Books matching: cultural change
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Set in the 1960s in a rural village in England, 'The Limits of Enchantment' follows the story of Fern, a teenage girl raised by a hedgerow healer and traditional midwife, Mammy Cullen. The book explores the clash between old-fashioned ways of life and the encroachment of modern practices, particularly in the field of medicine. As Fern navigates the changing atmosphere of her village, she grapples with her identity as a woman and a witch, torn between traditional beliefs and the evolving society around her. The plot delves into themes of prejudice, trust, friendship, and self-discovery, painting a vivid picture of a community in flux.
- #2
Save:"Dragon Seed" by Pearl S. Buck is a poignant tale set in rural China during the Japanese occupation of the early 20th Century. Through the extended family of Ling Tang, a peasant farmer, the story exposes the horrors of war and explores themes of cultural and generational change. The narrative delves into the transformation of the characters in the face of adversity, showcasing the shift in values, roles of women, and the abandonment of historical practices like arranged marriages. Pearl Buck's masterful writing skillfully reveals Chinese culture to American audiences, painting a believable and intriguing cast of characters while keeping readers engrossed in a foreign time and place.
LING TAN LIFTED HIS head. Over the rice field in which he stood to his knees in water he heard his wife’s high loud voice. Why should the woman call him now in mid-afternoon when it was not time to ea... Facing East from Indian Country by Daniel K. Richter delves into the Native American perspective of early American history, focusing on the impact of white settlement on Native American cultures. Richter reconstructs the experiences of Native Americans living east of the Mississippi River from the time of European contact in the 15th century to the early 19th century. Through a combination of historical research, archaeological findings, and folklore, Richter provides a unique and insightful look at how Native Americans interacted with and adapted to the changing landscape brought about by European colonization.
'We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland' by Fintan O'Toole provides a bracingly honest portrayal of 50 dynamic and turbulent years of Irish history, showing a country caught between maintaining a false image and the reality of Irish society. The writing style is described as luxurious, with both descriptive and lyrical prose, while delving deep into the historical events and transformations that Ireland has experienced since the late 1950s.
The book explores the transformation of Ireland, the dominance of the Catholic Church, the cultural shifts, and the clash of opposing cultures amidst tremendous cultural and economic changes. Fintan O'Toole's personal reflections from his own life within the context of modern Irish history give the book a richer meaning, seamlessly weaving together historical narrative and personal experiences to present a comprehensive view of Ireland's journey into the Twenty First Century.
- #5
Save:The Master of Go by Yasunari Kawabata is a novel that chronicles a championship Go match between an aging master and a younger challenger, set against the backdrop of Japan on the cusp of WWII. Through the game, the story delves into the battle between old traditions and modern pragmatism, capturing a timeless struggle between two strong personalities. Kawabata's writing style is described as subtle, graceful, and delicate, mirroring the strategic and elegant nature of the game of Go.
January 18 is an easy day to remember in Atami. “Remember in years to come the moon of this night of this month,” said Kan’ichi in the famous scene from Kōyō’s melodramatic novel of the nineties, Demo... - #6
Save:'The Sound of the Mountain' by Yasunari Kawabata is a quiet, reflective, and subtle novel that delves into the life of Ogata Shingo, an elderly man grappling with increasing forgetfulness and family issues. Set in post-World War II Japan, the story follows Shingo as he navigates his relationships with his wife, children, and daughter-in-law amidst personal and societal challenges. The narrative beautifully captures the nuances of Japanese culture, nature, and family dynamics, offering a poignant exploration of aging, memory, and responsibility.
Kawabata's writing style in 'The Sound of the Mountain' is described as spare yet rich, with every word and image carrying significant weight. The novel intricately weaves together themes of love, family, mortality, and societal changes, all seen through the lens of Shingo's introspective perspective. Through subtle storytelling and profound observations, Kawabata paints a lyrical and gentle portrait of a family facing internal struggles and external pressures, creating a narrative that resonates with readers long after the final page.
Ogata Shingo, his brow slightly furrowed, his lips slightly parted, wore an air of thought. Perhaps to a stranger it would not have appeared so. It might have seemed rather that something had saddened... Billy Griffiths' book 'Deep Time Dreaming: Uncovering Ancient Australia' delves into the history of the oldest continuous civilization in the world, offering a different perspective on Australian First Nation peoples. Through archaeological discoveries and cultural insights, the book explores the complex relationship between Indigenous Australians and the land over thousands of years. Griffiths showcases the evolution of attitudes towards Aboriginal people in the field of archaeology, highlighting the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect.
- #8
Save:'The Third Wave' by Alvin Toffler focuses on technology, learning to unlearn and relearn, providing insight into how the future might be in alignment with future shock and powershift. Toffler shows how society and the economy have evolved from hunter-gatherers to the industrial age, and then to the knowledge information-based economies of the world we currently live in. The details and depth of research in this book are staggering, presenting a viewpoint worth contemplating. The author's writing style is exciting and engaging, pulling the reader through statistics and historical events shaping his overall thesis.
In Second Wave societies even political agitation was conceived of as a profession. Thus Lenin argued that the masses could not bring about a revolution without professional help. What was needed, he ... "The Grass Is Always Greener over the Septic Tank" by Erma Bombeck is a humorous take on suburban life in the 1940s and 1950s. The author chronicles her family's experiences of raising children and navigating the challenges of early suburbia with wit and sarcasm. The stories touch on various aspects of suburban living, from building a house and dealing with societal expectations to humorous family adventures like camping trips and scouting activities.
The suburbs were a wilderness with nothing to offer but wide, open spaces, virgin forests, and a cool breeze at night that made you breathe deep, close your eyes and sigh, “My God! Who's fertilizing w...- #10
Save:Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh is a dark satirical comedy following the misadventures of Paul Pennyfeather, who is expelled from college for 'indecent behavior' and ends up as a teacher at a small boys' school in Wales. The novel is a farce that satirizes British high society, public schools, and societal norms, with humorous characters and absurd events that shape Paul's journey from teaching to prison and back to school. Waugh's writing style is described as witty, controlled, and understated, fitting well with the caustic satire and dark humor present in the book.
‘Well,’ he resumed, ‘you know the terms of your father’s will. He left the sum of five thousand pounds, the interest of which was to be devoted to your education and the sum to be absolutely yours on ...
