyle. The writing style is described as explicit, raw, and unapologetic, immersing the reader into the chaotic and sensual beat era of New York City.
I awoke to the sounds of morning in the West Village. The sounds of traffic. Trucks were going by outside and the pavement was wet. They were nervous, honking and snorting at one another. The window w... - #8
Save:Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill is a dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where girls are genetically engineered to become companions, concubines, or chastities for men. The story follows the protagonist, Frieda, as she navigates a society where women are objectified, judged based on their appearance, and trained from birth to please men. The book delves into themes of beauty standards, misogyny, and the dark consequences of societal expectations on women. The writing style is described as dark, thought-provoking, and reflective of our own society's attitudes towards women.
But I cannot see these “vital organs” in the mirrors. All I can see are dark circles under my eyes, a gray pallor like a dusting of ashes over my face. The hallmarks of too many nights spent burrowing... 'By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept' by Elizabeth Smart is a poetic and intense exploration of a tumultuous love affair between the author and a married man. The narrative delves into the author's obsessive and self-destructive love, defying societal norms and family expectations. Smart's writing style is described as poetic, lyrical, and emotionally raw, drawing readers into the protagonist's inner world and emotions.
The book is a mix of prose and poetry, offering a unique reading experience that immerses readers into the protagonist's intense emotions and passionate love affair. Smart's writing is dense and immersive, making the short novel feel substantial and impactful, with vivid imagery and metaphorical language painting a vivid picture of love's beauty and terror.
I am standing on a corner in Monterey, waiting for the bus to come in, and all the muscles of my will are holding my terror to face the moment I most desire. Apprehension and the summer afternoon keep...- #10
Save:Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski is a raw and honest semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the unruly and depressing youth and young adulthood of Henry Chinaski. The story follows Chinaski's struggles with an abusive father, sexual frustration, schoolyard beatings, and the discovery of alcohol, all set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Bukowski's writing style is described as dark, humorous, and brutally funny, capturing the difficulties of growing up for young outsiders in a transgressive and at times disgusting narrative.
The novel explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, survival, and the impact of a traumatic childhood on shaping one's adulthood. Through vivid recollections, frank statements, and a fast-paced narrative, Bukowski paints a poignant picture of Chinaski's journey from birth to late adolescence, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity and his struggle to find his place in a hypocritical and false society.
The first thing I remember is being under something. It was a table, I saw a table leg, I saw the legs of the people, and a portion of the tablecloth hanging down. It was dark under there, I liked bei...
