Books matching: political unrest
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- #1
'I'll Be Right There' by Kyung-Sook Shin is a novel that delves into the lives of three main characters, Yoon, Miru, and Myungsuh, who form a close bond while navigating through the political unrest in South Korea during the 1980s. The story is told through the memories of Yoon and the journal entries of her college boyfriend, providing insights into their struggles, relationships, and the influence of their mentor, Professor Yoon. The book is described as a slow burn, with intricate character development and a meandering plot that culminates in a thoughtfully sad and philosophical narrative.
The narrative style of 'I'll Be Right There' is praised for its emotional depth and introspective exploration of the characters' experiences. The author, Kyung-Sook Shin, weaves together timelines and perspectives seamlessly, creating a story that is both romantic and tragic, without being melodramatic. The book is commended for its focus on character development over dramatic events, portraying the characters' struggles with grief, love, and self-discovery in a poignant and engaging manner.
The first thing she did after she found out she was sick was to send me to live with my older female cousin in the city. I was in middle school at the time. For my mother, sending me away was her way ... - #2
The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner follows the journey of Reno, a young woman from Nevada who moves to New York City in the 1970s to pursue her passion for art and motorcycles. She becomes entangled in the bohemian art scene, meets Sandro, an artist with a complicated family background, and eventually gets involved in the radical movements of Italy. The story weaves together elements of the New York art world, land speed records, political unrest in 70s Italy, and the personal growth of Reno as she navigates through different relationships and experiences. The narrative style is described as poetic, with vivid set pieces and intricate character development that keep readers engaged throughout the book.
Valera had fallen back from his squadron and was cutting the wires of another rider’s lamp. The rider, Copertini, was dead. Valera felt no sadness, strangely, even though Copertini had been a comrade ... - #3
A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft is a fantasy romance novel set in Avaland, where Niamh, a gifted weaver of magic into fabric, finds herself entangled in a forbidden romance with Prince Kit. The book explores themes of magic, chronic illness, political unrest, and societal prejudices, all woven together with a whimsical touch and Bridgerton vibes. The story delves into Niamh's struggle with her hereditary chronic illness and the toll her magic takes on her, while also touching on heavier topics such as classism, elitism, and xenophobia within the society of Avaland.
The narrative of A Fragile Enchantment unfolds with lush descriptions, vivid imagery, and intricate world-building that blend real historical events with fantasy elements. The relationships between the characters, especially the slow-burning romance between Niamh and Kit, are portrayed with depth and charm, offering a mix of humor, feel-good moments, and nuanced exploration of serious themes.
- #4
Set in 1920 during the Irish war of independence, "The Last September" by Elizabeth Bowen follows the privileged life of an Anglo-Irish family at their County Cork home. The novel delves into the impending extinction of a fading class, where every social event is tinged with a sense of doom. Bowen's precise prose captures the societal changes and conflicts of the time, focusing on the characters' interactions against the backdrop of political turmoil. The narrative presents a conflict between generations' ideals and portrays the complexities of loyalties during a civil war, all while depicting an aristocracy in denial of the changing world around them.
ABOUT six o’clock the sound of a motor, collected out of the wide country and narrowed under the trees of the avenue, brought the household out in excitement on to the steps. Up among the beeches, a t... - #5
'Passenger To Frankfurt' by Agatha Christie is a spy thriller novel that follows Sir Stafford Nye as he meets a mysterious woman who draws him into a world of international politics and espionage. The book involves elements of civil unrest, espionage, science, money, weapons, and government, with a plot that touches on topics like charismatic speakers, vulnerability of people to lies, and a worldwide conspiracy driven by the super rich. The writing style is described as disjointed, with a mix of thrilling spy elements in the beginning and a more confusing and odd tone in the latter half of the book.
'Fasten your seat-belts, please.' The diverse passengers in the plane were slow to obey. There was a general feeling that they couldn't possibly be arriving at Geneva yet. The drowsy groaned and yawne... - #6
Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale is a historical romance novel that intertwines fey magic with a tale of love, political unrest, and family curses. The story follows Roderica Delamore, a young woman with the gift of seeing into the minds of others, who meets Faelan Savingar, known as The Devil Earl of Iveragh. Their unconventional courtship leads to marriage, but as secrets unravel and dark pasts come to light, their relationship is tested in the backdrop of Ireland's misty and magical landscape.
Roderica Delamore clutched hard at the billowing silk folds of her father's pavilion as the horses came pounding down the turf. The blood-bay stallion was in the lead, a flash of living fire, pulling ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Regency Tales ) - #7
Saleem Haddad's debut novel 'Guapa' follows the protagonist Rasa, a young gay Arab man living in an unnamed Middle Eastern country, as he navigates a day filled with personal crisis and societal challenges. The story is interwoven with flashbacks that provide a glimpse into Rasa's past, exploring themes of identity, love, political unrest, and family dynamics. The narrative captures the struggles of being gay in a conservative society, while also delving into the complexities of cultural norms, personal relationships, and self-discovery.
The writing style in 'Guapa' is described as raw, intimate, and engaging, with a fast-paced narration that seamlessly weaves together the protagonist's personal journey and the larger socio-political landscape of the Middle East. Through vivid storytelling and nuanced observations, Saleem Haddad offers a poignant exploration of themes such as shame, family honor, cultural stereotypes, and the quest for personal liberation in a turbulent environment.
The morning begins with shame. This is not new, but as memories of last night begin to sink in, the feeling takes on a terrifying resonance. I grimace, squirm, dig my fingers in my palms until the pai... - #8
'The Alchemy of Stone' by Ekaterina Sedia is a steampunk novel revolving around the character of Mattie, an emancipated automaton who is on a journey of self-discovery and independence. The story delves into themes of love, freedom, and the struggle to find one's identity in a world filled with political unrest and societal conflicts. Through Mattie's interactions with various characters like gargoyles, alchemists, and mechanics, the reader is taken on a journey through a complex and intriguing world where the lines between humanity and machinery blur.
The narrative is filled with multiple plotlines running parallel to each other, weaving together themes of rebellion, friendship, and the search for purpose. The writing style is described as charming, haunting, and beautifully written, with a focus on character development and intricate world-building that immerses the reader into a fantastical steampunk setting.
We scale the rough bricks of the building’s facade. Their crumbling edges soften under our claw-like fingers; they jut out of the flat, adenoid face of the wall to provide easy footholds. We could’ve ... - #9
'The Jewel in the Crown' by Paul Scott delves into the complex social, political, and cultural landscape of India during the dying days of British rule in 1942. The narrative revolves around the gang rape of an English girl, Daphne Manners, by a group of Indian men, intertwining personal relationships, political turmoil, and societal tensions. Through a mix of diary entries, letters, reports, and various narrative styles, the author creates a vivid portrayal of the era and the events leading up to and following the heinous crime.
The writing style of 'The Jewel in the Crown' is described as multi-layered, intricate, and evocative. Paul Scott employs different storytelling techniques such as first-person accounts, third-person narratives, letters, and journal entries to provide a comprehensive view of the fictional city of Mayapore, representing a microcosm of India as a whole. intricately weaves together personal stories with political events, creating a rich tapestry that captures the essence of the time period.
Imagine, then, a flat landscape, dark for the moment, but even so conveying to a girl running in the still deeper shadow cast by the wall of the Bibighar Gardens an idea of immensity, of distance, suc... - #10
'The Demon Count' by Anne Stuart is a gothic tale set in Venice during the year 1840. The story follows Charlotte Morrow, a young woman who travels to Italy to meet her absent guardian, Count Luc del Zaglia. As Charlotte delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Luc, who is rumored to be a vampire, she finds herself in danger and unsure of who to trust. The narrative is written in the first person, leaving readers in the dark about the characters' true motivations, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. Despite some outdated elements, the book's compelling prose and engaging storyline make it a captivating read for fans of gothic romance.
The sequel, 'The Demon Count's Daughter,' follows Lucinda de Zaglia, the daughter of the characters from the first book, as she navigates political unrest in Venice and becomes involved in espionage. The story intertwines romance, political intrigue, and dark overtones, providing readers with a mix of suspense and thrills. While the sequel may not be as complex as its predecessor, it still offers an entertaining narrative that revisits familiar characters and continues the gothic theme established in the first book.
I have never been one to become hysterical with great frequency, but I knew with a certainty that if this wretchedly sprung diligence hit one more bump I would scream at the top of my lungs. It seemed...