Books matching: great depression setting
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- #1
Save:'Tobacco Road' by Erskine Caldwell is a dark comedy set in the southern US during the Great Depression, focusing on the impoverished Lester family in rural Georgia. The book portrays extreme poverty, ignorance, and harsh living conditions faced by the characters, presenting a satirical and exaggerated depiction of their struggles. The writing style is described as powerful and nauseating, with scenes of casual homicide, sexual violence, and graphic details that aim to evoke strong emotions from the readers.
The plot revolves around the Lesters' daily life of survival, their dehumanization due to poverty, and their interactions with the community, which is portrayed as an extended joke on poor country individuals. Despite the grim portrayal of the characters and their circumstances, the book is seen as a reflection of the hopelessness and desperation prevalent during the era, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the poor white sharecroppers in the South.
LOV BENSEY TRUDGED homeward through the deep white sand of the gully-washed tobacco road with a sack of winter turnips on his back. He had put himself to a lot of trouble to get the turnips; it was a ... - #2
Save:'Mr. Shivers' by Robert Jackson Bennett is a gripping tale set during the Great Depression era, following Marcus Connelly's quest for revenge against the scarred man who murdered his daughter. As Connelly traverses the desolate landscapes, he encounters a troop of men also seeking the elusive Mr. Shivers, an ethereal figure with supernatural powers. The story unfolds with a blend of historical fiction and horror elements, painting a vivid picture of the bleak and haunting atmosphere of the time period. The narrative delves deep into themes of vengeance, dark folklore, and the fine line between humanity and monstrosity.
By the time the number nineteen crossed the Missouri state line the sun had crawled low in the sky and afternoon was fading into evening. The train had built up a wild head of steam over the last few ... - #3
Save:'A Girl from Yamhill' by Beverly Cleary is a memoir that provides a revealing glimpse into the early life of the beloved children's book author. Cleary shares her experiences growing up in Yamhill, Oregon during the roaring twenties and depression thirties. The narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of her childhood, family dynamics, school years, and the challenges she faced as a sensitive and curious young girl. Readers are taken on a journey through Cleary's life, from her pioneer ancestor background to her high school years, capturing the essence of the early 20th century in Oregon.
The memoir is written in a delightfully easy-to-read manner, with Cleary's writing style being described as warm, honest, and utterly readable. The book is filled with humor, humility, and kindness, allowing readers to connect with Cleary on a personal level. Through her storytelling, Cleary shares not only her personal experiences but also provides insights into the historical context of her upbringing, including the impact of The Great Depression on families both economically and emotionally.
Mother and I stand on the weathered and warped back steps looking up at my father, who sits, tall and handsome in work clothes, astride a chestnut horse. To one side lie the orchard and a path leading... - #4
Save:'Thursday's Child' by Sonya Hartnett is a poignant story set in the harsh Australian outback during the Great Depression. The book follows the struggles of the Flute family, particularly focusing on young Harper Flute and her brother Tin, who has a unique talent for digging tunnels. Through Harper's eyes, readers witness the challenges faced by the family as they navigate through tough times, family dynamics, and personal tragedies. The author's masterful writing style, filled with amazing descriptions, beautifully captures the emotions and sorrows of the characters, making it a moving and realistic portrayal of family life during spartan times.
The story delves into themes of bravery, cowardice, action, and inaction, exploring the complexities of family relationships and the impact of difficult circumstances on individual characters. Despite some readers finding parts of the story dark and depressing, the book is commended for its ability to engage readers with its flowing narrative and vivid storytelling. With a blend of realism and a touch of magic, 'Thursday's Child' is a beautifully written depiction of family life, offering a unique and captivating reading experience.
NOW I WOULD LIKE to tell you about my brother, Tin. James Augustin Barnabas Flute, he was, born on a Thursday and so fated to his wanderings, but we called him Tin for short. He wasn’t my youngest bro... - #5
Save:"The Circus of Dr. Lao" by Charles G. Finney is a surreal and darkly humorous tale set in a small town in Arizona during the 1930s. The circus that arrives in town is not your typical one, featuring mythological beasts and a magician capable of real magic. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of various characters who visit the circus, encountering disturbing and fantastical situations that challenge their perceptions of reality. The writing style is described as modern and speculative, with an undercurrent of subversive societal commentary.
- #6
Save:In "A Long Way from Chicago," Joey and Mary Alice spend their summers visiting their tough and eccentric Grandma Dowdel in rural Illinois during the Great Depression. Through a series of hilarious stories, the siblings experience unforgettable adventures with their unconventional grandmother, who surprises them with her wit and cunning nature. The book is a collection of tales that showcase the unique and heartwarming relationship between the children and their larger-than-life grandmother, set in a small town that is a far cry from their home in Chicago.
Written in a style reminiscent of Mark Twain, "A Long Way from Chicago" captures the essence of small-town life in the 1930s through the eyes of Joey and Mary Alice as they navigate the antics and escapades orchestrated by their Grandma Dowdel. Each chapter unfolds a new adventure, allowing the reader to witness the growth and understanding of the characters over the years as they come to appreciate the complexities of their grandmother's character and the life lessons she imparts upon them.
You wouldn’t think we’d have to leave Chicago to see a dead body. We were growing up there back in the bad old days of Al Capone and Bugs Moran. Just the winter before, they’d had the St. Valentine’s ... - #7
Save:Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor is a realistic fiction novel set in Mississippi during the Great Depression. The story follows Cassie Logan, a young African American girl, and her family as they navigate the harsh realities of racism and discrimination. Through Cassie's eyes, readers witness the struggles and hardships faced by the Logan family, who are determined to protect their land and preserve their dignity in a society plagued by inequality and injustice. The writing style captures the historical setting accurately, portraying the challenges and triumphs of the characters in a poignant and thought-provoking manner.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry provides a powerful and moving portrayal of the Logan family's resilience in the face of racism and adversity. The novel delves into themes of courage, loyalty, and the importance of family bonds, offering a compelling narrative that sheds light on the harsh realities of the time period. Through Cassie's coming-of-age journey, readers gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of African American families in the South during a tumultuous era, making it a poignant and impactful read for audiences of all ages.
My youngest brother paid no attention to me. Grasping more firmly his newspaper-wrapped notebook and his tin-can lunch of cornbread and oil sausages, he continued to concentrate on the dusty road. He ... - #8
Save:'Handsome Harry' by James Carlos Blake is a novel that delves into the life of Harry Pierpont, a member of John Dillinger's gang during the Depression era. The book is praised for its ability to provide a different perspective on the infamous bank-robbing gang, offering a refreshing and entertaining treatment of the Dillinger Gang through the eyes of Harry Pierpont. James Carlos Blake's writing style is commended for its fast-paced and intense narrative, with a blend of comedy, twists, and serious moments throughout the read. The author's skill in combining known facts with fictional ideas to create a vivid portrayal of 'Harry' and the world of bank robbers is highlighted by readers.
Every single time it was grand. I loved the moment when you announce the stickup and everything suddenly goes brighter and sharper and the world seems to spin faster. You show them the gun and say han... Fast One by Paul Cain is a hard boiled noir novel set in the 1930s, featuring a fast-paced plot with twists and turns. The book follows a main character named Kells, a gambler and morphine addict, through a relentless and bleak narrative filled with whiskey, double crosses, murders, greed, and vengeance. The writing style is described as spare and cut to the bone, reminiscent of the early noir pulp era, showcasing a world where no one is noble and the characters are two-dimensional but engaging in their hard-boiled manner.
- #10
Save:'The Giver of Stars' by Jojo Moyes is a historical fiction novel set in rural Kentucky during the Great Depression, focusing on a group of women who become packhorse librarians as part of Eleanor Roosevelt's WPA program. The story follows Englishwoman Alice, who finds herself in an unhappy marriage and discovers purpose and friendship through the packhorse library program. Led by the bold and unconventional Margery, the librarians face challenges from the conservative locals, leading to a murder trial that tests their bonds and beliefs.
It was, everyone agreed, fanning themselves outside the store or passing in the shade of the eucalyptus trees, unseasonably warm for September. The meeting hall at Baileyville was thick with the smell...
