Books matching: class conflict
100 result(s)
- #1
'The Longest Journey' by E.M. Forster follows the life of the central character, Rickie Elliot, an aspiring writer who navigates through Cambridge University, marriage, employment, and family life. The novel delves into themes of nature, human emotions, class, art, and family, with a focus on the conflicts and disappointments that arise in relationships. Through the character of Rickie, Forster explores the challenges of self-discovery, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, all while weaving in elements of autobiography and philosophical musings.
“The cow is there,” said Ansell, lighting a match and holding it out over the carpet. No one spoke. He waited till the end of the match fell off. Then he said again, “She is there, the cow. There, now... - #2
'Isabella' by Loretta Chase follows the story of Isabella Latham, a young woman from the countryside who finds herself entangled in a romantic dilemma involving the Earl of Hartleigh and his cousin, Basil Trevelyan. The plot revolves around Isabella navigating through fortune-hunting suitors, family drama, and conflicting emotions towards the two men vying for her affections. The writing style is described as clean, subtle, and reminiscent of traditional Regency romance with multiple plotlines and sympathetic characters.
The thin governess trembled. She had never heard quite that tone from her employer before, and would have preferred that he shout at her, for his suppressed fury was far more terrifying. Edward Trevel... 'The Assassination of Julius Caesar: A People's History of Ancient Rome' by Michael Parenti is a challenging and thought-provoking exploration of the Roman republic, shedding light on the brutal living conditions of slaves and plebeians, the disdainful attitude of Roman aristocrats towards the masses, and the true complexities behind Julius Caesar's assassination. Parenti delves into the social history of Rome, exposing the biases and intellectual ossification prevalent in academia that have perpetuated a distorted view of ancient Rome. Through a critical lens, he reevaluates the roles of historical figures, highlighting the struggles between aristocratic reformers and conservatives, and debunking myths perpetuated by classicist historians.
The writing of history has long been a privileged calling undertaken within the church, royal court, landed estate, .M . affluent town house, government agency, university, and corporate-funded founda...Friedrich Engels' book, 'Socialism: Utopian and Scientific', provides a concise yet thorough overview of the evolution of socialist thought and its contrast with capitalism. Engels delves into the historical context of European social movements, weaving together intellectual ideas and real-world political events. Despite its brevity, the book covers a wide array of topics, from the conflicts between classes throughout European history to the emergence of scientific socialism championed by Marx and Engels. Engels' writing style is clear and easy to grasp, making complex concepts accessible to readers seeking a deeper understanding of socialist ideologies.
Engels critiques the efforts of early socialist thinkers like Proudhon, Saint Simon, and Robert Owen, highlighting the concept of surplus value and the shortcomings of their approaches. The book also serves as a call to future generations to learn from the ideas of Marx and Engels, emphasizing the need to adapt socialism to contemporary needs and challenges. Despite its concise nature, 'Socialism: Utopian and Scientific' presents a compelling argument for the superiority of socialism over capitalism, offering insights into the motivations behind socialist movements and the historical context that shaped them.
The present little book is, originally, a part of a larger whole. About 1875, Dr. E. Dühring, privatdocent at Berlin University, suddenly and rather clamorously announced his conversion to Socialism, ...- #5
'The Billionaire's Ink Mistress' by Joely Sue Burkhart follows the story of Jackson, a wealthy Chicago lawyer, who meets Diana, a tattoo artist and Mistress. Despite their visual differences, they complement each other in ways that count. Their long-distance relationship is tense, especially as Jackson struggles with addiction to amphetamines to cope with his high-stress job. Diana, with her big heart and caring nature, issues an ultimatum to help Jackson overcome his addiction. The plot avoids the more obvious ways it could have played out, offering a realistic and unexpected journey of love and self-discovery for the characters.
Donovan Morgan, CEO of Morgan Industries, leaned back in his chair and smiled at his old friend. They’d known each other since Harvard, and though Jackson had gone on to work for one of the country’s ...
(Also, see 40 recommendations for the series Billionaires in Bondage ) - #6
The novel "Apartment" by Teddy Wayne is a postmodern urban story set in a 1996 New York MFA program, following an alienated male narrator struggling in his literary career. The plot revolves around the protagonist, known as "The Narrator," renting a room to a character named Billy, with their relationship evolving into a tense, passive-aggressive dynamic. The writing style is characterized by insightful commentary, emotionally gripping storytelling, and a theme focusing on the difficulty men face with self-expression and communication, ultimately delivering a melancholic narrative.
- #7
Son of the Morning by Mark Alder is an epic alternate historical fantasy set during the Hundred Years War, where the forces of good and evil intervene in the physical world. The book explores a unique premise where angels and demons play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of battles, and questions the traditional depiction of these celestial beings. The plot delves into theological and sociological themes, presenting a complex narrative with multiple points of view and intricate world-building. The story unfolds with a dark and steady pace, blending elements of history, politics, supernatural entities, and religious imagery in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.
- #8
'The Summer Wives' by Beatriz Williams is a historical fiction novel that spans multiple time periods, primarily focusing on the lives of two young women, Miranda and Isobel, and their entanglement with the wealthy summer residents and the working-class Portuguese immigrants on an exclusive island off the coast of Long Island. The book delves into themes of forbidden love, secrets, mysteries, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a small ritzy island where class divisions and family secrets play a significant role.
The narrative unfolds through different timelines, revealing the backstories of various characters and exploring the tangled relationships, tragedies, and unexpected plot developments that shape their lives. With richly detailed characters and a compelling storyline, 'The Summer Wives' keeps readers engaged as they navigate through the intertwining lives of the summer people and the islanders, experiencing romance, intrigue, murder, and the enduring impact of past actions on the present.
I returned to Winthrop Island on an unseasonably cold day in early May, one week after my tenth wedding anniversary. I missed the last ferry from New London—the schedule, not surprisingly, had changed... In "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi, readers are taken on a modern retelling of "Pride and Prejudice" set in the rapidly gentrifying Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick. The story follows Zuri Benitez and her sisters as they navigate the changes brought about by the wealthy Darcy family moving in across the street, bringing with them two handsome sons. Through Zuri's eyes, the classic themes of class, romance, and family dynamics are explored, offering a fresh and inventive take on the beloved Austen novel. The book delves into the tensions, humor, and social scenarios that arise, all while capturing the essence of the original story in a thoroughly modern way.
The book is praised for its engaging writing style that incorporates elements of poetry, slang, and ethnic phrases, providing a vivid and authentic portrayal of the Brooklyn neighborhood. Readers appreciate the exploration of cultural themes and the strong relationships depicted in the story, particularly the dynamics within Zuri's family and her interactions with the new neighbors. Despite some predictable plot elements, the book is commended for its entertaining and relevant narrative that sheds light on issues such as gentrification, identity, and the complexities of modern-day relationships.
IT’S A TRUTH universally acknowledged that when rich people move into the hood, where it’s a little bit broken and a little bit forgotten, the first thing they want to do is clean it up. But it’s not ...- #10
The Owl Service by Alan Garner is a haunting tale set in a Welsh valley, where three teenagers find themselves entangled in the reenactment of a tragic Welsh legend involving love, betrayal, and a curse. The discovery of a mysterious dinner service with a pattern of floral owls sets off a chain of events that blurs the lines between past and present, reality and myth. Garner's writing style is described as sparse yet atmospheric, with a focus on dialogue that leaves room for readers to interpret and immerse themselves in the eerie and dark setting of the story.
“Who’s laughing, girlie?” He brought a dry mop from the landing and placed the head against the door in the ceiling. The scratching had stopped. He pushed hard, and the door banged open. Dust sank in ...