Books matching: imprisonment
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Spandau: The Secret Diaries' by Albert Speer is a detailed account of the author's experiences during his 20-year imprisonment after World War II. The diaries provide insights into Speer's reflections on his time serving under Hitler, his interactions with other Nazi prisoners, and the challenges he faced in captivity. The writing style is described as unvarnished and personal, offering a raw look into Speer's thoughts and emotions during his confinement.
- #2
Save:"Little Dorrit" by Charles Dickens is a novel that delves into the themes of imprisonment, both literal and metaphorical, within Victorian society. The story follows the protagonist, Amy Dorrit, and her father as they navigate the harsh realities of debtors' prisons and societal structures. Dickens weaves a tale that critiques the government, bureaucracy, and social injustices of the period, drawing on his own experiences and observations. The book is known for its vivid characters, intricate plot, and Dickens' signature satirical style that highlights the flaws and complexities of society.
‘I mean the French people. They’re always at it. As to Marseilles, we know what Marseilles is. It sent the most insurrectionary tune into the world that was ever composed. It couldn’t exist without al... Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail by author Malika Oufkir is a powerful and disturbing memoir detailing the author's imprisonment, along with her mother and siblings, following her father's failed political coup in Morocco. The book chronicles their years of captivity in squalid desert prisons, their successful escape, and subsequent house arrest and surveillance. The narrative provides insights into Malika's upbringing in privilege, her time as a political prisoner, and her resilience in the face of unimaginable hardships.
Why this book? It is clear that even if we hadn't met by chance, MaHka Oufkir would have written this account one day. Since her escape from prison, she has always wanted to tell her story and exorciz...- #4
Save:'The Autumn Throne' by Elizabeth Chadwick is a historical fiction novel that portrays Eleanor of Aquitaine as a strong and resilient woman. The plot delves into Eleanor's struggles and triumphs, showcasing her relationships with her children, her imprisonment by King Henry IV, and her unwavering determination to protect her dynasty. The writing style brings to life the golden years of Eleanor's life, vividly depicting the events surrounding key players in Europe and emphasizing the power she wielded in a time when most women were marginalized.
(Also, see 16 recommendations for the series Eleanor of Aquitaine ) - #5
Save:Midnight Express by Billy Hayes is a gripping memoir that recounts the author's harrowing experience of being arrested and imprisoned in Turkey for attempting to smuggle drugs. The book follows Hayes' journey through the Turkish justice system, his time in prison, and his eventual escape. The writing style is described as straightforward and captivating, focusing on the adventure without delving into tangential topics such as politics or philosophy. Readers are drawn into Hayes' story, experiencing the boredom, fear, and determination he felt during his ordeal.
Some twelve miles west of Istanbul, beyond theoutskirts of the city in the flat farm country near the coast, isYesilkoy International Airport. Every day at noon Pan AmericanFlight No. 1 arrives from T... - #6
Save:In "Secrets in the Cellar" by John Glatt, readers are taken on a horrifying journey into the life of Josef Fritzl, an Austrian engineer who imprisoned his daughter Elisabeth in a cellar turned dungeon beneath his house for 24 years. The book details the abusive childhood of Fritzl, his descent into perversion and violence, and the unimaginable horrors he inflicted on his own daughter and the children he fathered with her. Despite being a quick read, the narrative is chilling as it delves into the meticulous planning of Elisabeth's prison by Fritzl and his complete lack of remorse for his heinous actions.
The writing style of the book is straightforward and well-researched, providing a detailed account of the crimes committed by Fritzl and the psychological impact on his victims. While some readers found the book repetitive at times, it still managed to captivate with its exploration of the dark depths of human depravity and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Josef Stefan Fritzl was born in Amstetten, Lower Austria, on April 9, 1935, amidst the early rumblings of political upheaval from the rise of Nazism in neighboring Germany. His mother, Maria, a devout... - #7
Save:The Enormous Room by E.E. Cummings is an autobiographical novel recounting the author's time spent in a French prison during World War I. Cummings, along with a friend, was detained for several months due to suspicions of treason. The book vividly describes the characters Cummings encounters during his imprisonment, the conditions of the prison, and the daily struggles faced by the detainees. The prose is dense and interspersed with French dialogue, creating a challenging yet rewarding reading experience for those who appreciate Cummings' unique writing style.
In the preceding pages I have described my Pilgrim's Progress from the Slough of Despond, commonly known as Section Sanitaire Vingt-et-Un (then located at Germaine) through the mysteries of Noyon, Gré... - #8
Save:The Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde is a captivating poem that delves into the themes of imprisonment, punishment, and the human condition. Readers are drawn to the haunting and vivid imagery presented in the poem, which offers a unique perspective on the condemned individuals within the prison walls. Wilde's writing style is described as beautiful, touching, and accessible, making it a timeless piece that resonates with readers across different age groups.
- #9
Save:'Mary Queen of Scots' by Antonia Fraser delves into the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, providing a detailed biography that is probably as accurate as any other work on the subject. Fraser's writing style is methodical, filled with intricate details that offer a comprehensive and relatively unbiased look at Mary's life. covers various aspects of Mary's life, from her childhood marriage to the French king to her imprisonment as a captive of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth. Fraser presents a nuanced portrayal of Mary, challenging the traditional depictions of her as either a saint or a treacherous figure deserving of her eventual beheading. Through Fraser's narrative, readers get a glimpse of the complex story of Mary's life, going beyond the simplistic rivalries between Mary and Elizabeth or the religious conflicts of the time.
The winter of 1542 was marked by tempestuous weather throughout the British Isles: in the north, on the borders of Scotland and England, there were heavy snow-falls in December and frost so savage tha... - #10
Save:"The Strange Library" by Haruki Murakami is a surreal and dreamlike tale about a young boy who gets imprisoned in the labyrinthine bowels of his city's library. The story involves encounters with mysterious characters like a mute girl, a tormented sheep man, and a jailer in a sheep suit, all set in a matter-of-fact narrative style. is filled with enigmatic illustrations that add to the strange and surreal events that unfold in a short span.
The plot revolves around the boy's quest to escape the library with the help of unusual allies, all while exploring themes of isolation, loss, loneliness, and existential ennui. The writing style is described as straightforward yet evocative, reminiscent of a fairy tale but with darker undertones, leaving readers puzzled yet intrigued by the bizarre and haunting narrative.
(18) Like a blind dolphin, the night of the new moon silently drew near. The old man came to check on me that evening. He was delighted to find me lost in my book. Seeing how happy he was made me feel...
