Books matching: innocence lost
100 result(s)
- #1
The Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen is a novel that follows the story of Portia Quayne, a 16-year-old orphan who comes to live with her half-brother Thomas and his wife Anna in London. Portia's innocence and naivety clash with the harsh realities of the adult world surrounding her, leading to a coming-of-age tale filled with heartbreak and disillusionment. The novel delves into themes of loss of innocence, the complexities of familial relationships, and the societal mores of the time, all portrayed with Bowen's profound artistry and insight.
Through detailed and vivid writing, Bowen paints a poignant picture of Portia's journey as she navigates a world filled with selfishness, pretense, and unfulfilled desires. The novel skillfully captures the emotional turmoil of its characters, particularly Portia, as she grapples with the challenges of growing up in a society where hearts are often portrayed as ill or dead, highlighting themes of alienation and the harsh realities of adulthood.
THATmorning’s ice, no more than a brittle film, had cracked and was now floating in segments. These tapped together or, parting, left channels of dark water, down which swans in slow indignation swam.... - #2
Reality Boy by A.S. King follows the story of Gerald Faust, a teenager haunted by his past after being featured on a reality TV show at a young age. Known as the "Crapper," Gerald struggles with anger management issues, a dysfunctional family, and a lack of understanding from those around him. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, adolescent angst, and the impact of reality television on a young life. A.S. King's writing style is described as engaging, truthful, and perceptive, capturing the voice of today's teens with edginess and emotional depth.
Remember the little freak who took a crap on his parents’ oak-stained kitchen table when they confiscated his Game Boy? Remember how the camera cleverly hid his most private parts with the glittery fa... - #3
'Cape May' by Chip Cheek follows the story of a young newlywed couple, Henry and Effie, who travel to Cape May for their honeymoon. Initially feeling bored and disconnected, they soon become entangled in a world of decadence, betrayal, and temptation when they meet a group of affluent individuals that lead them astray. Set in the backdrop of Cape May, the novel explores themes of innocence, sexual exploration, and the clash of different cultural backgrounds. The narrative unfolds through Henry's perspective, providing a deep dive into the male psyche and the complexities of relationships.
“Come in, come in—Jesus!” the woman demanded, as if to scold them for not arriving sooner, and led them across a wide foyer into a bright living area that looked out through a bank of windows onto a l... - #4
"Wolf Hollow" by Lauren Wolk is a historical fiction novel set in rural Pennsylvania during WWII. The story follows Annabelle, a young girl who faces bullying from a newcomer named Betty. The plot unfolds as Annabelle navigates the challenges of standing up to the bully, while also protecting a reclusive WWI veteran named Toby, who becomes a target of Betty's cruel actions. The writing style is described as spare, with simple language perfectly suited to the subject and setting, creating a mood of aching regret mixed with an electric sense of ominousness.
The book delves into themes of nobility, friendship, bullying, and the impact of lies and deception. Through Annabelle's perspective, readers witness the complexities of rural life during wartime, the strong ties that bind communities, and the intolerance that sometimes arises. The plot is gripping, featuring unexpected twists and moments of suspense that keep readers engaged, making it a poignant and moving story for older audiences.
Every day, to get to school, I walked with my brothers—Henry, who was nine, and James, who was seven—down into Wolf Hollow and then back up out of it again to return home. And that was where a big, to... - #5
"Wartime Lies" by Louis Begley is a partly autobiographical novel that follows the story of a young Jewish boy named Maciek and his Aunt Tania as they pose as Catholic Poles during World War II to survive the Holocaust. The narrator, looking back as an old man, reflects on the denial of his heritage and identity to survive, constantly moving and maintaining a distance from others as his family members vanish or die. The narrative is chillingly matter-of-fact, depicting the psychological damage inflicted by the wartime lies and the struggle for survival in a world where they feel quite alone.
The story unfolds through Maciek's eyes as he witnesses the horrors of the Holocaust, the burning of the Warsaw ghetto, and the Warsaw uprising, all narrated without emotion or judgment. delves into the fragility of justice and the characters' vulnerability, shifting between scenes of normality and shocking cruelty. It is a powerful work that explores memory, childhood, and absence, offering a unique perspective on the human condition during wartime.
I was born a few months after the burning of the Reichstag in T., a town of about forty thousand in a part of Poland that before the Great War had belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. My father wa... - #6
In Newfoundland writer Michael Crummey's book 'The Innocents', two orphaned siblings, Evered and Ada, find themselves alone in a remote cove on the shores of Labrador after their parents and baby sister succumb to illness. The siblings struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of late 18th-century Newfoundland, relying on their limited knowledge and the sporadic visits of a supply boat. The narrative delves into themes of family, loyalty, survival, and the evolving relationship between the siblings as they navigate the challenges of isolation and self-sufficiency in the unforgiving wilderness.
They were still youngsters that winter. They lost their baby sister before the first snowfall. Their mother laid the infant in a shallow trough beside the only other grave in the cove and she sang the... - #7
'The War Zone' by Alexander Stuart is a haunting exploration of a highly dysfunctional family dealing with sexual abuse, incest, and the gritty impact of relocation from London to the countryside. The story is told from the perspective of a teenage boy who witnesses the abuse happening to his sister, while his mother remains oblivious in her postpartum haze. The writing style is described as beautifully written, thoughtfully crafted, and challenging, delving deep into the interior lives of the characters and the corrosive effects of abuse.
Deranged: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer by Harold Schechter delves into the chilling crimes of Albert Fish, a notorious serial killer from the 20th century. The author intricately weaves together historical context with the narrative of Fish's heinous acts, providing a detailed account of the depravity and brutality that characterized his crimes. Schechter's writing style is described as engaging and informative, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of a truly deranged individual.
The book explores the life and crimes of Albert Fish, shedding light on the horrifying details of his murders and the impact they had on his victims and their families. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, Schechter paints a vivid picture of the disturbing events surrounding Fish's capture and trial, leaving readers both fascinated and horrified by the depths of human depravity.
Great cities are not like towns, only bigger. They differ from towns and suburbs in basic ways, and one of these is that cities are, by definition, full of strangers. JANE JACOBS, The Death and Life o...- #9
'Once' by Morris Gleitzman is a poignant and heart-wrenching story set during the Holocaust, following the journey of a young Jewish boy named Felix. Sheltered in a Catholic orphanage, Felix's innocent perspective gradually shifts as he embarks on a quest to find his parents, uncovering the brutal truths of the Nazi regime. Through Felix's eyes, readers witness the devastation and tragedy of the Holocaust, as he navigates through a world filled with loss, danger, and the harsh realities of war. The narrative style captures the essence of innocence amidst chaos, presenting a unique and compelling portrayal of a dark period in history.
Told in a first-person narrative, 'Once' delicately weaves together themes of innocence, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Felix's character development from a sheltered child to a witness of atrocities reflects a deeper exploration of the human experience during wartime. Gleitzman's writing skillfully balances the heartbreaking moments with glimpses of hope and friendship, creating a story that resonates with readers of all ages. Through Felix's adventures and encounters, the novel provides a moving account of survival, courage, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
You know how when a nun serves you very hot soup from a big metal pot and she makes you lean in close so she doesn’t drip and the steam from the pot makes your glasses go all misty and you can’t wipe ... - #10
'How Many Miles to Babylon?' by Jennifer Johnston is a poignant story set in pre-World War I Ireland, focusing on the unlikely friendship between two young men, Alex and Jerry, from different social classes. The book delves into themes of friendship, love, loyalty, class divisions, and the brutality of war. The narrative follows the characters from their idyllic rural upbringing to the horrors of the battlefield, exploring the impact of their circumstances on their lives and relationships. Johnston's writing style is described as delicate, powerful, haunting, and searing, skillfully portraying the emotional depth of the characters and the historical backdrop of the time.
BECAUSE I am an officer and a gentleman they have given me my notebooks, pen, ink and paper. So I write and wait. I am committed to no cause, I love no living person. The fact that I have no future ex...