Subject
Suicide -- Fiction Books
Best books
Hermann Sudermann
El deseo
"El deseo" by Hermann Sudermann is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around complex emotional dynamics among three main characters, particularly focusing on a young woman named Olga, whose tumultuous inner life and struggles with deep-seated anxieties drive the story towards a tragic climax. The author interweaves themes of love, despair, and moral dilemmas, exploring the weight of societal and familial expectations. The opening of "El deseo" introduces a retired doctor who reflects on his past dedicated to medicine while dealing with the emotional chaos surrounding him. Olga's character is introduced as a gifted yet troubled young woman battling intense nervous imbalances and a profound sensitivity to her surroundings. The narrative quickly escalates as letters reveal the intertwining fates of Olga and another character, Roberto Hellinger, hinting at tragedy as a pending consequence of their unfulfilled desires and unresolved tensions. The beginning sets the stage for a dramatic conflict, foreshadowing the emotional upheavals that will unfold as the characters navigate their troubled relationships.
John Martin
A Fine Day for Dying
"A Fine Day for Dying" by John Martin is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The book explores themes of death, existentialism, and the absurdity of life through a satirical lens. It centers around the concept of a company called Nepenthe, Inc., which offers clients the ultimate escape from the burdens of existence by orchestrating their deaths in a meticulously planned manner. The story follows the protagonist, Condemeign, who has chosen Nepenthe as the venue for his demise. He embarks on a journey to a luxurious facility in space, driven by nihilistic beliefs and a sense of futility towards life. Throughout the narrative, Condemeign interacts with various characters, including enigmatic attendants and the director, Dr. Munro, who provide darkly humorous reflections on the nature of death and the human condition. As Condemeign navigates through the surreal and unsettling environment of Nepenthe, he ultimately realizes that the freedom he sought might be more complicated—and dangerous—than anticipated. The unfolding events reveal a sinister twist that challenges his views on life, loyalty, and the reasons behind one’s desire to die.
John D. (John Dann) MacDonald
Common Denominator
"Common Denominator" by John D. MacDonald is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the interactions between humans and the Argonauts, an advanced alien civilization. It explores themes of societal evolution, the necessity for maturity in a species, and the consequences of unchecked human impulses. In the narrative, Lambert, a chief of the Bureau of Racial Maturity, becomes intrigued by the Argonauts after a successful cultural exchange. He discovers that the Argonauts had faced similar challenges to humanity but found a drastic solution to violence and instability: a form of self-administered euthanasia activated by a personal impulse to self-harm. This controversial practice allowed their society to thrive by weeding out potential sources of instability, ultimately leading to a content but stagnant civilization. The story culminates with Lambert reflecting on the implications of this practice and questioning if humanity could adopt such measures to survive its own destructive tendencies. Lambert's decision to leave his job in the ending suggests a broader contemplation on ethical governance and the future of humanity.
Frank M. Robinson
The Fire and the Sword
"The Fire and the Sword" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story explores themes surrounding human interaction with an idyllic yet perplexing alien society on the planet Tunpesh, where seemingly perfect inhabitants exhibit an unsettling disinterest in the newcomers from Earth. The novel grapples with deeper questions of identity, belonging, and the nature of perfection, particularly as it relates to the mysterious death of a diplomat who was sent there. The plot centers around two diplomats, Eckert and Templin, who are dispatched to investigate the apparent suicide of their colleague, Don Pendleton. Upon arriving on Tunpesh, they find the native society extraordinary yet alien—perfectly healthy citizens, an absence of crime, and an overall harmony that feels both enchanting and ominous. As they delve deeper, Templin's growing infatuation with the planet leads him to confront his own sense of belonging, culminating in an exploration of why Pendleton, who had thrived in this paradise, ultimately chose to end his life. The narrative raises profound questions about cultural differences and the potentially isolating nature of utopias, ultimately suggesting that paradise may come with its own set of dangers.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Lempeäluontoinen: Fantastillinen kertomus
"Lempeäluontoinen: Fantastillinen kertomus" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a short story written in November 1876. A pawnbroker frantically recounts his marriage to a desperate young woman he once helped, attempting to understand the tragedy that has just unfolded. Through stream of consciousness narration, he reveals a relationship marked by silence, pride, and emotional distance. As his wife's quiet suffering deepens, small moments of connection emerge—but perhaps too late. This haunting tale explores how spiritual stagnation and self-absorption can destroy even the gentlest of souls.
Recently surfaced classics