Books matching: lyrical prose and poetry
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- #1
"Rose Under Fire" by Elizabeth Wein is a gripping historical fiction novel that follows the story of Rose Justice, an American pilot who gets captured by the Germans during World War II and is sent to the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The book delves into the horrors faced by Rose and other women in the camp, showcasing themes of friendship, loyalty, and survival. The narrative structure shifts back and forth in time, providing a vivid portrayal of life in the prison camp and Rose's struggle to survive and serve as a witness to the atrocities committed.
The author, Elizabeth Wein, weaves a compelling tale that transports readers to the heart of WWII, with detailed descriptions of the characters and settings that make the story come alive. Through Rose's journey, Wein explores themes of courage, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, making "Rose Under Fire" a poignant and emotionally impactful read.
I just got back from Celia Forester’s funeral. I’m supposed to be writing up an official report for the Tempest she flew into the ground, since she’s obviously not going to write it herself, and I saw...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Code Name Verity ) In "Autumn" by Ali Smith, the story revolves around the friendship between centenarian Daniel Gluck and young art history lecturer Elisabeth Demand. Set in the backdrop of post-Brexit Britain, the novel explores themes of aging, art, politics, and memory. Through a non-linear narrative style and stream of consciousness writing, Smith delves into the relationship dynamics between the characters and intertwines historical events like the Profumo scandal and the refugee crisis.
It was the worst of times, it was the worst of times. Again. That’s the thing about things. They fall apart, always have, always will, it’s in their nature. So an old old man washes up on a shore. He ...- #3
'Lithium for Medea' by Kate Braverman follows a woman named Rose who has been lost and felt incomplete her entire life. She is starting to wake up as she comes to terms with her father's mortality, her mother's abuse, her failed relationships with men, and her own neuroses and failures. The story is essentially about her journey to reclaim herself amidst a backdrop of crushing depression, darkness, drug use, and self-destructive behavior.
I was running a bath. It was good to be liquid. I didn’t have skin at all. I had the gleam of a fish, the fine etched scales and gills. I knew the soft channel down. I could burrow into the blue weigh... - #4
Martyr by Kaveh Akbar is a contemporary fiction novel that follows the existential journey of Cyrus Shams, an Iranian American man seeking answers in New York City after the tragic death of his mother. The book delves into themes of martyrdom, suicide, death, and seeking meaning in life. It is beautifully written with lyrical prose and incorporates the author's poetry throughout the narrative. The protagonist, an aspiring poet, navigates through his struggles and questions about his family, death, and sexuality, ultimately seeking understanding and resolution through his own poetic exploration.
The plot of Martyr by Kaveh Akbar revolves around the young protagonist, Cyrus Shams, who is portrayed as a thoughtful and curious individual facing existential challenges. The book explores his personal journey through the lenses of family, death, and self-discovery, with a poignant and engaging narrative that is punctuated with poetry. Akbar's writing style is described as beautifully written, with a unique blend of lamentation, melancholy, and poetic flair that captivates readers and provides a fresh perspective on contemporary themes of life and meaning.
- #5
'The House on Mango Street' by Sandra Cisneros is a coming-of-age story narrated through a series of vignettes that paint a vivid picture of Esperanza Cordero's life in a poor Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago. The vignettes capture the challenges and joys of growing up as a young Latina girl, exploring themes of identity, family, poverty, and cultural heritage. Through poetic language and intimate storytelling, Cisneros weaves together a narrative that offers insights into Esperanza's world and her journey of self-discovery.
The book is structured in a unique way, with short vignettes that provide glimpses into Esperanza's experiences and emotions, creating a mosaic of memories and reflections. Cisneros' writing style is poetic and evocative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Esperanza's world and empathize with her struggles and triumphs as she navigates the complexities of adolescence and cultural identity.
When she’s alone, she savors her apartment of high ceilings and windows that let in the sky, the new carpeting and walls white as typing paper, the walk-in pantry with empty shelves, her bedroom witho... - #6
Claudia Rankine's Citizen: An American Lyric is a powerful exploration of race and racism in contemporary America. Through a mix of essays, poetry, and artwork, Rankine delves into the experiences of black Americans, shedding light on the microaggressions and systemic injustices they face on a daily basis. The book offers a raw and unflinching look at the impact of racism on individuals, challenging readers to confront their own privilege and biases.
Rankine's writing style in Citizen is described as intense, haunting, and gripping. She expertly weaves together personal anecdotes, high-profile events, and social commentary to create a narrative that is both lyrical and impactful. The book's use of second-person narration, along with its varied formats and textures, adds to the immersive and thought-provoking nature of the work.
When you are alone and too tired even to turn on any of your devices, you let yourself linger in a past stacked among your pillows. Usually you are nestled under blankets and the house is empty. Somet... - #7
"Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury is a nostalgic and beautifully written novel that captures the essence of a summer in 1928 through the eyes of a young boy in a small town. The book explores themes of childhood, coming of age, life, death, and the magic found in everyday moments. Written in a poetic and almost magical realism style, the novel weaves together vignettes that evoke a sense of wonder, nostalgia, and contemplation about the mysteries of life.
The plot revolves around Douglas Spaulding's experiences during that transformative summer, where he encounters joy, loss, discovery, and the bittersweet realization of mortality. Through the lens of Douglas, Bradbury paints a vivid picture of small-town America, filled with quirky characters, enchanting adventures, and profound reflections on the nature of existence.
This book, like most of my books and stories, was a surprise. I began to learn the nature of such surprises, thank God, when I was fairly young as a writer. Before that, like every beginner, I thought... - #8
Craig Childs shares his immense secret knowledge of water in the arid American southwest, detailing his personal relationships with water and the desert. The book celebrates the journey of finding water in unexpected places and explores the importance of deserts in the adventure of life on Earth. Childs combines poetic literary style with hardcore adventure, vast knowledge of natural history, and a deep passion for the desert landscapes.
The desert looks hideous. Burned-out cores of volcanoes, hundred-mile basins with floors mirrored in mirage, and terse, studded mountains. You would be a fool to believe water is here. But I have seen... - #9
Heart Berries: A Memoir by Terese Marie Mailhot is a raw and unflinching memoir that delves into the author's struggles with mental health, abuse, and her Native American heritage. The book is described as a collection of fragmented, poetic essays that weave together Mailhot's experiences growing up on a dysfunctional family, facing abusive relationships, and ultimately finding healing and strength through her heritage and writing.
My story was maltreated. The words were too wrong and ugly to speak. I tried to tell someone my story, but he thought it was a hustle. He marked it as solicitation. The man took me shopping with his p... - #10Caneby:
Cane by Jean Toomer is a unique work that defies categorization, blending poetry with prose in a modernist style that captivates readers. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on the lives of black men and women in different settings, exploring themes of race, emotions, and landscapes. Part 1 is set in rural Georgia, painting a grim picture of religious obsession, fear, and bigotry, with a focus on women's experiences. Part 2 shifts to the north and the city, delving into the Jazz Age and the lives of men through dialogue and stream of consciousness. Part 3 takes the form of a play centered around the character of Ralph Kabnis, bringing the narrative back to its origins in Georgia.
Becky had one Negro son. Who gave it to her? Damn buck nigger, said the white folks’ mouths. She wouldnt tell. Common, God-forsaken, insane white shameless wench, said the white folks’ mouths. Her eye...