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Books matching: cultural constraints

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  1. #1

    The Secrets Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
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    The Secrets Between Us follows the story of Bhima, a poor woman living in a Mumbai slum, who forms an unlikely friendship and business partnership with Parvati, another elderly woman. The book explores themes of poverty, friendship, women's strength, and societal divides in modern-day India. Through the characters of Bhima and Parvati, the author delves into the struggles and resilience of women living in challenging circumstances, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in the slums of Mumbai.

    Umrigar's writing style is described as captivating, thought-provoking, and full of compassion. The narrative is praised for its descriptive storytelling that brings both the characters and the setting of India vividly alive in the reader's mind. The book addresses complex topics such as poverty, class, friendship, and the impact of societal norms on women's lives, offering a compelling and emotionally engaging story.

    Even as the first light of the day filters in through the crack where the tin roof meets the horizontal planks of the hovel, she makes no move to get up from the mattress on the mud floor. There is no...

  2. #2

    The Broken Wings by Kahlil Gibran
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    The readers' opinions on 'The Broken Wings' by Kahlil Gibran suggest that the book is a story about unrequited love and the struggles of two people trying to be together despite societal barriers. The writing style is described as heartfelt, ornate, and melodic, painting a vivid picture of love in its various forms. The plot is said to be inspirational, emotional, and thought-provoking, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and spiritual philosophy.


  3. #3
    Fudoki
    Book 2 in the series:Love/War/Death

    Fudoki - Love/War/Death by Kij Johnson
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    Fudoki by Kij Johnson is a captivating novel that weaves together the stories of a dying princess and a cat turned human by the Kami. The book delves into themes of identity, personal history, and home, set against the backdrop of 11th century Japan. Through rich storytelling and elegant prose, Johnson creates a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, leaving the reader immersed in the intertwined narratives of Princess Harueme and the cat woman Kagaya Hime.

    Three people lived here. They called themselves servants to justify their presence, but they were no more than cuckoos squatting in a nest that did not belong to them. They lived in the north wing, wh...

    (Also, see 40 recommendations for the series Love/War/Death )

  4. #4

    My Secret Garden: Women's Sexual Fantasies by Nancy Friday
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    'My Secret Garden: Women's Sexual Fantasies' by Nancy Friday is a groundbreaking collection of women's fantasies, first published in 1973. The book delves into taboo themes like rape, domination, and forbidden desires, breaking fantasies down into fifteen main categories. Nancy Friday includes her thoughts in between sections, providing insights and commentary on women's sexual desires. Despite being considered outrageous at the time of its release, the book offers an informative, interesting, and erotic read that seeks to validate women's sexual urges.

    In my mind, as in our fucking, I am at the crucial point:…We are at this Baltimore Colt-Minnesota Viking football game, and it is very cold. Four or five of us are huddled under a big glen plaid blank...

  5. #5

    Delta of Venus by Anais Nin
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    Delta of Venus by Anais Nin is a collection of interrelated short stories that explore eroticism and sexuality through various characters and scenarios. The stories range from sensual and sultry to disturbing and thought-provoking, covering taboo subjects like incest, pedophilia, and unconventional sexual behaviors. Anais Nin's writing style is described as sensual, exotic, and well-crafted, with a focus on human emotions, relationships, and sexual psychology. The book is a mix of literary erotica and psychological exploration, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of desire and human nature.

    A book collector offered Henry Miller a hundred dollars a month to write erotic stories. It seemed like a Dantesque punishment to condemn Henry to write erotica at a dollar a page. He rebelled because...

  6. #6

    The Price of Salt by Claire Morgan
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    'The Price of Salt', also known as 'Carol', by Patricia Highsmith is a 1952 romance novel set in the early 50s. The story follows a lesbian love affair between two women, Carol and Therese. The book is praised for its delicate and beautifully written portrayal of the relationship, which is considered one of the first mainstream literary lesbian novels. It captures the stifling gender roles of the 50s and the struggles faced by the characters in pursuing their forbidden love.

    The book is known for its bittersweet and beautiful depiction of a 1950s gay romance. It explores themes of love, desire, and societal expectations, offering a tender and emotional narrative that resonates with readers. Despite being written decades ago, the book's powerfully written and delicate style still feels fresh and relevant, making it a timeless classic in LGBTQ literature.

    The lunch hour in the coworkers’ cafeteria at Frankenberg's had reached its peak. There was no room left at any of the long tables, and more and more people were arriving to wait back of the wooden ba...

  7. #7

    Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson
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    "Winesburg, Ohio" by Sherwood Anderson is a collection of linked short stories that paint a vivid portrait of small-town life in the early 20th century America. The book delves into the psychological struggles and intimate lives of the town's inhabitants, focusing on characters like George Willard, the local journalist. Each story provides a glimpse into the complexities and loneliness of the individuals living in Winesburg, showcasing their fears, desires, and shameful passions. Anderson's writing style is described as restrained, finely crafted, and genuine, offering a modern approach to storytelling that bridges the gap between 19th-century realism and 20th-century modernism.

    The interconnected stories in "Winesburg, Ohio" are like a mosaic, building up a picture of the town's residents through distinct character sketches. Anderson's portrayal of the 'grotesques,' or the outliers of small-town America, offers a poignant exploration of human nature, capturing the struggles of individuals trapped by their past experiences or beliefs. The book is lauded for its melancholic tone, vivid characterizations, and its ability to delve beneath surface impressions, providing insights into the inner lives of the townsfolk and the fragile bonds that tie them together.

    THE WRITER, an old man with a white mustache, had some difficulty in getting into bed. The windows of the house in which he lived were high and he wanted to look at the trees when he awoke in the morn...

  8. 'Ants Among Elephants' by Sujatha Gidla is a compelling narrative that delves deep into the caste-ridden Indian society, shedding light on the hypocritical attitudes prevalent within. The book intricately weaves together the personal experiences of Gidla's untouchable family, showcasing their struggles and triumphs against the backdrop of modern India's history. The writing style, though at times criticized for its amateurish English language usage, offers a raw and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by Dalits in India, exploring themes of poverty, discrimination, and the complexities of caste dynamics.

    Gidla's narrative not only provides a window into Indian village life but also offers a historical account of the Telengana Peasant Revolt, skillfully intertwining family history with the socio-political landscape of the time. Through the lens of her family members, particularly her uncle's involvement in the Communist Naxalite movement, the author explores the nuances of caste divisions and political ideologies in India. Despite some critiques regarding the book's length and writing quality, 'Ants Among Elephants' stands out as a poignant memoir that challenges readers to confront the enduring legacy of casteism in Indian society.

    The problem of how to support Satyam while he was in college was one Prasanna Rao had spent years planning with care. In the military, Prasanna Rao stinted on everything and each month put away a larg...

  9. #9

    Fair as a Star - Victorian Romantics by Mimi Matthews
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    In "Fair as a Star" by Mimi Matthews, we are transported to Somerset, England in 1864, where Beryl Burnham returns home after a year away with her Aunt Hortensia. Engaged to Sir Henry Rivenhall, rumors swirl about why she left so suddenly, but the truth is a secret she confides only in Mark Rivenhall, the village curate and Henry's brother. The story delicately explores Victorian attitudes towards mental health, focusing on Beryl's struggle with depression and her deep connection with Mark, who understands and supports her in ways others cannot. The narrative beautifully weaves together themes of friendship, love, hope, and self-acceptance in a tenderly written Victorian romance.

    Beryl Burnham stared out the window of the carriage as it rolled down the narrow country road that ran through the center of Shepton Worthy. Her gaze drifted over the familiar landscape. More than a y...

  10. #10

    Marriage of a Thousand Lies by SJ Sindu
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    'Marriage of a Thousand Lies' by SJ Sindu is a poignant and eye-opening novel that delves into the themes of queerness, Tamil culture, diaspora, and South Asia. The story follows Lucky and Krishna as they navigate a marriage arrangement that sheds light on the traditions and culture of their Sri Lankan American families. The book provides a deep insight into the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals within the South Asian community, highlighting the clash between personal identity and cultural expectations.

    The writing style of the book is described as impeccable, with readers praising the author's ability to make the story feel real and relatable. The novel captures the emotions and struggles of the characters in a way that is both raw and authentic, offering a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.


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