Books matching: evocative writing style
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'How Many Miles to Babylon?' by Jennifer Johnston is a poignant story set in pre-World War I Ireland, focusing on the unlikely friendship between two young men, Alex and Jerry, from different social classes. The book delves into themes of friendship, love, loyalty, class divisions, and the brutality of war. The narrative follows the characters from their idyllic rural upbringing to the horrors of the battlefield, exploring the impact of their circumstances on their lives and relationships. Johnston's writing style is described as delicate, powerful, haunting, and searing, skillfully portraying the emotional depth of the characters and the historical backdrop of the time.
BECAUSE I am an officer and a gentleman they have given me my notebooks, pen, ink and paper. So I write and wait. I am committed to no cause, I love no living person. The fact that I have no future ex... - #2
Save:'Idaho' by Emily Ruskovich explores themes of family, loss, grief, memory, and forgiveness through a non-linear narrative that spans several decades. The story revolves around a tragic incident where a mother murders her youngest daughter, leading to the disappearance of her other daughter. The novel delves into the lives of the characters affected by this event, including the mother in prison, her ex-husband with early onset dementia, and his new wife. The multiple viewpoints and time shifts provide depth to the characters and the plot, creating a melancholic atmosphere that resonates with readers.
They never drove the truck, except once or twice a year to get firewood. It was parked just up the hill in front of the woodshed, where it collected rain in the deep dents on the hood and mosquito lar... - #3
Save:'Half an Inch of Water' by Percival Everett is a collection of slightly surreal short stories set in the American west. The stories are linked by recurring themes, places, and characters, creating an immersive and believable world that leaves readers gazing into the distance. The author challenges readers to draw meaning from the context created within the narrative, asking poignant human questions without providing straightforward answers. The writing style is described as clear, evocative, and thought-provoking, with characters that are complex and interesting despite the limitations of the short story format.
- #4
Save:'The White Darkness' by David Grann is a captivating non-fiction book that follows the life and expeditions of Henry Worsley, a modern-day man deeply inspired by Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. The book delves into Worsley's obsession with Shackleton, his successful expeditions with fellow descendants of Shackleton's crew, and his ultimately fatal solo journey across Antarctica. Grann skillfully weaves together Worsley's personal story, historical accounts of polar exploration, and vivid descriptions of the harsh Antarctic landscapes, creating a gripping narrative that immerses the reader into the world of extreme endurance and adventure.
Worsley’s journey captivated people around the world, including legions of schoolchildren who were following his progress. Each day, after trekking for several hours and burrowing into his tent, he re... 'The High Sierra: A Love Story' by Kim Stanley Robinson is a non-fiction work that delves into the beauty and allure of California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. Through short chapters, the author shares information about important figures who have shaped the region, the geology of the mountains, and his own personal experiences exploring the Sierra. The writing style combines travel guide elements, natural history insights, personal memoir anecdotes, and philosophical musings, creating a multi-faceted narrative that transports readers to the High Sierra.
- #6
Save:'The Book of Gold Leaves' by Mirza Waheed is a poignant love story set against the backdrop of the political strife and rebellion in Kashmir during the 1990s. The novel follows the journey of two lovers, Roohi and Faiz, who are brought together amidst the chaos and violence engulfing the city of Srinagar. The author intricately weaves a tale of forbidden love, spiritual oneness, and the complexities of the Kashmir conflict, providing readers with a deep insight into the lives of Kashmiri people during a tumultuous period in history. Mirza Waheed's writing style is described as lyrical, evocative, and emotionally charged, capturing the essence of Kashmir's landscape and the struggles faced by its inhabitants with vivid details and engaging narratives.
The light-bulb in the room is of low voltage. A pale, sad light – they cannot afford high-voltage lamps for each of the eighteen rooms – is, has been for more than a year, his sole companion as he pai... - #7
Save:"All the Windwracked Stars" by Elizabeth Bear is a unique blend of Norse mythology and apocalyptic science fiction set in a far future world. The story revolves around Muire, a waelcyrge valkyrie historian, her companion the valraven Kasimir, and Cathoair, a male prostitute and beerhall prizefighter, as they navigate a dying earth under the threat of the villainous Grey Wolf. The plot unfolds in the last city standing, sustained by the Technomancer who combines science and magic to keep it alive, thousands of years after the end of the world. The writing style in the book is described as powerful and evocative, creating a marvelous journey that feels like a tale spun from a murky dream.
There was snow at the end of the world, and Kasimir was dying in it. Broken wings dragged from his shoulders like defeated banners, disordered feathers hauling crimson streaks through the snow that wo... - #8
Save:The 'Scroll of Saqqara' by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Egypt that brings to life the triumphs and failures of centuries past. The story follows Prince Khaemwaset, a physician and archeologist, as he explores a tomb in Saqqara, a necropolis, in search of The Scroll of Thoth. His encounter with a mysterious family, particularly a woman named Tbubui, leads to a series of events that disrupt his loving family and drive the plot towards an unexpected and chilling ending. The book expertly weaves daily life in ancient Egypt with elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy, keeping readers engrossed and intrigued until the very end.
Khaemwaset cast a swift glance around and shouted back a denial. His initial enthusiasm was quickly turning to a familiar disappointment. His were not, after all, the first feet to tread the sacred fl... "Morphosis" by Aj Saxsma is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of family, love, and acceptance in a small farming community. The story follows Ollie, his partner Dwayne, and his children as they settle on a farm near a rural community. The murder mystery plot adds an extra layer of suspense, while the real horror lies in the human flaws and the harm inflicted through neglect, shame, and ignorance. The author vividly brings to life the rural setting and small town community, creating authentic characters struggling to navigate life's challenges and relationships.
delves into the nuances of family dynamics, relationships, and the challenges of life, masterfully capturing diverse characters and thought-provoking questions about identity, acceptance, and human emotions. It is an evocative and beautifully crafted novel that skillfully weaves together the elements of suspense, raw emotion, and rich imagery to create an immersive experience that leaves readers deeply moved long after they've turned the last page.
- #10
Save:'The River of Silver' in the series 'The Daevabad Trilogy' by S.A. Chakraborty is a collection of short stories that provide additional backstory and insights into the beloved characters of the original trilogy. The stories vary in time throughout the trilogy, offering glimpses into the lives of the characters and adding depth to the world created by the author. Each story comes with notes indicating where it fits in the timeline of the trilogy, helping readers navigate the narrative.
The writing style of S.A. Chakraborty in 'The River of Silver' is described as evocative and captivating, drawing readers back into the world of Daevabad with its rich and tragic elements. is praised for adding background information on the characters, exploring themes of race, magic, acceptance, and political struggles, while also delving into the LGBTQIA aspects of the characters' lives.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Daevabad Trilogy )
