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Books matching: love and betrayal

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  1. #1

    Runaway by Alice Munro
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    'Runaway' by Alice Munro is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of seemingly ordinary women facing a variety of challenges and crises. The stories are interconnected, exploring themes of love, betrayal, isolation, and change. Munro's writing style is described as haunting, lyrical, and evocative, with characters that engage, surprise, and linger in the reader's mind long after finishing the book. The narratives are often set in Canada, depicting domestic dramas and everyday life experiences with a touch of surrealism and sincerity.

    I’ll die,” said Robin, on an evening years ago. “I’ll die if they don’t have that dress ready.” They were in the screen porch of the dark-green clap-board house on Isaac Street. Willard Greig, who liv...

  2. #2

    The Ruby in Her Navel by Barry Unsworth
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    Barry Unsworth's 'The Ruby in Her Navel' is a historical fiction novel set in 12th century Sicily during the rule of the Norman kings. The story follows Thurstan, a protagonist working for a Muslim lord in a time of political intrigue and cultural tensions between Christendom and Islam. The narrative weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal against the backdrop of a diverse and complex society in Palermo.

    The book is praised for its intricate plot, well-researched historical setting, and the author's ability to create a world that immerses the reader in the 12th century Mediterranean. The first-person narration by Thurstan is highlighted for its depth and authenticity, providing insights into the protagonist's inner thoughts and the intricacies of the time period.

    Some said it had been stolen by a lover of hers – who had gone to the stake for it – from the crown of King Roger of Sicily, others that it had been a bribe from Conrad Hohenstaufen for her help in a ...

  3. #3

    The Joke by Milan Kundera
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    The Joke by Milan Kundera is a novel set in Soviet-controlled Czechoslovakia, following the story of Ludvik, a young communist university student whose life takes a drastic turn after a practical joke goes wrong. The book explores themes of love, betrayal, revenge, and resilience in the face of political injustices, all while offering a glimpse into Czechoslovakian cultural life post-World War II. Through multiple perspectives and nested 'jokes,' the novel delves into the impact of totalitarian politics on individuals and society, with a narrative that unfolds like a musical quartet, revealing the consequences of Ludvik's actions and his quest for revenge.

    The first version was published in London in 1969 by Macdonald, in a translation by David Hamblyn and Oliver Stallybrass. I remember my amazement when I received the book in Prague; I didn't recognize...

  4. #4

    Shalimar the Clown by Salman Rushdie
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    'Shalimar the Clown' by Salman Rushdie is a multi-layered novel that weaves together historical events, political conflicts, and personal relationships. Set in Kashmir, the story delves into themes of terrorism, love, revenge, religion, and cultural differences. The narrative spans across different time periods and locations, from World War II-era France to present-day California, showcasing the impact of political turmoil on individuals.

    The book explores the complexities of faith, betrayal, and the consequences of breaking trust. Rushdie skillfully intertwines the personal stories of morally compromised characters with the larger backdrop of political history, offering insights into the East-West relationships and the tragic realities of human nature.

    At twenty-four the ambassador’s daughter slept badly through the warm, unsurprising nights. She woke up frequently and even when sleep did come her body was rarely at rest, thrashing and flailing as i...

  5. #5

    The Brimstone Wedding by Barbara Vine
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    "The Brimstone Wedding" by Barbara Vine tells the intertwined stories of two sets of lovers - Genevieve and her TV producer, and Stella and her lover. As Stella slowly reveals her past, the mystery of Gilda Brent's death unfolds, showcasing the secrets people keep and the lengths they go to remain hidden. The plot switches seamlessly between present and flashbacks, keeping readers entertained and surprised by the unexpected ending. offers a captivating exploration of love, relationships, and the mysteries that surround them, all set in the backdrop of a foggy English countryside.

    The clothes of the dead won't wear long. They fret for the person who owned them. Stella laughed when I said that. She threw back her head and laughed in the surprisingly girlish way she had. I was te...

  6. #6
    Magic Lessons
    Book 3 in the series:Practical Magic

    Magic Lessons - Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
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    Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman is a prequel to the Practical Magic series, delving into the origins of the Owens family and their magical lineage. Set in the 1600s, the story follows Maria Owens and her daughter, Faith, tracing their journey from Essex, England to Salem, Massachusetts amidst the backdrop of witch trials. The book weaves together elements of historical fiction, witchcraft, love, and family curses, creating a rich and captivating narrative that explores themes of magic, resilience, and female empowerment. Hoffman's writing style brings to life the characters, settings, and emotions, immersing readers in a world of spells, familiars, and the complexities of human relationships.

    She was found on a January day in a field where the junipers grew, wound in a blue blanket with her name carefully stitched along the border with silk thread. There was a foot of snow on the ground, b...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Practical Magic )

  7. #7

    Farewell, My Lovely - Philip Marlowe by Raymond Chandler
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    Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler is the second book in the Philip Marlowe series, featuring the hardboiled detective Philip Marlowe. The plot revolves around Marlowe's task of tracking down Moose Malloy, a man who has recently killed a black nightclub owner. The story is described as intricate, with red herrings scattered throughout, leading to a cat and mouse game. The writing style is praised for its noir elements, sparse yet descriptive language, and the portrayal of a classic detective story set in 1940s Los Angeles.

    IT WAS ONE OF THE MIXED BLOCKS over on Central Avenue, the blocks that are not yet all Negro. I had just come out of a three-chair barber shop where an agency thought a relief barber named Dimitrios A...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Philip Marlowe )

  8. #8

    A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain by Robert Olen Butler
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    'A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain' by Robert Olen Butler is a collection of short stories that offer a poignant and intimate look into the lives of Vietnamese immigrants living in Louisiana, particularly after the Vietnam War. The stories delve into themes of adaptation, cultural nuances, and personal struggles, showcasing a range of characters from different backgrounds and age groups. The writing style is described as clean, lyrical, and evocative, capturing the essence of each character and their experiences with depth and insight.

    Less than a week later, however, I saw him again. It was on a Sunday. Early that morning there’d been some contact out in the Long Khánh Mountains just to the east of us. First there was the popping o...

  9. #9

    Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison
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    Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison is a collection of three novellas that delve into themes of revenge, self-discovery, and the tumultuous changes in men's lives. The title story follows Tristan Ludlow, the only surviving brother of three after World War I, as he navigates love, betrayal, and loss. 'Revenge' tells the tale of Cochran seeking vengeance after a betrayal, while 'The Man Who Gave Up His Name' follows Nordstrom's journey of self-discovery and reinvention. The book is praised for its rich character studies, vivid storytelling, and masterful crafting of complex narratives that explore human emotions and actions.

    You could not tell if you were a bird descending (and there was a bird descending, a vulture) if the naked man was dead or alive. The man didn’t know himself and the bird was tentative when he reached...

  10. #10

    Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro
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    'Too Much Happiness' by Alice Munro is a collection of beautifully written short stories that delve into the lives of complex characters facing various crises. Munro's writing style is described as smooth and compelling, drawing readers in effortlessly. The stories are chilling, presenting lots of secrets in ironic ways that forever change the characters. The narratives cover themes of love, betrayal, transgression, and the passage of time, showcasing Munro's ability to capture life-altering moments in ordinary people's lives.

    Doree had to take three buses—one to Kincardine, where she waited for the one to London, where she waited again for the city bus out to the facility. She started the trip on a Sunday at nine in the mo...

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