Books matching: historical and literary fiction
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- #1
Save:The Roving Party by Rohan Wilson is a gripping tale set in 1800s convict era Tasmania, following a party commissioned by the Governor to hunt and kill Aborigines. Led by John Batman, the party consists of a mix of convicts and indigenous members, including the central character Black Bill. The novel delves into the brutal foundations of European settlement in Australia, highlighting the stark contrast between the Tasmanian aboriginals and the European occupiers. Wilson's writing style expertly portrays the social conditions of all characters, showcasing the complexities of their motivations and actions amidst the harsh Tasmanian landscape.
The book offers a haunting and evocative retelling of the clearing of Van Diemen's Land for white settlers, shedding light on a dark period of Australian history often overlooked. Through vivid language and complex characterizations, Wilson skillfully navigates the intricate relationships within the roving party, capturing the tension between the different members as they navigate the treacherous terrain of Tasmania during the Black Wars.
THEY WHISTLED FOR BLACK BILL THROUGH the foredawn and called his old clan name behind it, a name he had no good use for. He sat upright on the bed and looked about. The fire in the hearth was dead and... - #2
Save:'Small Island' by Andrea Levy is a novel set in post-World War II England, exploring the lives of four main characters - two Jamaicans and two Britons. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of these characters, delving into themes of war, immigration, racism, and relationships. The book portrays the challenges faced by Jamaican immigrants in England, their struggles for acceptance, and the racial inequalities prevalent during that era. Through the intertwining stories of the characters, the author sheds light on the cultural differences, prejudices, and class consciousness existing in both Jamaican and English societies.
The writing style of 'Small Island' is praised for its unique narrative structure, alternating between the voices of the characters and different time periods. The book captures the essence of the 1940s Britain, addressing issues of war, race, and societal norms with a blend of humor, pathos, and well-observed details. Levy's storytelling skillfully weaves together the personal experiences of the characters, creating a compelling tale of human relationships, resilience, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.
It brought it all back to me. Celia Langley. Celia Langley standing in front of me, her hands on her hips and her head in a cloud. And she is saying: ‘Oh, Hortense, when I am older . . .’ all her drea... - #3
Save:'Laurus' by Eugene Vodolazkin is a deeply spiritual and atmospheric novel set in medieval Russia. The story follows the life of Arseny, a holy fool who embarks on a journey of redemption and atonement. Through plague, death, and hardship, Arseny heals and brings hope to those around him, ultimately saving countless lives and maybe even a few souls with his healing hands and presence. The writing style is described as non-linear, beautiful, and deeply touching, leading readers through surprising discoveries of human nature and past, with a message that resonates even today.
When I read Laurus in early 2013, I had no idea I’d ever translate the novel. I simply read the book, enjoying Eugene Vodolazkin’s medieval Russian setting and following the emotional and physical jou... - #4
Save:'Visitation' by Jenny Erpenbeck is a novel that delves into the history of a house in Brandenburg, Germany, spanning from before World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores the lives of various inhabitants who have resided in the house, touching on themes of impermanence, political upheaval, and the passage of time. The writing style is described as poetic and lyrical, with a focus on the details of the landscape, the house, and the people who have passed through, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives.
WHEN A WOMAN GETS married, she must not sew her own dress. The dress may not even be made in the house where she lives. It must be sewn elsewhere, and during the sewing a needle must not be broken. Th... 'Serena' by Ron Rash is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920s, portraying the story of Serena and her husband George Pemberton as they strive to become wealthy timber barons in North Carolina and beyond. The book explores Serena's ruthless and manipulative nature, as well as her relentless pursuit of power and wealth. The plot delves into the dark and violent world of the logging industry during the Depression era, showcasing the harsh realities of life in the Appalachia mountains. The narrative also touches upon themes of greed, murder, and the struggle for dominance in a male-dominated profession.
WHEN PEMBERTON RETURNED TO THE NORTH Carolina mountains after three months in Boston settling his father’s estate, among those waiting on the train platform was a young woman pregnant with Pemberton’s...- #6
Save:'Atonement' by Ian McEwan is a gripping novel that follows the lives of characters haunted by a crime set in 1935, spanning through WWII and old age. The story delves into the consequences of a youthful mistake made by a young girl, Briony, and how it shapes the lives of those around her. The novel intricately weaves together themes of love, memory, guilt, and atonement, portraying the impact of misunderstandings and false accusations on relationships and destinies.
McEwan's writing style in 'Atonement' is described as beautifully compelling, with rich prose that immerses the reader in different worlds and vividly depicts the minds of characters, especially a 13-year-old girl on the brink of adulthood. The narrative unfolds in three parts, each exploring different stages of the characters' lives, from youthful love to wartime challenges and the quest for redemption, making the story both captivating and emotionally resonant.
THE PLAY—for which Briony had designed the posters, programs and tickets, constructed the sales booth out of a folding screen tipped on its side, and lined the collection box in red crêpe paper—was wr... - #7
Save:"The Young Lions" by Irwin Shaw is a novel set during World War II, following the lives of three young men from different backgrounds who find themselves serving their countries during the war. The book covers a 7-year time period and various geographies, depicting the harsh reality of war from basic training to critical battles in Africa and France, as well as the cultural climate within the armed forces and war-torn countries. Through the eyes of the three protagonists, the reader experiences a range of emotions and experiences, from loyalty and bravery to fear and love.
The narrative of "The Young Lions" flows along in a slightly dated and florid style, capturing the essence of military life and human nature during WWII. Irwin Shaw's writing skillfully portrays the characters' internal struggles and the tragedy of war, providing a rich and engaging portrayal of life during that period. The novel delves into the complexities of war, including moral dilemmas, loyalty, and the impact of conflict on individuals from different walks of life.
THE TOWN shone in the snowy twilight like a Christmas window, with the electric railway’s lights tiny and festive at the foot of the white slope, among the muffled winter hills of the Tyrol. People sm... - #8
Save:The Long Song by Andrea Levy is a gripping novel that delves into the harrowing realities of slavery in Jamaica, particularly focusing on the period around the Baptist War of Jamaica in 1831-1832. The narrative is centered around the life of July, a former slave who recounts her experiences from being born into servitude on a sugar cane plantation to witnessing the abolition of slavery and navigating life post-freedom. The book expertly weaves together themes of abuse, cruelty, hope, and resilience, offering a poignant and cinematic portrayal of the inhumanity and barbarism of the era.
Kitty, July’s mama, gave birth to her in her dwelling hut. For eight long hours Kitty did pace about that hut—first five steps in one direction, then a further five in the other. All the while with he... - #9
Save:'So Big' by Edna Ferber is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that follows the life of Selina Peake DeJong, an orphaned young woman in the late 1800s who chooses a path of independence and adventure. Selina becomes a teacher in a rural Illinois community, marries a Dutch farmer named Pervus DeJong, and raises her son Dirk with a strong focus on beauty and education. The story spans several decades, showcasing Selina's resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of beauty amidst life's challenges, including transforming a struggling farm into a prosperous enterprise and guiding Dirk's journey towards finding his own definition of success and happiness.
UNTIL he was almost ten the name stuck to him. He had literally to fight his way free of it. From So Big (of fond and infantile derivation) it had been condensed into Sobig. And Sobig Dejong, in all i... - #10
Save:Set in rural France during World War II, "Five Quarters of the Orange" follows the life of Framboise Dartingen as she navigates the challenges of growing up in an occupied village. The story unfolds through dual timelines, showcasing the complexities of family relationships, survival, and the impact of war on a small community. Joanne Harris intricately weaves together past and present, offering a poignant narrative that delves into themes of mistrust, collaboration, and the enduring effects of wartime experiences. The book is characterized by its evocative prose, vivid descriptions of French countryside, and the central role of food as a metaphor for life and memory.
When my mother died she left the farm to my brother, Cassis, the fortune in the wine cellar to my sister, Reine-Claude, and to me, the youngest, her album and a two-liter jar containing a single black...
