Books matching: political struggles
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- #1
'Vive La Revolution' by Mark Steel is a humorous and engaging take on the French Revolution, told through the lens of a socialist comedian. The book is praised for its lively narrative that brings historic events to life, making them relatable and interesting. Readers appreciate the author's deep understanding of political struggle, as he delves into detailed illustrations to explain various points, making the book an exciting and informative read.
Mark Steel's writing style is described as polemical, biased, and prone to digression, yet it adds to the fun and informative nature of the book. The author's emphasis on the perspective of 'the people' during the French Revolution resonates with readers, who find the book to be a light-hearted introduction to a complex historical event, filled with humor and insightful details.
'Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter' by Carmen Aguirre is a gripping memoir that provides a unique perspective on South American politics, particularly during the 80s. It portrays the life of a child affected by political strife, offering new insights into a world that many readers may not have had much knowledge about. The author's storytelling is informative, providing details that textbooks cannot offer, while also incorporating the perspectives of other characters, such as her grandma and younger sister, which enhances the narrative.
Carmen Aguirre's writing style is captivating and engrossing, carrying the reader through the tumultuous landscape of South America during a challenging period. delves into Aguirre's personal experiences growing up in the Chilean resistance after the Pinochet coup, offering a raw and honest account that is both political and deeply personal. Readers are drawn into Aguirre's world, gaining a better understanding of the historical events and personal struggles that shaped her life.
AS MY MOTHER bit into her Big Mac, her glasses caught the reflection of a purple neon light somewhere behind me. Barry White’s “Love’s Theme,” my favourite song, blasted from the loudspeaker. Mami loo...- #3
Desolation Road is a highly unusual novel set in a small settlement on the surface of Mars, involving elements of magical realism, Western cow town dynamics, time travel, and futuristic weaponry. The story follows the founding and evolution of the town of Desolation Road, presenting a mix of lyrical writing, vivid imagery, and a vast cast of memorable characters. The narrative spans from the town's inception to its eventual downfall, exploring themes of destiny, growth, and community amidst a backdrop of terraformed Mars.
For three days Dr. Alimantando had followed the greenperson across the desert. Beckoned by a finger made from articulated runner beans, he had sailed over the desert of red grit, the desert of red sto... - #4
'Moving Mars' by Greg Bear is a science fiction novel set in the Twenty Second Century, focusing on the political developments between Earth and the Martian colony. The story follows Casseia Majumdar, a Martian stateswoman, as she navigates through the challenges of Martian politics and the struggle for independence. The plot involves themes of sacrifice, power struggles, and the quest for autonomy, culminating in Mars breaking away from the rest of the solar system.
The book is narrated in the first person by Casseia, providing a deep dive into her character development from a college student to a selfless leader willing to make sacrifices for the future of Mars. The writing style combines elements of hard science fiction with sociological themes, cyberpunk elements, and political intrigue, creating a narrative that balances character-driven storytelling with high-stakes plot twists.
The young may not remember Mars of old, under the yellow Sun, its cloud-streaked skies dusted pink, its soil rusty and fine, its inhabitants living in pressurized burrows and venturing Up only as a ri... - #5
'The Last Empress' by Anchee Min is a historical novel that continues the story of the Empress Dowager Cixi, the last Empress of China. The book covers the decades of her reign, focusing on her struggles to keep China together amidst court intrigue, foreign pressures, and internal strife. The novel delves into the political landscape of the time, showcasing the Empress's navigation through conservative and reform forces as well as the demands of foreign powers. Through a revisionist portrayal, the author presents the Empress as a reluctant ruler who gradually becomes politically adept at handling her enemies and supporting her allies.
The writing style of the book has been described as providing a good idea of the politics and cultural conditions of the era, shedding light on the complexities of the Empress's character and the circumstances she faced. However, some readers found the book to lack depth in character development, with a focus more on politics than on the vibrant and colorful storytelling seen in the prequel. Despite being a sequel, 'The Last Empress' is perceived as not quite as interesting or lively as the first book, occasionally becoming ponderous or confusing due to the amount of historical detail packed into the narrative.
“Try not to trouble people” was Mother’s philosophy. She would have been disappointed to know that she needed help to close her eyes. I wished that I could disregard Nuharoo’s order and bring my son t...
(Also, see 46 recommendations for the series Empress Orchid ) - #6
'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire offers a unique perspective on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, delving into the life of the supposed villain, the Wicked Witch of the West, named Elphaba. The narrative reimagines the well-known tale, exploring themes of morality, religious zealotry, human behavior, and the nature of good and evil. Through a dark and sometimes sexually explicit tone, the book provides a complex and intricate storyline that challenges readers' perceptions of traditional fairy tales.
The author, Gregory Maguire, skillfully weaves a tale that captivates adult readers by delving into the personalities of fairy tale characters, offering a fantasy world that blurs the lines between childhood memories and adult realities. is characterized by its imaginative storytelling, clever twists on familiar characters, and a narrative that goes beyond the surface story of Oz, delving into deeper themes and character motivations that resonate with readers on a philosophical level.
Journalists, armed with the thesaurus and apocalyptic scriptures, fumbled and were defeated by it. “A gulfy deliquescence of deranged and harnessed air” … “A volcano of the invisible, darkly construed... - #7
'Souls in the Great Machine' by Sean McMullen is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel set in a future Australia after a global catastrophe. The plot revolves around a society that has regressed technologically to strictly mechanical levels, where the characters navigate through a world without steam or electric power. The story follows characters like Zarvora, who aims to develop the first human-powered computer and revive electric technology while dealing with mysterious phenomena like the Call and political power struggles.
In Sean McMullen's glittering, dynamic, and exotic world two millennia from now, there is no more electricity, wind engines are leading-edge technology, librarians fight duels to settle disputes, stea... - #8
Directive 51 by John Barnes is a post-apocalyptic novel that delves into the aftermath of a catastrophic event caused by a group called Daybreak. The story follows government functionaries and officials as they navigate through the chaos and destruction to lead recovery efforts and maintain order in a world plunged back into the near Dark Ages due to industrial sabotage and ecoterrorism. The narrative weaves together political power struggles, memetics, and thrilling action sequences, offering a detailed exploration of the collapse of modern civilization and the challenges of rebuilding amidst chaos and uncertainty.
The writing style of Directive 51 is described as intelligent and fast-paced, with a focus on gritty details and intricate world-building. The novel introduces a diverse range of characters and groups with varying beliefs and motivations, adding depth to the storyline. Despite some criticisms regarding character development and pacing, the book is praised for its engaging plot, thought-provoking themes, and the author's ability to tackle complex ideas such as emergent behavior, technological perils, and the continuity of government in a compelling and plausible manner.
All the days of the modern world begin at the International Date Line, in the middle of the Pacific. When it is midnight on the Date Line, the midnight that ended yesterday touches the midnight that b... 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...- #10
'The Rotters' Club' by Jonathan Coe is a nostalgic and humorous novel set in the 1970s in Britain, focusing on the lives of a group of high school kids growing up in Birmingham. The story captures the joys and awkwardness of adolescence, intertwined with the complex political and social landscape of the time, including strikes, bombings, and police brutality. Through diverse voices and mixed media, the book portrays the coming of age experiences of the characters, set against the backdrop of a changing society on the brink of monumental shifts.
The narrative weaves together diary entries, letters, and articles from a school magazine to create a vivid portrayal of the characters as they navigate personal and societal challenges. Jonathan Coe's writing style is described as pitch-perfect, moving, funny, and accessible, making the novel an engaging and bittersweet tale of friendship, love, and laughter. The book captures the essence of growing up in 70s Birmingham, portraying the characters' growth through secondary school amidst political changes, union strikes, and personal traumas, while also highlighting the geographical details that inform a strong sense of place.
These two people had never met, before today. Sophie was visiting Berlin with her mother, and Patrick was visiting with his father. Sophie’s mother and Patrick’s father had once known each other, very...