Books matching: longing and desire
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- #1
Save:An Atlas of Impossible Longing by Anuradha Roy is a three-generational saga set in the west of India during the first half of the 20th century. The story follows the lives of a Bengali family who move from Calcutta to a large mansion in Songarh, exploring themes of family relationships, longing, and unfulfilled desires. The narrative is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different generation of the family, with the second part told from the perspective of the orphan Mukunda in his adulthood. The book delves into the complexities of family dynamics, cultural fears, and the enduring bond between two children, Bakul and Mukunda.
Amidst the lush backdrop of early 20th-century Bengal, An Atlas of Impossible Longing weaves a tale of love, loss, and yearning through the lives of its characters. The story unfolds against the historical and cultural landscape of India, capturing the essence of a bygone era with vivid descriptions and intricate details. The narrative explores the themes of belonging, identity, and the interplay between past and present, drawing readers into a world filled with rich characters and complex relationships.
- #2
Save:The novella 'Gallows Pole' by Eris Adderly is set in the early 1700s and follows the story of Emmat, a young woman who trades herself to the hangman, Vane, in exchange for saving her brother's life. Despite the dark and historical setting, the book explores a unique and unlikely romance between Emmat and Vane, with themes of dubcon and noncon adding depth to their relationship. Adderly's writing style is praised for its poetic and vivid descriptions, creating a palpable world that brings the characters and their emotions to life. The plot unfolds with suspense, mystery, desire, and longing, as the characters navigate secrets and unexpected feelings for each other.
The stolen horse snorted and lathered with sweat as its rider leaned in, pushing it in a fury of flying hooves and mud towards Gallows Hill. The voices of Emmat Bird’s parents still rang in her ears a... - #3
Save:'Where Dreams Begin' by Lisa Kleypas is a historical romance novel set in Victorian London. The story follows Lady Holly Taylor, a young widow who is still mourning the loss of her husband. When she crosses paths with Zachary Bronson, a self-made wealthy man seeking acceptance in the aristocratic society, their lives take an unexpected turn. Zachary hires Holly to teach him and his family etiquette and manners to fit in with the nobility, leading to a journey of love, growth, and self-discovery for both characters. The plot unfolds with elements of mistaken identities, forbidden kisses, and societal expectations, all woven together in Kleypas's signature passionate and compelling writing style.
The rumble of sophisticated chatter, the blaze of chandeliers that splashed hot wax onto the dancers below and the profusion of smells that heralded the lavish supper to come, all overwhelmed Lady Hol... - #4
Save:'The Bridges of Madison County' by Robert James Waller tells the story of Robert Kincaid, a photographer searching for covered bridges in Madison County, and Francesca Johnson, a farm wife waiting for the fulfillment of a girlhood dream. Their encounter leads to a passionate affair that resonates throughout their lives, impacting Francesca's children after her death. The novel explores themes of forbidden love, intense emotions, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of Iowa's landscape. The writing style is described as moving, spare, and evocative, with a focus on character development and first-person narration that immerses readers in the emotional journey of the protagonists.
There are songs that come free from the blue-eyed grass, from the dust of a thousand country roads. This is one of them. In late afternoon, in the autumn of 1989, I'm at my desk, looking at a blinking... - #5
Save:"Rough, Raw, and Ready" by Lorelei James revolves around a love triangle involving ranchers and rodeo cowboys. The plot follows the characters Trevor, Chassie, and Edgard as they navigate their complex relationships and emotions. Set in a small Western town in Wyoming, the story delves into the raw and passionate dynamics between the trio, exploring themes of love, longing, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as steamy and sensual, with a focus on authentic emotions and character development, making the relationships between the main characters feel genuine and relatable.
Visitors were few and far between at the remote West homestead, especially on foot in the frigid month of February. The mildly warm day and clear skies could change in a helluva hurry on the high plai...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rough Riders ) - #6
Save:In "The Book of G" by Lily Archer, readers are taken on a unique journey through a retelling of the famous story of Gaston from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The book follows the male lead, G, who wakes up scarred and with no memory of his past, embarking on a quest with his trusty sidekick, Charles, to uncover the mysteries of his identity. Along the way, they encounter pain, monsters, fae, goblins, humor, and romance, creating a tale that is both angsty and full of twists. The writing style is engaging, with witty banter, spicy romance, and a unique world-building concept that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
- #7
Save:The Great Witch of Brittany by Louisa Morgan is a captivating tale that follows the female descendants of a Romani clan with a tradition of witchcraft. The story spans generations, delving into themes of love, sacrifice, magic, tragedy, and family secrets. Set in late 1700s to early 1800s France, the book immerses readers into a world where being different is often viewed as evil, yet the characters strive for the greater good. The author's writing style is engaging, with good imagery and pacing, making the story relevant to societal fears and ideas of today.
As the plot progresses, readers are introduced to Ursule, the young main character, and her Maman, Agnes, establishing a strong connection and compassion for their struggles. The book explores the mother-daughter connection, the support system within the family, and the blend of history and magical realism. Through rich storytelling, the author weaves a tale of hardship, loss, and resilience, while also highlighting the beauty of simpler times and the power of female protagonists in the face of adversity.
- #8
Save:'It Takes Two' by Jenny Holiday is a heartwarming romance that follows the story of Wendy Liu and Noah Denning. Wendy, who had her heart broken in the past, finds herself face to face with Noah, her best friend's brother, at his sister's wedding. As they navigate their complicated past and present feelings, a deep thread of longing and desire emerges between them, leading to a journey of rediscovery and second chances. is filled with fun times, witty banter, crazy wedding shenanigans, and a competition between Wendy and Noah that brings them closer together.
(Also, see 11 recommendations for the series Bridesmaids Behaving Badly ) - #9
Save:'What Belongs to You' by Garth Greenwell follows the story of an unnamed American expat living in Sofia, Bulgaria, who forms a complex relationship with a hustler named Mitko. The novel delves into themes of desire, unrequited love, shame, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a claustrophobic and introspective narrative. Through flashbacks and reflections, the narrator grapples with his past, his identity as a gay man, and the impact of his relationships on his sense of self.
That my first encounter with Mitko B. ended in a betrayal, even a minor one, should have given me greater warning at the time, which should in turn have made my desire for him less, if not done away w... - #10
Save:The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams is a semi-autobiographical play that revolves around a fractured family living in a small St. Louis apartment during the 1930s. The story is narrated by Tom, who dreams of escaping his mundane life and pursuing a career in writing. His mother, Amanda, a faded southern belle, desperately tries to find a suitor for her shy daughter Laura, who spends her days playing with her glass animals. The play explores themes of lost dreams, disappointment, family dynamics, and the struggles of mental health and mobility, all portrayed through intense character emotions and poignant dialogues.
[The Wingfield apartment is in the rear of the building, one of those vast hive-like conglomerations of cellular living-units that flower as warty growths in overcrowded urban centres of lower-middle-...
