Books matching: labor exploitation
49 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Das Kapital' by Karl Marx is a detailed and scathing critique of capitalism, focusing on the lived experiences of workers, poverty, and the degradation of laborers. Marx's work is described as an essential starting point to understand the radical changes in the world prior to the 20th century. Despite its flaws and gaps, the book presents challenging and interesting ideas, predicting crises and highlighting the inherent conflict of interest between employees and employers in a capitalist society.
- #2
Save:"Strawberry Fields" by Marina Lewycka is a multi-faceted tale that delves into the lives of immigrant workers facing challenges and exploitation in the UK. Through a narrative that balances humor and seriousness, the story follows a group of characters from various countries working as strawberry pickers, highlighting the harsh realities they encounter, including issues like human trafficking, labor exploitation, and the darker side of globalization. The author weaves together different perspectives, including the unique voice of a dog, to paint a vivid picture of the characters' struggles and moments of resilience amidst adversity.
The novel presents a blend of dark themes and light-hearted moments, exploring the complexities of human relationships, the impact of migration, and the resilience of individuals facing difficult circumstances. Lewycka's writing style combines humor, social commentary, and poignant storytelling to create a narrative that offers insights into the lives of immigrant workers, the challenges they navigate, and the unexpected connections that form amidst their shared experiences.
There is a field—a broad south-sloping field sitting astride a long hill that curves away into a secret leafy valley. It is sheltered by dense hedges of hawthorn and hazel threaded through with wild r... - #3
Save:In "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, readers are taken on a journey through the harsh realities faced by immigrant workers in the meatpacking industry of Chicago in the early 1900s. The protagonist, Jurgis, and his family struggle to survive in a world filled with corruption, filth, and exploitation. The book vividly describes the deplorable working conditions, political corruption, and the evils of capitalism that the characters endure, ultimately leading Jurgis towards the Socialist movement. The narrative provides a gut-wrenching look at the challenges faced by the working class during a time of urbanization and industrialization, highlighting the need for social and political reform.
IT WAS four o‘clock when the ceremony was over and the carriages began to arrive. There had been a crowd following all the way, owing to the exuberance of Marija Berczynskas. The occasion rested heavi... - #4
Save:'Not On The Label' by Felicity Lawrence is an eye-opening account of modern food manufacturing practices, detailing horrifying manufacturing practices involved in everyday food such as bread, chicken, and lettuce. The book explores how a quiet revolution has taken place in the food industry over the last 20 years, leading to food being more highly refined and full of additives. Lawrence delves behind the scenes to uncover the reality of food production, from slaughterhouses to meat processing plants, revealing shocking truths about the industry.
Lawrence's writing style is passionate and stark, aiming to educate readers about the contents of the food they eat and the health impacts of consuming additives. Through investigative journalism, she exposes issues such as the power imbalance between supermarkets and food suppliers, the reliance on adulteration in food production, and the exploitation of agricultural workers. The book serves as a wake-up call for readers to be more conscious of the quality and origins of the food they consume, urging them to make informed decisions about their dietary choices.
There was more than a touch of comedy to the horsemeat scandal of winter 2013. Thousands of old nags had been passed off as beef, probably for years, in millions of cheap frozen beef burgers, ready me... - #5
Save:'Tomatoland: How Modern Industrial Agriculture Destroyed Our Most Alluring Fruit' by Barry Estabrook is a compelling investigative book that exposes the dark realities of the tomato industry in Florida. The author delves into the inhumane treatment of migrant workers, the extensive use of toxic chemicals in tomato production, and the lack of sustainability in the food system. Through detailed accounts and thorough research, Estabrook sheds light on the exploitation, abuse, and environmental damage prevalent in the tomato fields of Florida. The writing style is informative, eye-opening, and at times, empathetic towards the plight of the farmworkers.
AChilean soldier was guarding a lonely garrison in the Atacama Desert near the Peruvian border when the American tomato geneticist Roger Chetelat and his field research team arrived. The sentry obligi... In "Hell's Cartel: IG Farben and the Making of Hitler's War Machine," Diarmuid Jeffreys meticulously outlines the rise of IG Farben from a successful chemical company to a key player in Hitler's war efforts. Through the author's comprehensive history, readers are exposed to the company's collusion with the Nazi regime, involvement in war crimes, and exploitation of slave labor at Auschwitz. Jeffreys skillfully weaves together the technological advancements of IG Farben with its dark transformation into a "Nazi death factory," shedding light on the sinister alliance between industry and government for evil purposes.
It is curious that a story destined to end amid the drab, achromatic grays and blacks of rubble-strewn Germany should have begun with a vivid splash of color found on a scrap of silk. Nevertheless, th...- #7
Save:"Girl in Translation" by Jean Kwok follows the story of Kimberly Chang, a young Chinese immigrant who moves to New York City with her mother. They face poverty, harsh working conditions, and cultural challenges while trying to build a better life. Kimberly excels in school despite her struggles with the English language, working in a sweatshop to support her family. The book portrays Kimberly's journey of resilience, determination, and growth as she navigates the complexities of her dual life.
The narrative in "Girl in Translation" is described as engaging and emotionally impactful, capturing the reader's attention with its portrayal of immigrant experiences, poverty, aspirations, and sacrifices. Through Kimberly's perspective, the author, Jean Kwok, skillfully weaves a story that delves into the challenges faced by immigrants in America, highlighting the importance of education, perseverance, and the pursuit of a better future despite adversities.
A sheet of melting ice lay over the concrete. I watched my rubber boots closely, the way the toes slid on the ice, the way the heels splintered it. Ice was something I had known only in the form of sm... Fashionopolis delves deep into the fast fashion industry, exploring its impact on creators, labor, the environment, and consumers. The author, Dana Thomas, takes readers on a journey through the evolution of the fashion industry, from pre-NAFTA to current technological advancements. Thomas sheds light on the history of fashion, its connection to politics, and the consequences of global production shifts. The book also highlights innovative companies pioneering sustainable approaches, challenging readers to rethink their fashion choices in a world of rapid changes.
ONTHETHIRDNIGHT of the seventy-first Cannes Film Festival, in May 2018, Australian actress and jury president Cate Blanchett floated down the red carpet in a showstopping sleeveless bubble-hem gown. T...- #9
Save:"Out of This Furnace" by Thomas Bell spans from the late 19th century through the depression era and is set in the Pittsburgh area, focusing on multiple generations dealing closely with immigration and labor organizing. The story humanizes the men and women who lived between difficult choices, highlighting the struggles and experiences of a Slovak family who immigrated to America for a better life. The plot follows characters like George Kracha, Mike Dobrejcak, Mary Dobrejcak, and Johnny Dobie Dobrejcak, illustrating their journey from hope to disillusionment as they face harsh work conditions and mistreatment in the steel industry.
EORGE KRACHA came to America in the fall of 1881, by way of Budapest and Bremen. He left behind him in a Hungarian village a young wife, a sister and a widowed mother; it may be that he hoped he was H... - #10
Save:'The Taste of Sugar' by Marisel Vera is a captivating historical novel that delves into the little-known period of Puerto Rican history when families were coerced into migrating to Hawaii to work in the sugarcane fields. The narrative follows the journey of a Puerto Rican family, intertwining their struggles with the broader themes of colonialism, oppression, and resilience. Through vivid storytelling, Vera sheds light on the harsh realities faced by Puerto Ricans during the transition from Spanish to American colonization, highlighting the exploitation and challenges they endured.
The author's meticulous attention to detail and immersive writing style allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters' experiences, particularly following the protagonist, Valentina, as she navigates through love, loss, and the complexities of her identity. Vera's narrative not only educates readers on a lesser-known aspect of history but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit and strength of the Puerto Rican people in the face of adversity.
Years before Vicente’s grandfather migrated to Utuado, la familia Cortés was a prominent landowning family. Like so many of the pioneer families, los Cortéses were analfabetos—they couldn’t read or wr...
