Books matching: innocence and guilt
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- #1
Dark Passage by David Goodis is a noir novel that follows Vincent Parry, a man wrongly convicted of murdering his wife. Determined to prove his innocence, Parry escapes from prison and returns to San Francisco to uncover the truth behind his wife's death. The book explores themes of betrayal, paranoia, and the blurred lines between innocence and guilt. Goodis' writing style captivates readers with its relentless pace, intricate plot, and complex characters, making it a gripping psycho-social study of a man on the run.
IT WAS a tough break. Parry was innocent. On top of that he was a decent sort of guy who never bothered people and wanted to lead a quiet life. But there was too much on the other side and on his side... - #2
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of Grace Marks, a servant convicted of a double murder in 19th century Canada. The story is told through Grace's own words to a doctor interested in her case, exploring themes of class structure, the legal system, and the blurred lines between innocence and guilt. Atwood weaves the narrative with flashbacks, quilt block patterns, and other hints about women's lives during that time, creating a psychologically interesting and haunting story.
Out of the gravel there are peonies growing. They come up through the loose grey pebbles, their buds testing the air like snails’ eyes, then swelling and opening, huge dark-red flowers all shining and... - #3
Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood is a heartbreaking fictionalized account of the true abduction of 11-year-old Sally Horner by a child molester named Frank LaSalle in 1948. The novel delves into Sally's desire to belong, her abduction after stealing a notebook from a Woolworth's store, and the subsequent two years of captivity filled with mental and physical abuse. Told from multiple perspectives, the story captures the gullibility of Sally, the lies and manipulation of Frank, and the anguish of Sally's family as they search for her.
The writing style of Rust & Stardust is described as compassionate, skillful, and heart-wrenching. The author, T. Greenwood, effectively portrays the dark and disturbing events of Sally's abduction with sensitivity and tact, while also highlighting themes of hope, courage, and resilience. The narrative keeps readers engaged by vividly describing the 1940s era, the characters' emotions, and the harrowing ordeal faced by Sally, making it a compelling and difficult read.
The girls at school had a club, a secret club with secret rules. Beyond the playground under the trees’ dark leaves, they pressed their fathers’ stolen blades against their plump thumbs, watched the b... - #4
'The Innocent' by Ian McEwan is a gripping novel set in Cold War Berlin in the 1950s. The story follows Leonard, a British post office technician, who is assigned to a secret spy mission in collaboration with the Americans. As Leonard falls in love with Maria, a German divorcee, the plot takes a dark turn involving espionage, murder, and the consequences of their actions. The writing style of the book is described as detailed, suspenseful, and atmospheric, with a focus on the psychological development of the characters as they navigate through the complexities of love, guilt, and innocence.
It was Lieutenant Lofting who dominated the meeting. “Look here, Marnham. You’ve only just arrived, so there’s no reason why you should know the situation. It’s not the Germans or the Russians who are... - #5
The Speed Queen by Stewart O'Nan is a fast-paced noir novel that follows Marjorie Standiford, an inmate on death row, as she recounts the events leading to her impending execution. The story is narrated in a conversational style by Marjorie, who is trying to set the record straight about her crimes and the lies spread by her lover's bestseller. The book delves into Marjorie's complex character, her relationships with her husband and lover, and her feelings of resentment towards her lover's successful book.
Before I begin I’d like to day that I’ll try to remember everything as best as I can, though sometimes I know it won’t be right. What you want to know about happened eight years ago, before I found th... - #6
'Billy Budd, Sailor' by Herman Melville is a novella that delves into the interpersonal relations onboard a ship, exploring themes of good and evil in human souls through the tragic story of Billy Budd, an innocent sailor condemned to death. The writing style is described as dense, with each sentence worth savoring, although it may require patience to navigate through the historical and cultural references present in the text.
The year 1797, the year of this narrative, belongs to a period which, as every thinker now feels, involved a crisis for Christendom, not exceeded in its undetermined momentousness at the time by any o... - #7
'Beach Road' by James Patterson revolves around a gripping plot filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue. The story follows ex-professional athlete turned attorney Tom Dunleavey as he takes on a challenging case of defending a young athlete framed for murders. The narrative is described as a page-turner with short, sharp chapters, multiple viewpoints, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged until the shocking climax. The author weaves a tale that involves building up evidence, exploring relationships between characters, and delivering a surprising ending that leaves readers reeling.
- #8
'The Wench is Dead' by Colin Dexter follows Inspector Morse as he investigates a century-old murder case while recovering in the hospital. Despite being an unusual storyline for the series, readers found the plot cleverly positioned, with Morse's investigation into a historical crime adding an intriguing twist to the usual murder mysteries. Dexter's writing style was praised for its cleverness and use of historical elements, making the story both enjoyable and engaging.
Intermittently, on the Tuesday, he felt sick. Frequently, on the Wednesday, he was sick. On the Thursday, he felt sick frequently, but was actually sick only intermittently. With difficulty, early on ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Inspector Morse ) - #9
'Chasing The Falconers' in the series 'On The Run' by author Gordon Korman follows the story of siblings Aiden and Meg Falconer, who escape juvenile detention to prove their parents' innocence after being wrongly convicted of being traitors. The siblings embark on a cross-country adventure, using their parents' skills and clues from their dad's novels to survive while being pursued by the FBI. is a fast-paced, action-packed, and suspenseful story that keeps readers engaged as Aiden and Meg navigate dangerous situations and work towards clearing their parents' names.
Gordon Korman's writing style in 'Chasing The Falconers' is described as creating tension through suspenseful situations, detailed descriptions, and well-balanced characters. features a mix of serious and daring characters, such as Aiden's methodical nature contrasting with Meg's optimism and creativity. The author leaves readers hanging at the end, ensuring they are eager to continue the series and follow the siblings' journey to vindicate their parents.
People who drove by probably never noticed the logo of the Department of Juvenile Corrections on the mailbox that stood at the end of the long lane leading to County Road 413. To them, this sprawling ... - #10
Lockdown, the first book in the Escape from Furnace series by Alexander Gordon Smith, follows the story of Alex Sawyer, a teenager who is framed for murder and sent to Furnace Penitentiary, an underground prison for violent young offenders. As Alex navigates the dangers of Furnace, including inhuman creatures, brutal experiments, and the constant threat of violence, he forms alliances and plans an escape with his friends. The book is described as a fast-paced, action-packed thriller with a dystopian setting that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The writing style of Lockdown is praised for its vivid descriptions, realistic character development, and suspenseful atmosphere. The book delves into themes of friendship, survival, and hope amidst a dark and dangerous setting, reminiscent of prison break stories and dystopian adventures. Readers are drawn into the thrilling narrative that explores the challenges and horrors faced by Alex and his companions as they navigate the nightmarish world of Furnace Penitentiary.
I was twelve, two years ago now, and there was trouble at school. No surprise there, I came from a rough part of town and everybody wanted to be a gangster. Each lunchtime the playing field became a b...