Books matching: love and politics
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- #1
Save:'Here Be Dragons' is a historical fiction novel set in the late 1100s to early 1200s, focusing on the lives of Prince Llewelyn of Wales and Joanna, the illegitimate daughter of King John of England. The narrative intricately weaves political allegiances, complex family dynamics, and the tumultuous relationship between England and Wales. Through Joanna's perspective, the story explores themes of loyalty, love, and the struggles faced by the Welsh against the backdrop of English dominion. The author, Sharon Kay Penman, immerses readers in a richly detailed historical setting, bringing to life the characters and their motivations while depicting the socio-political landscape of medieval times.
Penman's writing style is characterized by its vivid character development and meticulous attention to historical accuracy. Readers have noted her ability to create a compelling narrative that balances romance and political intrigue, making the historical events both engaging and relatable. The novel's pacing allows for a deep exploration of its characters, particularly Joanna and Llewelyn, capturing their emotional journeys amidst the larger historical context. Despite the book's considerable length, many readers found it to be a captivating read that drew them into the lives of its characters and the complexities of their world.
He was ten years old and an alien in an unfriendly land, made an unwilling exile by his mother’s marriage to a Marcher border lord. His new stepfather seemed a kindly man, but he was not of Llewelyn’s... - #2
Save:The Charterhouse of Parma by Stendhal is a 19th-century novel set in the court of the duchy of Parma, post-Napoleonic times. The story follows Fabrizio del Dongo, a young Italian who becomes embroiled in court politics, unrequited love, and overwhelming passions. The novel captures the intrigues and romances of the aristocracy, with Fabrizio's impulsive nature leading him into various love affairs and conflicts. The plot weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and historical perspective, showcasing Stendhal's vivid depiction of battle scenes and court life.
Stendhal's writing style in The Charterhouse of Parma is noted for its richness of language, intricate French verb tenses, and a blend of realistic and romantic sections. The novel is a mix of swashbuckling adventures, political commentary, and character-driven storytelling, with a focus on the internal conflicts faced by the characters. Despite some criticisms of the pacing and length of the book, readers appreciate Stendhal's ability to capture the essence of the Napoleonic era and his skill in creating memorable characters within a complex web of relationships.
On May 15, 1796, General Bonaparte entered Milan at the head of that young army which had lately crossed the Lodi bridge and taught the world that after so many centuries Caesar and Alexander had a su... - #3
Save:In an alternative version of 2020, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston follows the romantic journey between Alex, the son of the first female president of the United States, and Henry, a prince of England. The book presents a witty, fun, and heartwarming narrative that explores the complex relationship between the two characters as they navigate their love amidst political tensions and personal discoveries. The writing style of the book is engaging, offering a mix of romance, humor, and political drama that creates a compelling and optimistic storyline.
On the White House roof, tucked into a corner of the Promenade, there’s a bit of loose paneling right on the edge of the Solarium. If you tap it just right, you can peel it back enough to find a messa... - #4
Save:Set in Ireland during the turbulent 1980s, 'Bog Child' follows the story of Fergus, a young man who discovers the body of a murdered child in a peat bog. As Fergus grapples with his family's struggles, including his brother's hunger strike, he also navigates his own desires and responsibilities. The novel intertwines themes of love, politics, and historical mysteries, capturing the complexities of life during a time of unrest in Northern Ireland.
They’d stolen a march on the day. The sky was like dark glass, reluctant to let the light through. The only sound was the chudder of the van skirting the lough. The surface of the water was colourless... - #5
Save:'Angelique' in the series by Sergeanne Golon follows the life of the main character, Angelique de Sancé, a noblewoman in 17th-century France. The story takes readers on a journey through Angelique's adventures, from her childhood to her arranged marriage, and the various challenges she faces along the way. The writing style is described as rich, lush, and captivating, immersing readers in the world of historical France filled with love, politics, and intrigue.
- #6
Save:The Blood Star by Nicholas Guild is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Tiglath Ashur, an exiled prince of Assyria in the seventh century before Christ. The story unfolds as Ashur navigates through various countries and confronts his past while being pursued by assassins and facing political turmoil in the empire. The book expertly mixes epochs by half millennia to create a gripping storyline filled with drama, intrigue, violence, and warfare set in Assyrian, Greek, and Egyptian settings of varying centuries. The narrative style immerses the reader in the ancient world, providing a detailed and well-researched portrayal of the Assyrian Empire and its interactions with other kingdoms.
The western lands—the pale sun which warms myface, the soft blue sky, the wind and the shining water, these arethe gifts of their openhanded, childlike gods. It is a place ofvines and fruit trees, of ... - #7
Save:In "In the Wet" by Nevil Shute, the story is set in a dystopian 1980's Britain where the country is failing, with rationing, a struggling working class, and political unrest. The novel follows David Anderson, an Australian pilot, who is selected to fly for Queen Elizabeth in a world where many Brits have emigrated to countries like Australia and Canada. Shute weaves a tale of political commentary, love, and futuristic predictions, all set against a backdrop of societal upheaval and personal introspection.
I HAVE never before sat down to write anything so long as this may be, though I have written plenty of sermons and articles for parish magazines. I don't really know how to set about it, or how much I... - #8
Save:"My Tender Matador" by Pedro Lemebel is a novel set in the final days of Pinochet's regime in Chile, focusing on the relationship between an aging transwoman known as the Queen of the Corner and a young man involved in a radical organization plotting against the dictatorship. The book intricately weaves together the perspectives of the main characters, including Pinochet and his wife, to provide a poignant exploration of love, political intrigue, and fantasy during a tumultuous time in Chilean history.
The writing style of "My Tender Matador" is described as fiercely beautiful, with the author, Pedro Lemebel, skillfully blending fantasy and imagination with themes of resistance. Through vivid descriptions and intricate storytelling, Lemebel captures the dignity, innocence, and bravery of the main character, the Queen, while also delving into the excessive performativity and fantasy that sustained the dictatorship, offering a unique and compelling narrative.
Like drawing a sheer cloth over the past, a flaming curtain fluttering out the open window of that house in the spring of 1986. A year scarred by smoking tires in the cordoned-off streets of Santiago.... 'The Country Under My Skin: A Memoir of Love and War' by Gioconda Belli is a memoir detailing the author's journey from a disaffected young woman in Nicaragua, to her involvement in the Sandinista movement against the Somoza dictatorship, her life in exile, and her return to Nicaragua post-revolution. Belli's writing evocatively portrays her political awakening, involvement in clandestine activities, and interactions with powerful political figures like Fidel Castro, providing an insider's view of the Nicaraguan revolution. also delves into Belli's personal life, including her marriages, love affairs, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her revolutionary activities.
- #10
Save:The novel 'The Aerodrome' by Rex Warner follows the protagonist Roy as he navigates between the contrasting worlds of The Village and the Aerodrome. The story delves into themes of authoritarianism, love, and the clash between tradition and progress. Roy is drawn to the orderliness of the Air Force and the charismatic Air Vice Marshal, leading to a conflict between the Aerodrome's sterile image and the vibrant yet flawed community of The Village. As Roy becomes entangled in the power struggles between the two worlds, he grapples with questions of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of seeking control and efficiency at the expense of freedom.
The narrative style of 'The Aerodrome' is described as a compelling allegory, blending elements of dystopia, romance, and humor. The story unfolds with mystery and intrigue, exploring the allure of totalitarian ideologies like fascism and the disillusionment that follows. Warner's clear prose set against the backdrop of the English countryside builds towards a threatening climax, offering a critique of state fascism that is deemed clearer than Orwell's '1984'. The novel presents a cautionary tale warning against the dangers of totalitarian governments while ending on a note that balances tradition, technical progress, and hopes for the future.
IT WOULD BE difficult to overestimate the importance to me of the events which had taken place previous to the hour (it was shortly after ten o'clock in the evening) when I was lying in the marsh near...
