B. S. Johnson

Bryan Stanley Johnson was an English experimental novelist, poet, literary critic, and filmmaker. He is best known for his innovative narrative techniques and his contributions to the avant-garde literature of the 1960s and 1970s.

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. House Mother Normal

    A Geriatric Comedy

    "House Mother Normal" is a unique and experimental novel that provides a deep exploration of the lives of eight elderly individuals living in a nursing home. The book is written from the perspective of each character, including the house mother, with each narrative providing a detailed account of the same events from their individual viewpoints. The novel uses various innovative techniques to depict the mental and physical deterioration of the characters, offering a profound and empathetic insight into the world of the elderly and the often overlooked challenges they face.

    The 2306th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Unfortunates

    "The Unfortunates" is a unique and experimental novel that explores the fragmented nature of memory and grief through the eyes of a sportswriter who is sent to cover a football match in a city where he once had a close friend who died of cancer. The narrative is presented in a non-linear fashion, with the book consisting of 27 unbound sections (apart from the first and last chapter), allowing readers to experience the story in a random order, mirroring the protagonist's stream of consciousness and the unpredictable way memories resurface. The work delves into themes of loss, friendship, and the randomness of life, as the narrator's recollections and reflections on his past with his friend are interwoven with his observations of the present day.

    The 5956th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Albert Angelo

    The novel explores the life of Albert Angelo, a disillusioned and frustrated architect who turns to teaching in London as he struggles with unfulfilled dreams and personal dissatisfaction. Through a fragmented narrative that includes unconventional typographical elements and metafictional techniques, the story delves into Albert's internal conflicts, his relationships, and his yearning for authenticity and meaning. The narrative challenges traditional storytelling by breaking the fourth wall and incorporating the author's direct commentary, ultimately reflecting on the nature of fiction and the complexities of human experience.