Bullet in the Brain and Isabelle

For two stories centered so much on death, these two are incredibly different.

Bullet is a development of character that leaves chronology behind and shows random scenes from the main character's life. There is a long list of what he doesn't remember (an incredible number of things one might consider important), and a single, detailed scene that stays with him. Perhaps it's the randomness triggered by his brain being destroyed, but it seems to me that the author intended to show us that it had stayed with him, and shaped him (his odd penchant for picking out verbal choice would certainly demonstrate that).

Isabelle, well, I wish I could say I understood the technique more. Maybe if I read through it a few more times than I already have, I'll be able to provide some more insight. But I am amazed that the author was able to keep me from guessing the significance of the title until the last sentence. It was surprisingly engaging.