Books matching: cultural exploration and conflict
51 result(s)
- #1
Save:Trade Wind by M.M. Kaye is a historical fiction novel set in Zanzibar during the 1840s or 1850s. The story follows Hero Athena Hollis, a strong-willed American woman who is determined to fight against slavery and injustice. On her journey to Zanzibar, Hero faces various challenges, including being rescued by a notorious slave trader, Rory Frost. As the plot unfolds, Hero learns valuable lessons about cultural differences, moral complexities, and the consequences of her idealism. The novel delves into themes of love, politics, exoticism, and adventure, all against the backdrop of a vividly described historical setting.
Trade Wind is characterized by M.M. Kaye's accurate historical research, riveting plot, and well-developed characters. The author expertly weaves together elements of romance, political intrigue, and cultural exploration, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. Through the lens of Hero's journey, the book explores the complexities of slavery, morality, and personal growth, offering a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience.
In view of the far-reaching effects that a few words mumbled by a disreputable old Irishwoman were to have on the life of Hero Athena Hollis, only child of Barclay Hollis of Boston, Massachusetts, it ... - #2
Save:Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley is a compelling coming-of-age mystery novel that delves into the life of Daunis Fontaine, a young woman navigating her Native American heritage and the complexities of her community. Through Daunis' journey, readers are exposed to themes of identity, family relationships, grief, discrimination, and the cultural richness of the Ojibwe tribe. The story intricately weaves together elements of mystery, Indigenous culture, and societal issues, offering a poignant exploration of tradition, resilience, and self-discovery.
I start my day before sunrise, throwing on running clothes and laying a pinch of semaa at the eastern base of a tree, where sunlight will touch the tobacco first. Prayers begin with offering semaa and... - #3
Save:'Notorious' by Minerva Spencer follows the story of Drusilla Clare, who finds herself in a compromising situation at a party and is rescued by Gabriel Marlington, her best friend's brother. As Gabriel proposes a marriage of convenience to save her reputation, Drusilla reveals her secret love for him. The plot explores their evolving relationship, misunderstandings, and attempts to overcome obstacles, leading to a surprising ending. The writing style is described as engaging, with elements of drama, sweetness, and steamy romance, set in a Regency era with diverse and unique characters.
At the sound of her name, she looked at her companion. Lady Eva de Courtney should not, by all rights, have been sitting beside Drusilla in the wallflower section of the Duchess of Montfort’s ballroom... - #4
Save:Bliss Montage: Stories by Ling Ma is a collection of eight short stories that blend reality and fantasy in a surreal and captivating manner. The stories are described as thought-provoking, unsettling, and contemplative, touching on themes of misogyny, surrealism, and magical realism. Each story presents a unique narrative, from a woman's transformative journey during a Morning Festival to a professor finding escape in a special way in Office Hours, and a woman navigating an unusual pregnancy in her home country in Tomorrow. Ling Ma's writing style is praised for its dreamlike quality, intertwining fantasy with a touch of reality that keeps readers entertained and intrigued.
- #5
Save:Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz is a historical romance novel set in a chaotic time in American history. The story follows Morrow Little, a young woman haunted by the memory of her family being torn apart by Shawnee warriors. As Morrow navigates difficult choices about her future, she finds herself drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. The plot delves into the aftermath of wars, raids, and cultural conflicts, showcasing the challenges faced by individuals who go against societal norms. The writing style captures the emotional journey of Morrow as she learns about forgiveness, love, and faith in the midst of turmoil and tragedy.
- #6
Save:In The Heart of Redness, Zakes Mda crafts a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together the historical struggles of the Xhosa people in South Africa with the modern-day dilemmas faced by the descendants of those original factions. The novel delves into the tensions between tradition and modernity, belief and skepticism, as characters grapple with the legacy of past prophecies and the implications for their present and future. Mda's writing style is described as poetic yet forceful, hinting at magical realism while grounding the narrative in the realities of South African history and society.
And he cries often. Sometimes just a sniffle. Or a single tear down his cheek. As a result he carries a white handkerchief all the time, especially these days when peace has returned to the land and t... - #7
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... - #8
Save:'The Dervish House' by Ian McDonald is a science fiction novel set in a near future Istanbul where a group of characters find their lives intertwined around a plot involving nanotechnology, terrorism, and financial scandals. The story follows multiple narrative threads that gradually come together, exploring themes of cultural mix, historical roots, and technological advances. The book is praised for its complex plot, vivid descriptions of the city, and the seamless integration of futuristic elements into the narrative.
The white bird climbs above the city of Istanbul: a stork, riding the rising air in a spiral of black-tipped wings. A flare of the feathers; it wheels on the exhalations of twenty million people, one ... - #9
Save:'Cat-a-Lyst' by Alan Dean Foster is a humorous and high adventure novel that takes readers on a journey from Atlanta, Georgia to Peru to Scotland, blending elements of Alice in Wonderland, Lost Civilizations, and an alien invasion attempt. The story revolves around super beings with catlike qualities who oversee Earth's development, with humans stepping in to set things right amidst a rogue super being's attempt to disrupt everything. is described as a tongue-in-cheek adventure novel that is fun, especially for cat lovers, and offers a mix of missing Incan civilizations, inter-dimensional energy beings resembling housecats, and a battle between good and evil.
- #10
Save:Aliens quite like rabbits but much larger crash land on Earth unseen, dig in and establish a colony. Years pass and the colony evolves. There is some contact over the years with humans but there is no official knowledge of the aliens. When they finally become publically known there is a surprising solution to whether they get accepted into human society. Fosters aliens are often pretty one dimensional which is also the case here. The book is pleasurable but not great. The Quozl are a rabbit like race which routinely sends out Settlement ships to find new planets to colonize. This one lands on Earth, only to find it already inhabited by comparatively warlike humans. They take cover and establish secret burrows in the Rockies. All is well until one day when Runs red Talking ventures outside, unauthorized, and comes across a human boy. This begins a sequence of events that eventually expose the Colony to the outside world, with far reaching consequences for Quozl and human alike.
No one on the Sequencer had been able to tell him exactly what it might be, but he could sense it. Very unscientific, he reprimanded himself. Contrary to all his training. But whatever it was, logic f...
