Books matching: authentic dialect
62 result(s)
- #11
Save:"Bootlegger's Daughter" by Margaret Maron is the first book in the Deborah Knott Mysteries series set in North Carolina in the 1990s. The story follows Deborah Knott, a lawyer running for judge and the daughter of a former bootlegger. Deborah is asked to investigate a cold case murder from her past, which leads to more deaths and dangerous secrets being uncovered. The book is praised for its engaging mystery, well-developed characters, solid dialogue, and vivid setting, offering a blend of a cozy mystery with social commentary.
Possum Creek trickles out of a swampy waste a little south of Raleigh. By the time it gets down to Cotton Grove, in the western part of Colleton County, it’s a respectable stream, deep enough to float... - #12
Save:'A Disaffection' by James Kelman is a novel set in Glasgow in the 1980s, following the life of a disaffected schoolteacher named Patrick Doyle. Through a series of internal monologues, the book explores Doyle's disillusionment, obsession with a co-worker, and his musings on various topics ranging from Pythagoras to Holderlin. The writing style of the book is characterized by authentic Glaswegian dialect, long paragraphs without clear breaks, and a meandering narrative that delves deep into the protagonist's psyche.
The plot of 'A Disaffection' revolves around Doyle's daily life as he navigates through his dissatisfaction with his job, unrequited love, and existential ponderings. The book offers a glimpse into the struggles of an individual trying to find his place in society, while providing insights into class dynamics and politics in late eighties Scotland.
PATRICK DOYLE WAS A teacher. Gradually he had become sickened by it. Then a very odd thing happened or was made to happen. He had been visiting the local arts centre and having a couple of drinks, fou... - #13
Save:Set on two islands off the coast of Scotland during WW II, 'Whisky Galore' is a humorous look at the eccentric people who live there. The story focuses on the marriage plans of Sergeant Major Odd to Peggy Macroon and the shortage of whiskey due to the war. A shipwreck provides the solution, bringing thousands of bottles of Scotch whiskey to the thirsty locals, much to the annoyance of the military. The book offers a gentle, lilting portrayal of island life during wartime, with colorful characters and a plot that gently moves towards its inevitable conclusion.
FROM the bridge of the Island Queen, which three times a week made the voyage between Obaig and the outer islands of the Hebrides, Captain Donald MacKechnie gazed across a smooth expanse of grey sea t... - #14Where the Bodies Are BuriedBook 1 in the series:Jasmine Sharp Investigations
Save:Where the Bodies Are Buried by Christopher Brookmyre is a gritty crime novel set in Glasgow, featuring two main characters - DI Catherine MacLeod and aspiring actress turned trainee private investigator, Jasmine Sharp. As Catherine investigates a gangster's murder and a massive drugs haul, Jasmine retraces her missing uncle's steps, leading them both to uncover past secrets that put their lives in danger. The story weaves through gangland wars, police corruption, and personal struggles, ultimately blurring the lines between good and bad, while maintaining Brookmyre's signature dark humor and engaging storytelling.
'A Far Piece to Canaan: A Novel of Friendship and Redemption' by Sam Halpern is a tale of a Jewish sharecropper's son, Samuel Zelinsky, who returns to his rural Kentucky hometown to confront his past and seek redemption. The narrative weaves through the protagonist's youth in the 1940s, working on a tobacco farm as a sharecropper's son, and his journey towards adulthood and self-discovery. captures the essence of Appalachian life, portraying themes of poverty, hardship, friendship, and the enduring bonds of childhood that shape a man's character.
The writing style of the book is praised for its eloquence in depicting the struggles and dignity of poor southern sharecroppers, offering a glimpse into a bygone era with vivid descriptions and heartfelt storytelling. The plot unfolds with a mix of nostalgia, introspection, and emotional depth as the protagonist navigates his past, grapples with his flaws, and embarks on a journey towards redemption and self-realization.
- #16
Save:The Old Gods Waken by Manly Wade Wellman is the first of the five novels in the Silver John series. The book follows John, a wandering folk singer and guitar player with silver strings, as he visits Luke Forshay and gets involved in a mysterious situation with new neighbors, the Voths, who are trying to claim land that doesn't belong to them. The story is a mix of fantasy and horror, filled with mountain dialect, folklore, and mystical elements. John, along with his friend Holly Christopher and Cherokee medicine man Chief Reuben Manco, must use their powers to overcome the evil plans of the Old World druids, the Voths, who seek to awaken pre-Indian spirits on Wolter Mountain.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Silver John ) - #17
Save:'Jolene' in the 'Elemental Masters' series by Mercedes Lackey follows the story of Anna, a sickly child living in a mining town with her family. As she discovers her magical abilities and moves to live with her aunt, Virginia, Anna's health improves, and she begins to learn about Earth magic. incorporates elements of Russian folklore and weaves in themes of magic and self-discovery. The setting post-Civil War in the southeast United States adds depth to the story, with references to historical events and locations like the Tennessee Valley Authority dams and the copper mines in Ducktown.
Despite the intriguing plot and magical elements, some readers found the book challenging to read due to the heavy use of dialects, particularly the inaccurate portrayal of Southern accents. also touches on themes of family, identity, and acceptance, with characters that are relatable and engaging, drawing readers into the story of Anna's journey to uncover her magical abilities and find her place in the world.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Elemental Masters ) - #18
Save:Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski is a Newbery Medal-winning novel set in the early 1900s Florida backwoods, following the Boyer family as they strive to start a strawberry farm despite facing hardships like droughts, cold snaps, and rowdy neighbors, the Slaters. The story revolves around ten-year-old Birdie Boyer, who learns valuable lessons in perseverance, conflict resolution, and the importance of values like kindness and forgiveness through her family's experiences and interactions with their antagonistic neighbors.
The girl took up a long broom made of brush—branches from a tree—and swept the yard clean. Its hard smooth surface felt good to her feet. Then she knelt in the path and began to set a row of bricks at... - #19
Save:'True Grit' by Charles Portis is a Western novel that follows the story of fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross seeking revenge for her father's murder. The book is narrated in the first person by Mattie, who enlists the help of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to track down the killer, Tom Chaney. The plot is action-packed, with elements of gun battles, bravery, and a strong sense of justice prevailing throughout the story. The writing style is described as spare, clean, and filled with terse Western dialogue, making the narrative quick, to the point, and engaging.
The novel is praised for its strong and memorable protagonist, Mattie Ross, who is depicted as brave, stubborn, independent, and smart. The character of Mattie is highlighted as the heart of the story, with her unsentimental and matter-of-fact narration adding depth and humor to the events unfolding in the book. Readers appreciate the humor, character development, and the unique voice of Mattie as a narrator, making 'True Grit' a compelling and enjoyable read that delves into themes of revenge, courage, and perseverance in the Wild West.
People do not give it credence that a fourteen-year-old girl could leave home and go off in the wintertime to avenge her father's blood but it did not seem so strange then, although I will say it did ... - #20
Save:'Who Fears The Devil?' by Manly Wade Wellman is a collection of short stories featuring the enigmatic character Silver John, also known as John the Balladeer. Set in the Appalachian mountains, the tales follow Silver John as he wanders through rural America, using his silver string guitar and mystical knowledge to combat supernatural evil lurking in the mountain communities. The stories are steeped in folklore, showcasing a blend of magical elements and Christian themes, creating a uniquely American fantasy world filled with giants, witches, hoodoos, and other mysterious beings.
The book's episodic nature presents standalone stories that are rich in Appalachian folklore, with Silver John portrayed as a guitar-playing hero who fights against both natural and supernatural forces. Wellman's writing style captures the essence of the region, featuring quaint dialogues, rough descriptions, and folksy insights. The tales are a mix of horror and fantasy, with each story offering a glimpse into Silver John's mystical encounters and adventures in the early 20th century American South.
