Books matching: betrayal and resilience
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- #1
Save:'Bent' by Martin Sherman is a powerful play that delves into the lives of gay men during the WWII Holocaust era. The story portrays the struggles, persecution, and love experienced by homosexual individuals in the face of Nazi oppression. Through raw and emotional dialogue, the play sheds light on the tragic circumstances faced by the LGBTQ+ community during one of the darkest periods in history. It captures the essence of survival, friendship, and love amidst unimaginable hardships, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read.
The play 'Bent' not only narrates a heart-wrenching tale of love and friendship in the midst of adversity but also serves as a valuable source of historical insight into the persecution faced by homosexuals during the Holocaust. It brings to light the lesser-known aspects of LGBTQ+ history, offering a moving portrayal of resilience and human connection in the face of unimaginable horrors. With a captivating storyline and emotionally charged scenes, 'Bent' leaves a lasting impact on readers, prompting reflection on the enduring power of love and the strength of the human spirit.
- #2
Save:'Thorn' by Intisar Khanani is a fantasy fairytale retelling based on The Goose Girl story. The book follows Princess Alyrra, who faces mistreatment from her family and is betrothed to an unjust prince in a faraway kingdom. However, her journey takes a dark turn when she is betrayed and her identity is switched with her lady-in-waiting, leading her to live a life of hardship and labor. As Alyrra navigates her new reality, she must adapt and find her inner strength to face the challenges ahead, including a battle to save the realm and its prince. The story is a charming blend of fantasy, magic, and hope, with elements of corruption and justice woven throughout the plot.
We stand at the center of a semicircle of nobles, Mother two steps ahead of us. I sidle back, wishing I could leave. Lord Daerilin, standing to my left, raises a hand to hide his smirk but that only c... - #3
Save:"Jade City" by Fonda Lee is a modern-day epic fantasy set in a world where the power of jade grants superhuman abilities to certain individuals, leading to a power struggle between rival clans in the city of Janloon. The story follows the Kaul family of the No Peak clan as they navigate through a world of feuds, politics, and magical intrigue, creating a blend of mafia drama, gangster epics, and wuxia elements in a unique setting reminiscent of Hong Kong. The book offers a mix of intricate world-building, complex characters, intense action sequences, and a well-crafted plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
With its richly developed world, diverse cast of characters, and a compelling blend of mafia elements and magical powers, "Jade City" delivers a captivating story that combines family loyalty, political intrigue, and fantastical elements seamlessly. The narrative explores themes of power, loyalty, and tradition within the context of a society where jade is not only a source of strength but also a catalyst for conflicts and alliances, creating a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and resilience in a world where magic and modernity coexist.
The two would-be jade thieves sweated in the kitchen of the Twice Lucky restaurant. The windows were open in the dining room, and the onset of evening brought a breeze off the waterfront to cool the d... - #4
Save:The Women's Decameron by Julia Voznesenskaya is a modern-day version of Boccaccio's Decameron, where ten women share their stories daily for ten days while quarantined in a maternity ward. The tales cover a wide range of moods and styles, exploring different aspects of women's lives from poverty, lack of education, love, security, and unhappiness. Through the clever choice of diverse characters like an engineer, secretary, stewardess, and tramp, the book delves into various themes such as first love, assault, seduction, unfaithfulness, revenge, generosity, and more. The narratives provide insight into Russian culture, especially women's lives, post-WWII, offering a nuanced portrayal of the characters and their interactions.
Voznesenskaya's writing style in The Women's Decameron is highly imaginative and witty, with each tale described as a little pearl that could be developed into a novel or short story. The book is structured to allow readers to pick it up and put it down easily, with a deeper continuity within the work as the stories progress day by day. The author's brave challenge to societal norms and her ability to encapsulate a wide spectrum of emotions and themes such as sensuality, vulgarity, love, cruelty, sentiment group, and more make this novel a compelling read that sheds light on the state of Soviet society during its decline.
- #5
Save:'Unconquered' by Bertrice Small follows the story of Miranda Dunham, who believed she would inherit Wyndsong, an island off the coast of Connittucut, only to find out that her cousin Jared is set to inherit. After a tragic incident where Miranda's father is shot and killed, Jared becomes the unexpected heir. The story takes readers from Early 1800s England to Russia, exploring a tale of inheritance, romance, and adventure. The writing style is described as quick-paced, adventurous, and with good love scenes that are not corny.
- #6
Save:This Other Eden: A Novel by Paul Harding is a poignant and descriptive tale that delves into the lives of the inhabitants of Apple Island, loosely based on the real-life events of Malaga Island. The story spans generations, starting with the arrival of Benjamin Honey and his family in 1793, and culminating in the forced expulsion of the community in 1912. The narrative vividly portrays the struggles, resilience, and ultimately, the downfall of the islanders, painting a picture of a paradise tainted by racism, eugenics, and betrayal. Harding's writing style is characterized by stark detail, evocative descriptions of the island's natural beauty juxtaposed with the abject poverty of its inhabitants, and a lyrical prose that demands the reader's attention and contemplation.
- #7
Save:'Rosemary and Rue' is the first book in the 'October Daye' urban fantasy series by Seanan McGuire. The story follows October Toby Daye, a changeling who is half human and half fae, as she navigates a world of supernatural creatures in San Francisco. Toby is a private investigator who gets pulled into solving a murder mystery after being cursed and forced back into the fae world. The book explores themes of identity, betrayal, and resilience as Toby faces challenges and dangers while trying to uncover the truth behind the murder.
The writing style in 'Rosemary and Rue' is a blend of urban fantasy and mystery with a focus on fae folklore and mythology. The plot is filled with twists and turns, featuring a flawed but strong protagonist who must overcome personal struggles and physical obstacles to solve the mystery. The book sets the stage for a richly detailed world where the fae coexist with humans, offering a fresh take on familiar fantasy tropes.
THE PHONE WAS RINGING. Again. I turned my attention from the rearview mirror and glared at the cellular phone that lay jangling in my passenger seat next to a bag of Fritos and one of Gilly’s coloring... - #8
Save:'A Perfect Gentleman' by Candace Camp follows the story of American heiress Abigail, who is married off to English nobleman Graeme against her wishes. Graeme, believing Abigail to be part of a scheme to force him into marriage, soon realizes the truth behind her situation. After a heartbreaking revelation, Abigail flees to America but returns to England years later, seeking a fresh start. As the couple navigates through their past and uncovers hidden truths, they find themselves falling in love amidst a mystery that keeps readers guessing till the end. is described as a beautiful and tender romance with compelling writing that sweeps readers off their feet.
Graeme’s eyes flew open, and he found himself staring at a massive square head on a level with his eyes. The dog regarded him unblinkingly, its graying forehead creased as if in deep concern. Graeme, ... - #9
Save:'Flames of Chaos' by Amelia Hutchins is a dark shifter fantasy novel that follows the angsty, enemies-to-lovers journey of the resilient female main character, Aria, and the mysterious Knox. The book delves into a world filled with grit, pure lust, and intense chemistry between the characters, creating a storyline that is both wild, tragic, and sexy. Readers are captivated by the imaginative world-building, strong characters, and the mesmerizing plot that unfolds in a dark and compelling manner. The author, Amelia Hutchins, intricately weaves a tale of passion, battles, and self-discovery, all set in a fantastical realm that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The plot of 'Flames of Chaos' is characterized by its dark themes, steamy scenes, and a captivating narrative that explores the animalistic tendencies and resilience of the main characters. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where trust is tested, pain is endured, and strength is showcased amidst a backdrop of war and shifting alliances. Amelia Hutchins skillfully crafts a tale that is both unique and powerful, immersing readers in a journey of love, loss, and self-realization that sets the stage for an epic series in the 'Legacy of the Nine Realms.'
Exhaling a long, shaky breath, I stared at the lights of the city below the cliff I stood upon. Haven Falls, a city of immortal beings that weren’t even from the Human Realm. A place that haunted my d... - #10
Save:Troubled Sleep by Jean-Paul Sartre, the third book in the trilogy 'The Roads to Freedom', delves into the complexities of war and defeat as experienced by the French during the German occupation in 1940. The plot unfolds through the perspectives of soldiers facing imminent death, prisoners grappling with the aftermath of war, and individuals navigating their ideologies amidst political turmoil. The narrative captures the essence of betrayal, resilience, and shifting alliances, painting a vivid picture of France and its people during a time of crisis.
Sartre's writing style in Troubled Sleep is praised for its engaging and thought-provoking nature, drawing readers into a world where philosophical questions intersect with personal struggles. The novel weaves together multiple storylines, resolving some while leaving others open-ended, creating a sense of intrigue and introspection. Through rich character development and intricate plot twists, Sartre masterfully explores themes of courage, cowardice, and the pursuit of freedom in the face of adversity.
(Also, see 26 recommendations for the series The Roads to Freedom )
