Books matching: fading glory
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- #1
Save:Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of the aristocratic Flyte family and their friends. The story follows Charles Ryder, who forms connections with the Flytes, particularly Sebastian, during his time at Oxford and later at Brideshead estate. The narrative spans over two decades, intertwining themes of love, religion, duty, and decay within the backdrop of England's elite society. Waugh's writing style is described as sumptuous, elegant, and melancholic, creating a rich tapestry of characters and relationships that evolve against the backdrop of historical events like World War II.
When I reached “C” Company lines, which were at the top of the hill, I paused and looked back at the camp, just coming into full view below me through the gray mist of early morning. We were leaving t... - #2
Save:'The Chain of Chance' by Stanisław Lem is a mystery novel that delves into philosophical and scientific issues, involving a series of strange deaths that lead to a former astronaut deciding to investigate. The story is described as a blend of science fiction and mystery, with a unique premise that explores the concept of a crime resulting from an improbable but possible chain of chance circumstances. Lem's writing style is noted for its complexity and precision, with the novel challenging readers' preconceptions about how the world works through a thought-provoking storyline that involves chaos theory and patterns in life and nature.
The last day was by far the longest and most drawn out. Not that I was nervous or scared; I had no reason to be. Surrounded by a multilingual crowd, I felt lonely the whole time. No one took any notic... Mark Harris' 'Five Came Back: A Story of Hollywood and the Second World War' delves into the experiences of five prominent Hollywood directors - John Ford, John Huston, George Stevens, William Wyler, and Frank Capra - during World War II. The book explores their personal contributions to the war effort, detailing the harrowing experiences they faced, including loss of hearing, emotional trauma, and struggles to reintegrate into normal life post-war. Harris skillfully weaves together the directors' wartime stories with insights into their careers, personal lives, and the impact of their military service on their filmmaking.
The narrative style of 'Five Came Back' is described as engaging, informative, and reminiscent of a great Hollywood movie. Through detailed accounts of the directors' wartime activities, the book provides a fascinating look at the intersection of Hollywood and World War II, offering readers a deeper understanding of the sacrifices, challenges, and transformations experienced by these influential filmmakers.
In the spring of 1938, Jack Warner hosted an industry dinner for the exiled novelist Thomas Mann. A Nobel laureate whose outspoken opposition to Hitler and his policies had led to the revocation of hi...- #4
Save:"A Stranger in the Mirror" by Sidney Sheldon is a gripping mystery novel that delves into the lives of Hollywood celebrities. The story follows the egomaniacal Hollywood superstar, a disillusioned ingenue, and the ruthless love that binds them together. Set in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the novel weaves a tale of fame, revenge, and tragedy. The plot unfolds in different time space continuums, aligning within each other to tell a rich and crisp story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With a writing style that combines elements of mystery, romance, and drama, Sidney Sheldon captures the essence of the lives of the rich and famous in a haunting and gripping narrative.
In 1939, New York City was a mecca for the theater. The Depression was over. President Franklin Roosevelt had promised that there was nothing to fear but fear itself, that America would be the most pr... - #5
Save:'Cities of the Plain' is the concluding volume of Cormac McCarthy's Border Trilogy, seamlessly intertwining the lives of John Grady Cole and Billy Parham, two young cowboys navigating the changing landscape of the American Southwest in 1952. The narrative captures the poignant moments of their lives as they grapple with the loss of their traditional way of life, forced to confront the encroachment of modernity on their ranching existence. The plot unfolds as John Grady falls in love with a young prostitute, leading to a series of events that explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life on the border, all while set against the backdrop of a shifting cultural landscape.
McCarthy's writing style in this novel is characterized by its lyrical prose and philosophical depth, often reminiscent of Shakespearean tragedy. The author employs sparse yet evocative language, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the stark beauty of the desert and the emotional turmoil of the characters. While the dialogue is rich and plentiful, there are moments of abstraction that can leave the reader pondering the deeper meanings behind the narrative. The epilogue, in particular, presents a lengthy philosophical discourse that some readers find confusing, yet it serves to deepen the thematic complexity of the story, inviting reflection on the nature of existence and human relationships.
THEY STOOD in the doorway and stomped the rain from their boots and swung their hats and wiped the water from their faces. Out in the street the rain slashed through the standing water driving the gau...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Border Trilogy ) - #6
Save:In "A Notorious Countess Confesses" by Julie Anne Long, the story revolves around Evie Duggan, an ex-courtesan seeking acceptance in Pennyroyal Green. With the help of Reverend Adam Sylvaine, Evie attempts to integrate into the community despite her scandalous past. The book explores themes of redemption, acceptance, and the complexities of relationships, all set in a historical romance backdrop. The narrative is filled with emotional depth, character growth, and a touch of humor, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.
She was confident no one would ever expect to find her in a church. After all, it was too late to save her soul. It was as black, they said, as the widow’s weeds she’d shed with the same unseemly hast...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pennyroyal Green ) - #7
Save:The novel 'Hotel Honolulu' by Paul Theroux follows the story of a disenchanted writer who takes on the role of a resident manager at a vintage hotel in Waikiki, filled with eccentric characters and bizarre tales. The book provides a glimpse into Honolulu's fading glory, portraying the interactions between guests and locals, as well as the challenges faced by those dealing with tourists. Through humorous and raunchy storytelling, the narrator navigates through the quirky world of the hotel, observing the unique personalities and situations that unfold within its walls.
The writing style of 'Hotel Honolulu' captures the essence of human behavior with a non-judgmental approach, exposing imperfect characters with compassion and humor. Paul Theroux's expansive prose delves into the complexities of life in Honolulu, blending humor, historical information, and vivid character descriptions to keep readers engaged from cover to cover.
NOTHING TO ME is so erotic as a hotel room, and therefore so penetrated with life and death. Buddy Hamstra offered me a hotel job in Honolulu and laughed at my accepting it so quickly. I had been tryi...
