Books matching: rhythmic prose
100 result(s)
- #1
Dark Lies the Island by Kevin Barry is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of Irish individuals, both in rural and urban settings, as well as abroad in places like England and Berlin. The stories revolve around themes of addiction, isolation, and the darker aspects of life, while also incorporating elements of humor and empathy. The writing style is characterized by rhythmic prose, rich language, and moments of clarity that bring the characters and their experiences to life.
EARLY ONE SUMMER morning, I sat with her among the rooftops of the city and the fat white clouds moved slowly above us – it was so early as to be a city lost in sleep, and she was really very near to ... - #2
Millions of Cats is a whimsical tale about an old man who sets out to find a cat for his wife but ends up bringing home millions, billions, and trillions of cats. The story revolves around the chaos that ensues as the cats fight over who is the most beautiful, leading to a surprising and heartwarming conclusion. The book uses repetition and exaggeration to create a delightful and engaging story that teaches valuable lessons about humility and the true meaning of beauty.
The illustrations in Millions of Cats, though in black and white, bring the charming story to life. The book is filled with catchy rhymes and descriptive language that make it a perfect read-aloud adventure for children. Through the journey of the old man and his quest for the perfect cat, readers are taken on a fanciful and entertaining journey that is sure to captivate young audiences.
- #3
'Tender Morsels' by Margo Lanagan is a dark and brutal retelling of the fairy tale Snow White and Rose Red. The story follows Liga, a woman who faces abuse and trauma in the real world, leading her to create a safe haven in a magical world for herself and her two daughters. As the boundaries between the dream world and reality blur, Liga and her daughters find themselves torn between two worlds, dealing with themes of suffering, abuse, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. Lanagan's writing style is described as rich, earthy, and rhythmic, with a mix of fantasy elements and real-world struggles that create a captivating and emotionally intense narrative.
Snow-light rushed in, chilling the house. Then he clamped the door closed and it was cosy again, cosy and empty of him. Liga took a deep private breath and blew it out slowly. Just these few moments w... - #4
'The Mitten' by Jan Brett is a Ukrainian folktale retold about a young boy named Nicki who loses one of his snow white mittens in the snow. The mitten becomes a cozy shelter for various animals like a mole, rabbit, bear, and more, until a sneeze causes the animals to scatter. Through detailed illustrations and a simple plot centered around the animals trying to fit into the mitten, the story unfolds with warmth and humor, engaging readers of all ages.
The book showcases the importance of responsibility, as Nicki learns a valuable lesson about keeping track of his belongings. The detailed illustrations by Jan Brett not only bring the story to life but also provide clues and foreshadowing of what is to come, making it a delightful read for children and a great introduction to Ukrainian culture and traditional storytelling.
Alfred Bester's 'Virtual Unrealities' is a collection of short fiction that showcases his unique perspective on childhood fantasies, time travel, and the consequences of wishes. The stories range from hard Sci-Fi to dark narratives, all delivered in Bester's distinctive writing style that combines rhythm and enchantment with satirical elements. The book explores themes of psychological maturity, delusions, and the need to grow up, all wrapped in playful typesetting and creative storytelling techniques.
There are fighting generals (vital to an army),political generals (vital to an administration),and public relations generals (vital to a war). General Carpenter was a master of public relations. Forth...- #6
'A Walk on the Wild Side' by Nelson Algren is a gritty and poignant portrayal of the lives of society's down and out, losers, and has-beens lived out in the streets, cheap hotels, dingy bars, and brothels of New Orleans in the 1930s. The story follows Dove Linkhorn, a 16-year-old illiterate teenager from an outback town, as he navigates through the hardships of the Great Depression era. Dove's journey is filled with encounters with pimps, whores, con men, and various colorful characters, shedding light on the unfairness of wealth distribution and the struggles faced by the truly poor during that time.
Algren's writing style in this book is described as fabulous, with a mix of sing-song rhyme and southern drawl, creating a vivid and melancholic atmosphere. The narrative is a series of small dramas that highlight the harsh realities of life during the 1930s, showcasing moments of compassion, loyalty, and shared misery among the characters. The book delves into themes of poverty, human resilience, and the complexities of humanity, painting a stark picture of a bygone era that still resonates with current social and economic issues.
For what had embittered him Fitz had no name. Yet he felt that every daybreak duped him into waking and every evening conned him into sleep. The feeling of having been cheated – of having been cheated... - #7
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter is a timeless children's classic that follows the mischievous adventures of a young rabbit named Peter. Despite his mother's warnings, Peter ventures into Mr. McGregor's garden, leading to a series of escapades where he faces danger, loses his belongings, and learns valuable lessons about obedience and consequences. The story is filled with charming characters, vivid illustrations, and a moral ending that resonates with readers of all ages, making it a beloved tale that captures the essence of childhood curiosity and growth.
- #8
"Quick as a Cricket" by Audrey Wood and Don Wood is a delightful children's book where a young child describes themselves using various animals and their characteristics. Through similes and antonyms, the child explores different emotions and qualities, celebrating the uniqueness of each trait. is filled with colorful illustrations that bring the animals and the child's comparisons to life, making it engaging and entertaining for young readers. The repetitive structure of the sentences provides predictability and allows for easy comprehension, making it a great introduction to similes for children.
The story is a celebration of self-identity and individuality, as the child embraces all the different parts of themselves, from being as quick as a cricket to as loud as a lion. By relating to animals and their attributes, the child learns to express and understand their feelings, creating a message of self-acceptance and appreciation for one's uniqueness. not only serves as a tool for teaching literary devices like similes but also encourages children to explore their own emotions and personality traits through imaginative comparisons with animals.
- #9
Christopher Marlowe's 'Edward II' is a play that delves into the controversial aspect of King Edward II's rumored bisexuality and his relationships with his lovers. The play portrays Edward as a weak-minded king who indulges his favorites at court, leading to a milieu of homoerotic dalliances. Marlowe's writing style creates a tragedy with psychological dramatic overtones, showcasing the struggles of power, love, and betrayal within the royal court.
- #10
Thomas Bernhard's 'Concrete' is a novel that delves into the inner turmoil and isolation of Rudolf, a reclusive Viennese music critic who struggles to write his masterpiece on Mendelssohn Bartholdy. The narrative unfolds as a stream of consciousness monologue, filled with relentless self-condemnation, dark humor, and existential bleakness. Through Rudolf's musings on his dysfunctional relationship with his domineering sister, his disdain for Vienna, and his perpetual procrastination, the reader is taken on a journey of introspection and despair.
The book is a reflection on the struggles of creativity, the burden of perfectionism, and the complexities of human relationships. Bernhard's writing style, characterized by long, discursive interior monologues and sharp observations on society and culture, immerses the reader in Rudolf's world of neurotic contemplation and self-imposed isolation. As the narrative navigates through Rudolf's mental anguish and his futile attempts to begin his work, the reader is confronted with themes of self-doubt, intellectual paralysis, and the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.
You associate only with the dead. I associate with the living. That’s the difference between us. In the society I mix with there are living people, in yours there are only dead people. Because you’re ...