Books matching: authoritarian rule
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- #1
Save:A raw, feminist dystopian novel that’s both gripping and divisive - come for the bracing prose and provocative ideas, but know that it’s a bleak, unsettling ride that may not satisfy everyone.
In 'The Carhullan Army' by Sarah Hall, the story unfolds in a dystopian future Britain, where a woman named Sister escapes from an oppressive regime to seek out Carhullan, a secluded farm commune run by women. As she joins the community, led by the militant Jackie, she becomes part of a group preparing for revolution against the totalitarian Authority. The novel delves into themes of societal control, female empowerment, and the struggle for freedom in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world, all narrated in a dark and realistic tone that keeps the reader engaged till the end.
This is the name that was given to me three years ago. It is what the others called me. It is what I call myself. Before that, my name was unimportant. I can’t remember it being used. I will not answe...2007•222 pages 'The Man Without a Face the Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin' by Masha Gessen is a meticulously researched and elegantly written account of Putin's rise to power, showcasing the quintessence of Putinism through vivid descriptions of corruption, political manipulation, and authoritarian rule. Gessen skillfully navigates through complex matters, shedding light on the dark and ruthless career of Vladimir Putin, from his days as a bureaucrat in St. Petersburg to his consolidation of power as the President of Russia. The narrative delves into Putin's opaque beliefs and motivations, painting a chilling portrait of a leader who operates with deceit, corruption, and a thirst for absolute control.
I got out of bed and stumbled into the tiny kitchen, where Kate had been making breakfast and listening to Echo Moskvy, the country’s best news and talk radio station. It was a Saturday morning, unusu...2010•322 pages- #3
Save:'Stalin' by Robert Service delves into the life of one of history's most notorious figures, Joseph Stalin. Through a detailed and well-researched account, Service explores Stalin's rise to power from his youth in Georgia to becoming the master of Eastern Europe. does not shy away from highlighting Stalin's great crimes while also portraying him as a psychologically complex individual, showcasing his impulsive nature and cunning political maneuvers.
Francesco Benvenuti, Adele Biagi, Geoffrey Hosking and Arfon Rees read the draft and, as so many times in the past, offered invaluable suggestions. Katya Andreyev (on the Second World War), Jörg Baber...January 2002•777 pages - #4
Save:The Rule of Luck by Catherine Cerveny is a futuristic sci-fi thriller with a touch of romance. The story follows Felicia Sevigny, a powerful fortune teller, who gets entangled with Alexei Petriv, a mob boss seeking her help. The relationship between Felicia and Alexei is intense and filled with intrigue, set in a world where an authoritarian government controls everything, and technology has led to a divide among the population. The writing style is compelling, with a good balance between romance and action, making it a seductive read for SciFi Romance fans.
I’ve always been a big fan of eyeliner. The darker, the better. Growing up, I’d heard the expression “Pretty is as pretty does” almost every day of my life—but I believe that sometimes pretty needs he...January 2016•401 pages - #5
Save:Half insightful essay, half controversial dystopian sketch - 1985 is sharp, odd, often infuriating, but always thought-provoking. Dive in if you like literary polemics and don’t mind a book that’s as polarizing as it is clever.
1985 by Anthony Burgess is a response to George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty Four, featuring a lengthy essay exploring the origins and relevance of Orwell's novel, followed by Burgess's own dystopian world expanded from that of Orwell's. The book delves into the history of Orwell's book, examining the themes of government bureaucracy and oversight taken to the extreme, and speculating on a future where labor unions control Britain, leading to chaos and authoritarian rule. Burgess's writing style is described as clear and engaging, with a right-wing perspective on dystopia and a more detailed critique of Orwell's work in the first half of the book.
With the first use of atomic bombs, developed with urgency to finish speedily a war that had gone on too long. But with the end of the conflict between the fascist States and the free world (which was...1978•287 pages - #6
Save:Ultimately, Anxious People is a heartwarming, quirky, and insightful novel about the chaos of being human. It’s both funny and touching, messy and hopeful - a great pick if you like your fiction with a mix of laughter, compassion, and unexpected depth.
'Anxious People' by Fredrik Backman is a story that revolves around a bank robbery gone wrong, where the bank robber inadvertently takes a group of people hostage during an apartment showing. The novel delves into the lives of these characters, their personal dramas, and their interactions as they navigate through this unexpected situation. The writing style of the book is described as quirky, humorous, heartwarming, and filled with insightful observations about human nature and relationships. The plot unfolds in a small town in Sweden on New Year's Eve, with a mix of humor, pathos, and wise words about life and love.
A bank robbery. A hostage drama. A stairwell full of police officers on their way to storm an apartment. It was easy to get to this point, much easier than you might think. All it took was one single...2019•364 pages - #7
Save:A bittersweet, beautifully layered story that delivers both laughter and tears - this is comfort reading for anyone who believes in second chances and the hidden depths of even the grumpiest souls.
A Man Called Ove is a heartwarming story about a grumpy old man, Ove, who is grieving the death of his wife and contemplating suicide. However, his plans are constantly interrupted by new neighbors and various situations that force him to interact with the world around him. The book delves into Ove's past, revealing the reasons behind his grumpiness and showcasing his transformation as he forms unexpected connections with those around him. The writing style is described as charming, sweet, and humorous, with a balance between touching moments and light-hearted humor.
He drives a Saab. He’s the kind of man who points at people he doesn’t like the look of, as if they were burglars and his forefinger a policeman’s flashlight. He stands at the counter of a shop where...2012•358 pages - #8
Save:Absorbing, beautifully written, and enlightening for anyone curious about Taiwan’s history - a worthwhile but sometimes emotionally heavy read that combines family ties with national turmoil.
Green Island by Shawna Yang Ryan is a powerful and well-written novel that delves into the historical conflicts and consequences faced by a Taiwanese family spanning from post-World War II Taiwan to California. The story follows the protagonist's journey through marriage, tragedy, family turmoils, and political resistance movements, providing a deep insight into the history of Taiwan, including uprisings against the government and the fight for democracy. Through real and engaging characters, the book offers a slice of Chinese history and geography not well known to the world, all while exploring themes of cultural differences, societal impact, and personal struggles.
The narrative of Green Island is centered on the protagonist's family's experiences over the last 60 years, offering a unique perspective on the political resistance movement in Taiwan. The book intricately weaves together personal stories with historical events, highlighting the struggles and persistence of the Taiwanese people under martial law and their fight for freedom. With a focus on family dynamics, political activism, and the impact of historical events on individuals, the novel paints a vivid and poignant picture of Taiwan's evolution from an authoritarian regime to a democracy, making it a must-read for those seeking a better understanding of Taiwan's history.
The first cramp was unmistakable. She leaned against the wall and pressed her fingers to the underside of her belly. All her previous children had taken their time, leisurely writhing for days before...February 2016•413 pages - #9
Save:A literary heavyweight that’s as provocative as it is problematic - fascinating, troubling, and a powerful conversation starter. Worth reading at least once, but go in with your eyes open!
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a novel that takes place in a mental institution during the 1960s, narrated through the eyes of Chief Bromden, a schizophrenic patient. The story revolves around the protagonist, McMurphy, a rebellious Irish patient who challenges the authoritarian rule of Nurse Ratched, a stiff and merciless figure. As McMurphy builds camaraderie among the patients and resists the oppressive regime, the narrator gradually gains clarity and sanity, showcasing a power struggle that is well-executed and constantly shifting.
The book delves into themes of rebellion, oppression, and the battle against authority, all seen through the lens of patients in a mental hospital. Through the narrative, the novel captures the spirit of the counter-culture revolution while maintaining a serious and meaningful tone as the stakes are raised, offering an entertaining war of ideologies between the characters.
She dips a nod at me as she goes past. I let the mop push me back to the wall and smile and try to foul her equipment up as much as possible by not letting her see my eyes—they can’t tell so much abou...January 1962•331 pages - #10
Save:A visionary classic that shaped science fiction - worth reading for its ambition and influence, but be ready for its slower pace and dated themes. Approach with curiosity and an open mind!
When the Sleeper Wakes by H.G. Wells tells the story of Graham, a man who awakens from a deep sleep of two hundred years to find that he owns half the world. Set in the year 2100, the novel explores a dystopian society marked by classism and oppression, where Graham must navigate political intrigue and social conflicts. The plot unfolds gradually, with a focus on exploration of the new world rather than fast-paced action.
The writing style reflects the period it was written in, using elaborate descriptions that may feel slow to modern readers. While some concepts seem quaint today, Wells includes ideas that resonate with contemporary society, such as wage slavery and authoritarian rule. The narrative blends social commentary with speculative fiction, showcasing Wells's imaginative vision of the future.
1899•296 pages
