Books matching: political prisoner
92 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
Nelson Mandela's autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom," chronicles his extraordinary life journey, from his early years to his time as a political prisoner and ultimately becoming the President of South Africa. The book is praised for its captivating narrative style that delves into Mandela's experiences, struggles, and triumphs, providing readers with a deep insight into the history of South Africa's freedom movement and the end of apartheid. The writing style is described as engaging, powerful, and thought-provoking, drawing readers in and keeping them engrossed throughout the book.
APART FROM LIFE, a strong constitution, and an abiding connection to the Thembu royal house, the only thing my father bestowed upon me at birth was a name, Rolihlahla. In Xhosa, Rolihlahla literally m..."One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is a powerful novella depicting a day in the life of Ivan Denisovich Shukhov, a zek prisoner in a Soviet gulag labor camp. Set in 1951 Siberia, the book provides a harrowing portrayal of the brutal conditions faced by prisoners under Stalin's regime. Through the eyes of Shukhov, the author explores the resilience and struggles of individuals in the face of extreme adversity, shedding light on the dehumanizing aspects of the Soviet work camps. The writing style is described as straightforward yet impactful, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the stark reality of life in the gulag.
THE HAMMER BANGED reveille on the rail outside camp HQ at five o’clock as always. Time to get up. The ragged noise was muffled by ice two fingers thick on the windows and soon died away. Too cold for ...Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat is a gripping memoir that recounts the harrowing experiences of Marina, a young girl arrested and thrown into prison in Tehran during the Iranian Revolution. The book vividly describes Marina's time in Evin Prison, where she was tortured, blackmailed, and forced into a marriage with one of her captors. Through Marina's powerful storytelling, readers are taken on a journey of survival, resilience, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a totalitarian regime.
In a compelling narrative, Marina Nemat shares her story of faith, love, and hope amidst the horrors she faced in Evin Prison. The book delves into Marina's struggle to maintain her beliefs and identity in a world where speaking out against the government led to imprisonment and torture. Through her poignant writing, Marina sheds light on the cultural shifts in Iran post-revolution and the resilience she displayed in the face of unimaginable challenges.
THERE IS AN ANCIENT PERSIAN PROVERB that says: “The sky is the same color wherever you go.” But the Canadian sky was different from the one I remembered from Iran; it was a deeper shade of blue and se...- #4
Save:'Hawksbill Station' by Robert Silverberg is a novella that explores the concept of a penal colony in the Cambrian period where political dissidents are sent back in time as a humane alternative to execution. The story follows the struggles of these male exiles, led by revolutionary Jim Barrett, as they try to survive and find meaning in their lives in a harsh and desolate past. The narrative alternates between the happenings at Hawksbill Station and flashbacks to Barrett's life, delving into themes of ideological commitment, fairness of punishment, and the impact of being displaced by historical events.
The book is a masterful examination of political power shifts, character portraits of men facing a hopeless situation, and a study of ambition in various forms. Silverberg's narrative competence shines through in the creation of a vividly imagined prehistoric setting and the depiction of convicts grappling with their circumstances. Despite a diversion into 20th-century political exposition, the novella effectively conveys the struggles and complexities faced by the characters in this unique time-travel scenario.
Barrett was the uncrowned king of Hawksbill Station. No one disputed that. He had been there the longest; he had suffered the most; he had the deepest inner resources of strength. Before his accident,... - #5
Save:'The First Circle' by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is a novel that delves into the oppressive political prison system under Stalin's rule in Russia. The story follows a group of politically unreliable Soviet scientists living in a prison facility where they are forced to work on projects for the Secret Police. The novel portrays the harsh living conditions, the psychological impact of oppression, and the moral dilemmas faced by the prisoners as they navigate their roles within the Soviet system.
The narrative of 'The First Circle' is filled with intense scenes, vivid characters, and a mix of suspense and thriller elements. Solzhenitsyn's writing style captures the brutality and complexity of Stalinist Russia, showcasing the struggles and sacrifices made by individuals caught in a system that values loyalty above all else. The book sheds light on the inner workings of the Soviet penal system, the psychological toll of living under a totalitarian regime, and the moral ambiguities faced by those trying to survive within it.
The fretted hands of the bronze clock on the shelf stood at five to five. In the dying light of the December day the clock seemed almost black. Reaching to the ground, the tall window with its double ... - #6
Save:'The Seventh Cross' by Anna Seghers is a gripping thriller set in Germany during the Nazi regime prior to World War II. The story follows the escape of seven political prisoners from a concentration camp and the chilling pursuit by the Gestapo to recapture them. The tension and fear inspired by the Gestapo and concentration camps are depicted vividly, with a focus on one of the escapees, George Heisler, as he navigates the dangers of staying out of the hands of the authorities. The writing style of the book seethes with tension, portraying the insidious beginnings of unjust imprisonment and paranoia in pre-WWII Germany.
The narrative of 'The Seventh Cross' sheds light on the stark reality of life in a totalitarian regime, showcasing the rapid transformation of good people into fearful individuals who struggle to do what is right. Through the pursuit of the escapees, the book highlights the courage required to challenge the oppressive system and the power of friendship in resisting injustice. The author, Anna Seghers, a Jewish Communist who fled Germany during the war, brings a unique perspective to the story, emphasizing the complexities of opposing unjust political systems and the importance of standing up against tyranny.
Never perhaps in man’s memory were stranger trees jelled than the seven plane trees growing the length of Barrack III. Their tops had been clipped before, for a reason that will be explained later. Cr... - #7
Save:'Ten Men Dead' by David Beresford is a gripping account of the 1981 Irish Republican Army hunger strike in Long Kesh prison. The book delves into the lives of the ten hunger strikers who sacrificed themselves for the cause, shedding light on the horrendous conditions they endured and the deterioration of their health over weeks. Through special access to secret documents and detailed profiles of the participants, Beresford paints a vivid picture of the human cost of the hunger strike and the political turmoil surrounding it. The writing style is described as fluid, entertaining, and fast-moving, keeping readers engaged as it explores the complexities of social protest and the consequences of radical tactics.
- #8
Save:'Escape from Camp 14' by Blaine Harden is a harrowing and eye-opening account of Shin Dong Hyuk's life in a North Korean political prison camp. Born and raised inside the camp, Shin's story details the brutal conditions, starvation, slave labor, torture, and psychological trauma he endured before miraculously escaping at the age of 23. The book provides a stark portrayal of life inside the North Korean death camp, shedding light on the atrocities and inhumanity faced by those imprisoned within.
The narrative follows Shin's journey to freedom and his struggles to acclimate to normal society after a lifetime of suffering. Through straightforward and unsophisticated prose, the author, Blaine Harden, weaves together Shin's personal story with factual insights into life in North Korea, highlighting the harsh realities faced by its people. 'Escape from Camp 14' serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardships.
Each of the forty one-storey buildings in the village housed four families. Shin and his mother had their own room, where they slept side by side on a concrete floor. The four families shared a common... - #9
Save:Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler is a contemplative novel that delves into the internal struggles of Nicolas Rubashov, a former Commissar of the People who finds himself imprisoned and on trial during the transition of Communist Russia from Leninism to Stalinism. The book offers insights into the Soviet internal struggles from 1928 to 1938, touching on historical events like The Great Famine, the Moscow Show Trials, and The Great Purges. Through Rubashov's reflections on his past life and the ideological shift in the USSR, the reader is taken on a journey that explores the complexities of totalitarian regimes and the psychological impact of revolutionary beliefs.
The writing style of Darkness at Noon is described as tightly written and not a fast read, drawing comparisons to literary works like The Trial by Kafka. Despite its grim and dark themes, the book is praised for its ability to provide profound psychological insights into the motives behind false confessions during Stalin's show trials. The use of storytelling to convey moral points and the exploration of conflicts between man and punishment are highlighted as key aspects that make this novel a compelling and insightful read.
He lingered for a few seconds leaning against the door and lit a cigarette. To his right was a cot with two tolerably clean blankets and a straw tick that looked freshly stuffed. The washbasin to his ... - #10
Save:"Death and the Maiden" by Ariel Dorfman is a powerful play that delves into the complexities of justice and reconciliation in a newly democratic country post-dictatorship. The story follows the characters of Gerardo, Paulina, and Roberto, as they navigate the aftermath of a dictatorship and grapple with the crimes of the past, particularly focusing on issues of truth, justice, and punishment. Through intense storytelling and a thriller-like plot, the author paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by individuals in a society transitioning from oppression to democracy.
Set in Chile during a time of political upheaval, the play raises significant questions about the nature of truth and justice, particularly through the character of Paulina who must confront her past trauma of being a political prisoner. The narrative is gripping and thought-provoking, leaving readers riveted as they explore the complexities of the characters and the moral dilemmas they face in a post-dictatorship era.
GERARDO (voice off). You sure you don’t want to come in? Just one for the road (Muffled reply.) . . . Right then, we’ll get together before I leave. I’ve gotta be back by . . . Monday. How about Sunda...
