Books matching: collective narrative
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii' is a collection of six interrelated stories by six different authors, each offering a unique perspective on the catastrophic destruction of Pompeii in AD 79. The stories are set in the days leading up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, showcasing the lives of various characters, both historical and fictional, as they navigate love, despair, courage, and tragedy in the face of impending disaster. The writing style is vivid, colorful, and rich in historical detail, painting a compelling picture of Roman society during the Early Roman Empire.
I discreetly tightened my loincloth as I approached Pompeii’s Sarno Gate. The mere sight of the chipped arch funneling us into the city—the knowledge that I was that much closer to her—made my body re... - #2
Save:'Then We Came to the End' by Joshua Ferris is a satirical novel that delves into the dynamics of workplace relationships within a failing advertising agency in Chicago. The story is narrated from a collective first-person perspective, providing insights into the everyday lives, gossip, and office intrigues of the employees facing layoffs and uncertainty about their future. The writing style captures the humor, cynicism, and absurdity of office life, portraying the characters as a mix of quirky, relatable individuals navigating the challenges of corporate America.
LAYOFFS — TOM’S FINAL HOUR — JANINE GORJANC’S TRAGEDY — THE DOWNTURN — DRASTIC MEASURES — THE DEBATE OVER TOM — CREEPY PICTURES — THE STORY OF TOM MOTA’S CHAIR — WALKING SPANISH DOWN THE HALL — SANDER... - #3
Save:'The Buddha in the Attic' by Julie Otsuka is a unique and powerful novel that tells the story of Japanese picture brides who emigrated to the US in the early 20th century. Through a collective narrative style, the book explores the experiences of these women from their journey to America, marriage to strangers, raising families, and ultimately their internment during World War II. The author uses a poetic and collective voice to portray the struggles, joys, and tragedies faced by these women, providing a deep insight into their lives and the societal challenges they encountered.
Julie Otsuka's writing style in 'The Buddha in the Attic' is described as mesmerizing and impactful, with the use of a collective voice effectively capturing the varied experiences of the Japanese picture brides. The novel, despite its short length, delves into the complexities of culture, identity, and society, offering a poignant portrayal of a generation of women who navigated the challenges of immigration and discrimination in a new land.
On the boat we were mostly virgins. We had long black hair and flat wide feet and we were not very tall. Some of us had eaten nothing but rice gruel as young girls and had slightly bowed legs, and som... - #4
Save:The Jane Austen Book Club follows the lives of 5 women and 1 man who participate in a book club dedicated to reading Jane Austen's novels. The characters, with different personalities and backgrounds, come together to discuss Austen's works, revealing parallels in their own lives. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth as the characters navigate relationships and self-discovery through the lens of Austen's writing.
The narrative of The Jane Austen Book Club weaves between the past and present, delving into the backstories and current circumstances of each character as they gather for their monthly meetings. The book club serves as a backdrop for exploring the complexities of human relationships and the impact of literature on personal experiences, with humorous insights and lively characters bringing depth to the story.
We sat in a circle on Jocelyn’s screened porch at dusk, drinking cold sun tea, surrounded by the smell of her twelve acres of fresh-mowed California grass. There was a very pretty view. The sunset had... - #5
Save:'The Ladies Auxiliary' by Tova Mirvis is a novel that delves into the lives of Orthodox Jewish women in Memphis, Tennessee. The story revolves around the arrival of a newcomer, Batsheva, who disrupts the community with her unorthodox behavior and challenges the traditions and norms of the community. Through the collective voice of the women in the community, the novel explores themes of identity, faith, community dynamics, and the clash between individualism and tradition. The narrative unfolds as the community grapples with change, insecurities, and the impact of Batsheva's presence on their tightly-knit world.
The book is characterized by its intricate portrayal of the Orthodox Jewish community in Memphis, blending religious traditions with Southern culture. Mirvis weaves a narrative that offers insights into the complexities of faith, belonging, and tradition, while also highlighting the struggles and conflicts faced by the characters as they navigate personal beliefs and community expectations. The novel's plot unfolds with a mix of drama, introspection, and societal commentary, drawing readers into a world where individuality clashes with conformity, leading to a poignant exploration of community dynamics and personal growth.
BATSHEVA APPEARED IN OUR lives on a Friday afternoon as we were getting ready for Shabbos. It was inappropriate that she moved in when she did. Not that there was any religious prohibition against it,... - #6
Save:"We Wish You Luck" by Caroline Zancan is a novel that takes readers inside the writing process and the hard work of an MFA program. Set at a small Vermont campus, the story follows students in a low residency MFA program, focusing on the fascination and obsession that develops among classmates towards three individuals. The narrative is told through a collective voice of the students, giving multiple perspectives and conflicting accounts of events, with a plot centered around revenge and the dynamics within the group.
There is no train ride in the world prettier than the one from New York’s Penn Station to Albany. Ten of the seventeen people in our class took that train up to the first June residency. The solemn, s... - #7
Save:"Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker follows the story of four women working at a large corporation in Dallas who decide to take legal action against their boss for sexual harassment. As they uncover corporate cover-ups and face the aftermath of their actions, a mystery unfolds surrounding the death of their CEO and the potential replacement, Ames Garrett. The novel delves into important themes of workplace harassment, women empowerment, and friendship, with a mix of thriller elements and social commentary. The writing style is described as a mix of narrative storytelling, interwoven with police interviews and depositions, keeping readers engaged until the very end.
Before that day, our lives raced along an invisible roller-coaster track, a cart fastened to the rails through engineering and forces we couldn’t wholly grasp, despite our superabundance of academic d... - #8
Save:'The Corner That Held Them' by Sylvia Townsend Warner is a unique historical novel that delves into the lives of nuns in a convent in Norfolk from the 12th to the 14th century. The book focuses on the daily struggles, relationships, and power dynamics within the convent, set against the backdrop of historical events like the Black Death and the Peasants' Revolt. Warner's writing style is described as atmospheric and evocative, painting a vivid picture of medieval convent life with intricate details and authentic conditions.
Alianor de Retteville lay on her bed and looked at Giles who was her lover. She did not speak. She had nothing to say. He did not speak either. They were not alone, for in a corner of the room an old ... "That Distant Land: The Collected Stories" by Wendell Berry is a compilation of short stories that span over a century, focusing on the changes in agricultural and rural life in Port William, Kentucky. The stories feature well-developed characters like the Feltner, Coulter, and Catlett families, showcasing the connection between the community, the land, and honoring commitments. Berry's writing style evokes a simpler time and place, capturing the essence of human interactions and values through the lens of fictional Kentuckian town Fort William.
The narratives in the book delve into themes of memory, history, and the interconnectedness of people with the land. Berry's gentle and reflective writing style presents a continuum of human society, portraying characters evolving through generations, marriages, and deaths, all intertwined with the rich tapestry of the community. The stories provide a glimpse into a world prior to the modern influences of materialism and secularism, offering a reflection on a time when people were more at ease with their place in the world.
- #10
Save:'To Hold the Bridge' by Garth Nix is a collection of short stories that includes a novella set in the Old Kingdom series. The book offers a wide range of stories in various genres from fantasy to sci-fi to fairy tales, showcasing Nix's imaginative and well-constructed worlds. The stories feature captivating characters and span different themes such as coming of age, action-adventure, and mystery, making it an enjoyable read for fans of fantasy and science fiction.
The novella 'To Hold the Bridge' tells the story of Morghan, a poor orphan who enrolls as a company cadet in the 'Bridge Company,' forming unexpected bonds with his comrades and discovering a deeper connection to the bridge. The collection includes stories that range from fantasy to mystery to science fiction, with characters that come to life and plots that span different time periods, offering readers a diverse selection of engaging and well-written tales.
MORGHAN STOOD UNDER THE ARCH of the aqueduct and watched the main gate of the Bridge Company’s legation, across the way. The tall, twin leaves of the gate were open, so he could see into the courtyard...
