Books matching: epic tragedy
31 result(s)
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- #1
Save:Metamorphoses by Ovid is a captivating collection of myths from Greek and Roman mythology, focusing on physical transformations. The book weaves together various myths and legends, showcasing stories involving gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines being transformed into different forms such as birds, trees, and stones. Ovid's writing style is described as lyrical, lush, and poetic, providing vivid descriptions that bring the ancient myths to life for readers.
Swiftly Ovid enters the theme of metamorphoses, the mutability of all things in creation. There is not much doubt that the source of his inspiration is in the first book of Lucretius’s De Rerum Natura... - #2
Save:In this retelling of a classic Greek epic, 'The Song of Troy' by Colleen McCullough delivers the narrative through the perspective of more than a dozen major players of the Trojan War, emphasizing that it is both an epic and a tragedy for everyone involved. The book weaves together various mythical strands to create a narrative of the events pre and post the Trojan War, presenting the war fought not over Helen but for control of the Hellespont and the Black Sea, as well as Asia Minor.
McCullough's writing style in 'The Song of Troy' is praised for its gift for prose, with words flowing seamlessly together, creating visual images in the reader's mind. The book picks up on themes alluded to in The Iliad, such as Achilles and Patroclus as lovers, and presents powerful descriptions, tender love scenes, and enthralling action sequences all paced well, making it a winner among readers.
There never was a city like Troy. The young priest Kalchas, sent to Egyptian Thebes during his novitiate, came back unimpressed by the pyramids built along the west bank of the River of Life. Troy, he... - #3
Save:'La Bete humaine' by Emile Zola is a novel set against the backdrop of the French railways just before the outbreak of the 1870 Franco Prussian war. It delves into the atavistic passions of the human animal, exploring themes of love, obsession, and multiple murders. The narrative unfolds in a recognizably urban environment, intertwining the characters' obsessions and compulsions with the rapid industrialization and social decay of the Second Empire. Zola's writing style vividly portrays the tensions of man's relationships with technology and the primal fears that drive individuals, creating a dark and macabre story full of murder, passion, and the inner compulsions that lie beneath the surface of rationalism and modernity.
The novel is described as a gripping page-turner with a compelling narrative that intertwines the lives of its characters with the railway network, making it a major character in the book. Zola's exploration of the human psyche, inner compulsions, and the intertwined desires for sex and violence, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, makes 'La Bete humaine' a complex and thought-provoking read that delves into the darker aspects of human nature.
- #4
Save:Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom: China, the West, and the Epic Story of the Taiping Civil War by Stephen R. Platt is a well-researched and well-written narrative history of the Taiping Rebellion, one of the most destructive conflicts in China's history. The book details the war, its principal figures, and the global responses to it, focusing on the impact of foreign involvement. Platt's narrative style draws readers into the exotic world of the rebellion, highlighting the political events and key characters involved, while also exploring the motivations and complexities of the conflict.
News of the mounting upheaval in China reached Hamberg and the other settlers in Hong Kong and up the coast in Shanghai only in scattered and vague accounts. From Chinese government reports there seem... - #5
Save:'The Cross of Iron' by Willi Heinrich follows the story of Corporal Steiner, soon to be reinstated to Sergeant, who commands a platoon of ten men left behind in a retreat in the Crimea. The small group of characters must navigate through battles, including a final one inside a factory, where they face chaotic military action scenes and encounter random events that lead to unexpected deaths. The book delves into the hell and confusion of battle, filled with emotion and questioning by fully realized characters, while also exploring the feud between Steiner and the antagonist, Stransky, which builds throughout the novel.
WITH THE RUSSIAN artillery savagely blasting away, the sun went down behind the enormous woods. It had been the same yesterday and the day before yesterday, and it would be the same tomorrow and for e... - #6
Save:'The French Revolution' by Thomas Carlyle is a comprehensive historical treatise that vividly depicts the chaotic and violent events of the French Revolution. Written in a fresh and immediate style, the book brings to life the chaos and anarchy of the revolution, providing an insider's view of the whole tumultuous period. Carlyle's writing is described as witty, interesting, and action-packed, making the historical events feel urgent and real. Despite being challenging to read due to its archaic English and assumption of prior knowledge, the book is praised for its detailed account of the revolution and its significance as an important historical event.
President Hénault, remarking on royal Surnames of Honour how difficult it often is to ascertain not only why, but even when, they were conferred, takes occasion in his sleek official way to make a phi... - #7
Save:Fish in Exile by Vi Khi Nao is a novel that intricately weaves together themes of grief, loss, and love through poetic prose and mythical references. The story follows a couple, Ethos and Catholic Romulus, as they navigate the aftermath of losing their children. The book explores the depths of their sorrow and the ways in which they cope with their trauma, including surreal elements like bringing dead fish to the sea and creating an ecology of grief within their relationship. Nao's writing style is described as stylistically elegant, with a balance of profound emotion and mythical imagery that delves into the characters' inner turmoil and external landscape.
- #8
Save:The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese is a sprawling epic that spans across three generations and two continents, focusing on the life of Mariamma, who later becomes known as Big Ammachi, the respected matriarch of the Parambil family. The novel delves into themes of love, loss, and secrets, set against the backdrop of Kerala from 1900 to 1970s. The intricate plot weaves together parallel stories, including that of Dr. Digby Kilgour from Scotland, highlighting human connections, medical struggles, and the complexities of relationships. Verghese's writing style is described as exquisite, with vivid descriptions that bring India to life, and characters that are compelling and emotionally engaging.
- #9
Save:Brothers of the Wind is a prequel set in the mystical world of Osten Ard, chronicling an important event from the backstory of the series. The story follows the journey of two brothers, Prince Ineluki and Hakatri, as they confront a great dragon that threatens the lands of Osten Ard. Narrated by Kes, Hakatri's loyal servant, the novel delves into the tragic tale of power, brotherhood, and impending doom, set approximately 1,000 years before the events of The Dragonbone Chair. The writing style is described as carefully crafted, with finely honed characterizations and a focus on pace, allowing readers to delve into the mythic power of the characters.
(Also, see 53 recommendations for the series The Last King of Osten Ard ) - #10
Save:Melusine by Sarah Monette follows the intertwined fates of Felix Harrowgate, a master wizard, and Mildmay the fox, a thief and assassin, as they navigate a world of magic, intrigue, and dark secrets. The story delves into their tortured pasts, their struggles with mental and emotional traumas, and their unlikely alliance as they embark on a journey filled with harrowing adventures. The narrative is characterized by lush world-building, intricate character development, and a compelling writing style that immerses readers in a city of danger and romance.
The Hall of the Chimeras, having no windows, was lit by seven massive candelabra hanging above the mosaic floor like monstrous birds of prey. Their fledglings, twisted iron stands crowned with candles...
