Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Nights At The Circus

   

   "Nights at the Circus" is a fantastical tale set in the late 19th century, centering around a trapeze artist who claims to be a swan princess with wings. A journalist is intrigued by her story and joins the circus to uncover the truth. As the troupe travels from London to Siberia, the journalist becomes increasingly enchanted by the strange world of circus performers and his relationship with the trapeze artist deepens. The book explores themes of love, freedom, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.

2. 2. The Bloody Chamber And Other Stories

   

   "The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that reimagines and deconstructs traditional fairy tales. The narratives are filled with strong female characters, sexual exploration, and violent and gothic themes. Each story presents a unique spin on classic tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Bluebeard, challenging the typical gender roles and expectations found in the original stories.

3. 3. Wise Children

   

   "Wise Children" follows the lives of twin chorus girls, Dora and Nora Chance, as they navigate the ups and downs of their theatrical family in south London. The narrative, told from Dora's perspective, weaves in and out of time, recounting their experiences with their illegitimate father Melchior Hazard, a renowned Shakespearean actor, and his legitimate family. The novel explores themes of family, identity, legitimacy, and the magic of theater, all while maintaining a humorous and irreverent tone.

4. 4. The Infernal Desire Machines Of Doctor Hoffman

   

   The novel is a phantasmagorical journey through a world where reality is under siege by the diabolical machinations of a mad scientist who has unleashed desire machines that warp perception and desire. The protagonist, Desiderio, an employee of the Ministry of Determination, embarks on a quest to stop Doctor Hoffman, confronting a series of bizarre and surreal challenges that blend eroticism, philosophy, and violence. As Desiderio travels through cities and landscapes transformed by the machines, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters and experiences dreamlike adventures that challenge the boundaries of reality, identity, and sanity, culminating in a confrontation with the enigmatic Doctor and the resolution of his own complex relationship with Hoffman's daughter.
5. 5. The Passion Of New Eve

   

   The book is a provocative work of speculative fiction set in a dystopian future America, where societal collapse has given way to lawlessness and extreme gender politics. The narrative follows the transformation of an Englishman into the female 'Eve' by a radical feminist group, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and power. As Eve navigates a surreal landscape populated by emblematic characters, including a manipulative surgeon and a mythic film star, the story delves into the fluidity of gender and the construction of femininity, challenging the reader's perceptions of normative gender roles and the nature of desire.

6. 6. The Magic Toyshop

   

   After the sudden death of her parents, a young girl is sent to live with her tyrannical uncle who runs a toyshop. In this strange new world, she finds herself in a house filled with life-sized toys, a mute aunt, and her eccentric cousins. As she navigates through this bizarre and sometimes terrifying environment, she begins to experience the complexities of adult relationships and sexuality, eventually leading to a climactic confrontation with her oppressive uncle.

7. 7. Saints And Strangers

   

   "Saints And Strangers" is a collection of short stories that blend the real with the surreal, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and the human condition. The narratives often reimagine historical and mythological figures, placing them in contemporary or fantastical settings. The stories challenge conventional storytelling and societal norms, presenting a tapestry of characters who are both saints and strangers, navigating the complexities of existence and the boundaries between the sacred and the profane. Through a mix of dark humor, lyrical prose, and provocative scenarios, the book delves into the depths of human experience, revealing the strange and saintly aspects of its characters.

8. 8. Heroes And Villains

   

   In "Heroes and Villains," the reader is plunged into a post-apocalyptic world where society has collapsed into barbarism and decay. The story follows Marianne, a young woman from a sheltered community of scholars, who becomes fascinated by the outside world and is eventually abducted by a group of nomadic savages. As she integrates into their society, she forms a complex relationship with the group's charismatic leader, Jewel. The novel explores themes of civilization versus savagery, the fluidity of roles between heroes and villains, and the nature of power and desire, all set against a backdrop of a dystopian landscape that challenges the characters' understanding of humanity and morality.