Books matching: class disparity
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Set in late 19th-century Toronto, 'Except the Dying' follows Detective William Murdoch as he investigates the mysterious death of a young pregnant woman. The book delves into the social classes and interactions of the time, providing a detailed and authentic portrayal of life in Canada at the turn of the 20th century. Readers are taken on a journey of uncovering clues and solving the murder in a time when crimes were solved using wit, observation, and deduction rather than modern forensic techniques. The author, Maureen Jennings, weaves a compelling mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- #2
Save:Runtime by S.B. Divya is a science fiction novella set in a future America where a young protagonist named Marmeg competes in a challenging marathon cyborg footrace across the Sierra Nevada range. Marmeg, coming from a lower social class, must scavenge parts to build her exoskeleton and survival suit to compete against rivals with advanced technology. The story explores themes of societal class divide, body modifications, gender exploration, and the struggle for a better life in a dystopian world with an unsettling yet realistic caste system.
The wall behind Marmeg thrummed with the muffled impact of bass beats. A line of girls in heels mixed with boys in lacy shirts, both interspersed with androgynous moots wearing whatever they wanted. B... - #3
Save:Pierre and Luce is a novel set during World War I, focusing on the story of two young lovers, Pierre and Luce, who find love amidst the turmoil of war. The book explores the psychological effects of the war on the characters, portraying them as disillusioned with the world's governing powers and false promises of nationalism. Despite the looming threat of war and Pierre's impending military service, the two teenagers develop a strong and pure love that transcends their social class differences. Romain Rolland expertly crafts a narrative that delicately balances between hope and hopelessness, touching upon themes of love, class disparity, and societal expectations during wartime.
Pierre plunged into the subway. A feverish, a brutal crowd. On his feet near the door, closely pressed in a bank of human bodies and sharing the heavy atmosphere passing in and out of their mouths, he... - #4
Save:"Slightly Wicked" follows the story of Judith Law, a woman facing a life as a poor relation who finds herself in a complicated tangle after a brief affair with the wealthy and high ton Bedwyn brother, Rannulf. The plot focuses on Judith's journey from hiding and hating herself to loving and rejoicing in herself, with the help of Rannulf's friendship and love. The writing style is described as enjoyable, with a mix of Shakespearean comedy, Jane Austen wit, and a Cinderella-like transformation.
For the first time in her twenty-two years of existence she was traveling by stagecoach. Within the first mile or two she had been disabused of any notion she might ever have entertained that it was a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bedwyn Saga ) - #5
Save:"Mothering Sunday" by Graham Swift is a captivating short novel that follows the life of Jane Fairchild, a young maid in a large country house in Berkshire, on Mothering Sunday in March 1924. The story explores themes of love, loss, memory, and the impact of a single day on the course of Jane's life. Swift's prose is described as superb, personal, and intimate, capturing the essence of the time period and the characters' emotions.
The narrative delves into Jane's reflections on her past, her relationships, and the choices that shape her future, all while unraveling the secrets she has kept hidden for decades. is praised for its elegant storytelling, nuanced characters, and exploration of truth and fiction in the context of a writer reshaping their experiences to reveal a greater truth, making it a deeply introspective and emotionally moving work of fiction.
ONCE UPON A TIME, before the boys were killed and when there were more horses than cars, before the male servants disappeared and they made do, at Upleigh and at Beechwood, with just a cook and a maid... - #6
Save:Bobby Jones, the fourth son of the vicar, finds a dying man at the bottom of a cliff while playing golf. Despite the inquest ruling it as misadventure, Bobby and his friend Frankie believe there is more to it and decide to investigate. As they delve deeper, they uncover a complex and dangerous plot involving several murders, leading to them being targeted as potential victims. The book is described as a fast-paced mystery with plenty of twists and turns, featuring likable characters and a plot that keeps the readers engaged.
There were no eager crowds to groan with dismay. The solitary witness of the shot manifested no surprise. And that is easily explained—for it was not the American-born master of the game who had playe... - #7
Save:In "Last Man in Tower" by Aravind Adiga, a group of middle-class residents living in a tower in Mumbai are faced with a lucrative offer from a real estate developer to sell their apartments. However, the deal is contingent on unanimous agreement, and tensions rise as one man, Masterji, refuses to sell, leading to a tragic chain of events. The book delves into themes of greed, human nature, and the complexities of relationships, set against the backdrop of modern Mumbai, showcasing the city as a character in itself. The narrative is filled with unforgettable characters and explores the dark side of human behavior with irony and subtle humor.
0A the security guard’s personal room 0B allotted to the Secretary of the Society for official work, with an alcove for the cleaning lady to store her broom, disinfectant, and mopping cloth 0C Felicia... - #8
Save:'Strong Poison' in the 'Lord Peter Wimsey' series by Dorothy L. Sayers narrates the beginning of Lord Peter's relationship with Harriet Vane. Peter falls in love with Harriet as she is on trial for her lover's murder. The plot revolves around Peter's conviction of Harriet's innocence and his determination to prove it, despite social stigma and challenges. The writing style is described as well-constructed, amusing, and thought-provoking, with deeper questions raised about relationships and societal norms.
The judge was an old man; so old, he seemed to have outlived time and change and death. His parrot-face and parrot-voice were dry, like his old, heavily-veined hands. His scarlet robe clashed harshly ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lord Peter Wimsey ) - #9
Save:'The Best Short Stories' by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of 17 tales that delve into various aspects of life in 19th century France. The stories cover a wide range of themes including love, tragedy, comedy, farce, irony, relationships, time, death, war, grief, despair, elation, religion, and class disparity. Maupassant's writing style is praised for its wonderful descriptions of the natural world, the detailed settings, and the balance between tiny fragments of information and broad brush statements. The stories are known for their unexpected endings, emotional depth, and thought-provoking nature.
- #10
Save:"Fruit of the Drunken Tree" by Ingrid Rojas Contreras tells the story of two young girls, Chula and Petrona, living in Colombia during the turbulent times of Pablo Escobar's reign of terror. Chula comes from a privileged Colombian family living in a gated community, while Petrona is their maid hailing from a poor family. The novel explores the stark contrast between their lives, both affected by the violence and turmoil caused by guerrillas, drug lords, and corrupt political officials. Through alternating perspectives, the book delves into the challenges faced by these girls and their evolving relationship amidst the chaotic backdrop of Colombian society in the 80s.
We were refugees when we arrived to the U.S. You must be happy now that you’re safe, people said. They told us to strive for assimilation. The quicker we transformed into one of the many the better. B...
