Books matching: harrowing past
17 result(s)
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- #1
Save:"Between the Sheets" in the series 'Boys of Bishop' by Molly O'Keefe is a dark and emotional story that delves into the lives of the characters who have faced hardships and pain from their past. It explores themes of self-discovery, opening up to relationships, and dealing with traumatic childhood experiences. The writing style of the book is described as intense, emotional, and immersive, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and their struggles.
Last night, her new neighbor—a motorcycle enthusiast apparently with insomnia and a hearing problem—didn’t stop revving his engine until nearly dawn. Then Mom put the coffeepot on the stove thinking i...
(Also, see 11 recommendations for the series Boys of Bishop ) - #2
Save:The White Hotel by D.M. Thomas is a compelling novel that intertwines elements of Freudian psychoanalysis, historical events like the Holocaust, and dreams to tell the story of a young woman, Anna, and her experiences with Sigmund Freud. The book delves into themes of eroticism, violence, and the complexities of the human psyche, creating a narrative that is both haunting and emotionally powerful. Through a mix of poetry, case history, and fantasy, the book explores the individual destiny of the protagonist against the backdrop of historical fate, making it a modern classic with enduring emotional impact.
I give you a warm bear-hug from the new world! What with the journey, the hospitality, the lectures, the honors (mostly to Trend naturally and, to a lesser extent, Jung), there has hardly been time to... - #3
Save:"Day" by Elie Wiesel is a profound exploration of life after surviving the Holocaust. The novel delves into themes of guilt, despair, and the struggle to find meaning and love amidst the horrors of the past. Through the story of a man recovering from a car accident, the reader is taken on a journey of introspection, questioning whether it is possible to truly live again after experiencing such trauma. Wiesel's writing style is described as powerful, harrowing, and nuanced, seamlessly blending large themes like God, the Holocaust, suffering, and love with a conversational tone.
The heat was heavy, suffocating: it penetrated your bones, your veins, your lungs. It was difficult to speak, even to breathe. Everything was covered with an enormous, wet sheet of air. The heat stuck...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Night Trilogy ) - #4
Save:'Cruddy' by Lynda Barry is a dark and disturbing coming-of-age tale that follows the life of 16-year-old Roberta, also known as Clyde, as she recounts her troubled past. Kidnapped by her father at age 11, Roberta is taken on a violent and surreal road trip in search of her grandfather's hidden inheritance. The narrative alternates between Roberta's harrowing past and her drug-fueled teenage years, where she befriends outcasts and delves into a world of chaos and self-discovery. The book is described as a blend of horror, humor, and dark realism, with compelling characters and a unique storytelling style that keeps readers gripped until the end.
The Turtle said, “Would you ladies like to join me in New Orleans? Would you like to experience the malodor of the sad drunk’s urine in Pirate’s Alley? Would you care to gaze upon the House of the Ris... - #5
Save:The Trauma Cleaner by Sarah Krasnostein is a dual narrative following the extraordinary life of Sandra Pankhurst, a trans woman who overcame a traumatic childhood and personal struggles to become a compassionate businesswoman specializing in trauma cleaning. The book delves into the harrowing experiences of Sandra's past, her journey through gender identity, addiction, and chronic illness, juxtaposed with her work cleaning up death scenes, hoarder homes, and other challenging environments. Krasnostein's writing style captures the raw and poignant moments of Sandra's life intertwined with the gritty details of her cleaning business, providing a thought-provoking and emotional narrative.
I first saw Sandra at a conference for forensic support services. A gaggle of public servants, lawyers, and academics had just emerged from a session on offenders with acquired brain injuries to desce... 'The Girl Who Smiled Beads' by Clemantine Wamariya is a powerful memoir recounting the experiences of a young Rwandan refugee who, along with her sister, fled the genocide in their native country in 1994. The narrative follows their journey through various African countries, refugee camps, and eventual resettlement in the United States. Wamariya's writing style is raw, emotional, and honest, providing an intimate look into the life of a refugee and the lasting impacts of such traumatic experiences.
When I was a regular child, I lived in Kigali, Rwanda, and I was a precocious snoop. My nickname was Cassette. I repeated everything I saw or heard, including that my sister Claire, who was nine years...- #7
Save:'Where the Blame Lies' by Mia Sheridan follows the story of Josie, a woman who was kidnapped and held captive for ten months before managing to escape. Eight years later, when similar crimes start occurring, Cincinnati Police Detective Zach Copeland is reminded of Josie's case and reaches out to her for help. As they investigate the new crimes, they uncover shocking truths that threaten not only Josie's life but also everything she has fought for. The book is described as a psychological thriller with elements of romance, exploring themes of survival, human strength, and the impact of past traumas on the present.
The narrative is praised for its captivating plot filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and nail-biting moments. Readers commend Mia Sheridan for her flawless characterizations, beautiful writing style, and the seamless flow between past and present timelines. The book delves into dark and intense themes, portraying the resilience of the main characters amidst harrowing circumstances, while also weaving a tender love story in the background.
The lights flashed, music pulsing as a crush of bodies twisted and gyrated on the dance floor in front of her. Josie felt both taken over by the sensory input and still oddly removed. Some innate othe... - #8
Save:'Butterfly' by Kathryn Harvey (Barbara Wood) is a tale of a unique Beverly Hills brothel called Butterfly, focusing on its wealthy founder and three troubled female patrons. The story delves into the intertwining lives of these women seeking liberation and fulfillment at Butterfly, while also revealing the harrowing past of the brothel's owner, Beverly Highland, and her quest for revenge against a former lover turned influential figure. The plot unfolds through decades of secrets, betrayals, and unexpected twists, culminating in a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
The writing style of 'Butterfly' combines elements of historical fiction, suspense, and women's literature, creating a deep and engrossing narrative that spans multiple time periods and locations. The characters are well-developed and engaging, each with their own struggles and desires that lead them to the exclusive Butterfly Club where their fantasies are catered to. The novel expertly weaves together the stories of these women, revealing their strengths, vulnerabilities, and the intricate web of relationships that bind them together.
- #9
Save:'Her Darkest Nightmare' in 'The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles' series by author Brenda Novak follows Dr. Evelyn Talbot, a psychologist dedicated to studying psychopaths, as she faces danger and uncertainty in a remote Alaskan location housing dangerous serial killers. The plot is filled with suspense, romance, and psychological thrills, keeping readers on edge with gruesome murders, corrupt staff members, and the looming presence of a past psychopath seeking revenge. The writing style is described as smooth, with well-developed characters and a fast-paced narrative that grips readers from the beginning until the bone-chilling end.
Dropping her pen on top of the notepad she’d carried in with her, Dr. Evelyn Talbot slipped her fingers under her glasses and rubbed her eyes. She hadn’t gotten much sleep last night; she’d had anothe... - #10
Save:'Yakuza Moon' by Shoko Tendo is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences as the daughter of a Yakuza boss, depicting the impact of her father's criminal lifestyle on her own life from a young age. The book portrays a dark and real storyline, focusing on Shoko's struggles with addiction, abusive relationships, and the challenges she faced growing up in a Yakuza family. Despite the raw and straightforward writing style, the memoir offers a glimpse into the emotional and physical turmoil faced by the children of Yakuza members, shedding light on a side of Japan rarely seen in mainstream media.
Shoko Tendo's memoir is a poignant narrative of survival, resilience, and transformation, as she navigates through a tumultuous youth marked by drugs, abuse, and personal tragedies. The book provides a candid account of Shoko's rebellious journey into adulthood, where she grapples with the consequences of her father's lifestyle choices and her own tumultuous relationships. Through vivid storytelling and emotional depth, 'Yakuza Moon' offers a compelling insight into the author's harrowing past and her eventual path towards healing and self-discovery.
I was born in the winter of 1968, a yakuza’s daughter. I was the third child of four born to my father Hiroyasu and mother Satomi. My brother Daiki was twelve years older, and then came my sister Maki...
