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Books matching: mixed race identity

27 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 27 
  1. #1

    Bhowani Junction by John Masters
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    'Bhowani Junction' by John Masters is a tale set in the backdrop of Indian independence and the partition of the subcontinent. It delves into the complexities of the racial and social divides in India during the twilight of the Raj. The narrative follows the experiences of characters like Victoria Jones, a mixed-race Anglo-Indian girl struggling with her identity, her lover Patrick Taylor, and Colonel Rodney Savage, providing a multifaceted view of the tensions and challenges faced during the lead up to Indian independence. The plot also involves a side story of an Indian terrorist and a plot to blow up a railway tunnel, adding an element of suspense to the overarching theme.

    The writing style of John Masters in 'Bhowani Junction' is praised for its vivid portrayal of India during a tumultuous period. The author effectively captures the atmosphere of the era, skillfully depicting the racial and social dynamics, the internal conflicts of the characters, and the political turmoil surrounding the impending transfer of power from the British to the indigenous population. Through the perspectives of the main characters, Masters weaves a compelling narrative that offers insights into the struggles, relationships, and identity crises faced by individuals amidst the larger historical events unfolding in the background.

    I had a fine Norton that year, in Bhowani. It's got smashed up since, but it was looking good the day I went down to see Victoria after she came back from the Army. I got to the house, cut off the eng...

  2. #2

    The Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi
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    In "The Buddha of Suburbia" by Hanif Kureishi, readers are taken on a journey through the life of Karim Amir, a young man coming of age in 1970s London. Karim, the son of an Indian father and an English mother, navigates the complexities of race, family dynamics, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a changing society. The novel captures the essence of the era with vivid descriptions of London in the '70s and '80s, exploring themes of identity, cultural clashes, and societal expectations through a mix of humor and poignant storytelling.

    Kureishi's writing style in "The Buddha of Suburbia" is praised for its wit, humor, and ability to blend satire with coming-of-age themes. Through Karim's eyes, readers are offered a glimpse into the struggles of immigrant families in Britain, the challenges of adolescence, and the search for acceptance and meaning in a rapidly evolving world. The narrative is rich in character development, offering a diverse cast of colorful and relatable characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, creating a tapestry of experiences that reflect the complexities of human relationships.

    My name is Karim Amir, and I am an Englishman born and bred, almost. I am often considered to be a funny kind of Englishman, a new breed as it were, having emerged from two old histories. But I don’t ...

  3. #3

    Native Guard by Natasha Trethewey
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    'Native Guard' by Natasha Trethewey is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry collection that delves into the struggles, heartbreak, and injustices of racial inequality in the United States. Through the lens of her personal experiences growing up in Mississippi, Trethewey explores themes of grief, biracial identity, and the history of the Civil War, particularly focusing on the Black regiments that served and were often forgotten. The poems are a powerful combination of historical narratives and personal reflections, touching on topics like interracial marriage, the role of Black soldiers in the Civil War, and the poet's own family history.

    Trethewey's writing style is described as grounded, heartfelt, and open, with a deep sense of sadness and longing evident in her poetry. The collection is divided into sections that cover various aspects of her life, including the death of her mother, the Native Guard's forgotten history, and her experiences as a biracial child. The language and structure of the poems are praised for their compelling word choice, line breaks, and ability to communicate complex ideas and stories effectively, making the collection both easy to read and emotionally impactful.


  4. #4
    The Land
    Book 1 in the series:Logan Family Saga

    The Land - Logan Family Saga by Mildred D. Taylor
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    The Land by Mildred D. Taylor is a gripping and emotionally moving tale set in post-Civil War Georgia, following the journey of Paul Edward, a young man of mixed race who longs to own his own land. The book explores themes of racial discrimination, hard work, family love, and friendship as Paul navigates through obstacles and challenges in his pursuit of land ownership. Taylor's narrative style is described as personal, picturesque, and historically accurate, making the story both educational and engaging for readers of all ages.

    I loved my daddy. I loved my brothers too. But in the end it was Mitchell Thomas and I who were most like brothers, with a bond that couldn’t be broken. The two of us came into Mississippi together by...

  5. Clotel: Or, the President's Daughter is a powerful antislavery polemic with an interesting hook - the unacknowledged daughter of Thomas Jefferson. The novel is structured as an assemblage of assorted excerpts from various sources, mixed with original material, creating a somewhat disjointed but thought-provoking narrative. The book skillfully uses fiction to portray real events related to slavery, depicting the hypocrisy of slave owners and the struggles faced by slaves in a journalistic and prosaic style. Through heartbreaking and revealing scenes, the author sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery in early America and the human spirit's endurance in such desperate circumstances.


  6. #6

    Dragon Springs Road by Janie Chang
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    'Dragon Springs Road' by Janie Chang is a historical fiction novel set in early 20th century Shanghai, following the life of Jialing, a Eurasian girl abandoned by her mother at a young age. The story explores Jialing's struggles as she navigates a society that looks down upon her mixed heritage, her journey of self-discovery, and the relationships she forms along the way. With elements of fantasy intertwined seamlessly into the narrative, the book delves into themes of identity, social class, and resilience, painting a vivid picture of the turbulent political and cultural landscape of China during that era.

    The plot of 'Dragon Springs Road' unfolds through the eyes of Jialing, offering a coming-of-age tale filled with intrigue, mystery, and personal growth. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, with luminous descriptions, well-drawn characters, and a seamless integration of fantasy elements that add depth and uniqueness to the story.

    The emperor Guangxu and the dowager empress had both died that week. My mother told me our new emperor was a little boy of almost three called Puyi. A child less than half my age now ruled China and s...

  7. #7

    Oreo by Fran Ross, Harryette Mullen
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    Oreo by Fran Ross is a satirical novel that follows the journey of the protagonist Oreo, a strong and intelligent Black woman who embarks on a quest to find her father, Samuel Schwartz. The book cleverly weaves elements of the Theseus myth into Oreo's story, where she uses her wit and humor to navigate between her Black and Jewish heritage. Through a series of adventures and encounters in New York City, Oreo showcases her brilliance and resilience, challenging societal norms and expectations along the way. The writing style of the book is described as witty, humorous, and rich with energy, exploring themes of race, gender, and identity in a playful and imaginative manner.

    Simple, she conceded, compared with the overlapping fugal subject-answer-countersubject head equations that were her favorites—elegant, in fact, but not quite absorbing enough to keep her mind off the...

  8. #8

    A Million Nightingales by Susan Straight
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    'A Million Nightingales' by Susan Straight follows the story of Moinette, a young slave of mixed race living on a Louisiana plantation in the early 1800s. The narrative delves into Moinette's journey as she is uprooted from her familiar life to become a handmaiden and hairdresser to the owner's daughter, Cephaline. Through Moinette's eyes, the reader witnesses the complexities of slavery, the struggles for identity, and the pursuit of freedom and love in a society marked by oppression and social constraints. Susan Straight's writing style is immersive and captivating, drawing readers in with bite-sized sections that keep them engrossed in the unpredictable twists and turns of Moinette's story.

    In late summer, I collected the moss with the same long poles we used to knock down the pecans in fall. I waved the pole around in the gray tangles and pulled them down from the oaks on the land besid...

  9. #9

    Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
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    In "Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng, the Lee family is faced with the tragic death of their daughter Lydia, leading them to unravel family secrets and confront the impact of unspoken truths on their relationships. The novel delves into themes of mixed-race identity, parental expectations, sibling dynamics, and the complexities of communication within a family. Through a nonlinear narrative, Ng skillfully navigates between past and present, exploring the characters' perspectives and emotions as they come to terms with Lydia's death and its aftermath.

    Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet. 1977, May 3, six thirty in the morning, no one knows anything but this innocuous fact: Lydia is late for breakfast. As always, next to her cereal bowl, her...

  10. #10

    The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
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    The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta is a coming-of-age novel written in verse that follows Michael, a mixed-race queer Londoner, on his journey to self-acceptance and self-love. Throughout the story, Michael navigates his cultural and queer identity while finding his place in the drag society, which ultimately helps him gain clarity and confidence. The book addresses themes of identity, race, sexual orientation, and the struggles of adolescence, all told in a lyrical and emotive writing style that captures the reader's attention.


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