Books matching: literature and knowledge
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The Book of Sand and Shakespeare's Memory by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short stories that delve into hidden worlds, evoking distant sadness and mystery in readers. Borges' writing style is described as calm, quiet, yet unsettling and thought-provoking, taking readers on a journey through fantastical plots that pay homage to other literary giants like H.G. Wells and H.P. Lovecraft. The stories cover themes such as the perfect one-word poem, a book with no end, and the complexities of Shakespeare's memory, showcasing Borges' ability to captivate readers with brevity and clarity.
David Remnick's 'Lenin's Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire' provides a journalist's account of the transitional period in Russia from 1988 to 1992, capturing the events leading up to the fall of the USSR. Remnick delves into the strikes, the takeover of the Russian government, the attempted putsch by the KGB, and other monumental incidents, offering a well-told story of those momentous years. Through a chronological overview, the book explores the reign of Gorbachev and portrays various leaders, journalists, KGB officers, bureaucrats, and dissidents, providing a thorough biographical view of the times.
The book offers insightful commentary on the historical, economic, and political forces that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Remnick's writing style, characterized by detailed reportage and engaging storytelling, immerses readers in the last days of the Soviets, offering a gripping and suspenseful read that sheds light on the end of perestroika and glasnost, the corruption of the state, and the societal upheavals that culminated in the downfall of the Communist Party.
On a dreary summer’s day, Colonel Aleksandr Tretetsky of the Soviet Military Prosecutor’s Office arrived at his latest work site: a series of mass graves in a birch forest twenty miles outside of the ...- #3
Save:'How the Irish Saved Civilization' by Thomas Cahill delves into the historical account of how Irish monks preserved literature and learning during the Dark Ages. The narrative style of the author captivates readers, detailing the journey of Irish monasteries becoming the beacon of literacy in Europe. covers the transition from the fall of the Roman Empire to the rise of Medieval Europe, focusing on the pivotal role played by Irish monks in preserving classical texts and spreading Christianity across the continent.
On the last, cold day of December in the dying year we count as 406, the river Rhine froze solid, providing the natural bridge that hundreds of thousands of hungry men, women, and children had been wa... - #4
Save:The Rose Legacy by Jessica Day George follows the journey of Anthea, an orphan with a unique bond with horses who is sent to live with her uncle in the lawless lands outside the kingdom's protective wall. As she discovers the forbidden horses and her true heritage, Anthea must challenge the beliefs she has been taught all her life and embark on a quest to save her family and the horses she loves. Written in a captivating and imaginative style, the book weaves together elements of fantasy, coming of age, steampunk, and animal friendship, making it a compelling read for middle-grade readers and fans of Jessica Day George's work.
'Vernon God Little' by D.B.C. Pierre follows the story of Vernon Gregory Little, a 15-year-old boy from central Texas, who becomes a scapegoat in the aftermath of a school shooting that he is wrongfully accused of aiding. The narrative is a dark comedy that delves into themes of teenage angst, family estrangement, bullying, and the absurdity of the legal system, all set in a hellish town in Texas. The writing style is a mix of Texan adolescent vernacular and poetic lines, offering a unique perspective on the American Condition as seen through the eyes of an outsider.
It’s hot as hell in Martirio, but the papers on the porch are icy with the news. Don’t even try to guess who stood all Tuesday night in the road. Clue: snotty ole Mrs Lechuga. Hard to tell if she quiv...- #6
Save:'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders is a unique and creative novel that delves into the afterlife or "bardo" period, exploring the experiences of ghosts stuck in a state between life and death. The story revolves around the death of Abraham Lincoln's young son, Willie, and how his passing affects both the living and the deceased characters in the narrative. The writing style is described as a clever interplay of historical facts and fiction, with a mix of dialogue, citations, and references creating a novel way of storytelling that immerses readers in a world of sadness, humor, and introspection.
The book skillfully weaves together themes of grief, acceptance, love, and the complexities of human emotions, all set against the backdrop of the Civil War era and Abraham Lincoln's personal struggles. Through a diverse cast of characters, including both historical figures and fictional ghosts, the novel offers a poignant exploration of life, death, and the interconnectedness of humanity, ultimately leaving readers with a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant reading experience.
On our wedding day I was forty-six, she was eighteen. Now, I know what you are thinking: older man (not thin, somewhat bald, lame in one leg, teeth of wood) exercises the marital prerogative, thereby ... - #7
Save:Metamorphoses by Ovid is a captivating collection of myths from Greek and Roman mythology, focusing on physical transformations. The book weaves together various myths and legends, showcasing stories involving gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines being transformed into different forms such as birds, trees, and stones. Ovid's writing style is described as lyrical, lush, and poetic, providing vivid descriptions that bring the ancient myths to life for readers.
Swiftly Ovid enters the theme of metamorphoses, the mutability of all things in creation. There is not much doubt that the source of his inspiration is in the first book of Lucretius’s De Rerum Natura... - #8The Aeneidby:
Save:The Aeneid by Virgil is an epic poem that follows the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who escapes the fall of Troy and embarks on a quest to find a new home in Italy, ultimately leading to the founding of Rome. The story is filled with heroic adventures, battles, and encounters with gods, all woven together to give Romans a legitimate claim to an ancient heritage that could rival the Greeks. The writing style is described as gripping and vivid, with detailed descriptions of war comparable to Homer's work, but with a unique literary style that includes imagery and scene setting.
10 Till he could found a city and bring home His gods to Latium, land of the Latin race, The Alban lords, and the high walls of Rome. Tell me the causes now, O Muse, how galled In her divine pride, an... - #9
Save:'Disgrace' by J.M. Coetzee follows the story of Professor David Lurie, an aging university teacher who faces disgrace after being accused of inappropriate relationships with his students. The narrative delves into themes of age, relationships, culture, and taboo, exploring the protagonist's brutal honesty about himself and his struggles to navigate his disintegrating career and personal life. Set in post-apartheid South Africa, the novel addresses complex issues such as race relations, power dynamics, and societal transformations, all while showcasing Coetzee's spare and engaging writing style that keeps readers engrossed in the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and redemption.
FOR A MAN of his age, fifty-two, divorced, he has, to his mind, solved the problem of sex rather well. On Thursday afternoons he drives to Green Point. Punctually at two p.m. he presses the buzzer at ... - #10
Save:'How Late It Was, How Late' by James Kelman is a novel that follows the story of Sammy, an ex-convict who wakes up blind after a drunken binge and a confrontation with the police. The book is written in a stream of consciousness style, narrated in a Glaswegian vernacular, with an extraordinary amount of swearing. Sammy navigates through Glasgow, facing challenges with bureaucracy, law enforcement, and his own personal struggles, all while coming to terms with his new disability.
The novel delves into Sammy's internal monologue, showcasing his defiance, resilience, and vulnerability as he tries to cope with his blindness, loss of memory, and the complexities of his relationships. Kelman captures the essence of Sammy's character, portraying him as a determined, relatable, and complex individual facing adversity in a harsh and unforgiving world.
YE WAKE IN a corner and stay there hoping yer body will disappear, the thoughts smothering ye; these thoughts; but ye want to remember and face up to things, just something keeps ye from doing it, why...
