Nicola Barker
Nicola Barker is a contemporary British novelist and short story writer. She is known for her quirky, unconventional storytelling and her exploration of unusual characters and themes. Barker's work often delves into the absurdities of everyday life, and she has been praised for her originality and wit. Some of her notable works include 'Wide Open', 'Clear: A Transparent Novel', and 'Darkmans', which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2007.
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.
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1. Darkmans
"Darkmans" is a contemporary novel set in Ashford, Kent, that intertwines the lives of several characters including a father and son, a chiropractor, a mysterious European woman, and the spirit of a 15th-century court jester. The narrative explores themes of history, identity, sanity, and the power of unconscious forces, while the presence of the jester serves as a mischievous symbol of the past's persistent intrusion into the present. The novel's complex structure, dark humor, and detailed characterizations contribute to a surreal, unsettling atmosphere.
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2. Wide Open
"Wide Open" is a novel set on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, England, where the lives of a disparate group of characters intersect in unexpected ways. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the search for identity amidst the backdrop of a bleak, coastal landscape. The characters, each struggling with their own personal demons and secrets, are drawn together by a series of strange events, leading to a climax that forces them to confront their pasts and the possibilities of human connection in a world that often seems indifferent to their desires and fears. The book is known for its dark humor, eccentric characters, and the evocative portrayal of its setting.
