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Books matching: historical complexities

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    God's War: A New History of the Crusades by Christopher Tyerman
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    'God's War: A New History of the Crusades' by Christopher Tyerman is a comprehensive and engaging account of the Crusades, covering a wide range of topics from the origins of the movement to specific rulers and events. Tyerman's writing style is both knowledgeable and entertaining, providing a detailed exploration of the historical figures involved in the Crusades, challenging common assumptions about them and presenting a realistic and complex portrayal. The book delves into the religious zeal that drove the Crusaders, the political and logistical aspects of the campaigns, and the wider context of church reform that influenced the papacy's involvement in holy wars.

    Violence, approved by society and supported by religion, has proved a commonplace of civilized communities. What are now known as the crusades represent one manifestation of this phenomenon, distincti...

  2. #2

    Bruno, Chief of Police - Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker
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    Bruno, Chief of Police is a charming cozy mystery set in the small French village of St. Denis, where the protagonist, Bruno, serves as the town's police chief. The book follows Bruno as he navigates a murder investigation that uncovers dark secrets from the town's history, while also showcasing his love for his home, good food, and wine. The writing style is reminiscent of Donna Leon, with vivid descriptions of the area enhancing the atmosphere of the story and providing insights into the characters' actions.

    Bruno's character is portrayed as a simple man who cares deeply for his community and strives to ensure justice is served in a way that preserves everyone's dignity. The plot weaves together elements of history, local culture, and personal relationships, making it an engaging and enjoyable read for those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery with a touch of coziness.

    On a bright May morning, so early that the last of the mist was still lingering low over a bend in the Vézère River, a white van drew to a halt on the ridge that overlooked the small French town. A ma...

  3. #3

    The Moon in the Water - Heron Quartet by Pamela Belle
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    'The Moon in the Water' by Pamela Belle is the first book in the 'Heron Quartet' series, set in England around 1642 during the Civil War. The story revolves around the Heron family, particularly focusing on Thomazine and Francis. As the tensions between King Charles and Parliament escalate, the family faces challenges and tragedies, with Thomazine navigating complicated relationships and societal norms of the time. The book delves into historical details, political intricacies, and the impact of war on the characters' lives, creating a rich and immersive narrative that captivates readers.


  4. #4

    Syndrome E - Sharko & Hennebelle by Franck Thilliez
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    When Ludovic Senehal develops a case of spontaneous blindness after watching an extremely rare film from the 1950s, it leads to his old friend Lucie Hennebelle to investigate. Especially after realizing that nearly everyone who comes into contact with the film ends up dead. With the help of Inspector Franck Sharko, who is investigating the film's connection to five murdered men, Lucie begins to unravel the mystery of what is arguably the most disturbing film ever made. As the story unfolds, readers will find themselves questioning the very nature of humanity. Franck Thilliez, the author did an outstanding job with his plot. I have never read anything quite like it. The fact that everyone that seems to come into contact with the film ends up dead does not help her search for answers. Franck Sharko gets called to a gruesome crime scene a mass grave to five murder victims whose eyes and brains are missing. His investigation takes him to Egypt, where he realizes just how connected his case is to the horrific film Lucie Hennebelle is investigating. A striking commentary of the brain's susceptibility to the violent images that bombard us on a daily basis through television and video games, Syndrome E is much more than a simple murder mystery.

    This sort of notice was pretty rare on a general-interest Web site. Usually, owners of such things sold them at trade fairs or put them up on eBay. This ad sounded more like someone trying to dump an ...

  5. #5

    Rosamund - The Friarsgate Inheritance by Bertrice Small
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    'Rosamund' in the series 'The Friarsgate Inheritance' by Bertrice Small follows the exciting and intriguing story of Rosamund, who was a close friend to historical figures such as Katherine of Aragon and Queen Margaret of Scotland. The plot revolves around Rosamund's relationships with three different men in her life and her struggles against her greedy uncle. is praised for its historical accuracy, strong female characters, and the rollercoaster of emotions it evokes in readers.

    On the day she had married Hugh Cabot, the child, Rosamund Bolton, watched silently as her uncle and his wife had ridden away. Finally she turned to her new husband and asked, “Are they gone for good,...

  6. #6

    Surrender to the Devil - Scoundrels of St. James by Lorraine Heath
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    Surrender to the Devil by Lorraine Heath is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Frannie Darling, a former member of a gang of thieves from Oliver Twist, who dedicates her life to saving orphaned children in London. The book explores the blossoming romance between Frannie and Sterling, the Duke of Greystone, despite their differences in social status. The plot is filled with emotional depth as the characters face their past traumas and vulnerabilities while navigating their love for each other.

    Later, he would reflect on the moment and wonder if it was the vibrant red of her hair that had first captured his attention. Or perhaps it was the fact that she had stood beside his sister, Catherine...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Scoundrels of St. James )

  7. #7
    Dark Star
    by: 
    Book 2 in the series:Night Soldiers

    Dark Star - Night Soldiers by Alan Furst
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    "Dark Star" by Alan Furst is a historical espionage thriller set in Europe during the years leading up to World War II. The story follows Andre Szara, a Polish-born journalist working for the Russian newspaper Pravda, who gets coerced into working with the NKVD Soviet secret intelligence. As Szara travels across Europe as a spy and a journalist, he becomes entangled in a web of espionage, double dealings, and romantic connections, all against the backdrop of the impending war. The book captures the atmosphere of pre-war Europe with detailed descriptions of the time period and locations, providing a glimpse into the life of an intelligence operative in the tumultuous years of 1937-1941.

    Alan Furst's "Dark Star" is praised for its deep research, immersive storytelling, and atmospheric depiction of the era. The book delves into the complexities of espionage, politics, and personal relationships during a time of great uncertainty and danger. Furst weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they follow Szara's journey through the shadowy world of spies and intrigue, offering insights into the historical events and characters that shaped the run-up to World War II.

    IN THE LATE AUTUMN OF 1937, IN THE STEADY BEAT OF North Sea rain that comes with dawn in that season, the tramp freighter Nicaea stood at anchor off the Belgian city of Ostend. In the distance, a bert...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Night Soldiers )

  8. #8
    Cat and Mouse
    Book 2 in the series:Danzig

    Cat and Mouse - Danzig by Gunter Grass
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    'Cat and Mouse' by Gunter Grass is a coming-of-age tale set in Danzig during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, focusing on a group of teenage boys, notably Mahlke, who undergoes significant transformations. The story is narrated by Pilenz, Mahlke's best friend, who observes Mahlke's journey from being an oddball to becoming a hero among his peers, all against the backdrop of Nazi Germany and World War II. Grass weaves in themes of youth, war, friendship, and societal expectations through the lens of adolescence during a tumultuous period.

    Grass's writing style in 'Cat and Mouse' is characterized by its nuanced storytelling, vivid imagery, and obliqueness in addressing the themes of Nazism and war. delves into the complexities of characters like Mahlke, who symbolizes more profound societal issues, and Pilenz, who serves as the observer navigating through their shared experiences, creating a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking.

    … and one day, after Mahlke had learned to swim, we were lying in the grass, in the Schlagball field. I ought to have gone to the dentist, but they wouldn't let me because I was hard to replace on the...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Danzig )

  9. #9

    The Man From St. Petersburg by Ken Follett
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    'The Man From St. Petersburg' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction and thriller set in the months leading up to World War I. The plot revolves around a secret treaty negotiation between Britain and Russia, orchestrated by Prince Orlov and the Earl of Walden, while a Russian anarchist assassin, who was once romantically involved with the countess, aims to disrupt the negotiations. The story is filled with deception, lies, and a race against time to prevent a murder, all unfolding against the backdrop of political tensions in England, France, Germany, and Russia in 1914. Despite some two-dimensional characters, the relationships and events in the book manage to bring them to life intermittently.

    It was a slow Sunday afternoon, the kind Walden loved. He stood at an open window and looked across the park. The broad, level lawn was dotted with mature trees: a Scotch pine, a pair of mighty oaks, ...

  10. In "Ties That Bind: The Story of an Afro-Cherokee Family in Slavery and Freedom," Tiya Miles explores the complex relationships among Cherokees, their slaves, free men, and whites leading up to the Civil War. Through the lens of the Shoeboots family, Miles challenges traditional views of Native Americans and African Americans, revealing their interconnectedness in a changing nation. The book delves into the history of the southeastern native tribes, shedding light on the struggles for identity, genealogy, and recognition faced by African American Cherokees.

    Dr. Miles presents a well-researched narrative that intertwines history and storytelling, using primary sources like local newspapers, census records, and court documents to bring the Shoeboots family's experiences to life. The book not only provides a detailed account of this Afro-Cherokee family but also examines broader themes of race, gender, and legal status in the nineteenth century United States.

    O, come with me, my white girl fair, O, come where Mobile’s sources flow; With me my Indian blanket share, and share with me my bark canoe; We’ll build our cabin in the wild, Beneath the forest’s loft...

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