Books matching: historical context of colonization
8 result(s)
- #1
Save:Flint and Mirror by John Crowley is a captivating historical fantasy novel set in Ireland during the Tudor conquest. The story revolves around Hugh O'Neill, a young Irish prince caught between his heritage and the expectations of Queen Elizabeth I. With the influence of magic, particularly through the character of John Dee, the narrative explores deep themes of identity, colonialism, and the loss of traditional beliefs. It portrays a tragic yet beautiful tale of the struggle for Irish unity and the pain of inevitable loss.
Crowley's writing style is noted for its smooth and beautiful prose, bringing vivid descriptions of Elizabethan England and the mystical elements of Irish folklore to life. The book is dense with character development and historical context, which may require some background knowledge for full appreciation. Many readers found the emotional impact profound, especially the bittersweet ending, revealing Crowley's talent for weaving heartfelt stories even within the complexities of historical events.
- #2
Save:'The Shadow of the Sun' by Ryszard Kapuscinski is a collection of essays and firsthand accounts of the author's travels in Africa from the 1960s to the 1990s. Kapuscinski immerses himself in the local culture, avoiding the comforts of affluent foreign correspondents to experience the real Africa. Through his spare and captivating writing style, he delves into the ordinary lives of the people he encounters, providing insights into different cultures, landscapes, historical events, and international politics across the continent. Kapuscinski's narratives offer a deep and humanizing look into the vastness of African life and history, touching on themes of colonialism, humanity, and adventure.
More than anything, one is struck by the light. Light everywhere. Brightness everywhere. Everywhere, the sun. Just yesterday, an autumnal London was drenched in rain. The airplane drenched in rain. A ... 'An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States' by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a perspective on American history told from the viewpoint of Indigenous peoples. The author delves into the genocidal program of the US settler colonial regime that has been largely omitted from traditional history books. Through the narrative, Dunbar-Ortiz reveals how Native Americans actively resisted the expansion of the US empire over centuries. discusses the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples, the historical context of colonization, and the impact of settler colonialism on the Indigenous population.
The writing style of the book is described as informative, brutally honest, and necessary for understanding the reality of white Americans' actions towards Native Americans over the last four hundred years. While not a comprehensive history, the book presents a detailed account of Anglo-Indigenous relations throughout American history, shedding light on the sobering truth of the country's treatment of Indigenous peoples. Dunbar-Ortiz's work challenges traditional narratives of American history and encourages readers to view the nation's past from a different perspective, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and learning from the Indigenous perspective.
Humanoids existed on Earth for around four million years as hunters and gatherers living in small communal groups that through their movements found and populated every continent. Some two hundred tho...- #4
Save:'Dirty Job' in the series 'Cauldron of Stars' by author Felix R. Savage is a thrilling military sci-fi action thriller that follows interstellar trucker Mike Starrunner as he navigates under-the-table deals, political maneuvering, and the dangers of the Clusterverse to rescue a kidnapped shifter kid and bring back a valuable artifact. Part 2 of the series delves deeper into the characters' desperation and darker choices, presenting a realistic and complex portrayal of their struggles in a galaxy filled with genetic modifications, interstellar trade conflicts, and deep-rooted prejudices.
The book's writing style is described as enthralling, masterful, and filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Savage's storytelling expands the impressive universe established in the first book, offering a deep dive into Galactic Affairs over centuries, showcasing exceptional character development and a compelling saga that spans generations.
- #5
Save:'The Son' by Philipp Meyer is an epic multi-generational story about the founding of the Old West, particularly Texas. The novel follows the McCullough family through different generations, starting from the early days of Texas when it was overrun by Indians to the present day. The narrative is structured around the lives of Eli, his son Peter, and granddaughter Jeanne, showcasing their experiences, struggles, and the accumulation of wealth through various means.
The book delves into themes of greed, progress, survival, and the conquest of land, portraying the harsh realities of life in Texas during different time periods. The story is told through multiple narrators, each offering a unique perspective on the family's history and the evolution of Texas, from the conflicts between Comanches and Whites to the development of the oil industry.
It was prophesied I would live to see one hundred and having achieved that age I see no reason to doubt it. I am not dying a Christian though my scalp is intact and if there is an eternal hunting grou... - #6
Save:'Alaska' by James A. Michener is a sweeping historical novel that covers the colorful history of Alaska from ancient times to the present day. The narrative weaves together the tales of various characters, from mastodons and woolly mammoths to Eskimos, Russians, gold rushers, and modern settlers. Through vivid storytelling, Michener explores the struggles of man against nature, the colonization of Alaska, and the exploitation of its valuable resources, offering a rich and absorbing narrative that captures the adventurous spirit of the land.
provides a detailed overview of Alaska's history, from prehistoric times to the recent past, with a focus on the struggles and triumphs of the people who have inhabited this vast and rugged land. Michener's writing style combines fictional storytelling with historical facts, creating an engaging and informative read that delves into the complexities of Alaska's development and the challenges faced by its inhabitants over the centuries.
The route he would take had been available for the past two thousand years, and although some had used the bridge, they had not found it inviting. Across its six-hundred-mile width north to south hars... - #7
Save:'Heaven In His Arms' by Lisa Ann Verge is a historical romance set in Quebec in the late 17th century, following the story of Genevieve, a young woman forced to swap places with a noblewoman and become a mail order bride sent to Canada. The book explores the hardships faced by Genevieve in her past, her journey to Quebec, and her unexpected marriage to Andre, a fur trapper who reluctantly picks her as his wife. The plot delves into their tumultuous relationship, filled with tension, passion, and secrets, set against the backdrop of the Canadian wilderness. The writing style is described as lush and descriptive, painting vivid images of the natural landscapes and historical settings, while also incorporating sensual and steamy scenes between the main characters.
Andre Lefebvre slammed open the door to his agent's office and entered, splattering wet moccasin prints on the polished floorboards. He tossed his balled linen shirt on the imported rosewood desk, spr... - #8
Save:Eduardo Galeano's 'Memory of Fire' Trilogy is a unique and passionate retelling of the history of North and South America, spanning from the birth of the continent's indigenous peoples to the end of the twentieth century. Through short vignettes filled with gorgeous prose, Galeano weaves together the lives of Indians, conquistadors, slaves, revolutionaries, poets, and more. The book offers a mixture of mythology, history, and present tense storytelling to depict the colonization of the New World in a compelling and imaginative way.
The stories in 'Memory of Fire' Trilogy tell of heartache, suffering, traitors, saints, sinners, and treachery, providing a comprehensive and vivid portrayal of the Americas' history. Galeano's writing style is described as gorgeous, akin to a beautiful painting done in words, which transports readers to the depths of unimaginable history with small, succinct paragraphs that are both lovingly detailed and deeply affecting.
