Gustav Meyrink’s novel, “The Golem,” has been a classic of the occult genre since its publication in 1915. The novel is set in the Jewish ghetto of Prague and follows a protagonist who becomes obsessed with the legend of the golem, a creature made of clay and brought to life through mystical means. The story …
Examples of Allegories
“The Little Drummer Girl” by John le Carré is a spy novel that was published in 1983. The novel follows the story of Martin Kurtz, an Israeli spymaster who intends to kill Khalil, a Palestinian terrorist who is bombing Jewish-related targets in Europe. The story also follows Charlie, an English actress and double agent working …
The Quiet American by Graham Greene is a novel set in 1950s Vietnam, amidst French colonial struggles and the emerging American involvement. The narrative follows the complex relationship between cynical British journalist Thomas Fowler and idealistic American aid worker Alden Pyle, exploring their conflicting views on love, politics, and morality. Greene’s masterpiece is a political …
Thi Bui’s graphic memoir, “The Best We Could Do,” is a poignant and powerful story of family, identity, and the impact of war. The book chronicles Bui’s parents’ lives in Vietnam and their eventual escape to the United States as refugees. Through a series of flashbacks and reflections, Bui explores the complexities of her family’s …
Italo Calvino’s “Invisible Cities” is a novel that has been widely acclaimed for its allegorical nature. The book was published in 1972 and has since become a classic in the literary world. The novel is a collection of descriptions of imaginary cities that are narrated by Marco Polo to Kublai Khan. The novel’s allegorical nature …
“The Autumn of the Patriarch” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a complex and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of power, corruption, and the human condition. The book is divided into six sections, each retelling the same story of the infinite power held by a Caribbean dictator. The novel is a flowing tract on the …
“The Magician’s Land” is the third and final book in Lev Grossman’s popular Magicians trilogy. The novel follows the story of Quentin Coldwater, a young man who discovers a secret college of magic in New York and becomes a powerful magician. In this book, Quentin faces his greatest challenge yet as he tries to save …
“The Star-Child” is a short story written by Oscar Wilde that invites readers to reflect on themes of identity, compassion, and the transformative power of empathy. Published in 1891 as part of the anthology House of Pomegranates, the story tells the tale of a child born with a star on his forehead, who is rejected …
“The Teleportation Accident” by Ned Beauman is a novel that has captivated readers with its unique blend of genres and themes. This allegorical work explores the concepts of time, space, and reality, and the ways in which they intersect and overlap. Through the lens of the protagonist Egon Loeser, readers are taken on a journey …
George MacDonald’s “The Giant’s Heart” is a classic fairy tale that has been captivating readers for over a century. The story follows two young protagonists as they embark on a perilous adventure to retrieve a giant’s heart, which has been stolen by a wicked witch. The tale is an allegory that explores themes of love, …