Books matching: personal tragedies and triumphs

4 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 4 of 4 
  1. #1

    The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin
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    "The Children's Blizzard" by David Laskin explores the devastating blizzard that hit the Great Plains in 1888, focusing on the personal tragedies and triumphs of those who experienced the storm firsthand. Laskin delves deep into the historical, economic, and scientific context surrounding the blizzard, detailing the meteorological causes and the impact of hypothermia on the victims. Through narratives of immigrant families from Norway, Germany, and Eastern Europe, the book paints a vivid picture of the hardships faced by settlers in the Midwest during this natural disaster.

    The author weaves together accounts of the blizzard's victims, the struggles of pioneers, and the evolving field of meteorology, creating a comprehensive narrative that combines elements of collective biography, history, and science. offers a detailed exploration of the events leading up to and following the blizzard, shedding light on the human resilience and tragedy intertwined with the forces of nature.

    Land, freedom, and hope. In the narrow stony valleys of Norway and the heavily taxed towns of Saxony and Westphalia, in Ukrainian villages bled by the recruiting officers of the czars and Bohemian far...

  2. #2

    Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All by Allan Gurganus
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    'Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All' by Allan Gurganus is a sprawling epic that delves into the life of Lucy Marsden, who at the age of 15 marries a 50-year-old Confederate veteran, Captain Marsden. The story follows Lucy's experiences living with her much older husband, raising their nine children, and navigating relationships with their black maid, Castalia. Through Lucy's narration, readers are exposed to the aftermath of the Civil War, the impact of slavery, and the personal tragedies and triumphs of the characters. is structured as a pseudo-memoir, blending humor, poignancy, and historical insight into a complex narrative that spans generations.

    The writing style of 'Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All' is characterized by a mix of detailed storytelling, regional diction, and a nonlinear timeline. weaves together various perspectives and anecdotes, providing a rich tapestry of interconnected characters and events. While some readers appreciate the depth and humor in Lucy's storytelling, others find the narrative meandering and overly detailed, with parenthetical asides that detract from the overall impact of the story.

    Died doing his bad bugle imitation, calling for the maps, died bellowing orders at everybody, horses included, “Not over there, dunderdick, rations go here.” Stayed bossy to the last. He would look do...

  3. Young Romantics: The Tangled Lives of English Poetry's Greatest Generation by Daisy Hay delves into the interconnected lives of the Romantic poets, showcasing how they formed cliques, challenged each other's writing styles, and influenced each other's works. The book explores the personal lives of poets like Shelley, Byron, and Keats, touching on their relationships, tragedies, and the societal norms of the early 1800s. Through meticulous research and a narrative style that reads like a novel, Hay paints a vivid picture of a group of young people who embodied radical philosophies and struggled with love, loss, and societal expectations.

    The author not only narrates the stories of these iconic poets but also sheds light on the women behind the men, highlighting their struggles, resilience, and the complexities of their relationships. Daisy Hay's writing style combines detailed research with captivating storytelling, making the lives of these literary figures come alive on the pages. The book offers a fresh perspective on the Romantics, portraying them as real individuals with flaws, passions, and intricate connections that shaped their literary endeavors and personal lives.

    3 In academic circles this myth has been exploded in the work of such pioneering critics as Marilyn Butler (in Romantics, Rebels and Reactionaries)and Jack Stillinger (in Multiple Authorship and the M...

  4. #4

    The Street of a Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama
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    "The Street of a Thousand Blossoms" by Gail Tsukiyama follows the story of two brothers, Hiroshi and Kenji, who are raised by their grandparents in Japan during and after WWII. The narrative spans nearly thirty years, exploring the brothers' journeys in sumo wrestling and Noh theater mask making. delves into the impact of war on their lives, the cultural traditions of Japan, and the struggles and triumphs faced by the characters as they navigate through personal tragedies and historical events.

    Hiroshi walked down the hanamichi aisle and looked up to where he knew his obaachan, Kenji, and Mika were sitting. He couldn’t see beyond the glaring lights, but he knew they were there. He only wishe...

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