Books matching: identity and privilege
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- #1
Save:Half a Crown, the final book in the Small Change trilogy by Jo Walton, is set in an alternate history Britain where fascism has taken hold. The story unfolds in 1960, showcasing a world where the country has made peace with Hitler and is now facing the consequences of that decision. The narrative follows the characters as they navigate a society shaped by creeping fascism, hard choices, and the constant pressure from a powerful but often unseen director. The book explores themes of societal decay, loss of liberty, and the impact of individual decisions in a world teetering on the brink of darkness.
When she let her voice trail off like that I knew precisely what she meant. I knew it in the pit of my stomach. I had been coming down the stairs to join them in the drawing room when I heard her spea...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Small Change ) - #2
Save:A Gentleman's Position, the third book in the Society of Gentlemen series by K.J. Charles, delves into the complex relationship between Lord Richard Vale and his valet, David Cyprian. Set in Edwardian England, the book explores themes of power dynamics, loyalty, and forbidden love within the confines of societal expectations. As the two protagonists navigate their feelings for each other amidst external challenges, the narrative unfolds with intricate plot twists and engaging character dynamics. The writing style is praised for its exquisite prose, realistic portrayal of romance, and the skillful development of a diverse cast of characters.
David sat back with a sigh. It had not been one of his better performances, and Silas, a bludgeoning, brutal opponent at the backgammon board, was developing a knack for strategy too. “Blast you,” he ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Society of Gentlemen ) - #3
Save:'The Black Queen' by Jumata Emill follows the story of Duchess, a black high school student whose best friend, Nova, is murdered. Duchess, along with Tinsley, a white well-to-do mean girl who is the prime suspect, work together to unravel the mystery behind Nova's death. The novel delves into themes of race, systemic racism, white privilege, and the complexities of racism, portraying the nuanced dynamics between the characters as they navigate through the investigation and personal growth. The writing style captures the thoughts and emotions of the teenage girls effectively, passing The Bechdel test and providing great representation, especially in terms of queer black girls.
- #4
Save:'The Space Between Worlds' by Micaiah Johnson is a sci-fi novel set in a world where traversers like Cara can jump between parallel universes as long as their doppelgangers are deceased in that world. Cara, a protagonist with a complicated past, is hired to collect information from different worlds. However, when she uncovers unsettling truths, she begins to question her role and the organization she works for. The book explores themes of choices, luck, and the impact of different realities on a person's life, all wrapped in a fast-paced plot with complex characters and a unique world-building concept.
The writing style of 'The Space Between Worlds' is praised for its precision and craft in world-building, creating a stunning and immersive multiverse. The novel delves into the intricacies of parallel worlds, relationships, social commentary, and character development, offering a fresh take on the concept of multiple realities and the complexities of human existence across different dimensions.
WHEN I WAS young and multiverse was just a theory, I was worthless: the brown girl-child of an addict in one of those wards outside the walls of Wiley City that people don’t get out of or go to. But t... - #5
Save:'Plum Bun' by Jessie Redmon Fauset is a novel set in the 1920s, focusing on the lives of two black sisters in 1930s New York during the Harlem Renaissance. The story delves into the contrast between the dark-skinned and fair-skinned sisters, exploring their different opportunities and challenges. The book provides a window into the racial dynamics of the time, where the characters navigate issues of race, identity, and societal expectations. Fauset's writing style, although from a different era, presents a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the struggles faced by black women in a historical context.
- #6
Save:Juliet Takes a Breath is a coming of age story about a Latina lesbian from the Bronx who embarks on a journey of self-discovery by interning with a feminist writer in Portland. The book explores themes of LGBTQ identity, family relationships, feminism, race, and privilege through the engaging voice of Juliet. Readers witness Juliet's growth as she navigates through various issues, making it a character-driven story with a focus on self-acceptance and establishing boundaries. Set in 2003, the story follows Juliet's experiences with her idol and the LGBTQ community, providing a raw, honest, and amusing narrative that delves into big issues such as learning about oneself and respecting others.
“We are born with the power of the moon and the flow of the waves within us. It’s only after being commodified for our femaleness that we lose that power. The first step in gaining it back is walking ... - #7
Save:'Six Degrees of Separation' by John Guare is a powerful and quick-moving play that delves into the lives of disconnected characters caught up in a web of lies. The story revolves around an art dealer and his wife who take in a young black man claiming to be Sidney Poitier's son, leading to unexpected turns and tragic consequences. The writing style is described as beautifully written, seamlessly joining dialogue between well-rounded characters that alternate between hilarity and pathos.
A painting revolves slowly high over the stage. The painting is by Kandinsky. He has painted on either side of the canvas in two different styles. One side is geometric and somber. The other side is w... - #8
Save:In 'Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution', R.F. Kuang presents an alternative history fantasy set in a Victorian Britain where the city of Oxford is the center of knowledge and progress. The story revolves around Robin Swift, a bright boy plucked from Canton, who is taken to England by Professor Richard Lovell to study languages at Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. As Robin befriends a group of misfits, they find themselves embroiled in a revolution that challenges the foundations of the Empire, all while dealing with themes of colonialism, language, and power.
Kuang's writing style intricately weaves together elements of history, fantasy, and language, creating a detailed and immersive world where the power of the Empire is tied to the magic of enchanted silver inscribed with untranslatable words. Through a diverse cast of characters and a unique magic system, the author explores complex themes of colonialism, empire building, exploitation, and prejudice, offering a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the dark corners of history and society.
The air was rank, the floors slippery. A jug of water sat full, untouched by the bed. At first the boy had been too scared of retching to drink; now he was too weak to lift the jug. He was still consc... - #9
Save:'Blackass' by A. Igoni Barrett is a modern take on the Metamorphosis theme, set in contemporary Lagos, Nigeria. The protagonist, Furo Wariboko, wakes up one morning to find himself transformed from a black Nigerian man into a white man with red hair and green eyes. The narrative explores the challenges, privileges, and prejudices faced by Furo as he navigates this new identity, shedding light on themes of race, class, privilege, and social dynamics in Nigerian society. The book delves into the complexities of personal identity, social responsibility, and the fluidity of gender and sexuality, all within the vibrant backdrop of Lagos.
The writing style of 'Blackass' has been described as sharp, humorous, and thought-provoking. The narrative flits between Furo's perspective and that of another character he encounters, providing a lens through which to view Furo's journey of self-discovery and societal critique. The novel touches on various topics such as identity, race relations, gender dynamics, and social and economic disparities, using satire and irony to comment on issues of exceptionalism, pretense, and privilege.
Furo Wariboko awoke this morning to find that dreams can lose their way and turn up on the wrong side of sleep. He was lying nude in bed, and when he raised his head a fraction he could see his alabas... - #10
Save:In "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng, the story revolves around two families from different backgrounds whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. Set in the carefully planned community of Shaker Heights, Ohio, the novel explores themes of motherhood, class, race, and family dynamics. The plot unfolds through multiple perspectives, delving into the complexities of relationships and societal pressures, ultimately leading to devastating consequences for both families.
The narrative structure of the book, which includes flashbacks and shifts in perspective, adds depth to the storytelling, keeping readers engaged as they uncover the secrets and tensions that fuel the little fires everywhere in the characters' lives. Ng's writing style delicately handles serious issues such as adoption, motherhood, and prejudice, allowing the characters to speak for themselves and leaving readers to ponder the moral dilemmas presented throughout the novel.
The previous June, when Mia and Pearl had moved into the little rental house on Winslow Road, neither Mrs. Richardson (who technically owned the house) nor Mr. Richardson (who handed over the keys) ha...
