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Books matching: contemporary england setting

57 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 57 
  1. #1

    A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
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    'A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness is a heart-wrenching story about a 13-year-old boy named Conor who is struggling to cope with his mother's terminal cancer. Throughout the book, Conor is visited by a monster who guides him through dealing with his mother's illness and helps him confront his deepest fears and emotions. The story explores themes of grief, loss, and acceptance in a poignant and honest manner. The writing style is described as beautifully written, quick-paced, and emotionally impactful, with illustrations that complement the narrative perfectly.

    He’d had a nightmare. Well, not a nightmare. The nightmare. The one he’d been having a lot lately. The one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming. The one with the hands slipping from his gr...

  2. #2

    Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
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    'Anatomy of a Scandal' by Sarah Vaughan delves into the scandal surrounding British MP James Whitehouse, who is accused of rape by a coworker after having an affair with her. The story unfolds from multiple perspectives, including that of the prosecutor, Kate Woodcroft, who is convinced of James' guilt, and his wife, Sophie, who stands by him but begins to question the truth. explores themes of privilege, consent, power dynamics, and the intersection of personal lives with public personas, all set against the backdrop of a high-stakes legal case. The plot is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and timely, resonating with current events and societal issues.

    My wig slumps on my desk where I have tossed it like flattened roadkill. Out of court, I am careless with this crucial part of my wardrobe, showing it the opposite of what it should command: respect. ...

  3. #3

    The English: a Portrait of a People by Jeremy Paxman
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    'The English: a Portrait of a People' by Jeremy Paxman delves into the complexities of English identity, exploring the cultural nuances and historical influences that shape the English character. Paxman attempts to unravel the mystery of what it truly means to be English, touching on topics such as national identity, class distinctions, regional differences, and the impact of historical events on the English psyche. Through a mix of historical analysis, social commentary, and personal observations, Paxman paints a vivid yet critical picture of the English people, highlighting their quirks, contradictions, and evolving sense of self in a rapidly changing world.

    Once upon a time the English knew who they were. There was such a ready list of adjectives to hand. They were polite, unexcitable, reserved and had hot-water bottles instead of a sex life: how they re...

  4. #4

    Checking Out by Nick Spalding
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    'Checking Out' by Nick Spalding follows the story of Nathan James, a man who seemingly has it all - a luxurious lifestyle, a successful career, and a beautiful girlfriend. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he receives the devastating news of having an inoperable brain tumor, leading him to confront his mortality and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Through a series of hilarious and heartwarming adventures, Nathan navigates his newfound reality, finding humor and humanity amidst the challenges he faces. The book combines moments of rib-tickling laughter with touching insights, offering a unique blend of comedy and emotional depth. Spalding's writing style infuses British humor and wit, creating a narrative that balances light-hearted humor with poignant reflections on life and death.

    Right as I’m about to start taking questions, my uninhibited girlfriend has given me a seductive wink and pulled her slinky red dress up over her thighs to reveal the fact that she’s evidently forgott...

  5. #5

    Snobs by Julian Fellowes
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    "Snobs" by Julian Fellowes is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between the landed titled class and the entertainment world, delving into the dynamics of social classes and the pursuit of acceptance and status. Through sharp observations and witty dialogue, the author paints a realistic picture of characters navigating the complexities of English society, particularly focusing on the pursuit of social standing and acceptance among the aristocracy. The plot follows a group of individuals trying to break into the upper class society through various means such as real estate, social gatherings, and matrimony, prompting readers to question what truly defines a snob and the factors that contribute to one's social status.

    I do not know exactly how Edith Lavery came first to be taken up by Isabel Easton. Probably they had a friend in common or sat on some committee together, or perhaps they just went to the same hairdre...

  6. #6

    The Annihilation Score - Laundry Files by Charles Stross
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    'The Annihilation Score' in the 'Laundry Files' series by Charles Stross is a departure from the previous books, shifting the perspective from Bob to his wife Mo. The story follows Mo as she navigates a world where magic is becoming more prevalent, leading people to believe in superheroes. Mo is tasked with organizing a team of emerging superheroes to combat the rising menace, all while dealing with the challenges of observing regulations and managing her personal life, including her strained marriage to Bob. The narrative explores themes of bureaucratic infighting, Lovecraftian horror, and the looming paranormal apocalypse, providing a satirical yet suspenseful take on urban fantasy and the supernatural world.

    The writing style in 'The Annihilation Score' is characterized by dry British humor, a mix of horror and comedy, and a focus on bureaucratic absurdity amidst the impending apocalypse. The plot delves into Mo's internal struggles, her relationships with other characters, and the challenges she faces as she tries to balance her role in the Laundry with her new responsibilities in handling a team of superheroes. The novel offers a fresh perspective on the series, introducing Mo as a complex protagonist grappling with personal demons and professional dilemmas in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.

    My husband is sometimes a bit slow on the uptake; you’d think that after ten years together he’d have realized that our relationship consisted of him, me, and a bone-white violin made for a Mad Scient...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Laundry Files )

  7. #7

    The Dead Fathers Club by Matt Haig
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    The Dead Fathers Club by Matt Haig is a modern retelling of Hamlet, told from the perspective of an 11-year-old boy named Philip Noble. After Philip's father dies in a car accident, his father's ghost appears to him, revealing that he was murdered by Philip's Uncle Alan. The ghost tasks Philip with avenging his death by killing Uncle Alan, who is trying to take over his father's pub. As Philip navigates grief, adolescence, and family drama, he grapples with the moral dilemma of seeking revenge while also dealing with the challenges of everyday life. The book's writing style is unique, featuring long sentences, lack of punctuation, and a breathless, adolescent narrative that draws readers into Philip's world.

    Uncle Alan who is Dads brother was there wearing his suit that was tight with his neck pouring over like the beer over the glass. His big hands still had the black on them from mending cars at the Gar...

  8. #8

    Checkout 19 by Claire-Louise Bennett
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    'Checkout 19' by Claire-Louise Bennett is a unique and unconventional novel that challenges traditional storytelling. The book delves into the world of books, reading, and writing, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The author's writing style is described as zany, boundless, and filled with stream-of-consciousness narration that takes readers on a journey through the narrator's thoughts and experiences.

    Later on we often had a book with us. Later on. When we were a bit bigger at last though still nowhere near as big as the rest of them we brought over books with us. Oh loads of books. And sat with th...

  9. #9

    While My Eyes Were Closed by Linda Green
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    'While My Eyes Were Closed' by Linda Green follows the gripping psychological thriller of Lisa Dale, whose four-year-old daughter, Ella, goes missing during a game of hide and seek in a park. The story delves into the aftermath of Ella's disappearance, exploring the emotional turmoil of Lisa and her family as they navigate the search for Ella and cope with the devastating situation. Through multiple perspectives, including that of the kidnapper, the novel weaves a tale of suspense, emotion, and drama, highlighting themes of grief, revenge, mental health issues, and maternal love.

    The writing style of the book is described as thought-provoking, raw, and full of fear, worry, and tension. Readers praise the excellent characterisation, with well-developed characters like Lisa, Muriel, and Matthew driving the narrative forward. The story unfolds with compelling narration, escalating tension, and a focus on family dynamics, making it a captivating read within the psychological thriller genre.


  10. #10
    The Time Bubble
    Book 1 in the series:The Time Bubble

    The Time Bubble - The Time Bubble by Jason Ayres
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    The Time Bubble by Jason Ayres is a time travel novel that introduces readers to a unique concept of a time bubble that propels individuals forward in time whenever they walk through it. The story focuses on a group of teenagers who discover this time bubble and the consequences that arise from their interactions with it. The plot unfolds with a blend of character-driven narrative and exploration of the implications of time travel, offering a fresh take on the genre. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of character development, teenage romance, and elements of suspense that keep readers intrigued throughout the book.


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