788 Results in the "Literary Fiction" category


    • James: A Novel Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin “James: A Novel” by Percival Everett is a reimagining of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” told from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Huck down the Mississippi River. Everett subverts the original narrative by centering James’s voice, intellect, and agency, exposing the brutal realities of slavery and racial hypocrisy in 19th-century America. The novel explores themes of identity, freedom, and…
    • Lord of the Flies Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin ord of the Flies is a classic allegorical novel that explores the dark side of human nature. When a group of British schoolboys become stranded on a deserted island, they attempt to govern themselves—only for their efforts to spiral into chaos and savagery. Through this gripping tale, Golding examines the fragility of civilization, the lure of power, and the primal instincts that lie beneath…
    • The Wedding People Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Wedding People is a heartfelt and witty novel about unexpected connection, grief, and second chances. The story follows Phoebe, a woman reeling from personal tragedy, who impulsively checks into a Connecticut seaside hotel where a wedding is taking place. She soon finds herself entangled with a group of wedding guests and strangers, leading to a weekend filled with emotional revelations, surprising friendships, and…
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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Phoebe arriving at a stately nineteenth-century hotel perched on a cliff, a symbol of the new phase in her life after a painful divorce. The hotel, with its grand yet patient presence, mirrors Phoebe’s own sense of transition and hope. Leaving behind her old life in St. Louis—including her husband, home, and familiar routines—she steps into this new world wearing an emerald silk dress, a rare item she once owned but never wore. This dress represents Phoebe’s break from her…
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      Chapter 2

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In this chapter, Phoebe and Matt grapple with the emotional aftermath of repeated fertility struggles. After a failed cycle and a painful miscarriage, they seek solace and distraction by planning an elaborate, indulgent vacation. Their efforts to reclaim joy and normalcy are reflected in Phoebe’s meticulous spreadsheet of potential activities, symbolizing her need to control and rationalize a life that feels increasingly unpredictable. Their shared intellectual curiosity, playful debates, and mutual…
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      Chapter 3

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 3, Phoebe grapples with profound despair as she contemplates ending her life, reflecting on the trivial worries that once consumed her. The golden tassel lamps and luxurious surroundings contrast sharply with her internal turmoil, highlighting her disconnection from the world. Despite the imminence of her decision, she clings to small desires, such as savoring a last decadent meal and witnessing the ocean, a place she has never visited but always found meaningful. Her thoughts reveal a deep…
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      Chapter 4

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 4, Phoebe grapples with the tension between her impending death and the mundane details that continue to occupy her mind. Despite her efforts to relax on a luxurious bed, she remains restless, haunted by trivial anxieties like a bloodstained dress and the sounds of a wedding reception taking place just below her. Attempting to drown out the noise with music, she finds only frustration when her old Discman’s scratched CD skips. Seeking solace, she steps onto the balcony to smoke a cigarette, an…
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      Chapter 5

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 5, Phoebe experiences a profound sense of loneliness after the bride's departure, a stark contrast to the distractions she once found in the lives of those around her. The absence of familiar characters leaves her confronting the harsh reality of her own existence and the limitations imposed by her nonviable body. This moment of solitude triggers a return of dark thoughts, as she wrestles with memories and questions about her relationships and past decisions, particularly regarding her father…
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      Chapter 9

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In this chapter, Phoebe is introduced to a close-knit group of wedding guests linked to Lila, the bride. The group greets Phoebe warmly, revealing their unique personalities and backstories, such as High Bun’s transformation and Neck Pillow’s Catholic boarding school past. The interactions highlight the complex dynamics among the wedding party, especially through the characters of Marla, the groom’s sister, and Juice, the groom’s daughter, whose mature demeanor contrasts with her youth. Phoebe…
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      Chapter 10

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 10, the group finds themselves aboard a narrow sailboat, where the captain cautions them about the boat's tipping point, blending humor with caution. The atmosphere is light yet tense, with Marla and Lila embodying contrasting attitudes—Marla skeptical and confrontational, Lila composed and confident. Their interaction quickly shifts to a playful debate over the proper pluralization of a cocktail name, "Vacation in a Cup(s)," highlighting subtle tensions within the group. This moment reflects…
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