Books matching: conquest and war
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- #1
Save:The Moon Is Down, written by John Steinbeck, is a short novel set in an unnamed European country during World War II, where the country is invaded and conquered by an unnamed enemy. The story revolves around the occupation of a small town, the struggles faced by the townspeople under oppression, and their resistance against the invaders. The writing style is described as simple yet powerful, with vivid characters and a subtle sense of humor that balances the drama of the situation, making it an enjoyable and touching read.
By ten-forty-five it was all over. The town was occupied, the defenders defeated, and the war finished. The invader had prepared for this campaign as carefully as he had for larger ones. On this Sunda... - #2
Save:"Caesar" by Colleen McCullough is the fifth installment in the 'Masters of Rome' series, focusing on Julius Caesar's rise to power, his Gallic Wars, and the subsequent civil war against Pompey's faction. The plot delves into the intricacies of Roman politics, the clash of powerful leaders like Caesar, Pompey, and Cato, and the historical events that shaped Ancient Rome. The writing style is described as detailed, immersive, and historically accurate, bringing to life the characters and the political climate of the time.
The orders were that while Caesar and the major part of his army were in Britannia, none but the most urgent communications were to be sent to him; even directives from the Senate had to wait in Portu...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Masters of Rome ) - #3
Save:This well researched biography of one of the great men of history is well worth reading for anyone interested in nineteenth century history or its further implications for today. Roberts compares mountains of previous biographies as well as documents discovered as recently as the last decade in order to give a balanced view of the man and his amazing career. Despite the length, it is nevertheless a concise history, answering all the main questions about Napoleon's rise and fall, the times he lived in and the major characters, both political and personal, involved. Roberts is an obvious admirer of the man, but spends a lot of time analyzing the character flaws and weaknesses that ultimately kept him from achieving his ultimate goals. The book is well written, enjoyable to read.
Andrew Roberts makes a good set of choices and provides a good overview of the life and work of Napoleon. The book is, however, a challenge to read, particularly on a Kindle. You need to have a good understanding of European geography which the maps in the Kindle edition are not up to. I needed to use an atlas while reading the book. You also have a challenge to keep up with all of the people mentioned in the book. Finally, I found the description of the battles somewhat weak in comparison to other military history books. Despite these challenges, the book is a good way to get acquainted with Napoleon.
‘The hero of a tragedy, in order to interest us, should be neither wholly guilty nor wholly innocent . . . All weakness and all contradictions are unhappily in the heart of man, and present a colourin... - #4
Save:In "The Wolf and the Dove" by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, the story is set during the Norman Conquest and follows the capture of Aislinn of Darkenwald by the Norman invaders. Torn between loyalty to her Saxon people and her growing feelings for Wulfgar, the Iron Wolf of Normandy, Aislinn must navigate the complexities of love amidst a backdrop of war and betrayal. The writing style of the book combines vivid descriptions of medieval times with moments of intense passion, creating a tale that transports readers to a world of knights, castles, and forbidden romance.
Despite the controversial themes and challenging character dynamics, the novel is praised for its attempt to realistically portray the values and mores of the time period within the romance genre. The book delves into complex relationships, turbulent emotions, and the clash of cultures, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical romances that explore the darker aspects of love and desire.
The clash of battle rang no more. The screams and the moans of the wounded were silenced one by one. The night lay quiet and time seemed suspended. The autumn moon, bloody hued and weary, shone upon t... - #5
Save:'The Forever War' by Joe Haldeman is a classic science fiction novel that explores the concept of a thousand-year space war between humans and an alien species. The book delves into the ups and downs of war, the impact on soldiers returning to a society they no longer feel connected to, and the disillusionment that follows. Written by an ex-Vietnam soldier, the novel is a compelling work that reflects on themes of romance, sexuality, and social changes, all set against the backdrop of a futuristic war.
The narrative of 'The Forever War' follows the protagonist through near-light-speed travels to various battles, each time returning to an Earth that has drastically changed due to time dilation effects. The story skillfully combines elements of action, military intrigue, and social commentary, creating a thought-provoking exploration of war in space and the consequences of relativity on both military action and societal evolution.
“Tonight we’re going to show you eight silent ways to kill a man.” The guy who said that was a sergeant who didn’t look five years older than me. So if he’d ever killed a man in combat, silently or ot... - #6
Save:'Young Bloods' by Simon Scarrow is the first book in the 'Revolution Quartet' series, focusing on the lives of Napoleon Bonaparte and Arthur Wellesley, who later becomes the Duke of Wellington. The book covers their childhood, early political and military careers, and the similarities and differences in their paths towards becoming renowned military leaders. Set against the backdrop of historical events like the French Revolution and the war against Prussia, Britain, and Holland, the narrative captures the rise of these two figures from young men to powerful strategists. The author's captivating storytelling style brings to life the journey of Napoleon and Wellington, shedding light on their amorous adventures, military exploits, and eventual convergence at Waterloo.
The book is praised for its well-researched portrayal of Napoleon and Wellington, offering a unique insight into their characters and the historical events that shaped their destinies. Readers appreciate the detailed information provided about these iconic figures and their eventual meeting at Waterloo. The engaging narrative style, blending historical facts with entertaining storytelling, makes 'Young Bloods' an immersive read for fans of historical fiction and military history enthusiasts alike.
With a last look back into the dimly lit room the midwife withdrew and closed the door behind her. She turned to the figure at the other end of the hall. Poor man, she thought to herself, unconscious... - #7
Save:'Gardens of the Moon' in the series 'Malazan Book of the Fallen' by Steven Erikson introduces readers to a vast and complex world filled with intricate plots and fascinating characters. The story weaves together multiple storylines that eventually converge, creating a rich and compelling narrative that challenges readers with its depth and scope. Erikson's writing style immerses readers in a world where alliances shift, actions are complex, and choices have profound consequences, all while exploring themes of power, magic, and the involvement of gods in mortal affairs.
“Prod and pull,” the old woman was saying, “’tis the way of the Empress, as like the gods themselves.” She leaned to one side and spat, then brought a soiled cloth to her wrinkled lips. “Three husband... - #8
Save:'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of a bombardier named Yossarian. The story delves into the absurdity and insanity of military life, highlighting the struggles of individuals trying to navigate through a world where life is cheap and the rules seem designed to ensure no escape from the horrors of war. Through a fragmented narrative style, the author weaves a darkly humorous tale that provides insights into the futility of war and the importance of self-preservation amidst chaos.
The writing style of 'Catch-22' is characterized by its witty banter, dark humor, and satirical take on the bureaucracy and illogical reasoning prevalent in wartime. The narrative jumps between characters, time periods, and locations, creating a chaotic yet engaging reading experience. Heller's exploration of the themes of insanity, morality, and the absurdity of life is delivered through a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on the human condition.
Yossarian was in the hospital with a pain in his liver that fell just short of being jaundice. The doctors were puzzled by the fact that it wasn’t quite jaundice. If it became jaundice they could trea... A fourteen-year-old orphan with a magical affinity for baking named Mona finds herself accused of murder when she discovers a dead body in her family's bakery. She is swept into a world of treachery and threatened invasion, where she must use her magical baking skills to save her home city. The book combines elements of fantasy, humor, political intrigue, and heartwarming moments, as Mona navigates through a dangerous situation with the help of unique characters like a sentient sourdough starter and gingerbread warriors.
The story delves into themes of heroism, duty, and the power of imagination, as a young protagonist is forced to step up and face challenges beyond her years. The writing style is described as fast-paced, funny, and endearing, with a mix of dark moments balanced by moments of wit and humor. The book's world-building is praised for its creativity and thoughtful exploration of magic, making it an engaging and enjoyable read for both young adult and adult audiences.
I let out an undignified yelp and backed up a step, then another, until I ran into the bakery door. We keep the door open most of the time because the big ovens get swelteringly hot otherwise, but it ...- #10
Save:Isabel Allende's novel 'Ines of My Soul' is a historical fiction that chronicles the conquest of Chile by Spain in the 1500s through the perspective of the main character, Dona Ines Suarez. The book weaves together historical facts with a touch of imagination, portraying the brutal realities of the colonization of the Americas. Readers are taken on a journey through the life of Ines, a strong and complex woman who played a significant role in the conquest of Chile, while also exploring themes of love, passion, perseverance, and conflict.
The narrative is primarily told in the first person, giving the impression of reading Ines' memoirs. Allende's writing style is described as factual yet engaging, with just enough touch of 'magic' to make the story enjoyable and readable. The book touches on the atrocities committed during that period, providing a nuanced perspective on the conquest and the interactions between the Spanish conquistadors and the native people of Chile.
I AM INÉS SUÁREZ, a townswoman of the loyal city of Santiago de Nueva Extremadura in the kingdom of Chile, writing in the year of Our Lord 1580. I am not sure of the exact date of my birth, but accord...
