Books matching: depression era
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- #1
Save:Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a novel set in the Great Depression era, following the story of Jacob, a young man who joins a traveling circus after a tragic incident. The book alternates between the past, where Jacob experiences the ups and downs of circus life, and the present, where an elderly Jacob reflects on his memories while living in a nursing home. The narrative provides a glimpse into the unique and fascinating world of the circus, with well-fleshed out characters and a storyline that explores themes of love, aging, and the challenges faced during that era.
When you’re five, you know your age down to the month. Even in your twenties you know how old you are. I’m twenty-three, you say, or maybe twenty-seven. But then in your thirties something strange sta... - #2
Save:Thieves Like Us by Edward Anderson is a classic crime novel set in the dark Depression era of the 1930s. The story follows three escaped convicts who turn to bank robbery as a means to survive, while dealing with themes of desperation, disillusionment, and tragic endings. The narrative is rich in rural small town settings, authentic vernacular dialogue, and vivid descriptions of the dusty plains of Oklahoma and Texas where the characters' lives unfold.
- #3
Save:A drifter named Frank becomes entangled in a stormy affair with a married woman named Cora, leading them to plot a murder. The narrative unfolds in a hard-boiled detective style without the mystery element, focusing on the characters' hardened nature and their willingness to do anything to fulfill their desires. The story is set in a depression-era America, showcasing dark and violent themes with spare descriptions and authentic dialogues.
The plot revolves around obsession, passion, murder, and violence set in a prosaic roadside gas station cafe. The characters, Frank and Cora, are portrayed as morally revolting yet compelling, leading to a shocking and abrupt conclusion akin to a hangman's noose. The book is described as a classic piece of noir fiction, exploring the dark tragedy of the human heart with a narrative that unfolds with a feeling of inevitability and moral logic.
They threw me off the hay truck about noon. I had swung on the night before, down at the border, and as soon as I got up there under the canvas, I went to sleep. I needed plenty of that, after three w... - #4
Save:In the 1930s in Kansas, 'The Persian Pickle Club' follows the story of a quilting group of farm women who support each other through the Great Depression. The arrival of a new member shakes things up, leading to a series of events that test the women's loyalty and friendship. The book is set in a small town during the Dust Bowl era and portrays the resilience of women facing hardships, while also incorporating elements of mystery and intrigue.
The first time she saw the members of the Persian Pickle Club, Rita told me after I got to know her, she thought we looked just like a bunch of setting hens. She’d learned all about setting hens that ... - #5
Save:'To Have and Have Not' by Ernest Hemingway is a gritty and bleak novel set in the Florida Keys and Cuba during the Depression era. The story follows Harry Morgan, a down-on-his-luck skipper, who turns to smuggling to provide for his family. The narrative contrasts the lives of the 'haves' and 'have nots', portraying the harsh realities of wealth and poverty. Hemingway's writing style is described as crisp, poignant, and effortless, capturing the desperation and struggles of the characters in a straightforward manner.
The book delves into themes of family, survival, moral ambiguity, and the dark side of wealth accumulation. Hemingway's narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of the Florida Keys, fishing expeditions, and the dangerous world of smuggling, creating a sense of tension and grit throughout the novel.
You know how it is there early in the morning in Havana with the bums still asleep against the walls of the buildings; before even the ice wagons come by with ice for the bars? Well, we came across th... 'Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde' by Jeff Guinn provides a detailed and compelling account of the lives of the infamous criminals Bonnie and Clyde. Through meticulous research, Guinn offers new insights into the harsh reality of Bonnie and Clyde's criminal activities, their motivations, and the era they lived in, debunking the glamorous image often associated with them. The narrative delves into the complexities of their relationship, their desperate actions driven by poverty and societal circumstances, and the tragic fate they ultimately met.
Guinn's writing style in 'Go Down Together' is described as captivating, well-researched, and detailed. The author skillfully narrates the events of Bonnie and Clyde's lives, crimes, and the era they lived in, providing a fresh perspective on the infamous duo. offers a balanced portrayal of Bonnie and Clyde, portraying them not as criminal masterminds but as desperate individuals from impoverished backgrounds who turned to a life of crime. Guinn's thorough examination of primary sources, attention to detail in describing the criminal activities, and insightful analysis of the characters make this book a standout in the genre of crime biographies.
Clyde Barrow’s father, Henry, never had much luck in life, and the hard times started for him right out of the womb. There is some question about his birthplace and date—it seems most likely he was bo...- #7
Save:To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a classic novel set in a small Southern town during the 1930s and 1940s. The story is told through the eyes of Scout, a young girl, and revolves around her father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends an African American man accused of rape. The book delves into themes of racial inequality, prejudice, family dynamics, and the loss of innocence, capturing the social issues and moral dilemmas prevalent during that era. The narrative style is engaging, with a mix of heartwarming moments, social commentary, and a child's perspective on the complexities of life.
When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem’s fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious abou... - #8
Save:'The Adventures of Augie March' by Saul Bellow is a novel that follows the life of Augie March, a poor Jewish boy growing up during the Depression in Chicago. The story is long and descriptive of the hardships of that time, with Augie depicted as a flawed character who navigates through various jobs, women, and war experiences without significant growth or maturity. The writing style of Bellow is described as complex, with long, dense descriptions of characters and settings, and references to mythology and philosophy woven throughout the narrative.
The plot of 'The Adventures of Augie March' is a rambling picaresque set in Chicago and Mexico, showcasing Augie's adventures and encounters with diverse characters. Bellow's writing is praised for its excellent prose, detailed characterizations, and sharp observations, capturing the spirit of Chicago and presenting a mix of humor, heart, and profound insights into American life during the 1930s and 1940s.
I am an American, Chicago born—Chicago, that somber city—and go at things as I have taught myself, free-style, and will make the record in my own way: first to knock, first admitted; sometimes an inno... 'In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash' by Jean Shepherd is a collection of stories that transport the reader back to the author's 1930s childhood in a small town in northern Indiana. The book delves into the innocence and bitter tang of growing up during the depression, capturing both the sentimentality and cynicism of the author's life experiences. Through humorous anecdotes and nostalgic reminiscences, Shepherd explores the small-mindedness and poverty of his hometown while also reflecting on his current life in the big city.
The stories in the book provide additional details and background on the iconic movie 'A Christmas Story', expanding upon many different parts of the film. Readers are taken on a journey through Shepherd's memories, from his escapades with friends in Hohman to his reflections on life as a writer in New York. The writing style is a blend of humor, wit, and sharp observational humor, making the book a delightful exploration of childhood, friendship, and the passage of time.
I felt like a spy. It was the first time I had ever ridden a cab in my own hometown. When I had left it I was definitely not a cab rider. Now taking cabs was as natural as breathing or putting on shoe...- #10
Save:The Group by Mary McCarthy is a novel that follows the lives of eight Vassar graduates from the Class of '33 in the 1930s through the 1940s. The book delves into the themes of friendship, marriage, career success, and societal conventions, offering a satirical and searing commentary on the changing mores for women during that era. McCarthy's writing style is described as sharp, with elements of satire and strong social commentary, depicting the reality of women's lives with frankness and clarity.
IT WAS JUNE, 1933, one week after Commencement, when Kay Leiland Strong, Vassar ’33, the first of her class to run around the table at the Class Day dinner, was married to Harald Petersen, Reed ’27, i...
