Books matching: historical depth
100 result(s)
- #1
Night Soldiers by Alan Furst follows the journey of Khristo Stoianev, a young Bulgarian who is recruited into the NKVD Soviet secret intelligence service after his brother is killed by local fascists. The story spans from 1934 to 1945, covering Khristo's training, operations in the Spanish Civil War, escape to France, and involvement in guerrilla operations with the French underground. Furst's writing style is described as atmospheric, with detailed geographical research and well-developed characters that bring the historical setting to life.
His brother was fifteen, no more than a blameless fool with a big mouth, and in calmer days his foolishness would have been accommodated in the usual ways—a slap in the face for humiliation, a few col... - #2
'Irresistible' by Karen Robards is a historical romance novel set against the background of the Napoleonic Wars. The story follows a beautiful heroine and a drool-worthy hero as they navigate through intense romance, action, and suspense. The plot involves abductions, dramatic endings, and well-developed subplots that add depth to the main storyline. The writing style is described as having hot and intense love scenes, with a good knowledge of the historical period and the use of cutesy period slang.
The disembodied voice sounded eerily close. That it reached her ears at all over the roaring of the surf terrified her. They were near. The knowledge goaded her to greater speed despite the treacherou... - #3
The Scroll of Seduction by Gioconda Belli and Lisa Dillman is a novel that intertwines the stories of Juana of Castile and Lucia, an orphan living in a convent school in Spain in the 1960s. Lucia is drawn into an experiment by Manuel, a history teacher, where she is asked to immerse herself in the life of Juana, feeling what she felt and thinking what she thought. As the story progresses, the reader is taken on a journey filled with questions and mysteries surrounding Juana's passionate love for Philip the Handsome and her struggle for independence, while also delving into the inappropriate relationship between Manuel and Lucia.
The book presents a mix of historical facts and fiction, exploring the complexities of Juana's life and the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. The writing style combines elements of Spanish history with a contemporary touch, creating an intriguing and educational narrative that keeps the reader engaged until the very last page.
- #4
'The Dragon Waiting' by John M. Ford is an alternative historical fantasy novel set in a Europe where the Byzantine Empire never fell and Christianity never became the dominant religion. The story follows a quartet of unique individuals, including a Welsh wizard, a German vampire engineer, and others, as they navigate a world filled with mages, vampires, political intrigue, and historical figures like Richard III and Lorenzo de Medici. The plot weaves together elements of medieval Europe, the War of the Roses, and fantastical components like magic and vampires, creating a rich and complex narrative that explores themes of power, betrayal, and survival.
The writing style of 'The Dragon Waiting' has been described as clever, elliptical, and occasionally horrific, blending magic, mystery, and political intrigue seamlessly. The book features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets, set against a backdrop of a Europe where deadly dynastic conflicts and ancient rivalries shape the course of history. While the plot may be challenging to follow at times due to abrupt scene changes and subtle storytelling, the novel offers a unique and engaging reading experience for fans of historical fiction and fantasy.
Dimi was well down the valley before his companions topped the rise; he heard their shouts, their horses' protests, then finally the rumble of hooves far behind. He laughed and whispered to white Luna... - #5
Poor Things by Alasdair Gray is a unique and genre-defying novel that combines elements of gothic horror, romance, fairy tale, and comedy. Set in Victorian Glasgow and the Mediterranean, the story follows the lives of two Scottish doctors and a young woman created from human remains. The narrative unfolds as a quasi-political tale of liberal values, particularly focusing on the role of women in a conservative society. Through a mix of humor, whimsical storytelling, and social commentary, the book explores themes of love, scientific daring, and societal norms in a captivating and imaginative way.
This was the only son of Colin Baxter, the first medical man to be knighted by Queen Victoria. Sir Colin’s portrait hung beside the portrait of John Hunter in our examination hall: a clean-shaven, sha... - #6
'One Bad Apple' in the 'Orchard Mysteries' series by Sheila Connolly follows the story of Meg Corey as she unexpectedly finds herself renovating a Massachusetts colonial house with a 15-acre apple orchard. Throughout the book, Meg deals with various challenges such as plumbing issues, orchard pest management, real estate problems, and the discovery of dead bodies on her property. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of mystery, small-town charm, and detailed insights into orchard management techniques and local history.
- #7
In The Heart of Redness, Zakes Mda crafts a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together the historical struggles of the Xhosa people in South Africa with the modern-day dilemmas faced by the descendants of those original factions. The novel delves into the tensions between tradition and modernity, belief and skepticism, as characters grapple with the legacy of past prophecies and the implications for their present and future. Mda's writing style is described as poetic yet forceful, hinting at magical realism while grounding the narrative in the realities of South African history and society.
And he cries often. Sometimes just a sniffle. Or a single tear down his cheek. As a result he carries a white handkerchief all the time, especially these days when peace has returned to the land and t... - #8
Emphyrio by Jack Vance is a science fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through a future society where individuals are supported by a welfare state, but where hard decisions and consequences await those who seek change. The story follows Ghyl, a young man who rebels against the societal norms of his world, uncovering truths and challenging the power structure that governs his planet. With elements of mystery, rebellion, and societal upheaval, Emphyrio offers a blend of world-building, social commentary, and a coming-of-age narrative that captivates readers with its intricate plot and vivid descriptions.
In the chamber at the top of the tower were six individuals: three who chose to call themselves ‘Lords’ or sometimes ‘Remedials’; a wretched underling who was their prisoner; and two Garrion. The cham... - #9
A Book Dragon by Donn Kushner is a unique take on the classic theme of a dragon guarding its treasure. The story is told from the perspective of the dragon, offering a fresh and interesting viewpoint on the mythical creature. The book is described as simple and easy to read, with wonderful illustrations that enhance the storytelling.
The plot revolves around the dragon's role as a guardian of treasure, and readers find the story heartwarming and positive in its message. The writing style is engaging, with short chapters that make the book easy to get into. Overall, A Book Dragon is a short yet enchanting tale that appeals to readers of all ages.
WE SELDOM HEAR OF DRAGONS NOWADAYS. IT IS EASY to believe that they never existed at all. But many years ago people knew that there were dragons, just as they knew there were angels and devils, witche... Readers find 'Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town' by Paul Theroux to be an engrossing travelogue that takes them on a journey through Africa from top to bottom. Theroux's writing style captivates readers as he delves into the complexities of the continent, reflecting on his past experiences in Africa, particularly during his time with the Peace Corps. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the impact of foreign aid in Africa to the diverse cultures and people Theroux encounters on his overland adventure.
All news out of Africa is bad. It made me want to go there, though not for the horror, the hot spots, the massacre-and-earthquake stories you read in the newspaper; I wanted the pleasure of being in A...