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Books matching: moral complexity

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    An American Beauty by Shana Abe
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    'An American Beauty' by Shana Abe is a historical fiction novel set in America's Gilded Age, following the life of Arabella Yarrington. Arabella, a determined and smart young woman, fights her way out of poverty to become the richest woman in the country. The novel takes readers through Arabella's journey of reinvention, resilience, and perseverance as she navigates the opulent lifestyle and judgmental society of the time. With detailed descriptions of the era's lavish settings and personal relationships, the author weaves a captivating tale of ambition and survival.

    The story is narrated from the perspective of multiple women, adding depth to the novel and showcasing the intricacies of their lives during a time of extreme wealth and struggle. Through Arabella's experiences, the author explores themes of family, wealth, societal judgment, and the pursuit of one's dreams in a beautifully written and emotionally engaging narrative.


  2. #2

    The Groves of Academe by Mary McCarthy
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    Mary McCarthy's 'The Groves of Academe' is a novel set in a small Pennsylvania college in the 1950s, delving into the intricacies of academic politics and the challenges faced by professors. The story follows Henry Mulcahy, a struggling male professor dealing with poverty, a sickly wife, and the unexpected non-renewal of his teaching contract, all unfolding against the backdrop of the Joseph McCarthy era. McCarthy's writing style is described as perceptive and satirical, offering a deep dive into the inner workings of the academic world.

    WHEN HENRY MULCAHY, A middle-aged instructor of literature at Jocelyn College, Jocelyn, Pennsylvania, unfolded the President’s letter and became aware of its contents, he gave a sudden sharp cry of im...

  3. #3

    The Known World by Edward P. Jones
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    The Known World by Edward P. Jones is a historical novel set in antebellum Virginia, focusing on the lives of black slave owners and their slaves. The narrative weaves together individual sagas of freed slaves living between worlds, exploring the complexities of relationships between free and enslaved people before the Civil War. The story delves into the life of Henry Townsend, a black farmer turned slave owner, and his interactions with white slave owners, shedding light on the brutal realities of slavery through vivid characterizations and detailed descriptions of plantation life.

    The evening his master died he worked again well after he ended the day for the other adults, his own wife among them, and sent them back with hunger and tiredness to their cabins. The young ones, his...

  4. #4

    Intruder in the Dust by William Faulkner
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    Intruder in the Dust by William Faulkner is a novel set in the Jim Crow South in Mississippi, focusing on a 16-year-old white boy named Chick Mallison who decides to help a black man, Lucas Beauchamp, who is accused of murder. The story delves into the racial tensions of the time, highlighting the idea that the South needs to address its own issues without external interference. Faulkner's writing style, characterized by stream of consciousness and intricate storytelling, adds depth to the narrative, portraying the complexities of the characters and the societal backdrop of fear and prejudice.

    It was just noon that Sunday morning when the sheriff reached the jail with Lucas Beauchamp though the whole town (the whole county too for that matter) had known since the night before that Lucas had...

  5. #5

    An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography by Paul Rusesabagina
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    "An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography" by Paul Rusesabagina delves into the harrowing events of the Rwandan genocide in 1994, where Hutus turned against Tutsis in a systematic ethnic cleansing campaign. Through Rusesabagina's firsthand experiences and insights, the book explores the deep-rooted history, culture, and personal relationships that contributed to the atrocities. The narrative unfolds with a gentle and self-deprecating tone, reminiscent of storytelling by an African elder, weaving together personal anecdotes, historical context, and societal reflections to paint a vivid picture of the horrors faced by both Tutsis and Hutus during the genocide.

    I WAS BORN on the side of a steep hill in the summer of 1954. My father was a farmer, my mother his helper. Our house was made of mud and sticks. We were about a mile away from the nearest village. Th...

  6. #6

    Fallen Land by Taylor Brown
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    As the Civil War draws to its close, two young lovers, Callum and Ava, are on the run from bounty hunters through the war-torn South. Their journey is filled with danger, violence, and the constant threat of being captured, all set against the backdrop of Sherman's March to the Sea. The writing style is described as rich in poetic imagery, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and the horrors of war, creating a gripping and suspenseful narrative that delves into the impact of war on individuals.

    Pale light crept into the black stanchions of pine, the ashen ground, the red center of dying coals. The camped men rose, silent, and broke the bread of old pillage between blackened fingers. One of t...

  7. #7

    Dixie City Jam - Dave Robicheaux by James Lee Burke
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    "Dixie City Jam" in the series 'Dave Robicheaux' by James Lee Burke revolves around Detective Dave Robicheaux's knowledge of a buried Nazi submarine off the Louisiana coast. As a teenager, he discovered the sunken sub while scuba diving and kept the secret for years. When a Jewish activist wants the sub raised, conflicting desires lead to a terrifying struggle, with a neo-Nazi psychopath named Will Buchalter stopping at nothing to get Robicheaux to talk. The story unfolds with intense action in the jazz city of New Orleans, involving various factions interested in the submarine, including crime bosses and neo-Nazis, making it a fast-paced mystery with vivid descriptions of the setting and characters.

    Not many people believe this, but in the early months of 1942 Nazi submarines used to lie in wait at the mouth of the Mississippi for the tankers that sailed without naval escort from the oil refineri...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dave Robicheaux )

  8. #8

    Of Deeds Most Valiant - Poisoned Saints by Sarah K.L. Wilson
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    'Of Deeds Most Valiant' by Sarah K.L. Wilson is a fantasy novel set in a well-constructed and beautifully described world. The story follows characters Victoriana and Adalbrand, both paladins serving their God in unique ways. The plot is filled with mystery, romance, suspense, and intriguing characters. The writing style is immersive, with deep romantic elements, complex character arcs, and a touch of humor that keeps the readers engaged throughout the story.

    The beginning of the book dives straight into action, setting up interesting conflicts and character dynamics. The plot unfolds with unique concepts of paladins and the complexities of human nature, challenging the characters and readers alike to navigate through themes of love, faith, and personal growth. The story progresses with a quest to find the Cup of Tears, blending elements of a mystery story and escape room puzzles within the fantasy setting of the abandoned monastery.


  9. #9

    Triple by Ken Follett
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    'Triple' by Ken Follett is a spy thriller set in 1968, revolving around the mission of a Mossad agent to steal uranium for Israel to build nuclear weapons. The plot involves a high-stakes showdown between intelligence agencies of Israel, Egypt, and Russia, as well as the Fedayeen. The book is filled with betrayals, extreme violence, espionage, and deceit, creating a gripping tale of intrigue and espionage during the late 1960s nuclear arms race. The writing style includes detailed action scenes, well-developed characters, and a slow but deliberate pace leading up to a thrilling finish.

    The public-address system at Cairo airport made a noise like a doorbell, and then the arrival of the Alitalia flight from Milan was announced in Arabic, Italian, French and English. Towfik el-Masiri l...

  10. #10

    Half Broken Things by Morag Joss
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    Half Broken Things by Morag Joss is a psychological thriller that revolves around a lonely house sitter, Jean, who invites two other lost souls to share the house where she is staying until the owners return. The story unfolds slowly, building suspense and tension as the characters, Jean, Michael, and Steph, form an unlikely bond and create an illusion of a family unit. However, their fantasy life starts to unravel as unexpected events lead to a dramatic and horrific conclusion. The writing style is haunting, thought-provoking, and reminiscent of Ruth Rendell, delving into the pain, pathology, and horror that lie beneath the surface of seemingly tranquil English countryside.

    This is not what it might look like. We’re quiet people. As a general rule extraordinary things do not happen to us, and we are not the type to go looking for them. But so much has happened since Janu...

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