Books matching: poverty and survival
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- #1
Save:Set in early Renaissance Venice, "The Book of Unholy Mischief" follows the story of Luciano, a young street boy, who becomes an apprentice to the chef in the Doge's palace. The novel weaves treachery and power struggles of Venice into the culinary world, where secrets and magic are believed to be intertwined. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing new revelations on each page, while the writing style keeps the book fast-paced and engaging. The book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, mystery, and the power of knowledge, set against the backdrop of historical Venice.
An awakening of the culinary senses and a journey of self-discovery await the reader in this beautifully written tale. Luciano's transformation from a street urchin to a guardian of knowledge is depicted through vivid descriptions of food, cooking, and the vibrant setting of Renaissance Venice. The novel intertwines elements of historical fiction, adventure, and mystery, offering a unique perspective on the city's intrigue, alchemy, and the quest for eternal life.
- #2
Save:'The Good People' by Hannah Kent is a historical novel set in 1820s Ireland, following the story of Nora, a widow left to care for her disabled grandson Michael. Nora seeks the help of a local wise woman, Nance, to rid Michael of what she believes is a changeling. The book delves into the superstitions, folklore, and struggles of the villagers, highlighting the clash between paganism and religion during that time. Kent's writing style intricately weaves together themes of society, psychology, religion, and relationships, portraying the characters' humanity amidst a backdrop of hardship and ignorance.
Nóra’s first thought when they brought her the body was that it could not be her husband’s. For one long moment she stared at the men bearing Martin’s weight on their sweating shoulders, standing in t... - #3
Save:'The Last Book in the Universe' by Rodman Philbrick is a futuristic novel following the journey of a boy named Spaz who sets out on a quest to save his dying sister in a post-apocalyptic world where books are non-existent. The story touches on themes of family, friendship, and the importance of written word as institutional memory, all while delivering high-paced action and unexpected plot twists.
Spaz, the main character, navigates a world divided between genetically altered individuals and those struggling to survive, highlighting the contrast between two distinct societies. As Spaz embarks on his adventure with a group of friends, he learns about the true meaning of family and confronts challenges that test his courage and resilience, ultimately shaping his own narrative in a world devoid of books and traditional education.
IF YOU’RE READING this, it must be a thousand years from now. Because nobody around here reads anymore. Why bother, when you can just probe it? Put all the images and excitement right inside your brai... - #4
Save:'Zoo City' by Lauren Beukes is a unique urban fantasy novel set in a near-future Johannesburg where individuals, known as "animalled," are linked to an animal companion due to past criminal acts. The protagonist, Zinzi December, is linked to a sloth and possesses the ability to find lost objects. Reluctantly roped into a search for a missing child pop star, Zinzi uncovers a series of murders and delves into the criminal underworld. The book combines elements of urban fantasy, true crime, and magical realism, offering a fresh and edgy portrayal of a wired, gritty Johannesburg.
The novel explores themes of guilt, identity, and the consequences of past actions through a hard-hitting and humanistic lens. The world-building is vivid and immersive, depicting a corrupt and dingy future South Africa where criminals have acquired animal familiars, reminiscent of Philip Pullman's dæmons. The plot twists and turns, weaving a complex narrative that delves into the criminal underworld and the protagonist's personal struggles, culminating in a fast-paced and shocking conclusion.
Shielding my eyes – morning has broken and there's no picking up the pieces – I yank back the sheet and peel out of bed. Benoît doesn't so much as stir, with only his calloused feet sticking out from ... - #5
Save:Corrag by Susan Fletcher is a beautifully written historical fiction novel set in 17th century Scotland. The story follows Corrag, a young woman accused of witchcraft, as she embarks on a journey to Glencoe. Through alternating perspectives, the book delves into themes of persecution, love, forgiveness, and the beauty of nature. The writing style is described as lyrical, haunting, and insightful, painting a vivid picture of the Scottish Highlands and the characters' emotional journeys.
When they come for me, I will think of the end of the northern ridge, for that’s where I was happiest—with the skies and wind, and the mountains being dark with moss, or dark with the shadow of a clou... - #6
Save:Briar and Rosethorn find themselves in a new city where Briar discovers a young girl with stone magic in the marketplace. Unable to find her a suitable teacher, Briar takes it upon himself to mentor her while also protecting her from a dangerous gang controlled by a twisted rich woman. The book explores themes of mentorship, magic, and facing challenges in a fantasy world filled with adventure. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps the reader hooked till the end.
For centuries it had been called "fabled Chammur", "Chammur of the Flaming Heights," and "Mighty Chammur." For twelve hundred years the city on what was now the easternmost border of Sotat had straddl...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Circle Opens ) - #7
Save:'The Dark Road' by Ma Jian is a gripping novel that follows the harrowing journey of Meili, Kongzi, and their daughter Nannan as they navigate the oppressive one child policy in rural China. The family is forced to flee their village in search of a place where Meili can give birth to their unauthorized second child. Throughout their journey, they encounter corruption, brutality, and environmental devastation, painting a dark and vivid portrait of the struggles faced by Chinese peasants under the stringent policy. The book delves deep into the themes of family, survival, and the inhumanity of state-enforced regulations, offering a chilling and eye-opening narrative that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Meili rests her hands on her pregnant belly and feels the fetus’s heartbeat thud like a watch beneath a pillow. The heavy banging on the compound gate grows louder, the dim light bulb hanging from the... - #8
Save:Set during the Cultural Revolution in China, 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant' by Yu Hua follows the life of Xu Sanguan, a small town factory worker who sells his blood multiple times to support his family amidst various hardships. The novel explores the social conditions and everyday life in China during the mid-twentieth century, portraying the struggles and sacrifices of the protagonist and his family. Yu Hua's writing style is described as simple, direct, and poignant, capturing the harsh realities of Chinese village life with minimalism and emotional depth.
'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant' delves into themes of familial relationships, sacrifice, survival, and the impact of historical events such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution on ordinary people's lives. The story revolves around Xu Sanguan's unwavering devotion to his family, as he navigates through personal challenges, societal expectations, and the complexities of love and forgiveness. Yu Hua skillfully weaves a narrative that not only chronicles one man's struggles but also provides insights into the broader cultural and economic landscape of China during that period.
Xu Sanguan worked in the silk factory in town, distributing silkworm cocoons to the spinners. But today he was out in the country visiting his grandpa. His grandpa’s eyes had dimmed and blurred with a... - #9
Save:The Marauders by Tom Cooper is a story set in Louisiana post-Katrina and the BP oil spill, portraying the struggles of the shrimpers and fishermen in the backwater swamps and bayous. The novel introduces a diverse cast of characters, including a one-armed pill addict searching for Lafitte's treasure, a young shrimper dealing with family conflicts, small-time crooks, and dangerous individuals like the Toup brothers. The narrative weaves together the lives of these characters, showcasing the impact of environmental disasters and personal tragedies on their livelihoods and relationships. The writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, sense of place, and interconnected storylines that create a compelling and immersive reading experience.
They came like specters from the dark maw of the bayou, first ghostly light in the fog, then the rasp of a motor: an aluminum powerboat scudding across lacquer-black water. From a distance the figures... - #10
Save:The House of Hunger by Dambudzo Marechera is a collection of stories that vividly depict the state of soul hunger, gut rot, and alienation experienced by the characters in colonial Rhodesia. Marechera's writing style is characterized by powerful fragments of emotions, dream visions, and melancholy, creating a world that is both haunting and thought-provoking. The novelette within the book portrays the author's involuntary shamanic initiation, fueled by his hatred of reality and his reckless watering of the seed of hatred within his mind.
The book delves into themes of cultural and mental dislocation, the struggle for identity, and the impact of racial injustice on individuals and society. Marechera's writing style is described as restless, sensitive, mocking, and tortured, expanding the boundaries of postcolonial African literature. Through vivid imagery and rapidly shifting prose, Marechera creates a narrative that is both tragic and honest, offering readers a glimpse into the tormented genius of the author.
The House of Hunger first appeared in the Heinemann African Writers Series in December 1978, with an edition soon published by Pantheon in New York. A translation of the whole sequence into German fol...
