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Books matching: 1970s london setting

11 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 11 
  1. #1

    The Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi
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    In "The Buddha of Suburbia" by Hanif Kureishi, readers are taken on a journey through the life of Karim Amir, a young man coming of age in 1970s London. Karim, the son of an Indian father and an English mother, navigates the complexities of race, family dynamics, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a changing society. The novel captures the essence of the era with vivid descriptions of London in the '70s and '80s, exploring themes of identity, cultural clashes, and societal expectations through a mix of humor and poignant storytelling.

    Kureishi's writing style in "The Buddha of Suburbia" is praised for its wit, humor, and ability to blend satire with coming-of-age themes. Through Karim's eyes, readers are offered a glimpse into the struggles of immigrant families in Britain, the challenges of adolescence, and the search for acceptance and meaning in a rapidly evolving world. The narrative is rich in character development, offering a diverse cast of colorful and relatable characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, creating a tapestry of experiences that reflect the complexities of human relationships.

    My name is Karim Amir, and I am an Englishman born and bred, almost. I am often considered to be a funny kind of Englishman, a new breed as it were, having emerged from two old histories. But I don’t ...

  2. #2

    The Rachel Papers by Martin Amis
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    The Rachel Papers by Martin Amis follows the protagonist Charles Highway as he navigates his teenage years, focusing on his attempts to seduce an older woman named Rachel before his twentieth birthday. The book delves into Charles' self-centered nature, his relationships with women, and his struggles with self-awareness and emotional connection. The writing style is described as dark, quirky, and humorous, with a focus on satire and self-awareness.

    My name is Charles Highway, though you wouldn’t think it to look at me. It’s such a rangy, well-travelled, big-cocked name and, to look at, I am none of these. I wear glasses for a start, have done si...

  3. #3

    Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym
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    'Quartet in Autumn' by Barbara Pym is a poignant novel that follows the lives of four office coworkers nearing retirement age in 1970s London. The story delves into the quiet, everyday struggles and emotions of Letty, Marcia, Edwin, and Norman as they face the challenges of aging, loneliness, and the impending changes in their lives. The narrative captures the subtle interactions and relationships among the characters, highlighting themes of isolation, missed connections, and the complexities of human emotions as they navigate through the autumn of their lives.

    THAT DAY THE four of them went to the library, though at different times. The library assistant, if he had noticed them at all, would have seen them as people who belonged together in some way. They e...

  4. #4

    The Human Factor by Graham Greene
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    The Human Factor by Graham Greene is a spy novel that delves into the world of espionage without the conventional violence, presenting the British Secret Service as a mundane profession rather than a glamorous one. The plot revolves around Maurice Castle, a middle-aged intelligence officer, who becomes a double agent in order to stay with his black South African wife, Sarah. The story explores themes of loyalty, love, race, apartheid, and the moral ambiguity that haunts individuals involved in espionage.

    The writing style of The Human Factor focuses more on character development and personal struggles rather than action-packed sequences. Greene's craftsmanship shines through in creating a carefully balanced cast of characters and rich contrasts in their decisions regarding marriage, friendship, professional integrity, and basic morality. The novel offers a deep insight into human psychology and emotion, presenting a complex narrative that navigates the personal and professional lives of the characters amidst international tension and espionage.

    Castle, ever since he had joined the firm as a young recruit more than thirty years ago, had taken his lunch in a public house behind St James’s Street, not far from the office. If he had been asked w...

  5. #5

    The Nightwalker by Thomas Tessier
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    The Nightwalker in the series 'Novels' by author Thomas Tessier is a unique take on werewolf fiction, focusing on the protagonist Bobby's gradual transformation into a werewolf both physically and emotionally. The story delves into Bobby's struggles with his newfound compulsive desire to kill, his inability to control it, and the impact on his relationships. The book weaves elements of psychological horror and supernatural themes, creating a captivating and eerie atmosphere that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as engaging and disturbing, filled with unease and sudden shots of violence, making it a compelling horror read that stands out from traditional werewolf stories.

    The second story in the book, The Dreams of Doctor Ladybank, explores gore and psychosis to depict horror, creating a tense and chilling atmosphere that can unsettle even the most fearless readers. The narrative follows Doctor Ladybank's experiments with two patients, Snake and Tony, whose meeting sets off a chain of events that delve into their inner worlds and psychological complexities. The story skillfully blends elements of gore, psychology, and detailed character interactions to create a gripping and masterfully crafted tale that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.


  6. #6

    Case Study by Graeme Macrae Burnet
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    'Case Study' by Graeme Macrae Burnet is a story set in the 1960s in the UK, revolving around a sheltered young woman named Rebecca Smyth who believes a famous psychiatrist, Collins Braithwaite, played a role in her sister's suicide. Rebecca decides to confront Braithwaite under a false identity, leading to a journey of self-discovery and uncertainty. The plot unfolds through Rebecca's documented experiences with Braithwaite, exploring themes of identity, deception, and psychological manipulation. The writing style is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and filled with wit, creating a unique and compelling narrative that keeps readers captivated.


  7. #7

    Turtle Diary by Russell Hoban
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    Turtle Diary by Russell Hoban is a poignant tale of two lonely individuals, William G. and Neaera H., who form a deep connection over their shared obsession with liberating sea turtles from the London Zoo. Through alternating diary entries, the readers witness their emotional journey as they plan and execute the daring act of setting the turtles free into the open sea. Hoban's writing style delicately captures the inner thoughts and rationalizations of the characters, creating a narrative that is both melancholic and hopeful.

    There are green turtles whose feeding grounds are along the coast of Brazil, and they swim 1,400 miles to breed and lay their eggs on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, half way to Africa. Ascens...

  8. #8

    Sid Vicious: Rock 'n' Roll Star by Malcolm Butt
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    'Sid Vicious: Rock 'n' Roll Star' by Malcolm Butt is a compelling biography that delves into the tragic and tumultuous life of Sid Vicious, the iconic figure of the punk era. The book explores Sid's journey from a troubled childhood to his rise to fame as the bassist of the Sex Pistols, highlighting his struggles with drugs, violence, and ultimately his untimely demise. Butt's writing style is described as concise, engaging, and factually written, providing a realistic portrayal of Sid's life without glorifying the sensational aspects.

    The narrative of 'Sid Vicious: Rock 'n' Roll Star' captures the essence of punk culture in the 1970s, portraying Sid as a complex and flawed individual rather than a mere punk icon. Butt's approach to the subject matter is described as matter-of-fact, offering a sobering and eye-opening insight into Sid's psyche and the dark realities of the punk counter-culture. The book is praised for its candid portrayal of Sid's struggles with mental illness, substance abuse, and the influences that shaped his turbulent life.


  9. #9

    Sixpenny Octavo - The Old Bridge Inn by Annick Trent
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    'Sixpenny Octavo' by Annick Trent is a historical romance novel set in 1780's London, focusing on the characters Lucy Boone and Hannah Croft. Lucy, a complex woman entangled in political unrest, finds herself drawn into a sapphic romance with Hannah, a craftsperson in need of her assistance. The book seamlessly weaves together themes of intrigue, romance, betrayal, and the challenges faced by individuals who simply wish to share their love for books in a paranoid regime. With a backdrop of historical detail and well-developed characters, the story follows Lucy's journey from self-sufficiency to finding love and acceptance within her community.

    The writing style of 'Sixpenny Octavo' is praised for its atmospheric and engaging narrative, intricate world-building, and the author's deep understanding of human emotions and motivations. Readers appreciate the historical accuracy, the slow-burn romance subplot, and the charming love story that unfolds amidst the political turmoil of the time.


  10. #10

    Innocent Blood by P.D. James
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    'Innocent Blood' by P.D. James is a suspense novel that delves into the dark secrets of a young adoptee, Philippa, who discovers that her birth mother is a convicted murderess. As Philippa navigates the complexities of her identity and family history, she is drawn into a web of revenge, betrayal, and shocking revelations. The book intricately weaves together themes of deception, loss, and the search for truth, all set against the backdrop of British society's underbelly and class divide.

    The writing style of 'Innocent Blood' has been praised for its literary quality, intricate plot, and well-crafted characters. P.D. James expertly explores the psychological depths of her characters, creating a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of suspense and mystery, the novel offers a compelling narrative that keeps readers on edge as they unravel the intricate connections between the characters and their dark pasts.

    The social worker was older than she had expected; perhaps the nameless official who arranged these matters thought that greying hair and menopausal plumpness might induce confidence in the adopted ad...

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