Books matching: harsh living conditions
59 result(s)
- #1
Save:Securing Piper by Susan Stoker is a riveting military suspense romance that follows the story of Ace and his SEAL team as they embark on a dangerous mission to rescue Piper and three young girls caught in the middle of a rebel insurgent uprising. The book expertly weaves together elements of danger, suspense, romance, and family dynamics, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Susan Stoker's writing style shines through in her vivid descriptions, realistic scenes, and dual POV storytelling, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters and their emotional journeys.
- #2
Save:The Sea Runners by Ivan Doig is a historical novel based on a true account of four men escaping from indentured servitude in 18th-century Russian Alaska. The men embark on a daring journey in a stolen Indian canoe, paddling over 1000 miles from Sitka, Alaska to Astoria, Oregon. The book vividly describes their survival struggles along the Northwest coast, highlighting themes of determination, courage, and audacity. Readers appreciate the well-developed interpersonal dynamics between the characters and the immersive portrayal of the harsh conditions faced during the voyage.
Ivan Doig's writing style in The Sea Runners is praised for its unique and atmospheric quality. Readers admire his descriptive prowess in capturing the challenges faced by the protagonists, as well as the vivid depiction of the Northwest coast. Despite some finding the language challenging due to its historical accuracy, many appreciate Doig's ability to spin a riveting story out of sparse historical facts, making the novel a compelling blend of adventure and historical fiction.
Carried nearer and nearer by the water's determined sweep, the craft sleds across the curling crest of wave and begins to glide the surf toward the dark frame of this scene, a shore of black spruce fo... 'Redcoat: The British Soldier in the Age of Horse and Musket' by Richard Holmes is a comprehensive survey of the British Army from the Seven Years War to the Crimean War. The book delves into the lives of soldiers, officers, and non-commissioned officers, highlighting their experiences during major conflicts like the American War of Independence, Napoleonic Wars, and the Indian Mutiny. Holmes explores the organizational structure, equipment, and challenges faced by the British Army, providing a detailed account of the soldiers' daily lives and the harsh conditions they endured.
Holmes presents a thematic sociological history of the British redcoated soldier, focusing on their experiences in various conflicts and shedding light on aspects such as recruitment, discipline, weaponry, and life on the battlefield. Through a narrative style filled with quotes and anecdotes, the book covers the evolution of warfare, differences between social classes within the army, and the camaraderie among soldiers. Readers are offered a vivid portrayal of the soldiers' struggles and triumphs during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, providing a deeper understanding of the military culture during that period.
- #4
Save:The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell is a compelling exploration of the working and unemployed classes in industrial towns of northern England in the 1930s. Orwell vividly describes the grim living and working conditions of coal miners, shedding light on poverty and hardship reminiscent of Dickensian times. The book seamlessly transitions into a discussion on socialism, where Orwell argues for its importance in alleviating societal issues rooted in industrialization and machine civilization, while reflecting on his own upbringing and class prejudice.
There were generally four of us in the bedroom, and a beastly place it was, with that defiled impermanent look of rooms that are not serving their rightful purpose. Years earlier the house had been an... - #5
Save:Anchee Min's 'Red Azalea' is a gripping memoir that delves into her experiences growing up during the Cultural Revolution in China. Through Min's vivid storytelling, readers are taken on a journey of abject poverty, brutal physical hardship, first love, and loss during a tumultuous period of China's history. The book paints a detailed and personal picture of life under Chairman Mao's regime, highlighting the struggles and challenges faced by individuals like Min as they navigated through the strictures of Party political life and societal expectations.
The narrative of 'Red Azalea' follows Min's evolution from a precocious child who fervently believed in the revolution to a young woman who faces the harsh realities of Communist China. The book captures Min's personal growth, her relationships, and her struggles to navigate through the complexities of a repressive regime while retaining her sense of self and sensuality. Min's writing style is described as haunting, heartbreaking, and erotic, offering readers a poignant and authentic portrayal of life in China under Mao's rule.
I was raised on the teachings of Mao and on the operas of Madam Mao, Comrade Jiang Ching. I became a leader of the Little Red Guards in elementary school. This was during the Great Proletarian Cultura... - #6
Save:The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Elizabeth Fones, a strong-willed woman who married into the influential Winthrop family in 17th century Puritan New England. The book follows Elizabeth's journey as she navigates through societal expectations, conflicts with her family, and her own desires for independence and love. Set against the backdrop of political unrest, religious zeal, and personal struggles, the novel paints a vivid picture of colonial America and the challenges faced by individuals during that time. Through detailed historical research and rich character development, the author brings Elizabeth's story to life, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of her life and the era in which she lived.
When the Foneses' hired cart had stopped at the "Fleece" in Boxford so that the horse might be watered at the inn-yard trough, across the village street in St. Mary's tower the great passing bell was ... 'The Tudors: The Complete Story of England's Most Notorious Dynasty' by G.J. Meyer provides a comprehensive history of the Tudor dynasty, focusing primarily on monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The author offers a realistic and in-depth account of the Tudors, covering their reigns, politics, religious reformation, and societal impact. The book is well-researched and well-structured, providing readers with a detailed overview of the Tudors while also delving into the lives of ordinary people during that period.
It is an astonishing fact, and a measure of how much the world has changed in five hundred years, that of the thousands of men who were present at what would come to be called the Battle of Bosworth F...- #8
Save:The Stolen Child by Lisa Carey is a dark and enchanting tale set on a cloistered island in the Irish sea, where powerful women, fairy folk, myths, and legends intertwine. The story follows the lives of the island's inhabitants, delving into themes of motherhood, hope, desperation, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The writing style is described as lyrical, lilting, and evocative of the Irish language and culture, drawing readers into a world where reality and magic blend seamlessly.
The plot of The Stolen Child revolves around the relationships between the characters, particularly the two sisters, as they navigate generational curses, harsh living conditions, superstitions, and the influence of the fae. The book explores deep emotions, dark themes, and the impact of the past on the present, creating a captivating narrative that weaves together elements of fantasy, folklore, and human resilience.
'Behind the Urals: An American Worker in Russia's City of Steel' by John Scott is a first-hand account of an American worker who went to work in 1932 at the steel city of Magnitogorsk in the Soviet Union. The book details the industrialization efforts in the Urals, the living and working conditions, the social moods, corruption, repression, and heroism witnessed by the author during his time there. Scott's writing style captures the raw courage and physical stamina of both himself and the Russian workers as they worked towards building an immense industrial complex in the face of harsh conditions.
The book provides insights into the evil genius of Stalin, the determination to industrialize the country at all costs, and the sacrifices made by the workers to build a better future. It also touches upon the author's motivations for going to the USSR, his disillusionment with the socialist system, and his observations on the Soviet workers and the central economic planning system.
I was smitten with the usual wanderlust. The United Slates did not seem adequate. I decided to go somewhere else. I had already been in Europe three times. Now I projected more far-flung excursions. P...Irene Spencer's memoir, 'Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist's Wife,' delves into her life growing up in an impoverished polygamous family, her marriage to a true polygamist, and the challenges she faced living with nine other wives and over fifty children. The book details Irene's struggles with poverty, neglect, and harsh living conditions, as well as her eventual questioning of the polygamous religion she was raised in. Despite the hardships, Irene's story is one of courage and escape, offering readers a glimpse into the realities of polygamous lifestyles.
As we were growing up, polygamy was the ruling tenet of our lives. This “Celestial Law” was so integral to who we were and what we were trying to accomplish that most often, we referred to it simply a...
