11 Books That Are Unhinged in the Best Way

“Monumental” and “freakishly compelling,” _The Library at Mount Char_ is a tale that revolves around Carolyn, one of the adopted children of a deity-like figure referred to as Father. When he mysteriously disappears, Carolyn and her siblings find themselves battling for control over the cosmic knowledge contained in a clandestine library. This thrilling story juxtaposes shocking violence with absurd humor, showcasing the lengths to which humanity will go while grappling with divine powers.

Yeong-hye, an ordinary South Korean woman, shocks everyone by deciding to become a vegetarian after experiencing haunting nightmares. Her passive rebellion spirals into darker territories, resonating with themes of desire, shame, and the limits of societal norms. In _The Vegetarian_, the transformation leads her to a path riddled with bizarre and tragic consequences, compelling readers to ponder the depths of human experience and identity.

Meet Samantha Mackey, an outsider in a New England MFA program, who finds herself drawn into the cult-like clique known as the “Bunnies.” Combining elements of darkness, absurdity, and unsettling humor, _Bunny_ is a queer retelling that delves into themes of friendship and belonging while exploring the monstrous power of the imagination. The surreal evolution from outsider to participant is mesmerizing and haunting.

Robert Cormier’s _I Am the Cheese_ is an enigmatic literary journey where a boy’s search for his father uncovers layers of government corruption and personal trauma. Through a brilliantly layered narrative, readers grapple with intense themes of memory, identity, and that haunting question: what is real? The suspenseful build-up climaxes into a chilling resolution that has become a classical work in young adult literature.

_House of Leaves_ by Mark Z. Danielewski has captivated readers with its fragmented narrative and unconventional page layouts. The heart of the story captures the unsettling exploration of a house that defies the laws of physics, leading to terrifying and surreal revelations. This haunting tale tackles metaphysical themes intertwined with psychological depth, inviting readers to ponder the very nature of reality.

In Sayaka Murata's _Earthlings_, we follow Natsuki, who believes she is an alien. This audacious coming-of-age tale delves into the absurdity of societal norms as Natsuki embarks on a quest to find her identity away from human confines. Through an extraordinary narrative sprinkled with dark humor and fantasy, Murata illustrates the story of seeking belonging in a conformist world.

In _Shades of Grey_, Jasper Fforde presents a dystopian society governed by one's perception of color. Eddie Russet, the protagonist, navigates through the intricate social hierarchy of Chromatacia where one's limited color perception dictates their fate. The novel tackles heavy themes with a lighthearted touch, as Eddie grapples with conformity, societal structure, and personal desires against a backdrop of whimsical chaos.

Ottessa Moshfegh’s _My Year of Rest and Relaxation_ is a darkly humorous narrative featuring a protagonist on a quest to escape her existence through hibernation induced by prescription drugs. Reflecting the absurdity of the late 1990s and early 2000s, this powerful work challenges perceptions of happiness, identity, and the societal pressures of youth. Moshfegh crafts a poignant yet comedic exploration of alienation and mental health.

Iain Banks's debut novel, _The Wasp Factory_, is a chilling and disturbing exploration of a young boy's chaotic psyche. Engaging and grotesque, it captures the dark humor infused in the protagonist's acts of violence and creates a tense atmosphere that invites reflection on the nature of evil. With haunting prose, Banks delivers an unforgettable insight into the mind of a child shaped by trauma and twisted instincts.

In Daniel Kehlmann's gripping supernatural tale, _You Should Have Left_, a screenwriter’s withdrawal leads him to a haunted house in Germany. Amidst the backdrop of psychological unraveling, he realizes that reality is shifting, leading to unnerving encounters that blur the lines between sanity and madness. This eerie narrative encapsulates fear and disorientation in a richly crafted atmosphere.

Gerardo Sámano Córdova’s debut, _Monstrilio_, joins the ranks of unique horror literature by presenting a mother’s grief depicted through the bizarre tale of a boy who transforms into a monster. This raw and imaginative narrative questions love, acceptance, and the ways we cope with loss. As the spectral Monstrilio struggles between his monstrous nature and human connection, readers are urged to ponder what it means to be alive.