Books matching: depiction of poverty
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- #1
Save:'The Beans of Egypt, Maine' by Carolyn Chute is a raw and unflinching portrayal of rural poverty, focusing on the hardscrabble lives of the Bean family. The book delves into themes of extreme poverty, questionable relationships, and the harsh realities of life in rural Maine. The writing style is described as matter-of-fact, primitive yet pleasant, and filled with captivating imagery that immerses the reader into the lives of the characters.
The plot of the book follows the multi-generational tribe of hillbillies in rural Maine, showcasing a collection of interrelated short stories that depict the struggles and challenges faced by the Bean clan. The author's closeness to the lifestyle she writes about shines through in the believable portrayal of poverty, ignorance, and the fierce independence that characterizes the Bean family.
WE’VE GOT a ranch house. Daddy built it. Daddy says it’s called RANCH ’cause it’s like houses out West which cowboys sleep in. There’s a picture window in all ranch houses and if you’re in one of ’em ... - #2
Save:The First Binding by R.R. Virdi is a high fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world filled with intricate storytelling and captivating characters. The book follows the main character, Ari, as he navigates through a world of magic, mystery, and ancient prophecies. The story is woven with multiple narratives that provide depth and richness to the overall plot, creating a captivating reading experience. Virdi's writing style is described as beautiful and immersive, drawing readers in from the very beginning with its magical and lyrical prose.
- #3
Save:George Orwell's 'Down and Out in Paris and London' provides a vivid and compelling firsthand account of poverty in the early 20th century, as experienced by the author himself. Through detailed descriptions of his life in the slums of Paris and London, Orwell paints a brutal yet enlightening picture of the struggles faced by the impoverished individuals living in these cities. The book delves into the day-to-day challenges, the social structures enabling such poverty, and the resilience required to survive in such dire circumstances.
THE RUE DU COQ D’OR, Paris, seven in the morning. A succession of furious, choking yells from the street. Madame Monce, who kept the little hotel opposite mine, had come out onto the pavement to addre... - #4
Save:'Young Lonigan' is a part of the 'Studs Lonigan' series by James T. Farrell, offering a stark depiction of life in early 20th century Chicago. The trilogy follows the life of Studs Lonigan, a young man navigating his way through the tough streets of Chicago. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the book explores themes of pride, communication, truth, love, and acceptance. The writing style is described as gritty, realistic, and intimate, capturing the daily grind of Studs' life and the struggles he faces as he comes of age.
Lucy Scanlan would stand on the same stage with him in a few hours, and she would receive her diploma. She would wear a white dress, just like his sister Frances, and Weary’s sister Fran, and she woul... - #5
Save:The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell is a compelling exploration of the working and unemployed classes in industrial towns of northern England in the 1930s. Orwell vividly describes the grim living and working conditions of coal miners, shedding light on poverty and hardship reminiscent of Dickensian times. The book seamlessly transitions into a discussion on socialism, where Orwell argues for its importance in alleviating societal issues rooted in industrialization and machine civilization, while reflecting on his own upbringing and class prejudice.
There were generally four of us in the bedroom, and a beastly place it was, with that defiled impermanent look of rooms that are not serving their rightful purpose. Years earlier the house had been an... - #6
Save:'The Emperor' by Ryszard Kapuscinski is a nonfiction account of the reign and fall of Ethiopia's last emperor, Haile Selassie. The book presents a series of interviews conducted by Kapuscinski with former members of Selassie's court, providing insights into the absurdities of the regime, the manipulation within the court, and the approaching downfall of the monarchy. The writing style immerses readers in the imperial realm, showcasing the reverence towards the emperor, the palace intrigue, and the cult of personality that surrounded Selassie.
Through the voices of those interviewed, the book reveals a world where the emperor was seen as divinely chosen, capable of no wrong. Readers are exposed to the intense palace intrigue, the extravagant titles bestowed upon Selassie even after his downfall, and the disconnect between the imperial elite and the suffering of the Ethiopian people. The book delves into the paradoxes of the regime, such as spending on grand structures while people starve, shedding light on the corruption, illogical decisions, and the mindset of those in power during Selassie's rule.
- #7
Save:'Oral History' by Lee Smith is a captivating novel that delves into the Appalachian culture, capturing the essence of the region with authenticity and depth. Through multiple generations of the Cantrell family, the book weaves a story that is plain, gripping, and evocative, resembling an oral history that brings the characters and their struggles to life. The writing style of Lee Smith is praised for its ability to create vivid imagery and realistic portrayals of mountain life, showcasing the beauty and hardships that coexist in the Appalachian setting.
From his cabin door, Almarine Cantrell owns all the land he sees. He’s not but twenty-two years old now. Young, then—you could call him young for owning this much land and that’s a fact, but they’s ot... - #8
Save:'Song of Kali' by Dan Simmons is a dark and chilling tale set in Calcutta, India, where journalist Robert Luzcak is sent to investigate new poetry by an Indian poet who was presumed dead. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a secret religious society devoted to the goddess Kali, the destroyer of life. The story is filled with suspense, horror, and a sense of impending doom from the very beginning, painting a vivid picture of the city as a monstrous entity in itself. The narrative explores themes of culture shock, supernatural elements, and the thin line between reality and manipulation, leaving readers on edge throughout the book.
It was June of 1977, and I had come down to New York from New Hampshire in order to finalize the details of the Calcutta trip with my editor at Harper's. Afterward I decided to drop in to see my frien... A Manual for Cleaning Women: Selected Stories by Lucia Berlin is a collection of autobiographical short stories that offer a glimpse into the author's life experiences. The stories feature characters who navigate through challenging circumstances such as alcoholism, relationship failures, abuse, and death, all while finding moments of grace and hope. Berlin's writing style is described as blunt, gritty, and unflinching, with a focus on detail and matter-of-fact storytelling. The narratives cover a range of themes, from intimate conversations and peripatetic lives to observations of people living in the Southwest of the United States.
Lucia Berlin’s stories are electric, they buzz and crackle as the live wires touch. And in response, the reader’s mind, too, beguiled, enraptured, comes alive, all synapses firing. This is the way we ...- #10
Save:'Sin Eater' by Megan Campisi is a dark and immersive tale set in 16th century England, following the story of May Owens, a young orphan sentenced to a life as a sin eater after stealing a loaf of bread. As a sin eater, May absorbs the sins of the dying by consuming foods that symbolize their confessions, delving into mysteries and dark secrets within the Queen's royal household. The novel explores themes of power, society's outcasts, and the struggle for survival in a bleak historical setting, offering a unique and creative perspective on folklore and dark fairy tales.
“Get on!” calls the cart man, coming from a side lane, urging the mare into the mess of the main thoroughfare. She shuttles her head from side to side, the bit buckling against her yellow teeth. My wa...
