Books matching: cultural suppression
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- #1
'The Telling' by Ursula K. Le Guin follows the story of Sutty, a Terran envoy of the Ekumen sent to the world of Aka. Aka is a planet transformed by the Corporation, a monolithic state that has outlawed the past and suppressed ancient beliefs and traditions. Sutty's mission is to learn and preserve 'The Telling,' the old faith of the Akans, amidst the societal changes brought about by contact with the Ekumen. Through Sutty's journey into the countryside and mountains, the reader explores the clash of cultures, the importance of tradition, and the impact of progress on a society's identity.
The narrative in 'The Telling' is described as spare, thoughtful, and beautiful, in line with Le Guin's signature style seen in her other Hainish novels. delves into themes of cultural suppression, the clash between modernization and tradition, and the consequences of societal change. With a focus on philosophical musings and deep insights into human psychology, the story provides a reflective exploration of how societies evolve, adapt, and grapple with the loss of their heritage.
Yellow of brass, yellow of turmeric paste and of rice cooked with saffron, orange of marigolds, dull orange haze of sunset dust above the fields, henna red, passionflower red, dried-blood red, mud red...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hainish Cycle ) - #2
The Word for World is Forest is a science fiction novel set in a world where humanity has colonized planets orbiting other stars. The story revolves around the encounter between humans and a peaceful forest species, the Athsheans, on a far-off planet. As humans start to massacre the native species, the Athsheans are forced to fight back, leading to a clash of cultures and values. The book explores themes of colonialism, environmentalism, violence, madness, and racism in a science fiction setting, shedding light on the consequences of human exploitation of natural resources and the impact on indigenous populations.
The narrative delves into the perspectives of both the human colonists and the Athsheans, providing a nuanced portrayal of the conflict between the two groups. Through detailed world-building and character development, Ursula K. Le Guin creates a thought-provoking and emotionally compelling story that challenges readers to reflect on the consequences of human actions and the complexities of intercultural interactions in a futuristic setting.
Two pieces of yesterday were in Captain Davidson’s mind when he woke, and he lay looking at them in the darkness for a while. One up: the new shipload of women had arrived. Believe it or not. They wer...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hainish Cycle ) - #3
'Eat the Buddha' by Barbara Demick delves into the lives of Tibetans in Sichuan, focusing on the historical context of Tibetan uprisings and the impact of Chinese rule. The book narrates the struggles faced by individuals in Ngaba, shedding light on the relentless cultural and political repression by the Chinese government over the past 60 years. Through personal stories, Demick explores the complex history of Tibet and the challenges faced by its people, providing a well-rounded view of Tibetan culture beyond the religious aspect.
THE TIBETAN PLATEAU IS LIKE nothing else on this planet, a unique geological feature that rises three miles above sea level from the heart of Asia, propelled upward by the same tectonic forces that cr... 'Broken Circle: The Dark Legacy of Indian Residential Schools: A Memoir' by Theodore Fontaine is a powerful and courageous memoir that sheds light on the horrors endured by indigenous peoples at residential schools. Fontaine's writing style is raw and heartfelt, allowing readers to connect with the young boy's experiences and feel the injustices that have been done. delves into the trauma of sexual abuse perpetrated by the Catholic Church, the cultural genocide inflicted upon First Nations people, and the resilience and survival of those who suffered through these atrocities.
“Tee-adore!” The gruff voice of Sister S. shatters the silence of the study room. I cringe and slouch down at my desk—my fears are realized. I am nine years old and resident at the Fort Alexander Indi...- #5
In "The Devil Comes Courting," readers are introduced to Grayson Hunter, a biracial Black man facing racism in a white-controlled world, and Amelia Smith, an Asian woman struggling to find her identity in a society that tries to suppress her roots. The story follows their journey of healing and self-discovery as they come together to work on creating a Chinese telegraphic code in Shanghai. Set in the 1870s, the book beautifully weaves themes of grief, guilt, racism, and cultural identity, while also exploring the historical context of Western imperialism and the challenges faced by its victims.
It was midsummer in tea-trading season, yet Captain Grayson Hunter had not come to Fuzhou for tea. Tea was the treasure of traders with small aspirations—those who wished only to build fortunes throug... - #6
'Fatty Legs: A True Story' by Christy Jordan-Fenton tells the powerful and moving tale of Margaret Pokiak, an Inuit girl who is determined to learn to read despite the challenges she faces at a Catholic residential school. The story follows Margaret's resilience and courage as she navigates through the cruel treatment and humiliations inflicted upon her, all while holding onto her dream of education. Through the use of archival photographs and captivating storytelling, the book sheds light on the experiences of indigenous children in Northern Canada during a dark period in history, highlighting the strength and triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The writing style of the book is described as heartfelt and unpretentious, drawing readers into Margaret's world with its candid portrayal of her struggles and determination. The narrative skillfully balances the harsh realities of cultural assimilation and racism faced by indigenous children with moments of hope, resilience, and the power of education, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read for both younger and older audiences.
My mother sure seemed to know a lot about a place she had never been. I figured she was trying to scare me. Life would be more difficult without me there to help her with the smaller children, and she... '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.
- #8
The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that revolves around three central characters Viv, Hannah, and Althea. The novel vividly portrays the emotional and intellectual toll that censorship takes on individuals and communities, highlighting the devastating consequences of cultural suppression. Through the experiences of these characters, the book delves into the profound impact of censorship and book burning during WWII and the dangers of censorship, intertwining locations, people, and events.
Young American writer Althea James and Hannah Brecht, a Jewish lesbian, meet in Berlin in 1933, and their stories unfold alongside Vivian Childs in New York in 1944. As Vivian works to fight censorship and book bans, she inadvertently uncovers secrets that change all their lives forever, illustrating the enduring value of literature and the indomitable human spirit in the face of attempts to silence knowledge and ideas.
- #9
Thinner Than Thou by Kit Reed is a dystopian novel set in a world where body image is paramount and individuals are judged based on their physical appearance. The story follows characters navigating a society controlled by a cult of becoming thin and perfect, led by Reverend Earl. The book delves into the extreme measures people take to achieve societal ideals of beauty, touching on themes of body image obsession, cult-like influence, and the consequences of valuing appearance over inner character. The writing style of the book has been criticized for being preachy, poorly written, and featuring unrealistic worldbuilding, with some readers finding the premise intriguing but the execution lacking.
When you’re alone in your mind you may think you’re special, but you’re only ever another dumb person driving around inside that stupid body. It’s no better than a car dealer’s loaner, you know? Forge... 'Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women' by Geraldine Brooks provides a deep and personal look into the lives of Islamic women from different countries and regimes. Brooks, a journalist, delves into the hidden and often surprising world of Muslim women, exploring issues such as the treatment of women in Islamic societies, the interpretation of the Quran, and the various cultural practices that shape the lives of these women. Through her experiences and interviews, Brooks offers a full and balanced spectrum of information, shedding light on the complexities of the intersection between culture, religion, and human rights in the Islamic world.
Brooks' writing style in 'Nine Parts of Desire' is laconic and well-written, managing to disseminate a torrent of information within its relatively short length of 289 pages. She presents a fascinating perspective on women in Islam, drawing from her experiences as a foreign correspondent in the Middle East and weaving together personal accounts, interviews, and historical insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by Muslim women in various countries.
As the bus full of women inched and squealed its slow way through Tehran traffic toward Khomeini’s home, I was the only one aboard who wasn’t weeping. We eased to a stop beside a black-bannered alley....