Books matching: family tragedy
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- #1
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is a dark and sad story set in 1969 in the southernmost tip of India, focusing on the lives of two innocent twins, Rahel and Esthappen, who are deeply affected by the adults around them. The novel explores themes of tragedy, family dynamics, societal expectations, and forbidden relationships, all woven together in a rich and complex narrative style that jumps around in time, place, and character.
May in Ayemenem is a hot, brooding month. The days are long and humid. The river shrinks and black crows gorge on bright mangoes in still, dustgreen trees. Red bananas ripen. Jackfruits burst. Dissolu... - #2
The Mishra family immigrates to America with hopes and dreams, only to face the harsh reality of tragedy and struggles. The story revolves around the aftermath of a devastating accident that leaves the elder son brain damaged, exploring the family's coping mechanisms and the impact on their relationships. The narrative is told through the eyes of Ajay, the younger brother, offering a poignant and honest portrayal of immigrant life, personal tragedy, and the complexities of family dynamics.
The writing style is described as tender, brutally honest, unadorned, and spare, with a focus on detailed observations and character reiteration. The story delves into themes of love, loss, acceptance, and the immigrant experience in America, providing a raw and unflinching look at the Mishra family's emotional journey.
My father has a glum nature. He retired three years ago, and he doesn’t talk much. Left to himself, he can remain silent for days. When this happens, he begins brooding, he begins thinking strange tho... The novel 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson is a haunting tale narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katherine Merricat Blackwood, depicting the lives of the Blackwood family living in isolation in a large house on expansive grounds. The story delves into themes of ostracism, mental illness, and family dynamics, with a touch of gothic elements. Through Merricat's perspective, readers are drawn into a world of eerie suspense and chilling ambiguity, where the line between reality and imagination is blurred.
Shirley Jackson's writing style in 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' is described as captivating, eerie, and suspenseful. With meticulous craftsmanship and a knack for building tension gradually, Jackson weaves a narrative that is both unsettling and compelling. The novel unfolds in a concise and graceful manner, with scenes that are delicately suspenseful yet warm and candid, showcasing the author's ability to cover a wide range of emotions and themes in a compact space.
My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood. I am eighteen years old, and I live with my sister Constance. I have often thought that with any luck at all I could have been born a werewolf, because the two mid...- #4
'The Evil Within' by Darren Galsworthy is a heart-wrenching true crime memoir narrated from the victim's father's perspective. It delves into the tragic story of a family torn apart by the heinous actions of their own son, highlighting the love, grief, and resilience that define their journey. The narrative captures the emotional turmoil of Darren and Anjie as they navigate through the aftermath of their daughter's murder, shedding light on the complexities of family dynamics and the enduring bond that holds them together.
The writing style of 'The Evil Within' is described as engaging, informative, and genuine by readers. Darren Galsworthy's raw and heartfelt account offers a unique insight into the family's struggles, emotions, and the challenges they faced in the wake of the tragedy. is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, making them cry, reflect, and empathize with the author's profound experience.
Appeal over missing schoolgirl: Concern is mounting over the disappearance of Bristol schoolgirl Becky Watts. The 16-year-old was last seen by her stepmother, Anjie Galsworthy, four days ago after she... - #5
"Bond of Hatred" by Lynne Graham revolves around the story of Sarah and Alex, who find themselves in a complicated situation after Sarah's sister dies giving birth to a baby. Alex, the baby's uncle, wants to raise the child, but Sarah is hesitant to give him up. In a twist of events, Sarah proposes marriage to Alex as a condition for him to raise the baby, leading to a marriage of convenience filled with tension, misunderstandings, and emotional turmoil. The plot unfolds with power dynamics, strong-willed characters, and a mix of humor and steamy romance, ultimately culminating in a happily ever after for the protagonists.
SARAH stood still as a statue at the glass viewing window. Her wide emerald eyes were burning. Every muscle in her body was rigid with tension. Every muscle ached. Only the most fierce self-discipline... - #6
The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow is a poignant novel that follows the life of Rachel, a biracial girl who faces the aftermath of a tragic family incident. After moving in with her black grandmother in Seattle, Rachel navigates through a world filled with racial prejudices and societal expectations. The story beautifully captures Rachel's journey of self-discovery, identity, and acceptance as she grapples with her past and the complexities of her heritage. Through rich storytelling and compelling narrative, Durrow explores themes of race, identity, family, and resilience in a thought-provoking and emotionally charged manner.
For Christmas, Grandma always sent Robbie and me a card with a new ten-dollar bill wrapped in aluminum foil. On the back of the envelope where she pressed extra hard there’d be a small smudge. The car... - #7
'War Against the Mafia' introduces readers to Mack Bolan, a sniper serving in Vietnam, who becomes a vigilante seeking revenge against the Mafia after his family is destroyed due to unfortunate circumstances. Bolan transitions from avenging his family to waging war against the entire Mafia organization, infiltrating their ranks and using guerrilla warfare tactics while eluding the authorities. The narrative is filled with twists, gunfights, and action, showcasing Bolan's vulnerabilities and his strategic approach to combatting the criminals.
The writing style of 'War Against the Mafia' is described as action-packed, drawing readers in with a smooth narrative flow and engaging storytelling. provides insights into Bolan's character development, portraying him as a complex hero who is not invincible, making mistakes, getting hurt, and facing moments of uncertainty, which adds depth and appeal to the story.
- #8
'The Rain God' by Arturo Islas is a poignant exploration of the Angel family's peaks and valleys, set against the backdrop of the Texas-Mexico border. The narrative delves into themes of social awareness, assimilation into foreign cultures, and the struggles of familial relationships. Through subtle prose and detailed observations, Islas weaves a story that is both tragic and compelling, shedding light on the complexities of human emotions and the impact of past indiscretions on present relationships.
The book follows the lives of characters like Miguel Grande, Juanita, Felix, and Mama Chona, each grappling with their own personal tragedies and challenges. From Juanita's quiet resilience in the face of betrayal to Mama Chona's unwavering devotion to her family despite immense loss, 'The Rain God' paints a vivid portrait of individuals navigating the complexities of border culture and personal relationships.
A photograph of Mama Chona and her grandson Miguel Angel—Miguel Chico or Mickie to his family—hovers above his head on the study wall beside the glass doors that open out into the garden. When Miguel ... - #9
'A Thousand Acres' by Jane Smiley is a modernized retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear set on a farm in Iowa. The story follows the aging patriarch, Larry Cook, who decides to divide his farm among his three daughters. What follows is a family drama filled with abuse, incest, betrayal, and the disintegration of the family and the farm. The book explores themes of power, family dynamics, secrets, and the dark side of the American Dream. The writing style is described as vivid, well-written, and engaging, with a focus on the land, farming, and the challenges faced by farmers in the 70s and 80s.
The body repeats the landscape. They are the source of each other and create each other. We were marked by the seasonal body of earth, by the terrible migrations of people, by the swift turn of a cent... - #10
'Richie' by Thomas Thompson is a true crime story that delves into the tragic descent of Richie, a teenage boy, into drug addiction and the impact it has on his family. The narrative explores the relationships within the Diener family, particularly between Richie and his father, George. As Richie's drug use escalates, the family struggles to find help and support in a society ill-equipped to handle the emerging drug epidemic of the late 1960s and early 1970s. culminates in a heartbreaking event where George, feeling cornered, makes a fateful decision that leads to a tragic ending.
The writing style of 'Richie' is described as gripping, intense, and personal. Thomas Thompson presents a raw and unflinching account of the Diener family's ordeal, without making excuses for any of the characters. The author weaves a narrative that draws the reader in, making them feel like a participant in Richie's harrowing journey from innocence to addiction, ultimately resulting in a devastating outcome.
Forty-three years before the snow fell to end the day at the Long Island cemetery, George Diener was born, in Brooklyn, in a nation about to slip into the Depression. He was a beautiful baby, with fai...