Books matching: emotional distance
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- #1
'Breaking Point' by Emma Darcy revolves around the tumultuous relationship between Tanya and Rafe. Tanya, who sacrifices her career to care for her husband and their home, realizes that Rafe only values her physically while keeping her emotionally distant. The breaking point occurs when Rafe chooses to prioritize his personal assistant over his wife, leading Tanya to assert her independence and confront Rafe as an equal. The story portrays Tanya's journey towards self-empowerment and Rafe's realization of his mistakes in their marriage, ultimately culminating in a hopeful ending.
January 1992•189 pages - #2
"My Phantoms" by Gwendoline Riley is a novella that delves into the complex and tumultuous relationship between a mother and daughter. The story follows the narrator reflecting on her dying mother's possessions, highlighting the dysfunctional family dynamics and the daughter's response to her mother's final illness. The writing style is spare yet compelling, with sharp and clear prose that skillfully spans decades to focus on the mother-daughter bond.
2021•164 pages - #3
'Eternally Yours' in the 'Roxton Letters' series by Lucinda Brant is a collection of correspondence that delves into the lives of the beloved Roxton family members. Through letters, the author brings back characters who have left the family, filling in the gaps of untold stories and providing further insight into their lives. Readers are taken on an emotional journey as they explore the deep connections and intricate relationships within the Roxton dynasty.
June 2015•149 pages - #4
A beautifully written, quietly powerful collection that offers profound insights into ordinary lives - perfect for lovers of literary, introspective short fiction, though it may leave those seeking fast-paced or emotionally intense stories wanting more.
"Selected Stories" by Alice Munro is a collection of short stories that delve into personal epiphanies, human thoughts, emotions, and motivations. The stories often revolve around Canadian women, exploring their relationships with men, family dynamics, and inner struggles. Munro's writing style is described as beautifully crafted, with tales that capture the complexities and ambiguities of human behavior. The narratives are grounded in realistic characters, rural Western Canada settings, and universal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
AFTER SUPPER MY father says, “Want to go down and see if the Lake’s still there?” We leave my mother sewing under the dining-room light, making clothes for me against the opening of school. She has ri...1994•688 pages - #5
'The Judas Rose' by Suzette Haden Elgin is the second book in the 'Native Tongue' trilogy, focusing on a dystopian society where women are oppressed and are fighting to regain control of their world through the creation of a new language. The book delves into the importance of language in expressing the female experience and challenges the patriarchal norms. The plot follows the women's clever scheme to implement their master plan and explores the struggles and challenges faced in a society dominated by male oppression, while highlighting the power of language in shaping self-image and society.
The writing style of 'The Judas Rose' is described as thought-provoking, well-written, and non-linear. The book is praised for its in-depth portrayal of women's thoughts and challenges in the face of male attitudes, showcasing the author's strong feminist perspective. Despite some readers finding the plot muddled and the characters less engaging compared to the first book in the trilogy, the story continues to build upon the world created in 'Native Tongue' and offers a speculative fiction narrative that explores important societal issues through a feminist lens.
Heykus Joshua Clete, Chief of the Department of Analysis & Translation of the State Department’s Foreign Service, winner of the Reagan Medal for Statesmanship, recipient of dozens of honorary degrees...February 1987•391 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Native Tongue ) - #6
A moody, thought-provoking journey into isolation, identity, and nature - Surfacing is vintage Atwood: beautifully written, unsettling, deeply symbolic, and not for everyone. Perfect for readers who enjoy puzzles, brooding realism, and feminist literary fiction.
"Surfacing" by Margaret Atwood follows the story of a nameless protagonist who returns to her childhood home in a remote area of Canada after receiving notice that her father has gone missing. Accompanied by her boyfriend and two friends, the protagonist embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her past, leading to a psychological exploration of identity, relationships, and the conflict between human life and nature. Atwood's writing style is described as intense, personal, and dreamlike, blurring the line between reality and imagination as the protagonist delves into her past and confronts her inner demons.
I can’t believe I’m on this road again, twisting along past the lake where the white birches are dying, the disease is spreading up from the south, and I notice they now have sea-planes for hire. But...1972•213 pages - #7
A subtle and moving read - short, but it lingers. Not for everyone, but fans of literary family drama will find plenty to savor.
'My Name Is Lucy Barton' by Elizabeth Strout is a poignant and introspective tale that delves into the life of Lucy Barton as she reflects on her past while in the hospital, conversing with her mother. The writing style is sparse yet intentional, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of Lucy's life and relationships. Through a series of memories and conversations, the book explores themes of family dynamics, childhood poverty, and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter.
There was a time, and it was many years ago now, when I had to stay in a hospital for almost nine weeks. This was in New York City, and at night a view of the Chrysler Building, with its geometric bri...January 2016•210 pages - #8
Lady Macbeth by Susan Fraser King is a fictional retelling of the MacBeth story, focusing on the lives of MacBeth and Lady MacBeth. The story presents a different perspective on the historical figures, portraying a less villainous MacBeth and a less saintly Duncan. Set in ancient Scotland, the novel follows Lady MacBeth's journey from a young age to her marriage with MacBeth, highlighting the constant battles for control over Scotland and the importance of the brave warrior MacBeth.
The book combines elements of folklore with historical facts, bringing to life the politics, culture, customs, and beliefs of 11th century Scotland. Through the protagonist, Lady Gruadh, readers experience the tumultuous events of the time, including betrayals, alliances, and the struggles to unite Scotland against external threats. The narrative style, although written in first person, offers a vivid portrayal of the historical era, although some readers found the character of MacBeth to remain somewhat of an enigma.
2008•385 pages Gut-wrenching but essential, Somaly Mam’s story will open your eyes and break your heart - the kind of memoir that challenges you not just to read, but to care and maybe even act.
"The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine" by Somaly Mam is a memoir detailing Mam's harrowing experiences of being sold into sexual slavery at a young age in Cambodia. The narrative follows Mam's brutal journey through the brothels of Cambodia, her eventual escape, and her courageous efforts to help other victims of human trafficking. The writing style is described as honest, direct, and brutally honest, providing a raw and unfiltered account of the sex industry in Southeast Asia and shedding light on the dark realities of prostitution and human trafficking.
My name is Somaly. At least that’s the name I have now. Like everyone in Cambodia, I’ve had several. Names are the result of temporary choices. You change them the way you’d change lives. As a small c...2005•217 pages- #10
A smart, sharp, and quietly funny look at the messiness of finding your own path. If you're into quirky literary fiction and don’t mind a slower, more introspective pace, give this one a shot!
In Weike Wang's novel "Chemistry," the unnamed female narrator struggles with finding the right chemistry in her life, whether it's in her relationships, career, or personal identity. The story follows her journey of self-discovery, dealing with pressure from her Chinese immigrant parents, her successful boyfriend, and her academic pursuits, ultimately leading her to reevaluate her priorities and desires. The writing style is described as spare, introspective, and humorous, with elements of science scattered throughout the narrative.
Diamond is no longer the hardest mineral known to man. New Scientist reports that lonsdaleite is. Lonsdaleite is 58 percent harder than diamond and forms only when meteorites smash themselves into Ear...May 2017•224 pages










