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Books matching: exploitation and cruelty

7 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 7 of 7 
  1. A bold, ambitious exposé that argues disaster is big business - and challenges how we think about shock, reform, and who really benefits. Essential reading for anyone looking to understand the hidden patterns behind world-shaking events.

    Naomi Klein's 'The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism' is a compelling and eye-opening exploration of how global economics and geopolitics intersect to create environments of exploitation, ruthlessness, and cruelty. Klein argues that disasters, whether natural, political, or economic, are seized upon by global corporations to further their agenda, leading to the privatization of public services and the perpetuation of wealth inequality. Through a series of well-researched examples, Klein reveals the insidious nature of disaster capitalism and its impact on societies around the world. The book is a thought-provoking examination of the modern capitalist state and the influence of multinational corporations on government functions.

    Klein's writing style is described as daring, passionate, and journalistic. She presents a collection of facts in a compelling and informative manner, drawing readers in with her thought-provoking analysis of historical events and economic ideologies. The book challenges readers to rethink their understanding of global capitalism and the forces at play in shaping modern society, offering a critical perspective on the intersection of politics, economics, and power dynamics.

    I went to the slaughterhouse to observe this so-called "electric slaughtering," and I saw that the hogs were clamped at the temples with big metallic tongs which were hooked up to an electric current...
    2006
    671 pages

  2. #2

    Julius by Daphne du Maurier
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    "Julius" by Daphne du Maurier is a psychological portrait of Julius Lévy, a character portrayed as a sociopathic man hungry for control. Set in the late 1800s to early 1900s, Julius is depicted as a morally bankrupt millionaire who views women as possessions, takes advantage of wartime suffering to make a profit, and is unnaturally obsessed with his daughter. The novel delves into Julius' ambition, his ruthless business tactics, and his manipulative nature, showcasing his rise to power and the consequences of his actions. The writing style is described as insightful, prescient, and driven by psychological depth rather than a traditional plot, offering a disturbing yet fascinating read that challenges readers' perceptions of morality and ambition.

    They floated just above his head, they almost brushed his eyelids as they passed, and he had only to grasp the long curling fringe of them with his fingers and they would belong to him instead, becomi...
    1933
    317 pages

  3. #3

    The Only Harmless Great Thing by Brooke Bolander
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    A potent, beautifully written, and deeply unsettling blend of history, myth, and speculative fiction that will linger in your mind - just be ready for an unusual, sometimes challenging reading experience.

    'The Only Harmless Great Thing' by Brooke Bolander is a novella that weaves together two intertwined stories - one set during WWII with elephants replacing the radium girls, and a future thread focusing on nuclear waste and the need for warnings for millennia. The narratives are connected through Topsy the elephant, executed in WWII, and explore themes of exploitation, empowerment, and the impact of human actions on both women and elephants. The writing style is described as emotional, thought-provoking, and at times disjointed, with elements of alternate history and social commentary.

    There is a secret buried beneath the mountain’s gray skin. The ones who put it there, flat-faced pink squeakers with more clever-thinking than sense, are many Mothers gone, bones so crumbled an ear’s...
    January 2018
    96 pages

  4. #4

    Chart Throb by Ben Elton
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    A sharp, funny, and scathingly cynical lampoon of reality talent shows - hugely entertaining if you're in the mood for a breezy, smart, and very British satire (but probably not one you'll remember forever).

    'Chart Throb' by Ben Elton is a satirical novel that delves into the world of reality TV talent shows, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the manipulation, exploitation, and absurdity that goes on in these programs. The book follows a season of a fictional talent show called Chart Throb, where the characters, based on real-life personalities from shows like X Factor and American Idol, navigate through rigged competitions, outrageous plot twists, and larger-than-life scenarios. Ben Elton's writing style combines humor, wit, and biting satire to shed light on the darker side of the entertainment industry, presenting a fictional yet eerily realistic portrayal of the reality TV phenomenon.

    1998
    433 pages

  5. #5

    A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
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    A beautifully unusual gem - short, strange, and full of meaning. Magical realism at its finest, but best for those who don’t mind a bit of sadness and mystery left unsolved.

    A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a short story that blends elements of magical realism with a thought-provoking narrative. It tells the tale of a couple who discover a winged old man in their courtyard, who is both treated as a celestial being and a grotesque curiosity by their village. The plot unfolds as the couple exploits the old man for profit, while the townspeople debate his nature, seeing him as an angel, a circus oddity, or just an unfortunate old man. The themes of human cruelty, the struggle for understanding, and the quest for acceptance are woven throughout this engaging and darkly humorous tale.

    1968

  6. #6

    The Mermaid by Christina Henry
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    A beautifully written, thoughtful retelling that melds fantasy with feminist historical fiction. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of magic and social commentary.

    'The Mermaid' by Christina Henry is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of a mermaid named Amelia who becomes entangled in the world of P.T. Barnum's circus. The book explores themes of love, identity, and societal expectations as Amelia navigates her way through the human world while staying true to herself. Through rich prose and a blend of fantasy and historical elements, Christina Henry creates a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and the desire for acceptance.

    Once there was a fisherman, a lonely man who lived on a cold and rocky coast and was never able to convince any woman to come away and live in that forbidding place with him. He loved the sea more tha...
    June 2018
    336 pages

  7. #7

    Me Cheeta: The Autobiography by James Lever
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    A brilliantly original and hilariously sharp parody of Hollywood memoirs - scandalous, touching, and a little too long for some. Dive in if you love star-studded satire with a surprising emotional punch; skip it if animal narrators or Hollywood lampooning aren’t your thing.

    In 'Me Cheeta: The Autobiography', the reader is taken on a journey through the life of Cheeta, a chimpanzee who starred in the Tarzan movies alongside Johnny Weissmuller. The book is a satirical take on Hollywood's golden age, revealing scandalous and humorous anecdotes about the movie industry and its stars. Through Cheeta's narrative, the book explores themes of exploitation, friendship, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction in the entertainment world. Lever's writing style cleverly blends wit, satire, and emotional depth, creating a unique and engaging storytelling experience.

    On my last day in motion pictures I found myself at the top of a monkey-puzzle tree in England, helping to settle a wager between that marvelous light comedian and wit Rex Harrison and his wife, the a...
    2008
    336 pages

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