Books matching: letters as a narrative device

30 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 30 
  1. #1

    The Sleeping Night by Ruth Wind (Barbara Samuel)
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    "The Sleeping Night" by Ruth Wind (Barbara Samuel) is a historical romance novel set in Jim Crow Texas post WW2, exploring the forbidden love between Angel, a white woman, and Isaiah, a black man. The author delves into the harsh realities of racism and sexism during that period, portraying the challenges faced by the couple as they navigate through a society filled with prejudice and danger. Through letters exchanged during the war, the book sheds light on the impact of WWII on both the European front and the American home front, highlighting the struggles of soldiers and their loved ones.

    The novel beautifully captures the evolving relationship between Angel and Isaiah, showcasing their enduring love amidst adversity, including racial tensions, violence, and societal expectations. With a blend of historical accuracy and poignant storytelling, the book immerses readers in a time of turmoil and discrimination, offering a glimpse into a dark chapter of American history while celebrating the power of love to triumph over obstacles.


  2. #2

    The Incarnations by Susan Barker
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    The Incarnations by Susan Barker is a novel that intertwines the lives of a modern-day Beijing taxi driver, Wang Jun, with his reincarnated soulmate through letters detailing their past lives spanning centuries of Chinese history. The book delves into themes of obsession, betrayal, brutality, and the struggle to maintain dignity and humanity amidst challenging circumstances. Barker's writing style is described as dark, raw, and beautifully written, capturing the intricacies of Wang's life and the vivid historical narratives seamlessly woven into the plot.

    The dreams go into a journal. Cold sweat on my skin, adrenaline in my blood, I illuminate my cement room with the 40-watt bulb hanging overhead and, huddled under blankets, flip open my notebook and s...

  3. A Severe Mercy is a deeply moving true story of love, faith, and loss. The book follows the journey of Sheldon Vanauken and his wife as they navigate their intense love, their search for spiritual truth, and their friendship with C.S. Lewis. Through beautifully written prose, the author recounts their courtship, their exploration of Christianity in Oxford, and the profound impact of his wife's untimely death, all while delving into themes of grief, loneliness, and the complexities of faith.

    The narrative of A Severe Mercy is intertwined with letters exchanged between Vanauken and C.S. Lewis, adding depth and insight to their spiritual and emotional journey. Vanauken's writing style is described as gorgeous and brilliant, capturing the essence of their love story, their evolving faith, and the profound impact of their experiences on his intellectual and spiritual depth.


  4. #4

    City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
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    City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert is a novel narrated by Vivian Morris, an elderly woman looking back on her youth in 1940s New York City. Vivian is sent to live with her aunt Peg, who owns a theater called the Lily Playhouse, after being asked to leave Vassar. The story unfolds through Vivian's memories as she reflects on her experiences in the theater world, her friendships, and her personal growth. The narrative is a mix of nostalgia, humor, drama, and self-discovery, capturing Vivian's journey from a sheltered young woman to a more worldly and independent individual.

    The book explores themes of friendship, women's autonomy, sexuality, forgiveness, and the importance of chosen family. Through Vivian's candid storytelling, readers are taken on a journey filled with vibrant characters, nostalgic descriptions of 1940s New York City, and a reflection on life's ups and downs. The narrative style shifts between light-hearted and poignant moments, offering a glimpse into Vivian's past and the lessons she has learned throughout her life.

    I had recently been excused from Vassar College, on account of never having attended classes and thereby failing every single one of my freshman exams. I was not quite as dumb as my grades made me loo...

  5. #5

    When a Scot Ties the Knot - Castles Ever After by Tessa Dare
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    In "When a Scot Ties the Knot" by Tessa Dare, Madeline Gracechurch invents a fictional Scottish suitor, Captain Logan MacKenzie, to avoid her first season in London. She writes letters to him for years until she decides to fake his death and retreat to a castle in Scotland. However, her fictional suitor becomes a reality when the real Captain Logan MacKenzie shows up, determined to marry her. As they navigate their desires and begin to fall in love, the story unfolds with humor, romance, and a touch of fantasy.

    Maddie was, by nature, an observer. She knew how to fade into the background, be it drawing-­room wallpaper, ballroom wainscoting, or the plastered-­over stone of Lannair Castle. And she had a great d...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Castles Ever After )

  6. #6
    Letters to Molly
    Book 2 in the series:Maysen Jar

    Letters to Molly - Maysen Jar by Devney Perry
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    Letters to Molly by Devney Perry is a second chance romance novel that delves into the complexities of love, communication, and forgiveness. The story follows Molly and Finn, a divorced couple who are brought back together by a series of letters that force them to confront their past mistakes and unresolved feelings. The book is described as a heartfelt and emotional journey that showcases the struggles and growth of the characters as they navigate their way back to each other. The writing style is praised for its realism and ability to evoke a range of emotions from readers, making it a captivating and relatable read.

    Why did they even need to ask that question? Every loan application, PTA volunteer form and church questionnaire wanted to know your marital status. I was going to start checking the single box. What ...

  7. #7

    The Light and the Dark by Andrew Bromfield, Mikhail Shishkin
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    This book is about an epistolary novel between a soldier and his beloved at the time of the Boxer Rebellion. The story is told through letters exchanged between the two characters, with the soldier's experiences during war and his beloved's life back home in Russia. The novel explores themes of love, separation, and the impact of war on individuals and their relationships.

    The only thing still left to do was choose myself a war. But naturally, that was no great obstacle. If there’s one thing that’s meat and drink to this unbeaten homeland of ours, that’s it – you can’t ...

  8. #8

    True Letters from a Fictional Life by Kenneth Logan
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    True Letters from a Fictional Life by Kenneth Logan is a coming-of-age story following James Liddell as he navigates his journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with his homosexuality. Through the act of writing unsent letters to express his innermost thoughts and feelings, James grapples with the complexities of his identity and relationships with friends and family. The book delves into themes of love, acceptance, and the challenges of adolescence, offering a realistic portrayal of the emotional turmoil and growth experienced by a young gay teenager.

    The novel skillfully combines humor, tenderness, and suspense to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Kenneth Logan's writing style is praised for its sharp wit, realistic dialogue, and relatable characters that bring depth and authenticity to the story. Through James' voice, the author captures the internal struggles, fears, and joys of coming out, while also exploring the dynamics of friendship, family, and societal expectations in a heartwarming and candid manner.

    Tim Hawken’s arm draped around my shoulders meant nothing to anyone but me. I could see our reflection in the window as we leaned against the kitchen counter. Our pal Kevin’s parents had split town ag...

  9. #9

    In the Absence of Men by Frank Wynne, Philippe Besson
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    'In the Absence of Men' by Frank Wynne and Philippe Besson is a beautifully written novel that delves into the themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery. The story follows the journey of a teenager in WWI-era Paris as he navigates forbidden love and explores his own identity with the guidance of a celebrated author. The book is praised for its lyrical prose, detailed setting, and the emotional depth it brings to the characters' experiences.

    I know there is a war, that soldiers are dying on the front lines of this war, that civilians are dying in the towns and the countryside of France and elsewhere, that the war — more than the destructi...

  10. #10

    The Magical Language of Others by E.J. Koh
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    'The Magical Language of Others' by E.J. Koh is a memoir that delves into the complex relationships between family members across different generations. Through a series of letters written by the author's mother, the book explores themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and the search for identity. Koh's writing style seamlessly weaves together personal experiences with historical and cultural insights, creating a poignant narrative that resonates with readers.

    There is a Korean belief that you are born the parent of the one you hurt most. I was revenge when I was born in 1988 at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose, California. I was the reincarnation of somebody ...

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