Subject
Alienation (Social psychology) -- Fiction Books
Best books
James Joyce
Ulysses
"Ulysses" by James Joyce is a modernist novel published in 1922. It chronicles one day in Dublin—June 16, 1904—following three characters whose experiences mirror Homer's Odyssey. Leopold Bloom parallels Odysseus, his wife Molly echoes Penelope, and Stephen Dedalus reflects Telemachus. Through experimental prose styles and stream of consciousness technique, Joyce explores themes of identity, Irish life, and human consciousness. The novel's complexity, literary allusions, and revolutionary approach to depicting thought have made it one of modernism's most celebrated and debated works.
Philip Wylie
Gladiator
"Gladiator" by Philip Wylie is a science fiction novel published in 1930. A scientist creates a serum that grants superhuman abilities and injects his pregnant wife without her knowledge. Their son Hugo Danner is born with incredible strength, speed, and bulletproof skin—but spends his life hiding these gifts from a fearful world. As Hugo searches desperately for purpose and belonging, he confronts the isolating burden of being different. Widely considered an inspiration for Superman, this groundbreaking novel explores what happens when extraordinary power meets ordinary human longing.
E. M. Delafield
Consequences
"Consequences" by E.M. Delafield is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically during the years around World War I. The story revolves around the life of Alex Clare, exploring her upbringing with her siblings and the complexities of her relationships, particularly with authority figures and her peers. The narrative highlights themes of childhood innocence, family dynamics, and the consequences of actions, as indicated by the title. The opening of the book introduces readers to the Clare children gathered around the nursery playing a game called "Consequences." Through their interactions, we meet Alex, the self-appointed leader, who navigates sibling rivalry and the expectations placed upon her. The scene sets the stage for themes of competition and the desire for approval, particularly as Alex grapples with her familial role and the influence of the nursery maid, Emily. As the narrative progresses, Alex's impulsive nature leads to significant repercussions, hinting at the broader implications of her actions, which sets up a compelling trajectory for her character development throughout the rest of the novel.
Recently surfaced classics