Beyond the Ordinary
There are books in which imaginary unfold way above common sense and conventionalism. It is a fun process to discover intelligent minds who, instead of overlooking their creativity, took the risk to work with it and see what can be made out of it. Of course, when I mention imagination as an amusing notion in books, I am obviously referring to the context of it remaining within defined limits that clearly differentiate it from pure reality.
In this post I recommend a selection of five titles—from children's to horror—that tickle the brain in an intriguing way, offering, in certain cases, some playfulness as well.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll
Alice, a little girl, is spending some leisure time with her sister during the summer break, when, all of a sudden, someone catches her attention: a white rabbit dressed in a waistcoat that enters through a rabbit hole in a hurry and disappears. Without thinking much about it, Alice follows the creature and ends up in Wonderland. There, she meets different eccentric characters such as the Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, The Caterpillar and more, partaking in all kinds of strange adventures.
Cosmicomics Italo Calvino
This is a collection of short stories that revolve around the evolution of the universe, taking place in space, on land, and in water during different historical eras. Calvino's frisky imagination gives consciousness to particles, creating tales in which atoms, molecules and cells behave like humans; they talk, create bonds, play, laugh and love. It is one of the most original books I have read so far: it is not easy (or possible) for the human brain to fully comprehend the immensity and the complexity of space, time, and the cosmos, although Calvino makes it more approachable through literature, interestingly combining narrative with science.
Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino
In this novel, the Venetian explorer Marco Polo is asked by the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan to report on different cities he has visited. Inspired by these historical figures, alongside Polo's travels through Asia during the 13th century, Calvino created a selection of imaginary places, in which various themes are being put in front, such as memory, desire, human connection, or death. The book follows geometrical and mathematical patterns, both in the descriptions of the cities and in its overall structure, creating a work that enriches the reader's interaction with it.
The Magus by John Fowles
This story follows Nicholas Urfe, who moves from England to a remote Greek island, after having accepted a teaching job. Despite Nicholas being warned about Maurice Conchis, a manipulative millionaire living there, he eventually meets him and starts spending time with him, as he is intrigued by his overall personality. Their relationship evolves into a sort of game, or a never-ending play that Maurice orchestrates, constantly challenging the accuracy of reality. Both Nicholas and the reader have to remain grounded, trusting their own sanity despite the regular questioning and twist of events.
A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck
In this horror novel, when Soren Johansson dies, he finds himself in a situation that his religious beliefs did not promise him. Afterlife is portrayed in a form of an ongoing library, filled with every possible book that could have ever been written—from one letter only, to nonsense. The only way for Soren to escape the cycle is to find the book that holds his life story. However, as this place is huge, expanding and extending in every direction, the process could take forever. It is definitely a very original book that most of the time feels claustrophobic, trying to offer a limited meaning for the reader's mind to capture the magnitude of eternity.
Note: No AI was used to write this post.