Books matching: cultural fiction
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Secrets of the Apple' by Paula Hiatt is a story about love and the challenges faced by a Japanese man named Ryoki and an American woman named Kate as they navigate their cultural differences and pasts to be together. The novel delves into themes of romance, cultural integration, and personal growth, all portrayed through the unique perspectives of the characters. Paula Hiatt's writing style is described as romantic, engaging, and filled with intricate details about the characters' emotions and interactions.
- #2
Save:'A Thief of Time' by Tony Hillerman is a mystery novel set in the Four Corners area, focusing on Navajo Tribal Policemen Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee as they investigate a series of murders and a missing anthropologist related to illegal digging at Anasazi archaeological sites. The book weaves a complex tale involving pottery thieves, academic conflicts, personal struggles of the main characters, and the clash between Anglo culture and Navajo tribal values.
The plot unfolds against the backdrop of the long-vanished Anasazi civilization, highlighting the interplay between Western world influences and Navajo spirituality. As Leaphorn contemplates retirement and Chee grapples with personal transitions, they must work together to solve the mystery, delving into the past to uncover the truth behind the crimes while navigating themes of cultural preservation, ethics, and personal growth.
THE MOON HAD RISEN just above the cliff behind her. Out on the packed sand of the wash bottom the shadow of the walker made a strange elongated shape. Sometimes it suggested a heron, sometimes one of ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Leaphorn & Chee ) - #3
Save:'Secret Daughter' by Shilpi Somaya Gowda is a compelling story that follows three families interconnected through marriage and adoption, primarily focusing on the theme of motherhood. The plot revolves around Kavita, an Indian woman who makes a heart-wrenching decision to place her newborn daughter in an orphanage to save her from the fate of her deceased first child. The daughter, Asha, is later adopted by an American couple, Somer and Krishnan, leading to a narrative that explores the complexities of family, love, adoption, and cultural differences. The book delves into the lives of these characters, their challenges, and the emotional journeys they embark on, offering multiple perspectives that highlight individual and cultural contrasts.
The narrative unfolds over a span of twenty years, set against the backdrop of India, portraying a captivating tale of adoption, motherhood, and identity. The story intricately weaves together the lives of Asha, Kavita, and Somer, portraying them as strong female protagonists who are brought together through unique circumstances. Through detailed descriptions and alternating viewpoints, the author sheds light on the cultural differences between America and India, while also touching upon social issues and the emotional strains inherent in intercultural marriages and international adoption.
SHE CAME TO THE ABANDONED HUT AT DUSK, WITHOUT A WORD to anyone, when she felt the first unmistakable pulls deep within her. It is vacant, except for the mat on which she now lies, knees drawn up to h... - #4
Save:In 'Thunderbird' by Jack McDevitt, the story continues from the original 'Ancient Shores' with a modernized sequel that explores the discovery of a space station with a Thunderbird symbol, sparking curiosity about its origins and the civilizations behind it. The book delves into cultural science fiction, focusing on the impact of new discoveries on societies and individuals, while leaving some questions unanswered to add realism and depth to the narrative. Through the eyes of various characters like April, the dreamer, and Walker, the realist, the plot unfolds with encounters with advanced civilizations, mysterious gateways to new worlds, and the complexities of international relations and ownership of newfound technologies.
The narrative in 'Thunderbird' weaves together elements of diplomacy, curiosity, and courage as characters navigate through political tensions, encounters with aliens, and the implications of technological advancements. The book touches on themes of exploration, mystery, and the consequences of interacting with unknown forces, prompting readers to question the choices made by characters and the impact of their decisions on the unfolding events.
- #5
Save:Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale that follows the journey of Sophie, a young girl from Haiti who moves to New York to live with her estranged mother. The book delves into themes of abuse, healing, cultural traditions, and the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. Through poetic and evocative writing, Danticat weaves a narrative that explores the resilience of the human spirit and the struggles faced by generations of Haitian women, all while painting a vivid picture of life in Haiti and the United States.
A flattened and drying daffodil was dangling off the little card that I had made my aunt Atie for Mother's Day. I pressed my palm over the flower and squashed it against the plain beige cardboard. Whe... - #6
Save:Brick Lane by Monica Ali is a novel that follows the life of Nazneen, a young Bangladeshi woman who is married off to Chanu and moves to London. The story explores Nazneen's journey from a village girl to a woman finding her strength in a traditional marriage. Set in London's Bangladeshi community, the book contrasts Nazneen's life with her sister's in Bangladesh, depicting the search for love in an arranged marriage and the evolution of Nazneen into a free woman. The writing style captures the struggles of immigrants, cultural clashes, and the challenges of straddling two different worlds.
AN HOUR AND forty-five minutes before Nazneen’s life began – began as it would proceed for quite some time, that is to say uncertainly – her mother Rupban felt an iron fist squeeze her belly. Rupban s... - #7
Save:"The Wandering Falcon" by Jamil Ahmad is a collection of interconnected stories that provide glimpses into tribal life in the remote regions where Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran meet. The book follows the character Tor Baz, the 'Wandering Falcon', who wanders through tribal lands, encountering different tribes and exploring their ways of life. The stories depict the harsh landscape, cultural practices, and struggles of the people living in these borderlands during the 1950s and 60s.
The writing style of Jamil Ahmad is described as evocative, spare, and respectful of tribal beliefs and traditions. The stories are interconnected, with Tor Baz appearing in each one, providing a thread that links the narratives together. The book offers a unique insight into the nomadic tribes of Pakistan and Afghanistan, capturing the beauty, brutality, and complexities of life in the region.
Lonely, as all such posts are, this one is particularly frightening. No habitation for miles around, and no vegetation except for a few wasted and barren date trees leaning crazily against one another... - #8
Save:A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev is a contemporary romance novel set partly in Mumbai and featuring South Asian characters. The story follows Mili, who has been married since the age of four and is seeking an annulment, and Samir, a Bollywood director who is sent to convince Mili to sign the divorce papers. The book is described as having elements of family drama, cultural traditions, and a slow-burning romance. The plot involves misunderstandings, deceptions, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of Indian culture and traditions.
All Mili had ever wanted was to be a good wife. A domestic goddess-slash-world’s-wife-number-one-type good wife. The kind of wife her husband pined for all day long. The kind of wife he rushed home to... - #9
Save:"The Blessing Way" by Tony Hillerman is the first in the Leaphorn & Chee series, introducing readers to Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn as he investigates the mysterious death of a young Navajo man. The story is set in the desert reservation lands of the New Mexico, Arizona, Utah region and delves into Navajo culture, superstitions, and rituals. As Leaphorn navigates through the investigation, more bodies turn up, leading to a complex plot involving missile testing, Mafia interests, and a chilling trail between mysticism and murder. The writing style captures the stark beauty of the Southwest landscape and skillfully blends elements of supernatural with traditional mystery.
The narrative unfolds with a palpable sense of evil in the air, as Leaphorn is drawn into the pursuit of a Wolf Witch, exploring the intersection between the Navajo philosophy and the challenges of contemporary America. offers a compelling mix of suspense, cultural insights, and character development, with minimal passages of violence and intriguing descriptions of native beliefs, making it an absorbing read that keeps readers engaged till the end.
Luis Horseman leaned the flat stone very carefully against the pinon twig, adjusted its balance exactly and then cautiously withdrew his hand. The twig bent, but held. Horseman rocked back on his heel... - #10
Save:Monstress by Lysley Tenorio is a collection of short stories that delve deep into the Filipino culture and experiences, exploring themes of identity, assimilation, and family dynamics. The stories are filled with complex characters facing emotional challenges, all written in a simple yet beautiful prose that captivates readers and evokes strong emotions.
In 1966, the president of CocoLoco Pictures broke the news to us in English: “As the Americanos say, it is time to listen to the music. Your movies are shit.” He unrolled a poster for The Squid Childr...
(Also, see 45 recommendations for the series Art of the Story )
