Books matching: oppression and cultural heritage
11 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Whereas' by Layli Long Soldier is a collection of poetry that delves into the Native American experience, shedding light on the struggles, oppression, and cultural heritage of the First Nations. The book is praised for its modern and refreshing style, which challenges the reader to learn new languages and explore traditional storytelling intertwined with contemporary poetics. Through deconstruction and restructuring of language, Layli Long Soldier invites readers on a journey to understand and appreciate the Native experience, offering a new perspective on historical events like the Dakota 38 Massacre.
The poems in 'Whereas' are described as heavy, emotionally impactful, and deeply thought-provoking. The book's layout, visual vocabulary, and use of different styles and structures contribute to its absorbing nature, encouraging readers to reflect on the content long after reading. Layli Long Soldier's work in this collection is praised for its profoundness, spiritual perfection, and its ability to provide a human response to historical injustices and colonial legacies. Overall, 'Whereas' is a testament to the power of poetry in conveying complex narratives and fostering understanding across cultural divides.
It took many trials before I learned how to knot my sinew thread on the point of my finger, as I saw her do. Then the next difficulty was in keeping my thread stiffly twisted, so that I could easily s... - #2
Save:Set in a future world where water is scarce and controlled by the government, "Memory of Water" follows Noria Kaitio, a Tea Master's daughter, as she navigates her training and the secrets her family holds. The story delves into themes of tradition, friendship, family, and love, all against the backdrop of a dystopian society struggling with water scarcity and political oppression. The writing is described as hauntingly lyrical, with vivid imagery that immerses the reader in a post-climate change world where the characters face difficult choices and moral dilemmas.
In a slow-paced narrative, the book unfolds the coming-of-age journey of Noria, offering a poignant exploration of a future where water is a precious commodity and the past is shrouded in mystery. Through contemplative passages and philosophical reflections, the author weaves a tale that blends elements of dystopia, tradition, and the resilience of the human spirit, culminating in a story that is both melancholic and thought-provoking.
Water is the most versatile of all elements. So my father told me the day he took me to the place that didn’t exist. While he was wrong about many things, he was right about this, so I still believe. ... - #3
Save:In the tiny, poverty-stricken town of Milagro, New Mexico, the residents face the threat of losing their land to the Devine Corporation. The protagonist, Joe Mondragon, illegally irrigates his bean field, sparking a rebellion against the powerful forces that have oppressed them for generations. The narrative is filled with humor, poignant moments, and a sense of community coming together to fight for their rights in the face of overwhelming odds.
John Nichols' writing style in "The Milagro Beanfield War" is described as humorous, compassionate, and vivid. The book offers a portrayal of everyday life in a Hispanic community, with characters that are unforgettable and a plot that mixes humor with a deeper message of standing up against injustice and fighting for one's beliefs.
Amarante Córdova had had thirteen children. That is, he and his wife, Elizabeth—known as Betita—had had thirteen children, who either still were or had been Nadia, Jorge, Pólito, María Ana, Berta, Rob... - #4
Save:'Cart and Cwidder' follows the journey of Moril and his family, traveling musicians in the divided kingdom of Dalemark. When Moril's father, Clennen, is murdered, the family is thrust into a dangerous adventure involving political intrigue and magical powers. The story unfolds as the siblings navigate through treacherous landscapes, facing challenges and uncovering hidden secrets while carrying out their musical performances and delivering important messages.
The book is described as a quick read with rich details and well-drawn characters. The setting of quarrelsome earls and traveling minstrels, along with the introduction of powerful magic and political struggles, adds depth to the plot. The writing style is noted for its Celtic and Welsh influences, creating a unique world with elements of mythology and personal discovery that engage readers in an action-packed narrative.
Moril sighed reproachfully. He had not been in a dream, and he felt it was unfair of his mother to call it that. He had merely been gazing at the white road as it wandered northward, thinking how glad... - #5
Save:Texaco by Patrick Chamoiseau is a poetic masterpiece capturing the history of Martinique through the eyes of Marie Sophie Laborieux, a descendant of former slaves. The narrative follows the struggles and triumphs of building a shantytown named Texaco on the outskirts of an oil depot in Fort de France. Through lyrical prose and alternating between French and Creole languages, Chamoiseau weaves a tale of oppression, resilience, and community spirit spanning over a century and a half of Martinique's history.
- #6
Save:'The Septembers of Shiraz' by Dalia Sofer tells the story of a wealthy Jewish family living in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. The father, Isaac Amin, is a successful jeweler who is suspected of being an Israeli spy and is arrested, leading to the family's struggles and adjustments in his absence. The narrative weaves together the experiences of each family member, from the father's imprisonment and torture to the son studying in New York and the daughter trying to protect her family in the midst of societal upheaval. The writing style is described as beautifully written, with a calmness that permeates the characters' reflections and assessments of their circumstances.
- #7
Save:'When My Brother Was an Aztec' by Natalie Diaz is a collection of poetry that delves into themes of the Native American experience, addiction, love, and loss. The book is described as a compelling work that skillfully uses language and imagery to explore the poet's personal experiences, including her brother's meth addiction and its impact on her family. The poems in the collection are praised for their raw honesty, blending humor with serious themes, and for their ability to evoke strong emotions in the reader.
Diaz's writing style is noted for its ability to infuse mythic elements into realistic portrayals, creating powerful imagery and exploring interpersonal relationships with unflinching honesty. The poems touch on topics such as family dynamics, cultural identity, and the struggles of Native Americans integrating into mainstream society. The collection is praised for its balance between technical precision, emotional depth, and a strong sense of narrative that grounds the poems in real-life experiences.
Plays solitaire on TV trays with decks of old casino cards Trades her clothes for faded nightgowns long & loose like ghosts Drinks water & Diet Coke from blue cups with plastic bendy straws Bathes twi... - #8
Save:Woven in Moonlight is a dark YA fantasy novel set in the fictional country of Inkasisa, inspired by Bolivian culture and history. The story follows Ximena, a decoy Condesa who must navigate court intrigue and espionage to save her people, the Illustrians, from the oppressive rule of Atoc. As Ximena delves deeper into the political landscape of Inkasisa, she uncovers truths that challenge her beliefs and alliances, leading to a journey of self-discovery and rebellion against tyranny. The book seamlessly weaves together elements of magic, friendship, romance, and adventure against a backdrop of lush descriptions and rich world-building.
Sickness churns my stomach, and my knuckles brush against bare wood as I coax a handful of shriveled beans into a half-empty bag. I wipe dirty hands against my white trousers and ignore the sweat drip... - #9
Save:'Against the Loveless World' by Susan Abulhawa is a powerful novel that follows the life of Nahr, a Palestinian woman who navigates through war, displacement, and personal struggles. The story delves into Nahr's experiences as a refugee, her imprisonment, her resilience, and her involvement in active resistance activities against Israeli occupation. The book is structured to explore Nahr's past through memories while she reflects on her life in a space called the Cube, providing a poignant and honest look at the Palestinian experience.
The novel is praised for its stunningly gorgeous writing, intricate plot, and engaging momentum that captivates readers intellectually, emotionally, and politically. Through the character of Nahr and the portrayal of Palestine as a central element in the story, Abulhawa skillfully weaves a narrative that sheds light on the struggles, courage, and humanity of Palestinians, offering a captivating and eye-opening exploration of the complexities of life in the Middle East.
Light comes through the small glass-block window high on the wall, reached only by the many-legged crawling creatures that also reside here. I am fond of the spiders and ants, which have set up separa... - #10
Save:'Damascus Nights' by Rafik Schami is a colorful, Arabian Nights sort of tale set in 1959 Syria, where a renowned storyteller named Salim loses his voice and his seven friends must each tell him a story to bring it back. The stories have a fairytale quality and offer a kaleidoscope view of Damascus, portraying both traditional Arab fairy tales and contemporary tales reflecting the character of Syria at that time. The book intertwines the traditional art of storytelling with insights into the human condition and the political climate of 1959 Syria.
The book captures the essence of Arabian storytelling traditions, with a blend of fantasy, adventure, and real-life reflections. The plot revolves around the friends' attempts to restore Salim's voice through storytelling, each story adding depth to the characters and showcasing the richness of Syrian culture and history. The narrative style seamlessly weaves together different stories, offering a glimpse into the lives, mentalities, and backgrounds of the characters against the backdrop of pre-civil war Syria.
