Books matching: cross cultural friendship
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Guests of the Sheik: An Ethnography of an Iraqi Village by Elizabeth Warnock Fernea is a captivating account of the author's time spent living in an Iraqi village between 1957 and 1958. Through rare glimpses into the secluded lives of Shiite women, Fernea provides a unique insight into the culture and traditions of rural Iraq. The book follows Fernea's experiences as a young American wife adapting to a new way of life in the village, her interactions with the women in the community, and her observations on the societal norms and expectations of that time.
Fernea's writing style in Guests of the Sheik is engaging, well-written, and surprisingly self-aware. She presents the information about the Iraqi village and its inhabitants through a series of anecdotes, making the ethnography a compelling and easy read. The author's respectful tone and willingness to learn without passing judgment on cultural differences add depth to the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world she describes.
The night train from Baghdad to Basra was already hissing and creaking in its tracks when Bob and I arrived at the platform. Clouds of steam billowing from the engine hung suspended in the cold Januar...- #2
Save:'The Bastard of Istanbul' by Elif Shafak is a novel that intertwines the lives of a Turkish and an American Armenian family, shedding light on the unmentionable topic of the Armenian genocide. The story follows two young girls, Asya and Armanoush, who discover their shared past and family secrets, bridging the gap between their Turkish and Armenian heritage. Through vivid descriptions of Istanbul and a mix of historical and contemporary fiction, the author explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage, providing insights into the complex relationships between Turks and Armenians.
No matter what might pour down, no matter how heavy the cloudburst or how icy the sleet, you should never ever utter profanities against whatever the heavens might have in store for us. Everybody know... - #3
Save:Heart of a Samurai is a captivating historical fiction novel that follows the journey of a young Japanese boy named Manjiro who gets shipwrecked on an island and is rescued by an American whaling ship. The story unfolds as Manjiro is brought to the USA, raised by the ship's captain, and educated in Massachusetts. Throughout the book, Manjiro's experiences introduce him to new worlds, cultures, and challenges, highlighting themes of curiosity, prejudice, culture shock, and pursuing one's dreams. The writing style is described as insightful, rich, and informative, providing a detailed portrayal of Manjiro's life and the historical context of the 1800s.
As Jusuke steered the boat toward home, the fishermen fell silent. In three days they had not caught a single fish. Their families would go hungry. Manjiro swallowed hard when he thought of the empty ... - #4
Save:'The Far Field' by Madhuri Vijay is a novel that follows the journey of Shalini as she travels to Kashmir in search of answers about her mother's past. The story explores the complexities of relationships, the impact of political conflicts in Kashmir, and the personal growth of the protagonist as she navigates through different cultures and experiences. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, the author delves into themes of privilege, naivety, and the search for understanding in a world filled with violence and uncertainty.
The narrative weaves between Shalini's childhood memories in Bangalore and her present-day quest in Kashmir, painting a picture of a young woman grappling with her own identity while uncovering the truths hidden in her family's past. The author's writing style captures the beauty of the Kashmiri landscape, the struggles of its people, and the emotional journey of the protagonist as she confronts the harsh realities of life and the impact of her actions on those around her.
I know what this sounds like, and I hesitate to begin with something so obvious, but let me say it anyway, at the risk of sounding naïve. And let it stand alongside this: six years ago, a man I knew v... - #5
Save:"The Cowboy and the Cossack" by Clair Huffaker is a captivating tale of cowboys embarking on an extraordinary cattle drive from Montana to Siberia, Russia. The novel intricately weaves together themes of deep friendships, cultural differences, first love, and the challenges faced by the cowboys and Cossacks as they navigate through the harsh landscapes of 19th-century Russia. Told through the eyes of Levi Dougherty, the youngest cowboy in the outfit, the story unfolds as a traditional coming-of-age narrative intertwined with elements of men's adventure and historical exploration.
The plot follows the Slash Diamond outfit led by Shad Northshield as they form a prickly alliance with the Cossacks to drive a herd of Montana Longhorns to the besieged town of Bakaskaya. As the cowboys and Cossacks battle not only external forces like weather, imperial soldiers, and wild animals but also internal conflicts and mutual misconceptions, the story delves into themes of camaraderie, respect, and the bridging of cultural divides amidst a backdrop of rugged landscapes and daring adventures.
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Save:The novel 'Black Dove, White Raven' by Elizabeth Wein follows the story of Em and Teo, two siblings raised by their stunt pilot mothers in the early 1920s. The narrative is set in Ethiopia during the 1930s, amidst the backdrop of the Italian invasion. The story is told through a unique format, incorporating letters, flight logs, fictional stories, and journal entries by the characters, providing a distinct feel and flow to the storytelling. As the characters navigate their way through personal struggles, family bonds, and historical events, they learn to face their fears and make difficult choices that impact their future.
The book delves into themes of friendship, family values, historical accuracy, and the impact of racism and colonial aggression on individuals. Through vivid descriptions of the Ethiopian landscape, rich character development, and imaginative storytelling within the story, 'Black Dove, White Raven' offers a compelling narrative that intertwines personal growth with historical events, creating a captivating and thought-provoking read.
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Save:The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama is a story set during the pre-WWII era, following a young Chinese man named Stephen who is sent to his family's beach house in Japan to recover from tuberculosis. The novel explores Stephen's journey of recovery, friendship, and personal growth as he interacts with the caretaker of the property, Matsu, and other locals, amidst the backdrop of the Japanese invasion of China. Through quiet, serene prose, the book delves into themes of love, acceptance, and cultural differences, providing a poignant portrayal of relationships and life during a tumultuous period in history.
The narrative style of The Samurai's Garden is described as gentle, atmospheric, and character-driven, focusing on the emotional depth of the characters and the relationships they form. The novel intricately weaves together themes of love, friendship, family, and personal discovery against the historical backdrop of WWII, offering a thoughtful exploration of human connections, cultural nuances, and the quiet beauty found in simplicity and everyday moments.
I wanted to find my own way, so this morning I persuaded my father to let me travel alone from his apartment in Kobe to my grandfather’s beach house in Tarumi. It had taken me nearly two weeks to conv... - #8
Save:Set in a world reminiscent of medieval Spain, 'The Lions of Al-Rassan' by Guy Gavriel Kay follows the lives of three main characters from different faiths as they navigate religious strife, political conflicts, and personal relationships. Through intricate storytelling and detailed world-building, Kay weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, war, loss, and the complexities of human nature. The book is praised for its beautiful writing style, fast-paced plot, and well-developed characters who face moral dilemmas and challenges in a world on the brink of change.
Back in the days before Jehane had begun her own practice, in that time when her father could still talk to her, and teach, he had offered those words to her over and again, speaking of the ruling Ash... - #9
Save:"Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder, and a Woman's Search for Justice in Indian Country" is a narrative that intertwines the investigation of a white oil worker's disappearance with the life of Lissa Yellow Bird, a member of the Arikara nation. The book arises from journalist Sierra Crane Murdoch's initial intent to write a magazine story but evolves into an exploration of Lissa's obsession with solving the mystery surrounding the murder of KC Clarke. Alongside the crime narrative, the book delves into tribal history, the impacts of the Bakken oil boom on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, and the personal struggles faced by Lissa as she grapples with her past and the systemic injustices faced by indigenous people. The writing presents a complex portrait of Lissa, her family, and the wider community, often reflecting on the challenges of navigating both indigenous and non-indigenous worlds.
The book’s writing style has been described as meticulous yet occasionally wandering, with some readers noting that it could benefit from tighter editing. While it contains rich background information and personal stories, the narrative sometimes strays from the main thread, leading to a lack of focus and coherence at times. Despite its length and complexity, the author’s voice captures the emotional depth of the characters and the gravity of the issues at hand, providing an evocative and humanized lens into the injustices faced by indigenous communities.
LISSA YELLOW BIRD CANNOT EXPLAIN why she went looking for Kristopher Clarke. The first time I asked her the question, she paused as if I had caught her by surprise, and then she said, “I guess I never... - #10
Save:'The Story Hour' by Thrity Umrigar is a compelling tale that delves into the complex relationships between two women, Maggie and Lakshmi. Maggie, a psychologist, forms a unique bond with Lakshmi, a lonely Indian woman trapped in a loveless marriage. As their stories intertwine, secrets are revealed, friendships are tested, and the boundaries between professional relationships and personal connections blur. The narrative explores themes of love, friendship, forgiveness, and the struggles of individuals from different cultural backgrounds navigating life's challenges.
The book alternates between the perspectives of Lakshmi and Maggie, providing insights into their inner thoughts, motivations, and struggles. Umrigar's writing style intricately weaves together the lives of the characters, offering a poignant portrayal of human emotions, societal expectations, and the complexities of personal relationships.
Then I takes the paper, roll it like a ball of dough, and throws it across from the room. It land on top of the coffee table—why he call it the coffee table when in this house we only drink chai?—and ...
