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Books matching: unreliable narrator

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  1. #1

    An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears
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    'An Instance of the Fingerpost' by Iain Pears is a historical mystery novel set in 17th-century Oxford, England. The story revolves around a murder mystery involving the death of Dr. Robert Grove, told through the perspectives of four different narrators. Each narrator presents their version of events, leading to a complex and intriguing narrative filled with academic rivalry, political intrigue, espionage, and religious division. The author skillfully weaves together multiple viewpoints to create a rich and atmospheric portrayal of the turbulent times following the English Restoration.

    The novel delves into themes of truth, betrayal, love, and redemption, all while exploring the complexities of human nature and the unreliability of perception. Through meticulous detail and intricate plotting, 'An Instance of the Fingerpost' offers readers a thought-provoking journey into Restoration England, blending historical facts with fictional elements to create a compelling and immersive reading experience.

    Marco da Cola, Gentleman of Venice, respectfully presents his greetings. I wish to recount the journey which I made to England in the year 1663, the events which I witnessed and the people I met, thes...

  2. #2

    The Real Life of Sebastian Knight by Vladimir Nabokov
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    'The Real Life of Sebastian Knight' by Vladimir Nabokov is a novel that delves into the complexities of identity, memory, literary pastiche, and linguistic playfulness. The story follows V., the anonymous half-brother of Sebastian Knight, as he attempts to research and write a biography of the deceased writer. Through a series of copious quotations from Knight's works and comments on his life, the novel explores the blurred lines between reality and fiction, challenging notions of legacy and identity in fresh ways. The narrative unfolds as a cross between Tristram Shandy and a detective fiction, with elements of academic pastiches and sly humor woven throughout the text.

    Nabokov's writing style in 'The Real Life of Sebastian Knight' is described as typically Nabokovian, full of vivid and precise images, attention to language, and a direct, witty narrative voice. The novel captures the essence of a human quest for understanding and self-discovery as the narrator unravels the enigmatic life of Sebastian Knight, revealing layers of complexity and emotional depth. The book intricately weaves together themes of family relationships, authorial secrecy, mistaken identity, and the intricate process of reconstructing one's past, inviting readers to follow the twists and turns of its labyrinthine plot until clarity emerges, possibly upon a second reading.

    SEBASTIAN KNIGHT was born on the thirty-first of December, 1899, in the former capital of my country. An old Russian lady who has for some obscure reason begged me not to divulge her name, happened to...

  3. #3

    Rules for Perfect Murders - Malcolm Kershaw by Peter Swanson
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    "Rules for Perfect Murders" follows the story of Malcolm Kershaw, a bookshop owner and crime fiction addict, who is approached by FBI Agent Mulvey to assist in solving a series of murders that seem to be inspired by classic mystery novels listed in a blog post written by Kershaw years ago. As Kershaw delves into the investigation, he realizes that the murderer is using his list as a playbook to reenact perfect murders from famous crime fiction novels. The novel is narrated in the first person by Kershaw, who is an unreliable narrator, adding layers of mystery and suspense to the fast-paced plot. pays tribute to iconic mystery novels and features a cleverly crafted storyline with twists, misdirection, and a climactic ending that keeps readers engaged till the last page.


  4. #4

    The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
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    The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a renowned artist who is found with her dead husband, tied to a chair and shot multiple times in the face. Alicia never speaks again and is sent to a mental institution. Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist, takes a job at the facility to treat Alicia and unravel her secrets. The book is filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and a surprising conclusion, making it a gripping and engaging read.

    The novel is centered around the relationship between Alicia, the silent patient, and Theo, the psychotherapist determined to make her speak. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's case, the story unfolds through entries from Alicia's diary and Theo's own perspective. The plot weaves together themes of mental illness, trauma, and suspense, keeping the readers guessing until the unexpected twist at the end. The Silent Patient explores complex characters and intricate storytelling, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.

    They had been married for seven years. They were both artists—Alicia was a painter, and Gabriel was a well-known fashion photographer. He had a distinctive style, shooting semi-starved, semi-naked wom...

  5. #5

    American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
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    'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel that delves into the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and materialistic investment banker living in Manhattan during the late '80s and early '90s. The book follows Bateman's descent into madness as he struggles with his identity, connections, and reality amidst a backdrop of extreme violence and graphic descriptions. The writing style of the book combines dark humor, disturbing scenes of violence, and a sharp critique of American society's obsession with consumerism and superficiality.

    The narrative of 'American Psycho' juxtaposes the horrific with the banal, offering a satirical commentary on the culture of wealthy, self-centered individuals who are detached from the consequences of their actions. Through Bateman's perspective, the novel explores themes of excess, narcissism, and the emptiness of a life driven by material possessions and societal expectations. The book challenges readers to question the values of the era it portrays and leaves them contemplating the blurred lines between reality and delusion.

    ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE is scrawled in blood red lettering on the side of the Chemical Bank near the corner of Eleventh and First and is in print large enough to be seen from the backseat o...

  6. #6

    Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov
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    Pale Fire is a complex and unique novel that revolves around a 999-line poem written by John Shade, with added commentary and index by Charles Kinbote. The poem delves into Shade's personal life, particularly focusing on the death of his daughter, while Kinbote interprets it as a political commentary on the coup in his home country of Zenobia. The narrative unfolds through the interplay between Shade's poem and Kinbote's commentary, creating a multi-layered and intricate story that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.

    Nabokov's writing style in Pale Fire is characterized by its lush, pulpy prose that beautifully describes intricate details and creates vivid imagery. The novel's format challenges traditional storytelling by using the form of literary criticism to weave together the lives of three men: Shade, Kinbote, and Gradus. Through the use of unreliable narrators and metafictional elements, Nabokov crafts a narrative that is both humorous and thought-provoking, inviting readers to delve into the complexities of the text and uncover hidden meanings.

    Pale Fire, a poem in heroic couplets, of nine hundred ninety-nine lines, divided into four cantos, was composed by John Francis Shade (born July 5, 1898, died July 21, 1959) during the last twenty day...

  7. #7

    House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
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    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,...

  8. #8

    The Shadow of the Torturer - The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe
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    "The Shadow of the Torturer" by Gene Wolfe follows Severian, a young apprentice torturer with the burden of total recall, as he navigates a vivid and haunting alternative world. The book immerses readers in a masterfully crafted setting with detailed descriptions, but some find the plot dour and the pacing meandering, leading to mixed feelings about the protagonist and the overall story.

    Severian's journey is filled with mysterious encounters, cryptic dream sequences, and a slow revelation of the world's setting. The narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and dreams, creating a challenging yet rewarding reading experience for those who appreciate intricate storytelling and thought-provoking allegories.

    It is possible I already had some presentiment of my future. The locked and rusted gate that stood before us, with wisps of river fog threading its spikes like the mountain paths, remains in my mind n...

  9. #9

    We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
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    The novel 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson is a haunting tale narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katherine Merricat Blackwood, depicting the lives of the Blackwood family living in isolation in a large house on expansive grounds. The story delves into themes of ostracism, mental illness, and family dynamics, with a touch of gothic elements. Through Merricat's perspective, readers are drawn into a world of eerie suspense and chilling ambiguity, where the line between reality and imagination is blurred.

    Shirley Jackson's writing style in 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' is described as captivating, eerie, and suspenseful. With meticulous craftsmanship and a knack for building tension gradually, Jackson weaves a narrative that is both unsettling and compelling. The novel unfolds in a concise and graceful manner, with scenes that are delicately suspenseful yet warm and candid, showcasing the author's ability to cover a wide range of emotions and themes in a compact space.

    My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood. I am eighteen years old, and I live with my sister Constance. I have often thought that with any luck at all I could have been born a werewolf, because the two mid...

  10. #10

    The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
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    'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller that revolves around three women - Anna, Megan, and Rachel - whose lives intertwine in a dark and horrific manner. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, offering a tale full of hidden secrets, desires, and passions. The plot unfolds with suspense and mystery, as the characters grapple with damaged pasts, alcoholism, and dark secrets that lead to a shocking and unpredictable ending.

    The book is praised for its innovative storytelling, time-shifting narrative, and the ability to keep readers engaged with its suspenseful twists. Despite some readers finding the characters unlikable or the ending abrupt, the overall consensus is that 'The Girl on the Train' is a gripping and compelling read that delves into themes of trust, deception, and the dark side of human nature.

    There is a pile of clothing on the side of the train tracks. Light-blue cloth—a shirt, perhaps—jumbled up with something dirty white. It’s probably rubbish, part of a load dumped into the scrubby litt...

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