Books matching: historical fiction classic
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- #1
Save:The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks is a timeless love story that follows the lives of Noah and Allie, two individuals from different backgrounds who fall deeply in love with each other. The book portrays their relationship as it blossoms during one summer as teenagers, only to be tested by societal expectations and the passage of time. The writing style is described as heartwarming, enchanting, and emotionally moving, capturing the essence of true love and devotion as the characters navigate through life's challenges.
The plot of The Notebook is praised for its romantic and sensitive portrayal of enduring love, showcasing the depth of emotions between the characters as they face obstacles and reunite later in life. The book is noted for its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, with many expressing how the story made them cry and left a lasting impact. Despite some finding it overly emotional, the book is commended for its beautiful storytelling that resonates with themes of love, compassion, and the power of relationships to withstand the test of time.
The sun has come up and I am sitting by a window that is foggy with the breath of a life gone by. I’m a sight this morning: two shirts, heavy pants, a scarf wrapped twice around my neck and tucked int... - #2
Save:Bleak House by Charles Dickens is a dense and intricate Victorian novel that weaves together the lives of various characters from different social classes, all connected by a long-running legal case known as Jarndyce v. Jarndyce. The narrative explores themes of justice, social commentary, love, mystery, and the impact of bureaucracy on society. The story is told through multiple perspectives, with a mix of humor, satire, romance, and tragedy, creating a rich tapestry of characters and events set in the backdrop of Victorian England.
LONDON. MICHAELMAS TERM lately over, and the Lord Chancellor sitting in Lincoln's Inn Hall. Implacable November weather. As much mud in the streets as if the waters had but newly retired from the fac... - #3
Save:"Waverley" by Walter Scott is a historical novel set during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 in Scotland. The story follows Edward Waverley, an Englishman who becomes involved in the uprising and finds his loyalties torn between supporting Bonnie Prince Charlie and the English crown. The book provides a detailed and romanticized vision of the Highland way of life, showcasing the customs, characters, and landscapes that were prevalent during that time. Scott's writing style is described as rich in historical details and characters, focusing on the end of a bygone era and the death of the highland way of life.
The novel is not just about the historical events of the '45 uprising but also delves into the personal journey of Edward Waverley as he navigates the complexities of loyalty, friendship, and betrayal. Scott's portrayal of the characters, particularly the Highlanders, is vivid and memorable, depicting a range of human behaviors and motivations within the context of a changing political landscape. The book is praised for its extensive research into Scottish history and culture, preserving a lost era and contributing to the romantic image of Scotland that persists in popular culture.
THE title of this work has not been chosen without the grave and solid deliberation which matters of importance demand from the prudent. Even its first, or general denomination, was the result of no c... - #4
Save:The Unvanquished by William Faulkner is a novel that offers a glimpse into Civil War history through the eyes of a child, Bayard Sartoris, as he navigates the challenges of war-torn South alongside his slave friend Ringo. The story follows the Sartoris family's resistance to various forms of suppression, including the Union army, thieves, corrupt politicians, and death. Faulkner's writing style, characterized by endless sentences and a low-key narrative that packs a powerful punch, immerses readers in the rural Civil War South, providing a direct and engaging exploration of the era.
The episodic nature of The Unvanquished allows for standalone reading of the stories, yet they come together cohesively to form a novel that delves into the relationships between characters like Bayard, Ringo, Granny, and Drusilla. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, Faulkner weaves a tale of resilience, courage, and defiance against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period, highlighting the tensions between tradition and change in Southern society.
Behind the smokehouse that summer, Ringo and I had a living map. Although Vicksburg was just a handful of chips from the woodpile and the River a trench scraped into the packed earth with the point of... - #5
Save:'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.
MY FATHER WAS A KING AND THE SON OF KINGS. HE was a short man, as most of us were, and built like a bull, all shoulders. He married my mother when she was fourteen and sworn by the priestess to be fru... - #6
Save:Mark Twain's 'Life on the Mississippi' is a memoir that recounts his experiences growing up along the Mississippi River and becoming a pilot of a steamboat. The book meanders through Twain's childhood in Hannibal, Missouri, his apprenticeship as a steamboat pilot, and his return to the river years later. Twain intertwines history, biography, anecdotes, and humor, providing readers with insights into American culture in the 19th century and the significance of the Mississippi River. His writing style combines sarcasm, humor, and detailed descriptions, painting a vivid picture of life along the river and the changes it underwent over time.
The Mississippi is well worth reading about. It is not a commonplace river, but on the contrary is in all ways remarkable. Considering the Missouri its main branch, it is the longest river in the worl... - #7
Save:Set in pre-WW2 China, 'Pavilion of Women' by Pearl S. Buck follows the story of Madame Wu, a wealthy matriarch who decides to bring a concubine into her husband's life as a way to free herself from traditional duties. The novel explores Madame Wu's pursuit of personal freedom, the clash of western ideas with traditional values, and the consequences of her decisions on her family. Through thought-provoking narrative and philosophical undertones, the book delves into themes of duty, love, and the pursuit of perfection in a complex familial setting.
IT WAS HER FORTIETH birthday. Madame Wu sat before the tilted mirror of her toilet case and looked at her own calm face. In her mind she was comparing it with the face she had seen in this same mirror... 'The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights' by John Steinbeck is a retelling of Malory's 'Morte d'Arthur'. Steinbeck's interpretation starts close to the original text but gradually delves deeper into the characters, plot, and language. The book remains unfinished, leaving readers content yet yearning for more of the Arthurian tales.
Steinbeck's translation is described as engaging and modern, focusing on the emotional depth of the characters rather than just the chivalric adventures. The book offers a fresh perspective on the Arthurian legend, exploring themes of chivalry, honor, and dignity while staying faithful to the original stories.
WHEN UTHER PENDRAGON WAS KING of England his vassal, the Duke of Cornwall, was reported to have committed acts of war against the land. Then Uther ordered the duke to attend his court and to bring wit...- #9
Save:'Nicholas Nickleby' by Charles Dickens follows the story of a young man, Nicholas, who, after his father's death, must support his mother and sister by seeking help from a cruel and wealthy uncle. The novel is a social commentary on the treatment of the poor and the corrupt practices of the time, filled with a myriad of characters ranging from angelic to despicable. As Nicholas navigates through life, he encounters various challenges, coincidences, and acts of kindness that shape his journey to prosperity and love, all while maintaining his integrity and kindness towards others.
The writing style of 'Nicholas Nickleby' is described as classic Dickens, with vivid descriptions, humorous undertones, and a flair for creating a diverse cast of characters. The plot is rich in detail, featuring a mix of good vs. evil storylines, social commentary, and elements of romance, all woven together in a grand and intricate narrative that captures the essence of Dickens' storytelling.
'Matther mun, matter eneaf for one neight,' replied the guard; 'dang the wall-eyed bay, he's gane mad wi' glory I think, carse t'coorch is over. Here, can't ye len' a hond? Dom it, I'd ha' dean it if ... - #10
Save:"Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell is a captivating novel set during the Civil War and Reconstruction era, focusing on the life of the strong-willed protagonist, Scarlett O'Hara. The story follows Scarlett's journey from a sought-after belle in the South, through the horrors of war, to her struggles for survival in post-war Atlanta, and her tumultuous love affair with the charismatic Rhett Butler. The book is praised for its rich historical detail, vivid descriptions of the Southern landscape, and complex characters that come to life through Mitchell's writing.
The novel delves into themes of love, survival, and the impact of war on individuals and society. Mitchell's storytelling weaves together romance, drama, and historical events to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they follow Scarlett's evolution from a young, naive girl to a resilient and determined woman facing the challenges of a changing world.
SCARLETT O’HARA was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were. In her face were too sharply blended the delicate features of her mother, a Coast ari...
