Books matching: complexities of political power
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A brisk, inspiring peek into one of the best biographers’ minds - equal parts writing advice, research detective tales, and love letter to curiosity. Perfect for writers, researchers, and Caro enthusiasts alike.
Robert A. Caro's book 'Working: Researching, Interviewing, Writing' delves into the life of a renowned biographer, showcasing his meticulous research and writing process. Caro provides insights into his work on figures like Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson, emphasizing the human costs and benefits of power. The book not only explores the lives of these influential individuals but also sheds light on Caro's own experiences, making it a captivating read for history enthusiasts and aspiring writers alike.
People are always asking me why I chose Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson to write about. Well, I must say I never thought of my books as the stories of Moses or Johnson. I never had the slightest inter...April 2019•240 pages- #2
Save:'Requiem for the American Dream: The 10 Principles of Concentration of Wealth & Power' by Kelly Nyks, Jared P. Scott, Peter Hutchinson, Noam Chomsky delves into the evolution of American politics and the concentration of wealth and power. Through a critical analysis of the political landscape, the book explores how the two major parties have shifted over time, highlighting the influence of corporate elites and the impact on the working class. Noam Chomsky's straightforward writing style presents a compelling narrative on wealth inequality, social imbalance, and the erosion of democracy in the United States.
RIGHT THROUGH American history, there’s been an ongoing clash between pressure for more freedom and democracy coming from below, and efforts at elite control and domination coming from above. It goes...March 2017•192 pages - #3
Save:A challenging but rewarding Shakespearean tragedy that explores political power, pride, and the dangers of being above the crowd. Not as famous or immediately gripping as Hamlet or Othello, but it’s a goldmine for fans of dark, nuanced drama - especially if you watch a good performance!
Coriolanus by William Shakespeare is a play that delves into power, politics, and masculinity through the life of Caius Marcius, a Roman soldier who becomes known as Coriolanus after a victorious battle. The story follows Coriolanus' journey from being a revered general to facing exile due to his contempt towards the citizens he once fought for. The play's language is dense and complex, portraying the tensions within Roman political life and exploring intimate relationships between Coriolanus, his ambitious mother Volumnia, and his enemy Aufidius.
1593•128 pages - #4
Save:Ambitious, atmospheric, and richly written, The Betrayals is a genre-blending tale of secrets and power - but its deliberate ambiguity and slow pace won't work for everyone. A must-try if you like your fiction enigmatic and beautifully crafted.
In an alternate universe resembling France during the 1930s, 'The Betrayals' by Bridget Collins unfolds at Montverre, a prestigious academic institution focused solely on a complex art form known as the 'grand jeu'. The novel follows Leo Martin, a disgraced politician exiled to Montverre, where he must confront past tragedies and navigate a web of secrets and betrayals. Leo's interactions with the first female Magister Ludi, Claire Dryden, drive the heart of the story, set against a backdrop of political turmoil and academic rivalry. The narrative weaves between past and present, slowly revealing mysteries and emotions while exploring themes of love, betrayal, friendship, and deception.
The book intricately explores the intricate world of the grand jeu, combining elements of math, music, philosophy, and life lessons. Through multiple perspectives, diary entries, and mysterious characters, the story delves into political intrigue, backstabbing betrayals, unlikely love stories, and secretive government interference. Despite its unique setting and ambitious storytelling, 'The Betrayals' captivates readers with its compelling plot, well-executed story, and a blend of past and present narratives that keep the reader engaged until the unpredictable ending.
Tonight the moonlight makes the floor of the Great Hall into a game board. Every high window casts a bright lattice, dividing the hall into black and white, squares and margins. The ranks of wooden be...November 2020•421 pages - #5
Save:A thoroughly researched, nuanced deep dive into the Spanish Civil War - fascinating and indispensable for serious history readers, though perhaps overwhelming for those new to the subject.
The Battle For Spain by Antony Beevor is a comprehensive account of the Spanish Civil War, delving into the complexities of the conflict involving various factions like nationalists, republicans, anarchists, and communists. The book explores the international dimensions of the struggle, highlighting the involvement of major powers like Germany, Italy, and the Soviet Union. Antony Beevor's writing style provides a detailed narrative of the war, focusing on the battlefield, political controversies, and the internal conflicts within different groups in Spain.
Antony Beevor's The Battle For Spain offers a detailed examination of the Spanish Civil War, tracing its origins back to historical divisions in Spain and exploring the aftermath of the conflict until the death of the dictator Franco. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Beevor sheds light on the brutalities of the war, the political maneuvering of different factions, and the impact of foreign interventions on the outcome of the conflict.
On an unsurfaced road in Andalucia or Estremadura, one of the first automobiles in Spain has broken down. In the photograph a young man grasps the steering wheel. He is not very good-looking, due to a...1982•576 pages - #6
Save:A vivid, character-driven slice of Depression-era Albany with sharp writing and real heart - perfect for fans of historical fiction and urban dramas, but perhaps overwhelming for those after a breezier or simpler tale.
'Billy Phelan's Greatest Game' is set in Albany during the Depression era and revolves around the kidnapping of the son of one of the powerful McCall brothers. The story primarily follows Billy Phelan, a street hustler with a strict personal code, and Martin Daugherty, a journalist, as they reluctantly become involved in the kidnapping case. The novel delves into the relationships between fathers and sons, exploring themes of Irish Catholicism, political power, and the complexities of Albany's underworld. The writing style effortlessly portrays the tensions between different religions, races, and economic classes, offering a glimpse into the historical and social intricacies of the time.
1978•294 pages - #7
Save:Gorgeously original, powerful, and emotionally rich. If you’re seeking smart, character-driven epic fantasy with real-world depth, The Shadowed Sun is a must-read - but be ready for dark and challenging themes.
The Shadowed Sun is the second book in N.K. Jemisin's Dreamblood Series, set 10 years after the events of The Killing Moon. The story follows the aftermath of the Kisuati occupation of Gujaareeh, focusing on the first female Sharer healer in the priesthood, Hanani, as she navigates through oppressive rule, a mysterious plague, and political unrest. The book delves into themes of rebellion, romance, power struggles, trauma recovery, and the complexities of dreams within a richly built Egyptian-like setting with a unique magic system.
There were two hundred and fifty-six places where a man could hide within his own flesh. The soldier dying beneath Hanani’s hands had fled to someplace deep. She had searched his heart and brain and g... - #8
Save:A moody, detail-rich alternative history mystery that’s bold and rewarding for adventurous readers, but its dense style and ambitious mixing of genres may challenge your patience.
Set in an alternative future where the Ottoman Empire rules the world, 'Pashazade' is the first part of the Arabesk trilogy by Jon Courtenay Grimwood. The story follows Asref Bey, who finds himself in El Iskandryia, Alexandria, summoned by his aunt to marry a cousin he has never met. When he refuses and his aunt dies, Asref is thrust into a world of political intrigue and mystery, struggling to navigate a society with advanced technology and aristocratic power. The plot is driven by the setting, offering a fresh take on a familiar story with intertwined flashbacks that delve into Asref's past and future.
The writing style of 'Pashazade' has been described as fast-paced, elegant, and fun, with a cyberpunk veneer overlaying the exotic setting of El Iskandryia. Readers have praised the book for its convoluted mystery, cultural clash, and intricate plotlines that keep them engaged throughout the narrative.
The sound of fountains came in stereo. A deep splash from the courtyard below and a lighter trickle from the next room, where open arches cut in a wall overlooking the courtyard had marble balustrades...May 2001•384 pages Pact is a brutal, mind-bending urban fantasy that’s as clever as it is unforgiving. If you’re up for high stakes and intense magical intrigue, it’s a free web serial worth diving into - just make sure you’re ready for a wild, sometimes merciless ride.
'Pact' by Wildbow is an Urban Fantasy web serial that follows the main character as he navigates a world filled with witches, demons, fae, and other magical creatures. The protagonist faces continuous challenges and obstacles, often resorting to making dangerous deals in order to survive, all while experiencing a progression in power that comes with a cost. The storyline is dark and intense, with real stakes and consequences that keep readers engaged throughout the 950 thousand-word count.
There was a car, my parent’s or my uncle’s, no doubt, parked in the middle of the gates, at the foot of a long driveway, leading up to Hillsglade House. Symbolic, really, of everything that had gone o...- #10
Save:A richly layered, emotionally resonant take on power, postcolonialism, and human nature - essential reading for those ready to engage with weighty themes and Achebe’s brilliant prose.
'Anthills of the Savannah' by Chinua Achebe is a postcolonial novel set in the fictional African country of Kangan, focusing on the lives of three childhood friends who hold significant political positions in the new government. The story delves into the challenges of newfound independence, power struggles, and the consequences of political corruption. Achebe weaves a narrative that explores themes of dictatorship, rebellion, and the complexities of leadership in a postcolonial society, providing a thought-provoking commentary on African politics.
The book presents a dark and introspective look at the impact of power and corruption on individuals and society, transitioning from satire to a serious examination of political turmoil. Through multiple narrators, Achebe paints a vivid picture of the confusion and struggles faced by the nation and its leaders, offering insights into the dynamics of postcolonial Africa and the human condition.
For a full minute or so the fury of his eyes lay on me. Briefly our eyes had been locked in combat. Then I had lowered mine to the shiny table-top in ceremonial capitulation. Long silence. But he was...1987•242 pages
