I'm looking for stories that are complex and requires deeper thought to fully unravel. Stories that have a lot of potential for deeper analysis.
You can also recommend the specific aspect that you found complex or well done in terms of the characters, their motivations, the storyline, potential for reread etc…
by ripterrariumtv
4 Comments
Tolkien comes to mind since he literally built an entire world with different races, all with intricately mapped out histories going back hundreds of years and entire fictional languages and scores of songs. His novels reference the deeper back story of the world it is set in on nearly every page. Another author that comes to mind is Umberto Eco who does much the same except he is using actual history language and culture, packed into the background of all of his narratives and influencing the present narrative.
Ulysses by James Joyce
The Dune books. There is thousands of years of history and dynastic interplay to get to grips with. Then you have the Bene Gesserit who use prophecy to achieve there goals and the drug spice that allow its users to see the future. Things get very complex and nonlinear.
Moby Dick.
It’s a different read every time I’ve read it. Which is only 3 times, because it’s one hell of a slog from another time. But the imagery, the symbolism, the prose all are exceptional and deep. The characters seem one dimensional the first read, but seem to pick up on depth with each reread, at least to me.
Is it an action packed sea faring tale? Is it a monster story? Is it a story of obsession and insanity? Is it the story of how we can become our own worst enemies while pursuing something so single-mindedly? There is a lot to it.
I loath and love this book.