Books matching: death and mourning
65 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
'This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War' by Drew Gilpin Faust delves into the grim subject of suffering and death during the Civil War. Faust's writing style captures the emotional and social ramifications of the war on both soldiers and civilians, shifting between the battlefield and Victorian parlors. extensively uses first-person accounts and primary sources to illuminate the human suffering behind the statistics, shedding light on the impact of mass death on the nation. Faust explores the logistics of mass death in detail, addressing the challenges faced by both sides in preparing for the mortality brought about by the war.
“Soldier,” a Confederate chaplain reminded his troops in 1863, “your business is to die.” Men in Civil War America went to war talking of glory and conquest, of saving or creating a nation, and of rou...- #2
Save:"Pontoon" by Garrison Keillor is a novel set in the fictional town of Lake Wobegon, featuring quirky and flawed characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. The story follows the lives of characters like Evelyn Peterson, who wants her ashes put in a bowling ball and dropped into the lake, and her daughter Barbara who discovers letters from a mysterious lover. Keillor's writing style combines humor, dry wit, and observations of life in a small town, creating a narrative that blends moments of hilarity with reflections on human frailty and idiosyncrasies.
Evelyn was an insomniac so when they say she died in her sleep, you have to question that. Probably she was sitting propped up in bed reading and heard the brush of wings and smelled the cold clean ai... - #3
Save:'Under the Volcano' by Malcolm Lowry is a novel that delves into the life of Geoffrey Firmin, an alcoholic British consul in a Mexican village. The story unfolds on the Day of the Dead, one year after his wife has left him, capturing his liquor-induced day that ultimately ends with his death in a ditch in the jungle. The novel is heavily saturated with themes of alcoholism, self-destruction, and failed relationships, all narrated in a stream of consciousness style that weaves intricate literary devices, metaphors, and allusions into the characters' inner lives and the Mexican setting.
The book intricately explores the internal struggles of the main characters, their motivations shrouded in mystery amidst a backdrop of historical tumult and personal turmoil. Through vivid prose and intense imagery, 'Under the Volcano' transcends being just a novel about alcoholism, offering a poetic and complex narrative that delves deep into themes of love, loss, and the human psyche. The novel's rich descriptions of rural Mexico and the characters' psychological explorations provide a compelling exploration of self-destruction and the complexities of human relationships.
Two mountain chains traverse the republic roughly from north to south, forming between them a number of valleys and plateaus. Overlooking one of these valleys, which is dominated by two volcanoes, lie... - #4
Save:'Rebecca's Tale' by Sally Beauman is a continuation of Daphne du Maurier's classic novel 'Rebecca'. The story is set about 20 years after Rebecca's death, exploring the mystery surrounding her demise through the narratives of four different characters, including Rebecca herself through her diaries. The novel delves into the lives intertwined with Manderley, revealing backstories, creating intrigue, and tying up loose ends from the original story. Beauman's writing style is described as sufficiently similar to Du Maurier's, creating a good tone that flows seamlessly from 'Rebecca'.
LAST NIGHT I DREAMT I WENT TO MANDERLEY AGAIN. These dreams are now recurring with a puzzling frequency, and I’ve come to dread them. All of the Manderley dreams are bloodcurdling and this one was the... - #5
Save:"Boy's Life" by Robert R. McCammon is a coming-of-age story set in the year 1964 in Zephyr, Alabama, following the adventures of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson. The book beautifully captures the essence of childhood, with themes of mystery, humor, friendship, and the magic of growing up in a small town. Throughout the story, Cory navigates through real-life challenges and fantastical elements, all while maintaining a sense of wonder and innocence that resonates with readers.
The novel weaves together a blend of supernatural elements, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling that immerses readers in Cory's world. Through Cory's eyes, the readers experience the joy, sadness, and complexities of life in a small town, where friendship, family, and the mysteries of the past intersect to create a captivating narrative that lingers long after the final page is turned.
THE GREEN FEATHER WENT INTO MY POCKET. FROM THERE IT found its way into a White Owl cigar box in my room, along with my collection of old keys and dried-up insects. I closed the box lid, placed the bo... - #6
Save:"Stone Fox" by John Reynolds Gardiner is a heartwarming story about a young boy named Little Willy who embarks on a mission to save his grandfather's farm from being taken away. With the help of his loyal dog, Searchlight, Little Willy enters a challenging dog sled race against tough competitors, including the legendary Stone Fox. The book beautifully portrays the bond between a boy and his dog, the determination to overcome obstacles, and the theme of family love and loyalty, all set in the backdrop of a gripping race in Wyoming.
The writing style of "Stone Fox" is engaging and accessible to young readers, with cliffhangers at the end of each chapter that keep the story moving forward. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, touching on themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the importance of community support. Despite the emotional weight of the story, the book also offers moments of hope and courage that resonate with readers of all ages.
- #7
Save:The third book in the Harry Potter series, 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' introduces the character Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, and delves into darker themes as the story progresses. The plot follows Harry and his friends as they navigate the dangers of a wizarding world where a convicted mass murderer, Sirius Black, has escaped from Azkaban prison. The book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of the wizarding world, with a focus on character development and unraveling mysteries from Harry's past.
As the tension rises, Harry, Ron, and Hermione find themselves facing new challenges, uncovering secrets, and confronting fears. The story takes readers on an adventure filled with magic, suspense, and plot twists, as the characters navigate through a world where danger lurks at every corner. J.K. Rowling's writing style captivates readers with vivid imagery, well-developed characters, and a plot that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age themes.
Harry Potter was a highly unusual boy in many ways. For one thing, he hated the summer holidays more than any other time of year. For another, he really wanted to do his homework but was forced to do ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Potter ) - #8
Save:'Silent in the Grave' by Deanna Raybourn is a Victorian mystery novel that follows Lady Julia Grey as she navigates the unexpected death of her husband, Sir Edward Grey. When a mysterious private investigator, Nicholas Brisbane, suggests foul play in Edward's death, Julia embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her husband's murder. Set in late Victorian London, the book weaves together secrets, mystery, and unconventional characters, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the surprising end. Raybourn's writing style is described as engaging, with witty and amusing elements that draw readers into the lives of the characters and the atmospheric setting of Victorian London.
I stared at him, not quite taking in the fact that he had just collapsed at my feet. He lay, curled like a question mark, his evening suit ink-black against the white marble of the floor. He was writh... - #9
Save:'Thousand Cranes' by Yasunari Kawabata is a story set in post-WWII Japan, focusing on a young man named Kikuji who inherits his late father's mistresses and navigates relationships intertwined with the traditional tea ceremony. The novel delves into themes of love, bitterness, and the weight of familial legacy, all portrayed through the lens of the Japanese tea ceremony. Kawabata's writing style is described as delicate, poetic, and deeply emotional, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the subtleties of Japanese culture.
He received an announcement whenever Kurimoto Chikako offered tea at the inner cottage of the Engakuji. He had not once gone since his father’s death, however. He thought of the announcements as no mo... - #10
Save:In The Elephants' Graveyard, Lawrence Schoen creates a rich and engaging world filled with fully realized societies and civilizations, not just anthropomorphic animals. The story follows a group of sentient elephants known as Fants on the planet Barsk, who possess unique abilities like communicating with the dead through a drug called koph. As the plot unfolds, the protagonist Jorl delves into an 800-year-old mystery involving prophecies and the manipulation of particles of memory known as nefshons, leading to a thrilling and thought-provoking journey through a galaxy where Fants are ostracized by other species.
RÜSUL traveled to meet his death. The current had carried him away from his home island as if it understood his purpose. He lost sight of the archipelago before dusk, as much a function of the falling...
(Also, see 9 recommendations for the series Barsk )
