Books matching: cruelty and survival
28 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Underneath' by Kathi Appelt is a beautifully written story that weaves together multiple narratives, including the lives of a mother cat and her kittens, a hound dog, a mystical creature named Grandmother Moccasin, and a malevolent character named Gar Face. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, friendship, abuse, and the power of common bonds amidst cruelty and hatred. The plot unfolds in the southern bayou, blending elements of reality with mythology, Native American folklore, and supernatural beings like serpents and shape-shifters.
The writing style in 'The Underneath' is described as poetic, lyrical, and evocative, capturing both the beauty and harshness of the world portrayed in the story. The book tells a complex tale that mixes magic, shifts in time and place, and rich imagery, creating a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
THERE IS NOTHING lonelier than a cat who has been loved, at least for a while, and then abandoned on the side of the road. A small calico cat. Her family, the one she lived with, has left her in this ... - #2
Save:'Batavia's Graveyard: The True Story of the Mad Heretic Who Led History's Bloodiest Mutiny' by Mike Dash is a harrowing true account of a mutiny and shipwreck involving the Dutch East India Company's ship Batavia in the 17th century. The story unfolds on Beacon Island near Australia, where survivors faced barbaric rule and mass killings led by a charismatic but deranged ship's officer. Dash's writing style brings to life the dreadful descent into evil of the shipwrecked survivors, highlighting the flaws in human personalities that fueled the violent events.
Cornelisz came originally from Friesland, one of the most isolated and northerlyof the United Provinces. It was a place apart, largely rural and with borders so wellprotected by a dense barrier of pea... - #3
Save:"Mistress of Rome" by Kate Quinn follows the story of Thea, a Jewish slave girl living in ancient Rome, and her lover Arius, a gladiator. The plot involves intrigue, cruelty, love, and fighting, with a cast of characters including the Emperor of Rome and the malicious Lepida Pollia. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gripping, and rich in historical detail, painting a vivid picture of Ancient Rome.
THE atmosphere at the Mars Street gladiator school was contented, convivial, and masculine as the tired fighters trooped in through the gates. Twenty fighters had sallied out to join the main battle o... Su Tong's novel Rice, translated effectively by Howard Goldblatt, is a riveting read with unforgettable scenes of cruelty. The author peoples the book with vivid characters caught in a struggle for survival within a family that is of the take-no-prisoners variety. The plot revolves around a poor country boy, Five Dragons, seeking his fortune in the big city and eventually being taken in by the wealthy Feng family who run a rice emporium. The narrative is layered with themes of hunger, power, and revenge, serving as a symbol for the turning point in Chinese history before the Communist takeover. The story unfolds in a bleak nest of vipers family saga in southern China during the early 20th century, where the characters are bitter, hate-filled, and cruel, leading to the self-destructive downfall of the Feng clan.
In contrast, another reader found the representation of rice as an aphrodisiac and instrument of sexual torture to be fetishistic rather than cultural or historical. The book was critiqued for lacking a wider discussion on the topic, with a focus on one character's fixation on rice stuffing without much exploration of its deeper significance or motivations.
- #5
Save:'Three Sisters: A Novel' by Heather Morris is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the incredible journey of three sisters who, despite enduring unimaginable horrors at Auschwitz, managed to find hope, love, and strength to survive. Heather Morris's writing style beautifully captures the resilience and courage of these women, turning their harrowing experiences into a poignant story of family, determination, and the power of love.
Through the eyes of the readers, the book portrays the atrocities faced by the sisters during their time in Auschwitz, highlighting the themes of survival, endurance, and the unbreakable bond of family. Morris weaves a narrative that not only sheds light on the dark chapters of history but also celebrates the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity, resonating with readers long after they have turned the final page.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Tattooist of Auschwitz ) The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz is a gripping account of a Polish soldier's escape from a Siberian labor camp during WWII. The soldier embarks on an incredible journey, walking thousands of miles through harsh terrains like the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas to reach freedom in India. The book portrays the horrors of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering determination to survive against all odds.
The book is written in a straightforward, no-nonsense style that presents the story as a harsh truth rather than a dramatized narrative. It details the author's arrest, torture, and time in a Siberian prison camp, followed by a daring escape with fellow prisoners, highlighting the incredible journey of survival and endurance that they undertake.
IT WAS about nine o’clock one bleak November day that the key rattled in the heavy lock of my cell in the Lubyanka Prison and the two broad-shouldered guards marched purposefully in. I had been walkin...- #7
Save:"Ruinsong" by Julia Ember is a dark fantasy novel that follows the story of two young women, Cadence and Remi, in a world where magic is wielded through enchanted songs. Cadence, the queen's Principal singer, uses her magical songs to torture the queen's enemies, mainly the nobles. Remi, the daughter of a Viscount, wishes for the queen's oppressive reign to end. The book explores themes of power, rebellion, and sacrifice as the characters navigate a world filled with intricate world-building, dark magic, and sapphic romance. The writing style immerses readers into a world where the beauty of music clashes with the destructive force of magic, creating a unique and original setting.
The plot of "Ruinsong" is driven by the characters of Cadence and Remi, who are complex and fully developed. The story delves into their struggles, desires, and relationships, particularly focusing on their evolving connection amidst a backdrop of oppression and rebellion. The author weaves together elements of magic, politics, and romance to create a captivating narrative that explores themes of resilience and standing up against cruelty. The book's pacing, while slow at times, builds towards a climactic ending that poses questions about sacrifice, trust, and the limits of power.
I LIGHT THE CANDLESand hum as the prayer chimes begin. The heat from each candle propels a tiny wooden fan connected to an individual music box. The bronze bells inside the boxes each emit one note, p... 'Jungle: A Harrowing True Story of Survival in the Amazon' by Yossi Ghinsberg recounts the gripping and harrowing tale of survival in the Amazon rainforest. The narrative follows Yossi and his companions as they embark on a jungle trek that quickly turns into a fight for survival. The plot unfolds with intense and exciting moments that keep readers on the edge of their seats, showcasing the author's strong determination and will to live amidst the unforgiving wilderness. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and immersive, making it a captivating non-fiction read that delves into themes of survival, resilience, and human folly.
If I had never fallen in with Marcus in Puno, I might never have met Kevin or crossed paths with Karl. If I hadn't met Karl that morning in La Paz, Kevin might well have spent Christmas with his famil...- #9
Save:"Bad Games" by Jeff Menapace is a dark psychological thriller that delves into the twisted minds of dangerous psychopaths on a spree. The story follows the Lambert family as they become victims of psychopaths intent on their demise, with gripping and suspenseful plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Menapace's unique writing style is praised for its ability to evoke feelings of fear, trepidation, and entertainment, making it a must-read for fans of horror with elements of blood and gore.
The series explores the concept of nature versus nurture, delving into the origins of psychopathic tendencies and the consequences of trauma on individuals. Readers are left questioning the motives of serial killers and the impact of upbringing on their behavior, as the characters navigate through harrowing experiences that test their limits and sanity.
And yet, a few miles later, it was the same white Pontiac that made Patrick stop for gas. Had the car not been parked next to one of the pumps at the battered station, Patrick would have driven past w... - #10
Save:The Cellar by Minette Walters is a novella that explores the psychological impact of cruelty through a dark and compelling story. The plot revolves around Mina, an abused child who gains control of a household after the youngest son goes missing. The book delves into themes of power, evil, and revenge, with well-developed characters and a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged. Walters' writing style is described as brisk, articulate, and attention to detail, creating a taut and edge-of-your-seat suspenseful atmosphere throughout the story.
