Books matching: internalized oppression
19 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Right Wing Women" by Andrea Dworkin delves into the dynamics of power and gender roles, particularly focusing on the behavior of women aligned with right-wing ideologies. Through a collection of essays and observations, Dworkin critiques the societal expectations placed on women, the influence of men in shaping these expectations, and the internal conflicts faced by women in asserting their own agency. She highlights the struggles faced by women in various spheres such as politics, religion, and the workplace, shedding light on the complexities of female empowerment and the challenges of challenging traditional gender norms.
There is a rumor, circulated for centuries by scientists, artists, and philosophers both secular and religious, a piece of gossip as it were, to the effect that women are “biologically conservative. ”... - #2
Save:The Grace Year by Kim Liggett is a thought-provoking YA novel set in a near future society where 16-year-old girls are banished to an isolated camp for a year to rid themselves of a perceived magic that grows within them. The story follows Tierney James as she embarks on her own Grace Year, facing physical and emotional challenges while unraveling the mysteries of the society she lives in. The book explores themes of control, survival, sisterhood, and the resilience of women in the face of societal expectations and oppression.
I follow her through the woods, a well-worn path I’ve seen a thousand times. Ferns, lady-slipper, and thistle, the mysterious red flowers dotting the path. Five petals, perfectly formed, like they wer... - #3
Save:'The Natural Way of Things' by Charlotte Wood is a harrowing tale that follows a group of women who are kidnapped and imprisoned in a remote location in the Australian Outback. The women, all involved in sex scandals with powerful men, find themselves dehumanized and made to do arduous physical labor while being brutalized by their male captors. The book delves into themes of survival, empowerment, and friendship, as two of the women, Verla and Yolanda, form a fragile bond and attempt to subvert the conditions of their captivity. The narrative is rich with symbolism, alternating between lyrical grace and blunt descriptions of violence and degradation.
The story unfolds as the women navigate their new reality, facing cruelty, violence, and neglect within the confines of their prison. The book explores the psychological toll the ordeal takes on each character, as some break down while others learn to survive off the land they are stranded in. Despite the confronting subject matter, the novel is described as a compelling and haunting read, with a focus on the transformation of the main characters as they reject the misogynistic narrative that led them to their imprisonment.
SO THERE were kookaburras here. This was the first thing Yolanda knew in the dark morning. (That and where’s my durries?) Two birds breaking out in that loose, sharp cackle, a bird call before the sun... - #4
Save:'Sent for You Yesterday' by John Edgar Wideman is a novel that delves into the African American neighborhood of Homewood, located on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. The story follows multiple generations of friends and family, focusing on characters like Doot, Carl French, Brother Tate, and Lucy Tate. Through a lyrical and jazzy writing style, the author captures the essence of urban African American culture, portraying the struggles, relationships, and resilience of the community. The narrative shifts between characters' thoughts and experiences, detailing the challenges they face due to prejudice, discrimination, and limited opportunities. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of historical and societal constraints on the characters' lives.
- #5
Save:'Assembly' by Natasha Brown is a short but powerful exploration of systemic institutional structures and their impact on the self. The book follows a Black woman navigating the corporate world of finance in England, shedding light on the sacrifices and struggles she faces in her journey towards success. Through the protagonist's perspective, the narrative delves into themes of racism, sexism, privilege, and the weight of inherited wealth acquired through colonialism. The writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and brutally blunt, with a unique structure of multiple narratives alternating to convey the protagonist's inner turmoil and societal observations.
Stop what, he said, we’re not doing anything. She wanted to correct him. There was no we. There was he the subject and her the object, but he just told her look, there’s no point getting worked up ove... - #6
Save:The Second Bell by Gabriela Houston is a stunning debut novel based on Slavic folklore, following the story of Salka, a striga born with two hearts. The narrative delves into themes of fear, power, and societal prejudices as Salka navigates her identity and struggles against the constraints imposed by her community. The book is set in a village with complex, conflicted characters and a richly rendered atmosphere that immerses the reader in a world where the characters must confront their inner demons and the external threats they face.
- #7
Save:'The Last Empress' by Anchee Min is a historical novel that continues the story of the Empress Dowager Cixi, the last Empress of China. The book covers the decades of her reign, focusing on her struggles to keep China together amidst court intrigue, foreign pressures, and internal strife. The novel delves into the political landscape of the time, showcasing the Empress's navigation through conservative and reform forces as well as the demands of foreign powers. Through a revisionist portrayal, the author presents the Empress as a reluctant ruler who gradually becomes politically adept at handling her enemies and supporting her allies.
The writing style of the book has been described as providing a good idea of the politics and cultural conditions of the era, shedding light on the complexities of the Empress's character and the circumstances she faced. However, some readers found the book to lack depth in character development, with a focus more on politics than on the vibrant and colorful storytelling seen in the prequel. Despite being a sequel, 'The Last Empress' is perceived as not quite as interesting or lively as the first book, occasionally becoming ponderous or confusing due to the amount of historical detail packed into the narrative.
“Try not to trouble people” was Mother’s philosophy. She would have been disappointed to know that she needed help to close her eyes. I wished that I could disregard Nuharoo’s order and bring my son t...
(Also, see 54 recommendations for the series Empress Orchid ) - #8
Save:"Infamy: The Shocking Story of the Japanese American Internment in World War II" by Richard Reeves delves into the dark period of American history following the attack on Pearl Harbor, where over 120,000 Japanese Americans were wrongfully detained in concentration camps. The author meticulously researched this shameful chapter, combining brutal facts with personal stories to provide a compelling and haunting account of the internment. Reeves sheds light on the racism, hysteria, and political expediency that led to this unconstitutional violation of civil rights, while also highlighting the resilience and patriotism displayed by many Japanese Americans during World War II. Through anecdotes and historical evidence, the author paints a vivid picture of the injustices faced by these citizens and the lasting impact on their lives.
The narrative style of the book is described as casual and engaging, making it accessible to readers interested in learning about this lesser-known aspect of American history. Reeves not only covers the events that led to the internment camps but also explores the experiences of Japanese Americans inside the camps, the military units formed by Japanese Americans, and the post-war struggles faced by the internees. also touches on the themes of greed, racism, and the quest for justice, providing a comprehensive overview of a dark period in American history that is often overlooked or forgotten.
"Justice for Some: Law and the Question of Palestine" by Noura Erakat delves into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a legal perspective, exploring the historical events and legal maneuvers that have shaped the current situation in the region. Erakat presents a detailed analysis of the conflict, examining the nuances of international law and the implications for both parties involved. The writing style of the book combines a critical evaluation of legal claims with a summary of the conflict's complexities, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
- #10
Save:Blown for Good by Marc Headley is a memoir detailing life inside a Scientology compound and the author's eventual escape. The book exposes the dark truth behind Scientology, portraying it as a cult-like organization where followers face abuse, manipulation, and inhumane treatment. Headley's informal writing style draws readers in, providing personal insights and interpretations of the religion as he navigates through the ranks, making the narrative engaging and believable. The author's journey to freedom and reality, breaking through the control and conditioning of the cult, is portrayed as a testament to his strength of character.
They are driving right alongside me in the black Nissan Pathfinder. The roads are slick from the rain and I am in no position to do any sort of maneuvering with my bags on the motorbike. I round the t...
