Books matching: cultural customs
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- #1
Save:'Six Records of a Floating Life' by Shen Fu is a memoir that offers a glimpse into the life of an ordinary man in 19th-century China. The book follows Shen Fu and his wife, Yun, through their daily struggles, joys, and travels, providing insights into family relationships, societal customs, and the cultural landscape of the time. Shen Fu's writing style is described as intimate, personal, and filled with details about their simple yet complex life together.
I was born in the winter of the 27th year of the reign of the Emperor Chien Lung, on the second and twentieth day of the eleventh month. Heaven blessed me, and life then could not have been more full.... - #2
Save:A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle is a delightful memoir chronicling the author's first year living in the French countryside of Provence. The book follows Mayle and his wife as they purchase an old farmhouse, navigate renovations, interact with quirky neighbors, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Through vivid descriptions of food and wine, humorous anecdotes, and charming portrayals of daily life, Mayle captures the essence of Provence and the challenges and joys of adapting to a new way of living.
We have always found that New Year's Eve, with its eleventh-hour excesses and doomed resolutions, is a dismal occasion for all the forced jollity and midnight toasts and kisses. And so, when we heard ... - #3
Save:Fantasy of Frost by Kelly St. Clare is a fantasy novel that follows the Princess of Osolis, Olina, who has been forced to wear a veil since infancy, with mirrors destroyed to prevent her from ever seeing her reflection. The story unravels the mystery behind the veil, Olina's troubled relationship with her mother, the forbidden romance with Prince Kedrick of Glacium, and the political tensions between the two worlds of hot and cold. The writing style is immersive and engaging, drawing readers into a world filled with rich characters, detailed world-building, and intricate plot twists that keep the story moving at a steady pace.
Kedrick’s back. He arrived back yesterday and, before leaving the middle ring tonight, I had given him our secret gesture. I hoped it hadn’t been too subtle for him. Sometimes I forgot he was unused t... - #4
Save:Born of Defiance is a gripping tale that delves into the life of Talyn Batur, a fierce warrior male who faces immense challenges and struggles in the Andarion culture. The plot follows Talyn's journey of enduring abuse and torment, his unexpected connection with Felicia, and their intense love story amidst the odds stacked against them. The book intricately weaves together themes of love, resilience, and societal injustices, set against the backdrop of a complex and intriguing world filled with customs and caste systems.
Felicia Orfanos hesitated as she caught sight of the massive male who waited for her in the small, dimly lit room. A full seven feet in height, he was ripped like a bodybuilder—with a massive, muscled...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The League: Nemesis Rising Series ) - #5
Save:"Seven Daughters and Seven Sons" by Barbara Cohen is a middle-grade novel based on a Middle Eastern folktale about a girl named Buran who disguises herself as a boy to make her fortune. The story follows Buran as she navigates self-acceptance, cultural customs, and the challenges of pursuing her goals in a society where women have limited opportunities. The book weaves together themes of courage, determination, and the importance of love and family, set against the backdrop of a richly described historical setting.
The narrative style of the book is reminiscent of a fairy tale retelling, with elements of romance, adventure, and self-discovery. The author incorporates elements of Middle Eastern culture and folklore, creating a vivid and engaging story that appeals to both younger readers and those open to exploring different cultures and perspectives.
'Germania' by Tacitus provides a detailed account of various Germanic tribes outside the Roman Empire during the First and Second Centuries. Tacitus describes the culture, customs, and society of these tribes positively, portraying them as moral people living simple lives. The author compares the Germanic tribes favorably with old-fashioned Roman Republican ideals, expressing admiration for their virtues. Despite a pro-German bias, Tacitus aims to improve Roman society by highlighting the noble aspects of German culture. offers a unique insight into the Germany of late Rome, with clear descriptions of the German character, habits, strengths, and weaknesses.
- #7
Save:In "Bound" by Donna Jo Napoli, readers are transported to Ming China to follow the story of Xing Xing, a young girl living with her demanding stepmother and stepsister after the death of her parents. The book delves into the struggles Xing Xing faces as she navigates through old Chinese traditions, superstitions, and values, all while yearning for freedom and love. The plot closely mirrors the classic Cinderella tale, incorporating elements such as a prince, a ball festival, and a slipper, but with a unique Chinese twist that explores cultural customs like feet binding and social conventions of ancient China. Napoli's writing style enhances the fairy tale mood, offering an illusory and otherworldly experience that captivates readers.
Xing Xing's journey of self-discovery, her inner strength, and her interactions with believable characters make "Bound" a powerful historical fiction novel. Readers will appreciate the rich descriptions of Ming China, the authenticity of the time period, and the parallel to the Cinderella story that provides a familiar yet enjoyable experience. The book beautifully portrays Xing Xing as an appealing character, strong and smart, who faces painful challenges reminiscent of the original Cinderella tales, offering a deeper and more authentic look at the story of overcoming adversity and finding courage.
It was answered: The sun glinted red. Only an instant and it was over, but there could be no doubt; her eyes had not played tricks: A white fish with red fins and golden eyes zipped past and under a l... - #8
Save:'The Toss of a Lemon' by Padma Viswanathan is a family saga that spans generations, focusing on the life of Sivakami Patti, a Brahmin widow, and her descendants living in India from the late 19th century to the 1960s. The book delves into the intricacies of Indian traditions, customs, and the caste system, portraying the joys and sorrows of the family as they navigate through births, deaths, scandals, and changing beliefs around caste and fate. The narrative style captures the mundane yet profound moments of the family members' lives, interwoven with cultural nuances and historical events.
The writing style of 'The Toss of a Lemon' is described as detailed, immersive, and evocative, transporting readers to the vivid settings of southern India and portraying the daily lives of Brahmin families with richness and elegance. The author's storytelling weaves together the personal stories of various family members, offering insights into the complexities of Indian society, superstitions, and traditions, while exploring themes of fate, will, and the evolving social landscape of India during the period covered in the book.
THE YEAR OF THE MARRIAGE PROPOSAL, Sivakami is ten. She is neither tall nor short for her age, but she will not grow much more. Her shoulders are narrow but appear solid, as though the blades are fuse... - #9
Save:'The First Man in Rome' by Colleen McCullough is a detailed and immersive historical fiction novel set in the late 100s BC, focusing on the rise of Gaius Marius, a seven-time Roman consul. The book delves into the political intrigue, historical events, and character-driven drama of the Roman Republic. McCullough's meticulous research is evident in the recreation of the Roman world, with detailed maps, glossaries, and pencil drawings of key characters. The story unfolds through multi-threaded plotlines and a wide array of characters, requiring readers to navigate through the complexity of Rome's political landscape.
The writing style in 'The First Man in Rome' has been described as dense and detailed, with a focus on historical accuracy and vivid recreation of ancient Rome. The narrative is filled with background information provided through epistles, which can be tiring at times. Despite some criticisms of the writing being slow and ponderous, the book presents a rich tapestry of Roman life, military campaigns, and political struggles, making it an educational and engaging read for those interested in the Roman Republic.
Having no personal commitment to either ofthe new consuls, Gaius Julius Caesar and his sons simply tacked themselves onto the procession which started nearest to their own house, the procession of the... - #10
Save:'The Discovery Of France' by Graham Robb is a captivating exploration of the lesser-known aspects of French social history, shedding light on the provinces outside of Paris. The book delves into how the history of France has been overshadowed by Paris, revealing the unique cultural, historical, and geographical diversity of the country. Through a mix of historical anecdotes, geographical details, and societal insights, Robb paints a vivid picture of France's evolution from a collection of disparate regions to a unified country with a rich and complex heritage.
ONE SUMMER IN THE EARLY 1740s, on the last day of his life, a young man from Paris became the first modern cartographer to see the mountain called Le Gerbier de Jonc. This weird volcanic cone juts out...
