Books matching: impoverished life
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- #1
Save:"The First Man" by Albert Camus is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the life of the main character, Jacques Cormery, as he embarks on a journey to uncover details about his deceased father. Set against the backdrop of poverty and family struggles, the narrative captures Jacques' upbringing, his education, and his quest for self-discovery. The writing style is described as melancholy yet delightful, with a focus on the protagonist's personal growth and introspection.
- #2
Save:'My Friends' by Emmanuel Bove is a novel that follows the protagonist, Victor Baton, as he navigates the streets of Paris in search of friendship and connection. The story delves into Victor's loneliness, his longing for companionship, and his unique observations of the world around him. Through short, simple, and straightforward sentences, the novel paints a picture of Victor's vulnerability, self-pity, and occasional moments of invincibility. Set in the backdrop of impoverished urban life in the 1920s, the book explores themes of human contact, loneliness, and the complexities of relationships.
The writing style of 'My Friends' is noted for its blend of humor and melancholy, with a touch of irony and introspection. The narrative is described as unique, unmistakable, and unfaltering, capturing Victor's voice in a way that speaks a universal truth. The author, Emmanuel Bove, skillfully crafts a story that is both funny and sad, with clear and precise observations on people, places, and things. Through Victor's lens, the reader is taken on a journey of self-awareness, loneliness, and the longing for human connection.
For a little affection, I should share everything I possess: my pension money, my bed. I should be so considerate of anyone who showed me any friendship. I should never contradict them. All their wish... - #3
Save:Jack London's 'The People of the Abyss' is a compelling and intense expose of the poverty and dire living conditions in London's East End in the early 20th century. London immerses himself in the worker neighborhoods, providing a firsthand account of the horrifying daily life during the Industrial Age. He vividly describes the struggles of the impoverished Londoners, from starvation and disease to homelessness and desperation, painting a grim picture of the reality for the majority of the population at the time. Through personal interactions and detailed observations, London sheds light on the harsh realities faced by the underprivileged, offering a powerful and emotional narrative that resonates with readers.
THE EXPERIENCES RELATED in this volume fell to me in the summer of 1902. I went down into the under-world of London with an attitude of mind which I may best liken to that of the explorer. I was open ... - #4
Save:In 'The Post-Office Girl' by Stefan Zweig, the protagonist Christine lives a bleak life working in a provincial post office in post World War I Austria. Her mundane existence is transformed when she is invited by a wealthy aunt to a luxurious resort in Switzerland, experiencing a brief taste of opulence and happiness before being abruptly sent back to her dreary life. The novel delves into themes of poverty, class struggle, disillusionment, and the fleeting nature of joy, painting a vivid picture of post-war Austria through the eyes of a young woman trapped in a cycle of despair and hope.
Zweig's writing style in 'The Post-Office Girl' is described as brilliant and engaging, with long descriptive passages juxtaposed with pivotal moments in the characters' lives. The book captures the sense of loss, lack of meaning, and search for purpose experienced by those affected by the war, presenting a roller coaster of emotions and experiences for the reader as they follow Christine's journey from rags to riches and back to rags again.
ONE VILLAGE post office in Austria is much like another: seen one and you’ve seen them all. Each with identical meager furnishings provided (or rather issued, like uniforms) during Franz Josef’s rule,... - #5
Save:'The Camerons' by Robert Crichton is a historical fiction novel set in a Scottish mining village. The story follows Maggie Drum, born into a family of coal miners, who desires a better life beyond the endless cycle of labor and hardship. Maggie sets out to find a husband, Gillon Cameron, who is tall, fair, and strong, with the hope of improving their circumstances. The novel explores the struggles and resilience of the Cameron family as they navigate the harsh realities of coal mining in Scotland, challenging the caste system and seeking a more equitable future. The writing style is described as detailed, closely observed, and captivating, offering a compelling narrative that delves into the lives of the characters and the historical background of the setting.
Sound asleep one moment, her eyes wide open the next, staring up into the blackness of the ceiling. She didn’t like the night, but she had forced her mind to wake her in the deepest part of it. In con... - #6
Save:The Bamboo Stalk by Saud Alsanousi, Jonathan Wright is a compelling story that follows the life of Jose Isa, a young man who struggles with his identity as the son of a Kuwaiti man and a Filipino maid. The book explores themes of belonging, love, and the challenges faced by migrant workers in the Gulf States. Through Jose Isa's journey, the reader is taken on a poignant exploration of identity, religion, family, and nationality, set against the backdrop of Kuwait and the Philippines. The writing style captures Jose Isa's internal dilemmas and frustrations, offering a window into Kuwaiti culture and the lives of Filipino migrant workers in the Gulf.
- #7
Save:"The Girl in the Glass Tower" by Elizabeth Fremantle tells the story of Arbella Stuart, a royal bloodline potentially in line for the throne, who is kept away from court under the care of her grandmother Bess of Hardwick. The tale is narrated by Amaelia Lanyer, a disgraced female poet, who intertwines her story with Arbella's, exploring their lives during the last days of Queen Elizabeth's reign and the early years of King James I's rule. The novel delves into the challenges faced by these women who dared to dream beyond the societal confines of their time, offering a blend of fact and fiction that is engagingly written and well researched.
A sheaf of papers lands on the table with a thunk, sending out a billow of dust. It is tied with a length of faded ribbon that might have once been crimson. Motes jig and twirl as if alive in a shaft ... - #8
Save:George Orwell's 'Down and Out in Paris and London' provides a vivid and compelling firsthand account of poverty in the early 20th century, as experienced by the author himself. Through detailed descriptions of his life in the slums of Paris and London, Orwell paints a brutal yet enlightening picture of the struggles faced by the impoverished individuals living in these cities. The book delves into the day-to-day challenges, the social structures enabling such poverty, and the resilience required to survive in such dire circumstances.
THE RUE DU COQ D’OR, Paris, seven in the morning. A succession of furious, choking yells from the street. Madame Monce, who kept the little hotel opposite mine, had come out onto the pavement to addre... - #9
Save:Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a poignant novel set in Lee County, Virginia, during the height of the oxycodone crisis. The story follows the life of Demon Copperhead, from his birth to a single mother, through abuse, foster homes, teenage years as a football player, drug addiction, recovery, and new beginnings. Kingsolver expertly portrays the struggles of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness in Appalachia, weaving a narrative that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
On any other day they’d have seen her outside on the deck of her trailer home, good neighbors taking notice, pestering the tit of trouble as they will. All through the dog-breath air of late summer an... - #10
Save:'Last Exit to Brooklyn' by Hubert Selby Jr. is a raw and brutally honest portrayal of life in the projects of Brooklyn in the 1950s. The book delves into the sordid side of American culture, depicting poverty, prostitution, alcoholism, drugs, and sexual perversion, painting a stark contrast to the wholesome image often associated with that era. Through a series of interconnected short stories, the novel explores the lives of vile low-life criminals, hookers, drag queens, dealers, and addicts, offering a relentless journey into America's underbelly post-WWII. Selby's writing style is described as raw, crude, and dark, capturing the gritty reality of urban life with searing detail and unfiltered honesty.
The characters in 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' are portrayed as deeply flawed and often despicable, engaging in acts of violence, abuse, and degradation. Selby's narrative weaves together these individual stories, showcasing the struggles and dreams of people living on the margins of society in Brooklyn. The book presents a stream of consciousness account of urban life, with each character's experiences adding layers to the overall depiction of a harsh and unforgiving environment. Despite the grim subject matter, the novel is praised for its powerful storytelling and the unapologetic way in which Selby captures the complexities of human nature in extreme circumstances.
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a...
