Books matching: character identity and loss
79 result(s)
- #1
All the White Spaces by Ally Wilkes is a chilling novel set in the Antarctic during the early 1900s. The story follows a young woman named Jonathan who identifies as male and stows away on an all-male Antarctic expedition led by the legendary explorer James Australis Randall. As disaster strikes, the crew must seek shelter in an abandoned cabin to survive the brutal Antarctic winter. The novel expertly weaves elements of horror, survival, and gender exploration, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere as the crew faces both the unforgiving elements of the Antarctic and a paranormal presence that threatens their lives.
The writing style in All the White Spaces is described as vivid and realistic, with well-developed characters and a dark, eerie tone that keeps readers on edge. The plot unfolds with a mix of intimate character moments, scenes of survival, and paranormal encounters, culminating in a gripping narrative that delves into themes of grief, loss, and the struggle for survival in the face of unimaginable horror.
- #2
'The Intern's Handbook' by Shane Kuhn follows the story of John Lago, an assassin who poses as an unpaid intern to get close to his targets. The company he works for, Human Resources, Inc., specializes in assassinations of rich and powerful individuals by training young men and women to insinuate themselves into the confidence of the target before eliminating them. The narrative is a mix of action, humor, and a touch of humanity, presented in a wry and entertaining style that keeps readers engaged.
If you’re reading this, you’re a new employee at Human Resources, Inc. Congratulations. And condolences. At the very least, you’re embarking on a career that you will never be able to describe as dull... - #3
'The One Memory of Flora Banks' by Emily Barr follows the story of Flora, a 17-year-old girl with anterograde amnesia, who can only remember events and people from before age 10. The plot revolves around Flora's journey to find a boy named Drake, whom she remembers kissing, triggering her memory. The narrative style is unique, narrated from Flora's perspective, showcasing her struggles with memory loss and her determination to lead a normal life. delves into themes of bravery, friendship, family dynamics, and the kindness of strangers as Flora navigates her way through life with her disorder.
The music is too loud, the room too crowded, and it feels as though there are more people in this house than any human being could possibly know. The low notes vibrate through my body. I have been sta... - #4
'All the Flowers in Paris' by Sarah Jio is a dual timeline novel set in Paris during World War II and in the present day of 2009. The story follows Caroline, a contemporary woman who wakes up in a hospital in Paris with amnesia and tries to piece together her identity while uncovering the history of the apartment she lives in. As Caroline discovers hidden love letters from the past, written by Celine to her lost love Luc during WWII, she starts recalling her own tragic past and embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the wartime struggles of Celine and the present-day challenges of Caroline, creating a poignant and engaging story that explores themes of loss, memory, and resilience.
How could he? My cheeks burn as I climb onto my bike, pedaling fast down the rue Cler, past the street vendors with their tables lined with shiny purple eggplants and bunches of flowers, pink peonies ... - #5
"The Stationery Shop" by Marjan Kamali is a touching novel that spans over 60 years, capturing the essence of young love, heartbreak, and romance amidst the backdrop of political turmoil in Iran and the United States. The story revolves around Roya, a teenager in Tehran who falls in love with Bahman amidst the upheaval of the 1950s, only to be separated and reunited six decades later. Through detailed characters and a slower-paced narrative, the book delves into themes of cultural expectations, identity, and the complexities of relationships, offering a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the impact of political conflict on personal lives.
He came around and opened the car door because he was Walter, because he had been raised by a mother (Alice: kind, sweet, smelled of potato salad) who had taught him how to treat a lady. Because he wa... - #6
'Raze' by Tillie Cole is a dark and gritty tale that delves into the lives of Raze, a former prisoner forced into brutal fights, and Kisa, a Russian mafia princess engaged to a dangerous man. The story follows Raze's journey of revenge and self-discovery as memories of his past life start resurfacing, leading him to reconnect with Kisa. The writing style is emotional, intense, and filled with raw passion, capturing the struggles and pain of the characters as they navigate a world of violence and love.
Alik’s blue eyes lit with fire as I fought against him, flaring at my resistance, the aggression he expected me to exude every time he took me in this bed—an aggression he loved, an aggression he crav... - #7
'After Anna' by Alex Lake is a gripping thriller that delves into the nightmare scenario of a child abduction and its aftermath. The story follows Julia, a mother whose daughter Anna is kidnapped from school, leading to a harrowing chain of events that thrusts her into the public eye and ignites a media frenzy. As the search for Anna intensifies, secrets unravel, suspicions arise, and the true extent of a parent's worst fear is vividly portrayed. The narrative skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, including the abductor's chilling commentary, creating a suspenseful and emotionally charged atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The book expertly explores themes of guilt, blame, and the destructive power of public scrutiny, painting a raw and authentic portrayal of a family torn apart by tragedy. Through its engaging plot twists, nuanced character development, and thought-provoking commentary on the impact of media sensationalism, 'After Anna' captivates readers with its unrelenting tension and unpredictable revelations, culminating in a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience.
Julia Crowne looked up at the clock on the wall of the boardroom. It was one of those Swiss railway clocks, with the blocky minute and hour hands. She happened to know that it was not an imitation; it... - #8
'The Serpent King' by Jeff Zentner follows the intertwined lives of three high school seniors, Dill, Lydia, and Travis, in a small town in Tennessee. The story delves into their personal struggles, family dynamics, and dreams for the future. The narrative is emotionally charged, exploring themes of friendship, grief, romance, and coming of age through the perspectives of the main characters, creating a captivating and heartfelt read.
The writing style in 'The Serpent King' is praised for its emotional depth, character development, and ability to evoke a range of feelings from the readers. The author, Jeff Zentner, weaves a compelling tale that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, drawing readers into the lives of the three misfit friends as they navigate the challenges of their senior year and look towards the uncertainties of the future.
There were things Dillard Wayne Early Jr. dreaded more than the start of school at Forrestville High. Not many, but a few. Thinking about the future was one of them. Dill didn’t enjoy doing that. He d... - #9
Counting by 7s is a heartwarming story that follows the journey of Willow Chance, a highly intelligent 12-year-old girl who loses her parents in a tragic accident. The book delves into themes of loss, survival, friendship, and courage as Willow navigates through grief and finds herself surrounded by a diverse group of characters who come together to support her. The narrative is written in a captivating and descriptive style, offering a unique perspective on how Willow copes with her circumstances and impacts the lives of those around her.
I’m imagining you see a tall tree with delicate leaves. You catch sight of swaying grass in a wide field. Weeds pushing up through a crack in the sidewalk are in the distance somewhere. We are surroun... - #10
'Regina's Song' by David Eddings is a departure from his usual fantasy genre, focusing on a murder mystery with supernatural elements. The story follows the surviving twin, Renata, who witnessed her sister's murder and was institutionalized. Several years later, she awakens and seeks out Mark, the protagonist and narrator, leading to a plot centered around a teenage murder and a mysterious serial killer in Seattle. The book explores themes of trauma, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural, all presented in a polished writing style that captivates readers.