Books matching: interconnected lives
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Gillian Slovo's novel 'Ice Road' weaves together intertwining stories set in Leningrad during the 1930s and 1940s, focusing on the Stalinist purges and their impact on the characters' lives. While the siege of Leningrad plays a significant role in the later part of the book, much of the narrative delves into family and social structures under Stalin's regime. The author skillfully captures the ordinary life and paranoia of 1930s Russia, portraying the characters' struggles and compromises amidst the tumultuous historical backdrop.
Slovo's writing style in 'Ice Road' is praised for its depth in character treatment, offering a more profound psychological insight into the characters compared to other novels set in similar historical contexts. The book explores complex social interactions and tensions within families and friendships, showcasing Slovo's ability to vividly depict the era of Stalinist Russia through well-researched storytelling.
- #2
Save:'Fishbowl' by Bradley Somer is a novel that intricately weaves together the lives of the residents in an apartment building through the perspective of a goldfish named Ian. The plot unfolds in a half hour time frame, where the stories of the characters are filled with elements of suspense, comedy, tragedy, and hope. The writing style of the book is described as witty, well-constructed, and fast-paced, with vivid imagery that brings the characters to life.
This is not a figurative box of lore. It’s not a box of paper sheets that have been captured, bound, and filled with the inkings of faith, chronicling the foibles and contradictions of the human speci... - #3
Save:'The Scent of Water' by Elizabeth Goudge is a heartwarming story set in a small English village where the inhabitants discover the true meaning of love and forgiveness. Through the perspectives of various characters, the author weaves a tale of interconnected lives, spiritual growth, and the beauty of English countryside. The plot revolves around Mary Lindsay, who inherits a cottage from a distant cousin, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and understanding her relationships with her cousin and deceased fiancé.
- #4
Save:'The Copper Beech' by Maeve Binchy is a series of interwoven character studies, portraying the lives of ordinary town folk in a small Irish village over a twenty-five-year period. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of different characters, each chapter delving into a specific individual's upbringing, friendships, and life events. The stories are intricately connected, revealing how the characters' lives intersect and evolve over time. The setting revolves around the village of Shancarrig and its primary school, where a significant copper beech tree stands as a central symbol, witnessing the growth and trials of generations of children.
The book captures the essence of a close-knit community where relationships, secrets, and personal growth are intricately intertwined. Binchy's writing style focuses on realistic character development, providing a deep insight into the emotions, hopes, and struggles of the villagers. Through multiple perspectives, the novel weaves a tapestry of interconnected stories, offering a poignant portrayal of life in a bygone era, characterized by its quiet charm and emphasis on human connections.
Katie Finglas was coming to the end of a tiring day in the salon. Anything bad that could happen had happened. A woman had not told them about an allergy and had come out with lumps and a rash on her ... - #5
Save:Set in the bustling city of Shanghai, "Five Star Billionaire" by Tash Aw follows the interconnected lives of five individuals striving for success in different aspects of their lives. From migrant workers to aspiring entrepreneurs, each character navigates the challenges of the Chinese economy while dealing with past traumas and personal ambitions. The narrative unfolds through deep character exploration and rich descriptions of the city, capturing the essence of Shanghai's fast-paced and unforgiving nature. As their stories intertwine, readers witness the characters' journeys of growth, setbacks, and unexpected connections in a city where fortunes are made and hearts are tested.
The novel's deliberate pace enhances the depth of character development, allowing readers to delve into the complexities of each protagonist's motivations and struggles. Through simple yet poignant prose, Tash Aw paints a vivid portrait of Shanghai, portraying it as a dynamic backdrop that shapes the characters' destinies. As the narrative unfolds, themes of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of success in a rapidly changing society are explored, offering a glimpse into the diverse lives and aspirations of those seeking their place in a city filled with opportunities and challenges.
There was a boy at the counter waiting for his coffee, nodding to the music. Phoebe had noticed him as soon as he walked through the door, his walk so confident, soft yet bouncy. He must have grown up... - #6
Save:"The Atomic City Girls" by Janet Beard follows the intertwined lives of June Walker, Cici, Sam Cantor, and Joe Brewer as they work at Oak Ridge, Tennessee during World War II on a top-secret project. June, a young farm girl, becomes involved with physicist Sam Cantor, leading her to discover the true purpose of their work - building an atomic bomb. The story delves into the deep secrecy and challenges faced by the workers at Oak Ridge, highlighting the impact of their work on history and the moral dilemmas they encounter as the truth about their project is revealed.
THE BUS TO OAK RIDGE WAS PACKED WITH OTHER GIRLS JUNE’S age, along with a few soldiers and laborers in the back. June had sat in the front by a window to watch the farms and trees pass by, but nerves ... - #7
Save:The Cider House Rules by John Irving is a rich and complex novel that delves into themes of abortion, orphanages, migrant workers, and incestuous rape. Set in rural Maine in the early 20th century, the story follows Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and abortionist, and his favorite orphan, Homer Wells, who is torn between different perspectives on abortion. The book explores the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate through challenging situations, all while dealing with everyday tedium in a compelling narrative style that absorbs the reader into the setting.
A child of Maine, Wilbur Larch was born in Portland in 186_—the son of a sullen, tidy woman who was among the staff of cooks and housekeepers for a man named Neal Dow, the mayor of Portland and the so... - #8
Save:The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker is a sprawling novel that weaves together the lives of interconnected characters across different continents and time periods. The narrative explores themes of personal discovery, past lives, race, interpersonal relationships, and the struggles with classic issues of women's emancipation and racial discrimination. The book is a mix of love story, fable, feminist manifesto, and political statement, following a diverse cast of characters, most of them black, on their individual journeys of self-discovery and healing.
Walker's writing style in The Temple of My Familiar is characterized by monologues and epistolary elements, with characters sharing their life histories and personal reflections with emotional depth and complexity. The novel delves into topics ranging from slavery to reincarnation, sexuality to self-expression, weaving a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that highlight the beauty and pain of life, while challenging readers to confront issues of injustice and interconnectedness.
IN THE OLD COUNTRY in South America, Carlotta’s grandmother, Zedé, had been a seamstress, but really more of a sewing magician. She was the creator of clothing, especially capes, made of feathers. The... - #9
Save:Carry the One by Carol Anshaw is a novel that delves into the lives of a group of individuals who are all connected by a tragic event - the accidental death of a young girl. The story follows these characters over a span of 25 years, exploring how the incident shapes their relationships, careers, addictions, and perspectives on life. Through well-developed and complex characters, the author portrays the different ways in which people are affected by the same event, highlighting the lasting impact of one night on Carmen and the five people in the car.
The narrative of Carry the One moves seamlessly through time, shifting between different characters and their stories in a structurally perfect manner. The writing style is described as smooth, with strong character development and a touch of wry humor. Anshaw's storytelling skillfully weaves together the interconnected lives of the characters, portraying the aftermath of a single tragic moment and how it reverberates through the years, ultimately prompting readers to reflect on the consequences of choices and the passage of time.
So Carmen was married, just. She sat under a huge butter moon, on a windless night in the summer of 1983, at a table, in front of the remains of some chicken cordon bleu. She looked toward the improvi... - #10
Save:"Heart and Soul" by Maeve Binchy is a heartwarming story set in Ireland, where diverse and unique characters come together in believable settings. The book intricately weaves together the lives of multiple characters, forming a tight-knit community of misfits. Readers will find themselves engrossed and captivated by the interwoven stories of each family, experiencing a sense of calm and warmth throughout the narrative.
Maeve Binchy's writing style shines in "Heart and Soul," bringing to life characters that are flawed, relatable, and engaging. The book explores themes of love, friendship, and community, with the backdrop of Dublin providing a comforting and familiar setting. Readers will be drawn into the stories of each individual, finding moments of relaxation and joy in the interconnected lives portrayed in the novel.
They had told Clara Casey that there was a small budget to furnish her new office. A tiresome administrator with a loud voice, tousled hair and irritating body language had gestured around the dull, a...
