Books matching: engagement in narrative
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- #1
Save:'Do the Birds Still Sing in Hell?' by Horace Greasley is a gripping and controversial memoir based on the true story of a British soldier's experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. The book delves into the life of Horace Greasley, highlighting his resilience, courage, and unconventional love story with a woman named Rose, who he meets in the midst of unimaginable suffering and torture in German work camps. The writing style of the book alternates between vivid descriptions of the horrors of war and moments of tenderness and love, creating a roller-coaster of emotions for the readers.
Joseph Horace Greasley had enjoyed life on his parents’ Leicestershire smallholding for as long as he could remember. He’d enjoyed milking the half dozen cows, tending to the hens and feeding the pigs... - #2
Save:'Cosm' by Gregory Benford follows the story of Alicia Butterworth, a black woman physicist who discovers a miniature universe inside a particle accelerator. The novel delves into the world of scientific research, exploring the ethical implications and the struggles of academia. Through the character of Alicia, the author raises questions about physics, scientific discovery, and the complexities of human relationships. The writing style incorporates elements such as letters, emails, and newspaper blurbs to provide different perspectives and enhance the storytelling.
- #3
Save:'To the End of June' by Cris Beam is a narrative nonfiction book that delves into the inner workings of the U.S. foster care system through the stories of various foster children and parents. The author highlights the struggles and vulnerabilities of foster children, shedding light on the challenges they face as they navigate through the system. Beam also addresses the issues of racial disparities, systemic biases, and the shortcomings of the foster care system, urging for reform and better outcomes for these vulnerable children.
IN MY MANHATTAN APARTMENT BUILDING, a mother leaves her two-year-old daughter, Alicia, asleep in her stroller just outside her front door, alone in the hallway for hours. For months, I’ve been torture... - #4
Save:'A Midsummer Tempest' by Poul Anderson is a fantasy novel set in a universe where Shakespeare's plays are taken as literal truth. The story follows Prince Rupert of the Rhine as he navigates a world influenced by Shakespearean characters and themes, particularly during the English Civil War. The book incorporates elements of historical fantasy, parallel universes, and iambic pentameter dialogue, creating a unique and engaging narrative style that intertwines with the plot seamlessly. Through a blend of adventure, romance, and wordplay, Anderson crafts a tale that transports readers to a world where magic, technology, and spiritual conflicts collide.
The novel delves into themes of history, magic, and the clash between traditional beliefs and technological progress, all set against the backdrop of a fantastical version of 17th-century England. Anderson's intricate world-building, clever integration of Shakespearean elements, and engaging storytelling captivate readers as they follow Prince Rupert's journey from captivity to a larger-than-life adventure filled with faeries, political intrigue, and the timeless struggle between old ways and new ways. With a mix of whimsical fantasy and historical references, 'A Midsummer Tempest' offers a rich tapestry of storytelling that invites readers to explore a world where the lines between reality and fiction blur.
THROUGHOUT that sullen day, cannon had spoken from time to time between the confronting armies. otherwise there was no move of war. First Rupert waited for the Yorkshiremen; afterward he waited for mo...
(Also, see 92 recommendations for the series Holger Danske ) - #5
Save:'Flowers of the Sea' by Reggie Oliver is a collection of disturbing short stories that offer a modern approach to the classic ghost story genre. The author's writing style is described as beautifully written with a focus on atmosphere and a mounting sense of dread. The stories range from traditional ghostly scenarios to modern supernatural tales, often set in a modern context. The book also includes tributes to M.R. James, showcasing Oliver's talent for crafting eerie and addictive narratives.
On the 28th August 1843 a rising young artist called Richard Dadd (1817-1886) attacked his father with a razor and killed him in Cobham Park near Gravesend, Kent. At his trial Dadd was found guilty bu... - #6
Save:The Shot by Philip Kerr is a historical thriller set in 1960s USA, where a professional assassin named Tom Jefferson is hired to assassinate Fidel Castro by the Mafia, in collaboration with figures from the FBI. The plot twists as Jefferson's true allegiances are revealed, leading to a complex web of espionage, political intrigue, and betrayal. Kerr expertly weaves together forgotten historical figures with his own creations, providing a new perspective on past events while keeping readers guessing with unexpected turns in the story.
- #7
Save:Waiting for the Mahatma by R.K. Narayan is set in the fictional village of Malgudi during India's struggle for independence from the British Empire. The story follows the protagonist, Sriram, as he becomes involved in the freedom movement after meeting Bharati, a patriotic girl working under Mahatma Gandhi. As Sriram navigates his feelings for Bharati and his newfound involvement in the independence struggle, the narrative beautifully captures the essence of pre-independence India, blending humor, love, and social commentary seamlessly. Narayan's writing style is described as fluent, graceful, and highly readable, with well-crafted characters that offer insights into the complexities of the era and the human experience.
(Also, see 6 recommendations for the series Malgudi ) - #8Smokeby:
Save:In an alternate Victorian England, people emit black smoke when they commit any minor transgression, leading to a society where controlling one's smoke is crucial to avoid a life of poverty or eternal damnation. The story follows three upper-class teenagers as they try to unravel the mystery surrounding Smoke, its origins, and its impact on society, blending genres of alternate history, mystery, and horror. The novel is set in a richly imagined world where the concept of sin and evil is manifested physically through smoke, creating a dark and atmospheric setting that explores themes of morality and class divide.
The first thing he does upon waking is to search his nightshirt, his bedding for soiling. He does so quickly, mechanically, still more than half asleep: runs a palm over his skin feeling for the tellt... - #9
Save:The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis-Graves tells the story of Annika and Jonathan, a couple who meet in college, fall in love, and then reunite ten years later. Annika is portrayed as quirky and charming, with potential autism spectrum traits that affect her social interactions. The novel alternates between two timelines, 1991 and 2001, showcasing the growth and challenges faced by the characters as they navigate their relationship. The writing style is described as thoughtful, realistic, and romantic, with a focus on character development and the complexities of relationships.
I run into him at Dominick’s, of all places. I’m poking around in the freezer case, searching for the strawberries I put in my morning smoothie, when a man’s voice somewhere off to my right says, “Ann... - #10
Save:In "Silent on the Moor," the third book in the Lady Julia Grey series by Deanna Raybourn, readers are taken on a gothic journey to Yorkshire in 1889 where Lady Julia Grey and her sister Portia accompany Nicholas Brisbane to his new estate. The story unfolds with mysterious happenings, secrets, Egyptian antiquities, and a touch of the paranormal, all set against the backdrop of a crumbling manor house on the moors. As Lady Julia delves into cataloguing Egyptian artifacts, she uncovers a mummy that leads to questions nobody wants to answer, intertwining with a larger mystery surrounding Brisbane's origins. The plot weaves together romance, mystery investigations, family troubles, and dark secrets, culminating in a satisfying end that leaves readers eager for more.
“Julia Grey, I would rather see you hanged than watch any sister of mine go haring off after a man who will not have her,” my brother Bellmont raged. “And Portia, I am thoroughly appalled that you wou...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lady Julia Grey )
