Books matching: harrowing journey
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- #1Graceby:
Save:'Grace' by Paul Lynch is a novel set during the Irish potato famine, following the harrowing journey of a young girl named Grace as she struggles to survive amidst the bleak and desperate circumstances of the time. The writing style is described as poetic and lyrical, painting a vivid picture of the brutal realities faced by Grace and those around her during this dark period in Irish history. The narrative is filled with beautiful yet haunting passages that reflect the despair and hopelessness of the characters' lives.
- #2
Save:In "Elephant Run" by Roland Smith, the story is set in Burma during World War II and follows the protagonist Nick as he is sent to live with his father on a teak plantation to escape the bombings in London. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when the Japanese invade Burma, leading to Nick's father being taken prisoner. Nick, along with his friend Mya, plan a daring escape on elephants to rescue Nick's father and Mya's brother from a Japanese POW camp. The book is described as a fast-paced adventure filled with action, suspense, and a unique setting that includes elements of politics, spirituality, and the fascinating world of wild timber elephants.
The writing style of "Elephant Run" is praised for being engaging and well-told, with a good balance between simple young adult reading and a more refined style. The novel effectively bridges world history without bias, presenting a story that is both entertaining and educational about the lesser-known battlefront in Burma during World War II. The characters are described as likable and strong-willed, adding depth to the plot as they navigate through the challenges of war and danger in the jungles of Burma.
- #3
Save:Lawrence Hill's 'Someone Knows My Name' is a powerful historical fiction novel that follows the life of Aminata Diallo, a young girl from West Africa who is abducted and sold into slavery. The book vividly portrays Aminata's harrowing journey across continents, from Africa to America, and her relentless fight for freedom. Through the eyes of Aminata, readers experience the brutal realities of the slave trade, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring power of hope amidst unimaginable suffering. The narrative weaves together themes of loss, survival, love, and the quest for identity, offering a poignant and enlightening exploration of the dark chapters of history.
The book is characterized by its richly detailed plot, compelling characters, and the author's masterful storytelling that seamlessly blends historical facts with fictional elements. Lawrence Hill's meticulous research shines through in the authenticity of the narrative, providing readers with a profound insight into the horrors of slavery and the strength of those who resisted it. Aminata's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable human will and the enduring legacy of those who fought against oppression and injustice.
I SEEM TO HAVE TROUBLE DYING. By all rights, I should not have lived this long. But I still can smell trouble riding on any wind, just as surely as I could tell you whether it is a stew of chicken nec... - #4
Save:In "Death Is Hard Work" by Khaled Khalifa, the novel follows the journey of three siblings, Bolbol, Hussein, and Fatima, as they transport their father's decaying body back to his ancestral village in war-torn Syria. The narrative delves into the family's complex dynamics, individual histories, and the impact of the Syrian civil war on their lives. Through the harrowing journey, the siblings confront their own struggles, the brutality of their surroundings, and the weight of fulfilling their father's last wish, all while navigating through a landscape of chaos and despair. The book blends elements of dark humor, profound reflections on life and death, and a stark portrayal of the psychological toll of living in a war zone.
The writing style of the novel is described as elegant, lean, and well-crafted, reminiscent of the classic work "As I Lay Dying." Khalifa intricately weaves together the interwoven family stories to offer a glimpse into the human experience amidst conflict and loss. The narrative unfolds through a meandering yet poignant lens, capturing the essence of the characters' struggles, the harsh realities of war, and the profound impact of familial obligations in the face of adversity.
Two hours before he died, Abdel Latif al-Salim looked his son Bolbol straight in the eye with as much of his remaining strength as he could muster and repeated his request to be buried in the cemetery... - #5
Save:Silver Angel by Johanna Lindsey is a historical romance novel set in the exotic eastern desert. The story follows Chantelle, a young English heiress who is kidnapped and sold into slavery, entering the harem of the Dey of Barikah. The plot unfolds with intrigue, mystery, and political schemes, as Chantelle navigates her new reality and forms a complex relationship with Derek Sinclair, an adventurous Englishman who gets involved in a plot to assassinate the Dey. Lindsey's writing style weaves together elements of romance, suspense, and cultural exploration, creating a captivating tale of love and survival in a foreign land.
On the Street of the Jewelers, the pearl merchant, Abdul ibn-Mesih, closed his shop in anticipation of the singsong chant of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer. Abdul had at least ten minutes ... - #6
Save:The Mother Fault by Kate Mildenhall follows Mim, a mother of two, whose life is turned upside down when her husband disappears while working on the Golden Arc project in Indonesia. As she navigates a dystopian future where the government controls every aspect of life, Mim must evade the Department to protect her family. The plot unfolds with a mix of suspense, family drama, and themes of climate change, all set in a near-future Australia. The writing style is a blend of fast-paced action, emotional depth, and a touch of dystopian thriller elements.
When the kids are in bed, she pours wine. Tries to think. She should call her mother. That’s what you do when you have stressful news. But what can her mother do from up there at the farm? She’d only ... - #7
Save:Stay Alive, My Son by Pin Yathay is a gripping and emotional memoir that recounts the author's struggle to survive during the Khmer Rouge rule in Cambodia. The narrative delves into the heartbreaking experiences of the author and his family as they face the brutality and hardships imposed by the communist regime. Yathay's writing style is simple yet powerful, capturing the essence of life, struggle, loss, and ultimately, the fight for freedom in the face of adversity.
The book provides a firsthand account of the tragic events that unfolded in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge era, shedding light on the unimaginable suffering and loss endured by the Cambodian people. Yathay's story is not only a personal tale of survival but also a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit amidst the darkest of times.
- #8
Save:The Painted Bird by Jerzy Kosinski is a harrowing novel set during World War II, following the journey of a young boy who faces unimaginable horrors as he navigates through Eastern Europe. The book vividly portrays the brutality and violence inflicted upon the child, highlighting the dark and disturbing aspects of humanity during wartime. The writing style is described as intense and evocative, drawing readers into a world filled with savagery and terror, leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into its pages.
In the spring of 1963, I visited Switzerland with my American-born wife, Mary. We had vacationed there before, but were now in the country for a different purpose: my wife had been battling a supposed... - #9
Save:The Wars by Timothy Findley is a powerful and evocative novel set during World War I, following the story of Robert Ross, a young Canadian officer who enlists after a family tragedy. The book delves into the horrors of trench warfare, vividly portraying the brutal conditions and emotional turmoil experienced by soldiers on the front lines. Through a combination of interviews, diary entries, and flashbacks, the narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, providing glimpses into Robert's life before, during, and after the war. Findley's writing style is described as spare yet impactful, with vivid descriptions that bring to life the grim reality of war without shying away from its complexities.
She was standing in the middle of the railroad tracks. Her head was bowed and her right front hoof was raised as if she rested. Her reins hung down to the ground and her saddle had slipped to one side... - #10
Save:Beneath a Scarlet Sky is a captivating historical novel based on the true story of Pino Lella, a young Italian who finds himself thrust into the heart of World War II. The book follows Pino's journey from a naive teenager to a courageous hero as he navigates through the horrors of the war, from escorting Jews across the Alps to becoming a spy for the Allies. The plot weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of the Italian resistance movement, offering readers a unique perspective on a lesser-known aspect of WWII. The writing style, though varying in opinions, is praised for its ability to bring Pino's story to life, drawing readers into the emotional rollercoaster of his experiences.
Like all the pharaohs, emperors, and tyrants before him, Il Duce had seen his empire rise only to crumble. Indeed, by that late-spring afternoon, power was bleeding from Benito Mussolini’s grasp like ...
