Books matching: historical reckoning
10 result(s)
- #1
Save:Clint Smith examines the portrayal of American slavery history by visiting various sites across America, such as Monticello, Whitney Plantation, Angola Prison, and Goree Island. Through different lenses presented in each site chapter, the book offers a unique perspective on the history of slavery, highlighting the strength, resiliency, and legacies of enslaved individuals. Smith's writing style is described as poetic, lyrical, and moving, effectively blending personal experiences with historical research to provide a comprehensive picture of the impact of slavery on American society.
THE SKY ABOVE THE MISSISSIPPI River stretched out like a song. The river was still in the windless afternoon, its water a yellowish-brown from the sediment it carried across thousands of miles of farm... - #2
Save:"Aboriginal Australians" by Richard Broome delves into the history and experiences of the Aboriginal people in Australia. It provides a detailed account of the atrocities they faced, the impact of colonization, and the ongoing struggles for recognition and rights. The writing style is informative, engaging, and at times, moving, offering readers a deeper insight into the Aboriginal culture and history.
- #3
Save:David France's book, 'How to Survive a Plague: The Inside Story of How Citizens and Science Tamed AIDS,' chronicles the devastating AIDS epidemic in America from the 1980s to the early 2000s, focusing on the activism of groups like ACT UP in New York City. The narrative delves into the struggles, discrimination, and fight for recognition faced by the gay community, highlighting the relentless efforts to push for medical research and treatments amidst widespread indifference and bureaucratic obstacles. France weaves personal experiences seamlessly into the larger story, creating a cohesive and deeply personal account of a tumultuous time in history.
I arrived in New York City for the first time on a college sojourn from Michigan, in September 1978, for an internship at the United Nations and a chance to explore Christopher Street, the mountaintop... - #4
Save:'Country of My Skull' by Antjie Krog is a compelling account of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings in South Africa post-Apartheid era. Through a fragmented narrative style, Krog captures the stark and traumatic quality of the actual hearings, providing insights into the challenges faced during this crucial period in South African history. She delves into the details of the TRC, discussing what worked and what didn't, highlighting the ambiguity and complexities involved in seeking truth and reconciliation after the atrocities of the Apartheid regime.
Antjie Krog's writing style allows for creative elements that enhance the material without detracting from the facts, offering multiple perspectives including her own as she grapples with the realities presented during the commission's work. provides a window into South Africa's journey towards healing and accountability, showcasing the struggle for justice and forgiveness in the aftermath of the country's dark past.
Sunk low on their springs, three weathered white Sierras roar past the wrought-iron gates of Parliament. Heavy, hamlike forearms bulge through the open windows—honking, waving old Free State and Trans... 'Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA' by Richard English provides a detailed and comprehensive account of the Irish Republican Army's history, from its inception to the Peace Agreement. The author delves into the complexities of the IRA's evolution, tactics, and motivations, offering a balanced and insightful analysis of the organization's role in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. English covers significant periods of the IRA's history, including the Civil Rights movement, the prison war, and the peace process, shedding light on the internal disagreements and external factors that shaped the group's actions.
Richard English's writing style in 'Armed Struggle' is praised for being clear, insightful, and highly readable. Readers appreciate the author's non-biased approach, detailed research, and thoughtful analysis, which place the IRA's actions within the context of local and international events. not only explores the IRA's armed struggle but also examines the historical precursors of the conflict in Northern Ireland, making it a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Troubles.
2. See, for example, the excellent work of P. Hart, The IRA and Its Enemies: Violence and Community in Cork 1916–1923 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998), or of M. Hopkinson, Green Against Green: ...- #6
Save:We Do Not Part by Han Kang is a powerful novel that intertwines the story of two friends, Kyungha and Inseon, against the backdrop of a dark chapter in Korean history—the 1948 Jeju massacre. The narrative follows Kyungha as she embarks on a perilous journey through a snowstorm to help Inseon, who is recovering from a severe injury. Along the way, deep memories of trauma and loss surface, revealing the painful legacy of past violence that affects Inseon’s family.
The writing style is haunting and lyrical, capturing both the beauty of the snowy landscape and the stark reality of human suffering. Kang's prose is vivid and engaging, allowing readers to feel the emotional weight of the story. However, the translation has been critiqued for interrupting the flow at times. Despite this, the book's themes of friendship, grief, and historical reckoning leave a lasting impression, urging readers to confront the painful truths of the past.
- #7
Save:Unbound is an anthology featuring five stories from popular paranormal authors, each set in their own unique worlds but interconnected through themes of the supernatural and urban fantasy. The stories provide readers with a glimpse into familiar characters or settings from the authors' series, offering a mix of diverse perspectives and entertaining plots. From Kim Harrison's tale of Jenks investigating a mysterious case to Jeaniene Frost's creepy New Orleans story featuring historical vampire characters, the book presents a collection of short stories that range from intriguing to compelling, with elements of mystery, fantasy, and supernatural themes woven throughout.
The dim gloom was heavy in the lower level of Jenks’s stump, only the high ceiling of the cavernous great room still holding the fading haze of the setting sun. Working by the glow of his dragonflylik...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Hollows ) - #8
Save:'IBM and the Holocaust' by Edwin Black delves into the dark history of IBM's involvement with the Nazi regime during World War II. Through meticulous research and analysis of historical documents, Black uncovers the extent of IBM's collaboration in enabling the Holocaust, from providing technology for census-taking to facilitating the identification and tracking of individuals targeted by the Nazis. The writing style is detailed and factual, presenting a compelling narrative that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of IBM's history and its impact on one of the darkest chapters in human history.
VEILS OF SMOKE HUNG ABOVE. MANY OF THE EXHAUSTEDprisoners, insensate from torture and starvation, slumped lifelessly, waiting to fade into death. But most of the 60,000 human beings squeezed into this... - #9
Save:Caine's Reckoning by Sarah McCarty follows the story of Desi, a woman rescued by Texas Ranger Caine Allen from a group of abusers. Forced to marry for protection, Desi and Caine navigate a tumultuous relationship as Desi struggles to overcome her past trauma. The book delves into themes of love, family, and healing, set against a backdrop of the Old West, with a mix of emotional depth and sensual scenes.
Caine pulled Chaser up short. The black Appaloosa’s hoofbeats ended in cadence with Tracker’s and Sam’s horses. After fifteen years together, there was no guesswork to the men’s moves. They were a tea... - #10
Save:'A Star-Reckoner's Lot' by Darrell Drake is a historical fantasy novel set in Sassanian Iran, following the journey of Ashtadukht, a star reckoner seeking vengeance for her husband's murder by a Div. As she travels with her cousin Tirdad and the quirky half-div Waray, the trio encounters battles, myths, and demons, all deeply rooted in the historical elements of its setting. The book weaves together a tale of conjurers, divs, giants, and revenge, with a unique magic system based on star reckoning and casting lots. The story unfolds in a world where star reckoners defend against divs, drawing readers into a richly detailed and immersive setting of ancient Iran.
The plot of 'A Star-Reckoner's Lot' is a complex tapestry of interconnected events that culminate in an epic finale, revealing the depth of character development, especially focusing on the flawed protagonist Ashtadukht. The writing style of the book combines elements of historical fantasy with unexpected twists, engaging readers with its episodic journey structure and intricate world-building. The author skillfully incorporates historical accuracy, magical elements, and diverse settings, creating a narrative that keeps readers immersed in a vividly portrayed ancient Iran.
