Books matching: guilt and betrayal
49 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:In "Blood Scion" by Deborah Falaye, the story follows Sloane, a young Scion with magical powers living in a land run by tyrants who draft young soldiers to exterminate all Scions. When Sloane gets drafted, she uses the opportunity to uncover the truth about her mother's disappearance and fight against injustice from within the oppressive system. The plot intertwines elements of war movies, explores themes of survival and resilience, and delves into the brutal realities faced by Sloane as she navigates a world filled with secrets, betrayal, and sacrifices.
As Sloane faces the challenges of surviving brutal boot camp while concealing her magical abilities, she must confront the harsh realities of her existence as a Scion in a society that seeks to eradicate her kind. Through a blend of Yoruba religious mythology, political commentary, and emotional depth, the narrative unfolds with gripping tension and poignant moments that highlight Sloane's journey of self-discovery, resistance, and the complexities of navigating a world filled with violence, loss, and hope.
- #2
Save:The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a poignant tale that follows the lives of two boys, Amir and Hassan, who grow up in war-torn Afghanistan. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. The story delves into the struggles of immigrant life, the complexities of cultural identity, and the enduring consequences of past actions. Through vivid storytelling, the author provides insight into Afghan culture and societal issues, offering a compelling portrayal of human emotions and relationships.
The writing style in The Kite Runner is described as beautiful, raw, and emotional, with each word carrying deep meaning. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that immerses readers in the setting of Afghanistan, capturing the country's beauty, conflicts, and people with evocative prose. The novel presents a gripping and dramatic exploration of the characters' lives, highlighting the dichotomy between good and evil, love and betrayal, and the quest for redemption amidst personal and societal turmoil.
I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley near the fro... - #3
Save:The Pact by Sharon Bolton tells the story of a group of friends who are involved in a deadly prank that results in three deaths, leading to one of them taking the blame and serving time in prison. The aftermath of the incident affects all their lives, showcasing themes of guilt, betrayal, and the consequences of their actions. The narrative is filled with twists, reveals, and a fast-paced plot that keeps the reader engrossed till the last page. The characters, though flawed and unlikeable, are well-developed and distinct, adding depth to the psychological thriller.
- #4
Save:The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan is a powerful and heartbreaking novel set in Malaya during World War II. The story unfolds through the eyes of Cecily Alcantara and her three children, Jujube, Abel, and Jasmin, as they navigate the brutal invasion by Japan and the collapse of British colonial rule. Through different perspectives, Chan explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the complex nature of humanity. The characters face devastating consequences from past decisions, particularly Cecily's, which deeply affects her family.
Chan's writing is highly descriptive and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the time with its oppressive heat, the stark realities of life during the occupation, and the lingering scents of despair. Her prose is both lyrical and raw, capturing the emotional weight of the characters’ experiences. The novel does not shy away from graphic violence and challenging themes, making it a difficult yet thought-provoking read. The author’s masterful storytelling brings the history of Malaysia to life, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
- #5
Save:'Wrong for Me' in the series 'Motor City Royals' by author Jackie Ashenden follows the story of Levi Rush, who has just been released from prison after serving 8 years for manslaughter. Returning to his old neighborhood in Detroit, Levi seeks revenge on his former best friend, Rachel Hamilton, who he believes betrayed him during his time behind bars. Rachel, now a successful tattoo artist, must confront Levi's anger and their shared past as they navigate their complicated relationship. delves into themes of guilt, betrayal, redemption, and second chances, portraying a dark and gritty romance filled with intense emotions and steamy scenes.
Rachel Hamilton came to a stop outside the battered metal roller door that was the entrance to Black’s Vintage Repair and Restoration, the motorcycle repair shop owned by her friend Gideon Black. She ...
(Also, see 14 recommendations for the series Motor City Royals ) - #6
Save:'So Long, See You Tomorrow' by William Maxwell is a poignant and haunting tale that explores the themes of loss, memory, and the impact of past events on the present. Set in rural Illinois in the 1920s, the story revolves around a murder that shatters the friendship between two teenagers, the narrator and Cletus Smith. The narrative unfolds through the lens of the grown narrator reflecting on his childhood and the tragic events that unfolded in his youth. Maxwell's writing style is characterized by its simplicity, spare prose, and the interplay between memory and imagination, creating a moving and compelling narrative that lingers in the reader's mind.
The gravel pit was about a mile east of town, and the size of a small lake, and so deep that boys under sixteen were forbidden by their parents to swim there. I knew it only by hearsay. It had no bott... - #7
Save:"Bird in Hand" by Christina Baker Kline delves into the intricacies of relationships, marriage, and adultery. The story follows Alison, who is dealing with the aftermath of a car accident where a child is fatally injured, leading to a breakdown in her marriage. The narrative also explores the dynamics between two couples - Claire and Ben, and Alison and Charlie - as their lives intertwine with secrets, betrayals, and unfulfilled desires. Through well-developed characters and multiple perspectives, the author weaves a tale of love, loss, and the consequences of life-altering decisions.
- #8
Save:The Absolutist by John Boyne is a novel set in the aftermath of World War I, following the story of Tristan Sadler, a young soldier who is haunted by a dark secret from his time in the trenches. The book explores themes of friendship, love, guilt, and betrayal as Tristan seeks closure by revealing the truth to Will's sister Marian. Through Tristan's perspective, the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery, reflecting on the horrors of war and the complexities of relationships during a tumultuous time in history. The writing style is described as intense, vivid, and distressing, providing a detailed portrayal of life and death in the trenches, while also delving into the emotional turmoil of the characters.
“There was the vicar in Leeds,” she said, smiling a little as she tapped her lower lip with her index finger. “And the spinster from Hartlepool whose tragic secret was to prove her undoing. The actres... - #9
Save:Collins takes the reader far away from the safety of home hearth, and drops him her into the vicious jaws of the IRA and then, deeper into the dark abyss of his own tortured guilt-ridden soul. In this book, the writer explains why he joined the IRA, how he devoted almost 7 years of his life to the cause and why he finally decided to quit. Killing Rage by Eamon Collins quickly becomes one of those rare books you can't put down. Throughout the book, the author insistently tries to convince himself and the reader that the decisions he chose to make were correct. Despite his confessed acts of criminality, conspiracy to murder, terrorism, and deceit, he makes a good and almost convincing defense for his actions and misguided devotions. The cover should tell you right away Killing Rage is not for the faint of heart. Eamon Collins gives a detailed account of his time with the Irish Republican Army, but his book stands out from any other book on the Troubles I've ever read.
- #10
Save:'A Heart So White' by Javier Marias is a novel that delves into family secrets, communication, and relationships. The story unfolds through a series of fragmented meditations on guilt, marriage, and the nature of secrets. The narrative follows the protagonist, Juan, as he navigates through the hidden tragedy of his father's past and grapples with the psychological impacts of his recent marriage. Marias weaves a rich language with sudden changes of focus and occasional repetitions, creating a rewarding and immersive reading experience. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and truth, drawing parallels with Shakespeare's Macbeth and subtly interlacing complex ideas into the storyline.
The book captures the reader's attention with its intricate mosaic of stories, effortlessly shuttling between past and present in a stream of consciousness writing style. Marias skillfully builds tension and suspense throughout the narrative, even amidst the protagonist's philosophical musings. The novel's Hitchcockian overtone, recurring symbols of secrets and strangers, and hypnotically repetitive storytelling contribute to the sense of dread that keeps the reader engaged until the underlying truth is revealed. Marias's insights are described as subtle, organically beautiful, and profoundly captivating, creating a narrative structure that surrounds themes of marriage, interpretation, secrecy, agency, and guilt.
THAT WAS a long time ago, before I was born, before there was the remotest chance of my being born, indeed it was only after that that I could be born. Now I myself am married and not even a year has ...
