Books matching: post world war ii
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'A Feather on the Water: A Novel' by Lindsay Jayne Ashford follows the story of three women from diverse backgrounds who volunteer to work in a displaced persons camp in post WWII Germany. Martha, Delphine, and Kitty, each dealing with their own past traumas, are tasked with running a camp of over two thousand residents on their own. The novel explores their struggles, friendships, and the challenges they face in a post-war world, providing a glimpse into the lives of displaced people and the emotional journey of the main characters as they navigate through difficult circumstances and attempt to find peace and happiness.
The narrative of the book delves into the experiences of the three women as they come together to improve conditions in the camp, heal their own emotional scars, and provide care and support to the displaced persons. Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, the story sheds light on the displacement camps, the struggles faced by the residents, and the resilience of the human spirit in the aftermath of World War II. combines elements of history, romance, and friendship, offering a poignant tale of compassion, empathy, and the strength found in unity during challenging times.
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'Under the Frog' by Tibor Fischer is a novel set in post-WWII Budapest, following the life story of Gyuri Fischer, a blue-collar worker navigating the grim and absurd nature of life under a Communist regime. The book captures the absurdity and tragedy of living under a totalitarian regime, weaving real-world events such as the Hungarian Uprising of 1956 into the characters' stories. Fischer's writing style is described as fresh, slangy, and humorous, making heavy subjects funny to read while offering striking insights into a society not well-known to many readers.
It was true that at the age of twenty-five he had never left the country, that he had never got more than three days’ march from his birthplace, no more than a day and a half of horse and carting or o... - #3
The Mermaid from Jeju by Sumi Hahn is a novel that delves into the themes of life and death against the backdrop of the Korean War. The story unfolds in a hospital room where the author's father is battling cancer, leading to the author experiencing visions that inspire her to write. The narrative takes readers on a journey through Korean history, particularly focusing on the Korean island of Jeju and its deep diving female pearl hunters, as well as the cultural aspects such as shaman spirit guides. The book seamlessly transitions between different time periods, offering insights into the Korean culture, the suffering of war, and the immigrant experience.
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'Taken at the Flood' by Agatha Christie is a post-World War II mystery featuring Hercule Poirot. The plot revolves around a wealthy man, Gordon Cloade, who dies in a bombing raid shortly after marrying a young woman. With no clear will, his widow inherits everything, causing tension among the relatives who were financially dependent on him. As Poirot investigates, secrets, suspicions, and murder unfold in a sleepy English village, all while capturing the hardships of post-war Britain. The narrative intricately weaves mistaken identities, hidden motives, and unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged until the surprising conclusion.
Warmsley Vale, tucked away amongst wooded hills, is as unlike Warmsley Heath as well can be. It is in essence a microscopic old-fashioned market town now degenerated into a village. It has a main stre...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hercule Poirot ) - #5
In 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters, the story revolves around Doctor Faraday, who becomes entwined with the Ayres family residing in the deteriorating Hundreds Hall. As strange occurrences start happening at the mansion, a mix of psychological and supernatural elements come into play, leading to a gripping narrative that delves into the decline of the English landed gentry post-World War II. Waters masterfully crafts a tale that not only explores the haunted house but also delves deep into the characters' emotions and behaviors, creating a nuanced story set in a time of societal change and decay.
I first saw Hundreds Hall when I was ten years old. It was the summer after the war, and the Ayreses still had most of their money then, were still big people in the district. The event was an Empire ... 'Iron Curtain: The Crushing of Eastern Europe 1944-1956' by Anne Applebaum delves into the post-World War II era where the Soviet Union established control over Eastern Europe, particularly focusing on countries like Poland, East Germany, and Hungary. Through extensive research and firsthand accounts, Applebaum portrays the brutal enforcement of communist regimes in the region, detailing the impact on individuals' lives and the reshaping of institutions to mirror the Soviet model. The narrative explores the rise of totalitarianism, the oppressive tactics employed by Stalin and his regime, and the struggles faced by the populace under Soviet rule.
The mad orgy of ruins, entangled wires, twisted corpses, dead horses, overturned parts of blown-up bridges, bloody hoofs which had been torn off horses, broken guns, scattered ammunition, chamber pots...- #7
"An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro is a novel set in post-WWII Japan, following the story of Mr. Ono, a retired artist reflecting on his past political positions and actions. The narrative delves into themes of guilt, family dynamics, and societal changes as Ono grapples with the consequences of his past choices. The story is told through Ono's perspective, offering a glimpse into his present life and his recollections of the past, creating a fascinating exploration of a Japanese family navigating a society in transition.
The book is characterized by its beautifully written prose, intricate exploration of memory and legacy, and the complexities of self-perception. Through the lens of an unreliable narrator, Ishiguro weaves a tale of introspection and self-realization, as Ono confronts his own mistakes and struggles to come to terms with his past actions in a changing world.
If on a sunny day you climb the steep path leading up from the little wooden bridge still referred to around here as ‘the Bridge of Hesitation’, you will not have to walk far before the roof of my hou... - #8
'The Innocent' by Ian McEwan is a gripping novel set in Cold War Berlin in the 1950s. The story follows Leonard, a British post office technician, who is assigned to a secret spy mission in collaboration with the Americans. As Leonard falls in love with Maria, a German divorcee, the plot takes a dark turn involving espionage, murder, and the consequences of their actions. The writing style of the book is described as detailed, suspenseful, and atmospheric, with a focus on the psychological development of the characters as they navigate through the complexities of love, guilt, and innocence.
It was Lieutenant Lofting who dominated the meeting. “Look here, Marnham. You’ve only just arrived, so there’s no reason why you should know the situation. It’s not the Germans or the Russians who are... - #9
Vincent Bevins' book, 'The Jakarta Method', delves into the dark history of Washington's anticommunist crusade and the mass murder program that had a profound impact on the world. Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Bevins uncovers the brutal realities of imperialism, CIA interventions, and the violent suppression of socialist movements in various third world countries. The book sheds light on the ruthless tactics employed by the U.S. government to further its interests, the devastating consequences of these actions on local populations, and the lasting effects that still resonate today.
THE UNITED STATES, A WESTERN European settler colony in North America, emerged from World War II as by far the most powerful state on Earth. This was a surprise to most Americans, and to most of the w... 'The Cold War's Killing Fields: Rethinking the Long Peace' by Paul Thomas Chamberlin delves into the lesser-known atrocities and human suffering that occurred during the Cold War era. It provides a comprehensive view of how the major superpowers' fears and actions during the Cold War contributed to numerous conflicts and power struggles around the world. Chamberlin connects these disparate atrocities to the overarching theme of the Cold War, shedding light on the underreported suffering and devastation caused by military actions and power plays.
The author outlines how the hot conflicts of the Cold War were fought in various regions, starting from Asia and moving towards the Middle East, transforming ideological clashes into ethnic and religious conflicts. also highlights the shift in global power dynamics post-World War II, as colonial powers lost their grip and new struggles for freedom and autonomy emerged. Chamberlin's writing style presents a clear narrative that weaves together historical events, shedding light on the interconnectedness of different conflicts and atrocities during this tumultuous period.
Such fears were stoked by a trickle of intelligence that seemed to confirm the existence of a coordinated East Asian offensive. In December 1951, the CIA reported on a Sino-Soviet military conference ...