Books matching: intertwined stories of women
25 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Expectation" by Anna Hope follows the intertwined stories of three women, Cate, Lissa, and Hannah, from their time as students until their late thirties. The narrative jumps around different years, exploring pivotal times in their lives and their struggles with relationships, careers, motherhood, and personal expectations. The characters are described as morally grey and complex, making decisions that may be perceived as irritating but adding depth to their personalities. The writing style is noted for its slow burn, gradually building interest as the story progresses and revealing information at just the right time.
It is Saturday, which is market day. It is late spring, or early summer. It is mid-May, and the dog roses are in bloom in the tangled garden at the front of the house. It is still early, or early for ... - #2
Save:Fiona Davis weaves a tale of two women, Sara Smythe from the late 19th century and Bailey Camden from 1985, whose lives are connected through The Dakota apartment building in New York City. The book explores scandal, secrets, intrigue, and family lineages, with a dual timeline structure that reveals historical details about the iconic building and the characters' intertwined stories. The plot unfolds through mystery and drama, drawing readers into the past and present of the landmark building.
After several years toiling as a maid and working her way up the ranks, she’d been awarded the position of head housekeeper at London’s Langham Hotel a month prior. One of her largest tasks was keepin... - #3
Save:The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman is a historical fiction novel set during the Roman siege of Masada around 70 CE. The story revolves around four women who end up as dovekeepers at Masada, each coming from different backgrounds and sharing their unique paths to the fortress. Through the eyes of these women, the readers get a glimpse of life in Judea at the beginning of the first millennium, showcasing their strength, interdependence, and limited choices.
The novel beautifully weaves together the lives of these four women, blending fact and imagination to create a spellbinding tale of boldness, resourcefulness, and sensuality. The story delves into themes of fate, the blending of Judaism and paganism, mother-daughter relationships, gender roles, and the power of forgiveness, all set against the backdrop of the tragic and iconic event of the fall of Masada.
We had been wandering for so long I forgot what it was like to live within walls or sleep through the night. In that time I lost all I might have possessed if Jerusalem had not fallen: a husband, a fa... - #4
Save:'Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Her Daughter Mary Shelley' by Charlotte Gordon delves into the intertwined lives of these two remarkable women, shedding light on their unconventional paths and significant contributions to literature and women's rights. Through alternating chapters, Gordon presents a dual biography that captivates readers with a narrative that seamlessly weaves together the stories of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley, showcasing their resilience, bravery, and impact on their respective eras. The book's lucid prose and engaging style bring to life not just the two Marys, but also the intriguing cast of characters that surrounded them, providing a comprehensive exploration of their lives and legacies.
The Polygon has long since been torn down, and though a plaque on Werrington Street says that the Godwins once lived here, it is an act of the imagination to picture them behind St. Pancras today. Hos... - #5
Save:The Rising in the Alchemy Wars series by Ian Tregillis is a continuation that builds on the original world and characters, focusing on the intertwined stories of two brilliant and ruthless women, a freed mechanical servitor finding his moral code, and the philosophical reflections interwoven with action and adventure. The story delves into questions of free will, the nature of evil, and the consequences of humanity's reliance on mechanical servants in an alternative 1800s setting where the Dutch control thinking machines.
(Also, see 30 recommendations for the series The Alchemy Wars ) - #6
Save:The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson is a historical fiction novel that weaves the intriguing tale of Eleanor and Ruby, two women from different backgrounds and eras. Set in the 1940s and 50s, the book explores the adversities and fights faced by women of color during that time period, drawing parallels with modern-day struggles. The story delves into life-altering choices, consequences, sacrifices, and longing, painting a vivid world with twists and turns that leave the reader wanting more. Through realistic imagery, the author brings to life the pain, suffering, and loves of the characters, encouraging hope to pursue dreams despite hardships.
The narrative follows the parallel stories of Eleanor and Ruby, showcasing their different yet intertwined journeys of forbidden love, motherhood, ambition, pride, and prejudice. The book touches on themes of independence, family relationships, and societal expectations, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by women in the mid-20th century. With a fast-paced and heart-wrenching storytelling style, The House of Eve captures the essence of the characters' emotions and experiences, providing a memorable reading experience that resonates with readers.
- #7
Save:'The Dead Key' by D.M. Pulley is a mystery thriller that follows the story of two women, Beatrice in 1978 and Iris in 1998, who get entangled in the mysteries surrounding the abandoned First Bank of Cleveland. The plot revolves around the discovery of unclaimed safe deposit boxes, missing keys, embezzlement, and a dark past hidden within the walls of the bank. The writing style is described as engaging, eerie, and atmospheric, with a dual timeline narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the secrets of the bank's past.
Iris Latch sat up with a jolt. The clock was beeping frantically. It was 8:45 a.m., and she was supposed to be downtown in fifteen minutes. Shit. The alarm had been sounding off for a half hour straig... - #8
Save:Purge by Sofi Oksanen is a gripping and intense story set in Estonia, spanning several decades from the Second World War to the early 1990s. The novel revolves around the lives of two women, Aliide and Zara, who are connected through a shared history filled with oppression, occupation, betrayal, and survival. Through detailed flashbacks and intertwining storylines, the author skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of sexual violence, secrets, treachery, and the impact of war on human emotions. The book delves into the complex history of Estonia, addressing the horrors of Nazi and Soviet occupations, as well as the modern-day issue of sex trafficking in Eastern Europe.
I have to try to write a few words to keep some sense in my head and not let my mind break down. I’ll hide my notebook here under the floor so no one will find it, even if they do find me. This is no ... - #9
Save:'Black Wine' by Candas Jane Dorsey is a complex and richly textured novel that follows several generations of women, exploring themes of female sexuality, freedom, oppression, history, identity, language, and perception. The narrative weaves through interlocking stories in a completely impossible world, where characters face brutal violence, deep emotional struggles, and intricate family relationships. The writing style is described as dreamlike, thought-provoking, and emotionally engaging, challenging traditional storytelling rules and offering a unique reading experience.
- #10
Save:The Lost Summers of Newport is a captivating novel that weaves together the stories of three women across different timelines, all connected to the Sprague Hall mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. The narrative delves into the intricate lives of the characters, revealing family secrets, scandals, and the facade of respectability that masks underlying corruption. The book skillfully transitions between the Gilded Age setting of the late 19th century, the glamorous 1950s, and the modern-day, creating a multi-layered tale that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries hidden within the walls of Sprague Hall.
The novel's writing style is seamless and engaging, with the three authors expertly blending their voices to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, drawing readers into a world of high society, romance, and intrigue, while also exploring themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the passage of time. Through the interconnected stories of Ellen, Lucky, and Andie, The Lost Summers of Newport offers a richly detailed portrayal of Newport's extravagant past and the enduring legacy of the Sprague family.
