One of the main themes is the struggle of the individual. The protagonist in 'Ask the Dust Novel' faces various hardships and is constantly striving for a better life in a tough environment. Another theme could be the exploration of identity. He is trying to find his place in a world that seems to be against him.
There were a few novels similar to " Asking about the Mortal World " that he could recommend. The first was the Book of Troubled Times, written by Ji Cha. This novel told a story of survival in troubled times. There was also " Long Night Walk ", written by Bei Liao, and " Return to 2008 ", written by a superficial teenager. These novels all had a certain degree of similarity and could be used as a similar recommendation for " Asking about the Mortal World."
One common theme is the struggle of the working - class. Fante often depicts characters facing economic hardships and trying to make a living. Another theme could be the search for identity. His characters are often on a journey to figure out who they are in a tough world.
Many of the main characters are immigrants or descendants of immigrants. They are grappling with the challenges of fitting into a new society while still holding onto their cultural roots. For example, some characters struggle with language barriers and discrimination. Also, there are some characters who are artists or writers in their own right, trying to find their voice in a world that may not value their creativity immediately.
Well, 'Big Leaguer' by John Fante is a great short story. It often shows the dreams and struggles of the characters. It might be about a person aiming for the big leagues in baseball, which could be a metaphor for achieving big dreams in life. The characters in it are likely to face various difficulties and setbacks on their way to their so - called 'big league' goals.
Since I don't know the exact story, it could be about two people from different backgrounds falling in love. John Fante might have delved into how they overcome obstacles such as family differences, social status disparities, or personal insecurities. His writing usually has a very vivid portrayal of characters, so the love story might have characters that are both flawed and endearing, making their love journey all the more engaging.
One unique feature might be Fante's voice. His writing is very distinct, so in this collection, his new short stories could have that same unique voice that sets them apart from other works. It might be in the way he describes the settings or the characters.
You can try local independent bookstores. They often have a curated selection of graphic novels, including works related to Bukowski. The staff there might be able to guide you to the right section.