Books matching: guilt and redemption
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Twelve' by Stuart Neville, also known as 'The Ghosts of Belfast', delves into the dark and violent world of Northern Ireland after the Troubles, where former paramilitaries have turned to organized crime. The protagonist, Gerry Fegan, haunted by the ghosts of his past victims, seeks redemption by taking on a mission of vengeance against those who ordered him to commit heinous acts. The novel intricately weaves together themes of guilt, violence, corruption, and the complexities of maintaining peace in a politically turbulent region. Through a gripping and intense narrative, Stuart Neville paints a vivid picture of a post-conflict society grappling with its violent past.
Stuart Neville's writing style in 'The Twelve' is described as gritty, captivating, and complex, offering a nuanced look at a politically difficult period in Ireland's evolution. The novel is praised for its immersive storytelling, rich character development, and its ability to shed light on the historical and sectarian violence that has shaped the city of Belfast. expertly navigates the themes of revenge, redemption, and the psychological toll of past atrocities, providing readers with a thought-provoking and compelling narrative that explores the blurred lines between good and evil in a morally ambiguous world.
Maybe if he had one more drink they’d leave him alone. Gerry Fegan told himself that lie before every swallow. He chased the whiskey’s burn with a cool black mouthful of Guinness and placed the glass ... - #2
Save:In 'Saint Maybe' by Anne Tyler, the story revolves around Ian Bedloe, a young man who makes a grave mistake that leads to tragic consequences within his family. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and family dynamics as Ian struggles to atone for his actions by taking on the responsibility of caring for his brother's orphaned children. Set in Baltimore, the novel spans over 25 years, portraying the evolution of Ian's character and his quest for forgiveness through sacrifice and love. Anne Tyler's writing style delicately captures the complexities of ordinary life, presenting realistic characters in poignant situations that evoke a range of emotions from the readers.
On Waverly Street, everybody knew everybody else. It was only one short block, after all—a narrow strip of patched and repatched pavement, bracketed between a high stone cemetery wall at one end and t... - #3
Save:Lady Arabella Blydon, a beauty with brains tired of shallow suitors, decides to take a break from the Marriage Mart. During her stay in the country, she meets Lord John Blackwood, a wounded war hero haunted by guilt. Their immediate attraction leads to a complex romance filled with humor, angst, and personal growth, as they navigate past traumas and societal expectations.
The book, set in Regency England, explores themes of love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance, as the characters, Belle and John, struggle with their inner demons and learn to open up to each other. The writing style combines humor, wit, and engaging characters, providing a mix of light-hearted moments and deeper emotional connections.
Arabella Blydon blinked. That couldn’t be right. There weren’t any gardeners in The Winter’s Tale. She held the book farther from her face. Even worse. She pulled the book closer. The type on the page...
(Also, see 67 recommendations for the series The Splendid Trilogy ) - #4
Save:In "The Shape of Night" by Tess Gerritsen, Ava, a food writer, escapes to a secluded mansion in a small Maine town to finish her book. However, the house she rents, Brodie's Watch, holds dark secrets and a haunting presence. As Ava becomes entangled with the ghostly figure of Captain Brodie, she discovers a history of mysterious deaths and dangerous secrets within the house. The book combines elements of ghost stories, suspense, and romance, creating a chilling and atmospheric read that delves into themes of guilt, desire, and the supernatural.
The narrative unfolds with Ava's exploration of the haunted mansion, her encounters with the ghostly presence of Captain Brodie, and her unraveling of the dark mysteries surrounding the house. Gerritsen's writing style weaves together elements of suspense, Gothic atmosphere, and psychological depth, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists and layers of complexity. The story explores themes of isolation, regret, and the consequences of past actions, culminating in a tale that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural.
I had felt no such apprehension on that day in early August when I turned onto North Point Way and drove toward Brodie’s Watch for the first time. I knew only that the road needed maintenance and the ... - #5
Save:The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout is a novel that delves into the lives of the Burgess siblings - Jim, Bob, and Susan - who have been shaped by a tragic event from their childhood. When Susan's son gets into legal trouble in a small town in Maine, she calls on her brothers for help, leading to a reunion that unravels old wounds and family dynamics. The book explores themes of family relationships, personal responsibility, compassion, forgiveness, and the impact of past traumas on adult lives, all set against the backdrop of a tense community situation involving Somali refugees.
Bob drove comfortably in his brother’s car, the motion steady beneath him. Through the windshield he saw signs for shopping outlets, or lakes, but mostly there were the trees of Connecticut always mov... - #6
Save:In "Falling for a Rake" by Eve Pendle, readers are taken on a journey through a historical romance that intricately weaves in politically relevant themes, such as The Contagious Diseases Act, without overshadowing the character development. The story follows the unlikely pairing of a fern collector women's group leader and a subterfuge politician, both with complex backstories that make them initially unsuitable for love and marriage. As secrets are revealed and adversities arise, the characters navigate forgiveness and self-discovery, all against a backdrop of historical accuracy and detailed storytelling.
The book delves into the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and personal growth, all set within a vividly portrayed Victorian era. With themes of forgiveness, redemption, and self-acceptance, "Falling for a Rake" offers a blend of romance, political intrigue, and historical detail that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- #7
Save:In the book "Peacekeeper" by Laura E. Reeve, Major Ariane Kedros, a former USAF officer, grapples with the guilt of using a WMD in a mission that may have resulted in the destruction of an entire solar system. After being given a new identity and reserve commission, she is called back to investigate the murders of her former crew members, leading her to confront her past and navigate complex political and social turmoils. The story unfolds in a multi-layered world filled with espionage, dark secrets, and ethical dilemmas, as Ariane Kedros faces internal demons and challenges while dealing with a series of mysterious killings.
The floodlights from Aether’s Touch washed over the vessel on the portside slip, enhancing its tortuous lines and pulsing skin. It looked like an amoebic parasite sucking life away from Athens Point r... - #8
Save:'All Through the Night' by Connie Brockway is a historical romance novel set in London, featuring a mysterious thief, Anne Wilder, who leads a double life as a demure companion by day and a daring cat burglar by night. Pursued by Colonel Jack Seward, an agent for the government, the story unfolds with complex machinations gradually revealed, showcasing nuanced characters with hidden motivations. The plot involves a cat-and-mouse game between Anne and Jack, intertwined with elements of romance, mystery, and societal intrigue. The writing style is described as immersive, with rich imagery that vividly portrays the opulent Regency life contrasted with the suffering of the poor, creating an engaging and intriguing narrative.
Ears straining to detect any sound above the murmur of a night breeze stirring the bed curtains, the thief known as Wrexhall’s Wraith lifted an ormolu clock from the mantel. Too heavy. A delicate porc... - #9
Save:'Under Western Eyes' by Joseph Conrad is a novel set in the backdrop of political events preceding the Russian Revolution. The story follows a young man named Razumov who gets entangled in political intrigue despite his initial desire to live a quiet life. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions. Conrad's writing style, reminiscent of Dostoevsky, intricately weaves psychological insights and complex character dynamics, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking atmosphere.
The novel is narrated by a professor of English living in Geneva, providing a Western perspective on the Russian characters and their motivations. Through the character of Razumov, Conrad explores the internal conflict between personal interests and moral obligations, leading to a compelling portrayal of a man caught between opposing forces in a tumultuous political landscape.
The origin of Mr. Razumov's record is connected with an event characteristic of modern Russia in the actual fact: the assassination of a prominent statesman—and still more characteristic of the moral ... - #10
Save:"An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro is a novel set in post-WWII Japan, following the story of Mr. Ono, a retired artist reflecting on his past political positions and actions. The narrative delves into themes of guilt, family dynamics, and societal changes as Ono grapples with the consequences of his past choices. The story is told through Ono's perspective, offering a glimpse into his present life and his recollections of the past, creating a fascinating exploration of a Japanese family navigating a society in transition.
The book is characterized by its beautifully written prose, intricate exploration of memory and legacy, and the complexities of self-perception. Through the lens of an unreliable narrator, Ishiguro weaves a tale of introspection and self-realization, as Ono confronts his own mistakes and struggles to come to terms with his past actions in a changing world.
If on a sunny day you climb the steep path leading up from the little wooden bridge still referred to around here as ‘the Bridge of Hesitation’, you will not have to walk far before the roof of my hou...
