Books matching: power and repression
12 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
In 'The Alteration' by Kingsley Amis, the author explores an alternative history where the Protestant Reformation never occurred, leading to a world dominated by a Roman Catholic theocracy. The story revolves around Hubert Anvil, a young boy with a remarkable singing voice who is chosen for a surgical alteration to preserve his talent for the church. As Hubert grapples with the expectations placed upon him by the church and his own desires, the narrative delves into themes of power, religion, and the abuse of authority. The book combines elements of satire, dystopia, and alternate history to create a thought-provoking and engaging narrative that challenges the reader to consider the consequences of a world shaped by different historical events.
- #2
'The Quiet War' by Paul J. McAuley is a hard science fiction novel set in our solar system, exploring the tensions and conflicts between humans living on Earth and those living in space. The narrative follows multiple characters as they navigate through political intrigue, genetic manipulation, and the lead up to a war that could decide the future of human evolution. McAuley paints a vivid picture of a future society divided into power blocks ruled by different regions, with a strong focus on the science of genetic manipulation and man-made organisms.
Every day the boys woke when the lights came on at 0600. They showered and dressed, made their beds and policed the dormitory, endured inspection by one of their lectors. Breakfast was a dollop of mai... - #3
Threadneedle by Cari Thomas is a magical tale set in contemporary London, following a young protagonist, Anna, who discovers her latent magical powers and navigates a world of secrets and danger. The story delves into themes of coming-of-age, friendship, bullying, and the complexities of magical abilities. Through intricate world-building and authentic magical practices, the author weaves a narrative filled with twists and turns, culminating in a gripping and immersive reading experience.
- #4
'Alien Embrace' in the series 'Clans of Kalquor' by Tracy St. John is a controversial science fiction romance novel that follows the story of Amelia, a human female living under a theocratic fundamentalist planetary regime where women are subjugated and abused. The book delves into taboo and ambitious sexual relations involving Amelia and a trio of alien Clansmen who provide her with explosive orgasms. The storyline explores themes of domination, submission, and the blurred lines of consent, as well as the concept of a mindbreak where the heroine is subjected to a pleasure-pain reward system until she complies with her captors. Despite the heavy focus on explicit sexual content, the characters are well developed, their motivations are explained thoroughly, and the plot is filled with hot and steamy scenes.
The narrative of 'Alien Embrace' is set in a futuristic Earth with unforgiving morals reminiscent of the 15th century, where men hold power over women, and those who have lost their virginity face torture and imprisonment. The book portrays a society where women are blamed for their own abuse, and consent is disregarded under the guise of affection. The story also introduces strange and imaginative alien planets, customs, and families, adding an element of intrigue and new concepts to the science fiction genre, making it a unique and engaging read for fans of alien supernatural erotic stories.
Of course I am. I'm the guest of honor and the only Earther here, the redhead thought. Still, Vrill’s excited tone raised goosebumps on Amelia’s bare arms. She checked the fiery red and gold gown that... Orlando Figes' 'A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution, 1891 - 1924' provides a comprehensive account of the Russian Revolution, spanning from the famine of 1891 to Lenin's death in 1924. Figes delves into the political and social intricacies of the era, highlighting the failures of Tsar Nicholas II and the rise of Bolshevik power under Lenin's leadership. The book explores the tumultuous events leading up to the revolution, the struggles of the Provisional Government, and the subsequent Civil War and its aftermath.
Figes weaves personal stories and anecdotes into the historical narrative, bringing the events to life and providing a vivid portrayal of the madness and decay of Imperialist Russia, the brutality of WWI, and the intense suffering of the Russian people. The author's writing style combines scholarly depth with readability, making the complex history accessible to readers and shedding light on the complexities of Russian society during this transformative period.
On a wet and windy morning in February 1913 St Petersburg celebrated three hundred years of Romanov rule over Russia. People had been talking about the great event for weeks, and everyone agreed that ...- #6
Amy and Isabelle is a poignant and evocative novel that delves into the complex relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter. The story unfolds in a small New England town, where the characters navigate through lives filled with quiet agonies, disappointments, and miscommunications. Through vivid prose and atmospheric setting, Elizabeth Strout captures universal moments of human experience, portraying the struggles and yearnings of the characters as they grapple with their imperfect lives. The narrative skillfully weaves together themes of mother-daughter dynamics, coming-of-age struggles, and the impact of past traumas on present relationships, drawing readers into a world of emotional depth and introspection.
Strout's writing style is characterized by its eloquence, humor, and sensuality, offering a nuanced portrayal of the characters' inner worlds and interpersonal dynamics. The author's ability to craft complex and relatable characters, from the rebellious teenager Amy to the conflicted single mother Isabelle, showcases her talent for creating authentic and multifaceted portrayals. As the story unfolds slowly, like a flower opening petal by petal, readers are immersed in a narrative that explores the intricacies of human relationships, the resilience of women in the face of adversity, and the power of forgiveness and redemption.
IT WAS TERRIBLY hot that summer Mr. Robertson left town, and for a long while the river seemed dead. Just a dead brown snake of a thing lying flat through the center of town, dirty yellow foam collect... Black Against Empire is a detailed and well-researched history of the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party, highlighting their method of armed self-defense, radical language, and their significant impact on the Black Power movement. The book delves into the party's origins with Bobby Seale and Huey Newton, their social programs, views on racial issues, and the challenges they faced, ultimately providing a comprehensive look at the organization's history during a turbulent time period.
This is the genius of Huey Newton, of being able to TAP this VAST RESERVOIR of revolutionary potential. I mean, street niggers, you dig it? Niggers who been BAD, niggers who weren’t scared, because th...- #8
The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek is a dark and disturbing novel that delves into the complex and twisted relationship between Erika Kohut, a middle-aged piano teacher in Vienna, and her overbearing mother. Erika's life is filled with self-harm, repressed sexuality, and a desire for control, which leads her into a sadomasochistic relationship with her student, Walter Klemmer. The narrative unfolds slowly, exploring themes of love, lust, control, and submission in a visceral and unapologetic manner, making it a challenging but compelling read that is not for the easily shocked.
The writing style of Elfriede Jelinek in The Piano Teacher is described as brilliant yet horrible, with a harsh expressionistic picture of sexuality. The narrative is compelling and compulsive, drawing readers into the strange and grotesque world of Erika and her tumultuous relationships. The book offers a disturbing but possibly realistic view of a troubled woman navigating her desires and demons, with a powerful writing style that brings poetry to dark and sticky topics, creating a train wreck of a story that is both fascinating and repulsive.
THE PIANO TEACHER, Erika Kohut, bursts like a whirlwind into the apartment she shares with her mother. Mama likes calling Erika her little whirlwind, for the child can be an absolute speed demon. She ... - #9
In the book "Confessions of a Pagan Nun" by Kate Horsley, the story follows Gwynneve, a woman living in 6th century Ireland during the transition from pagan beliefs to Christianity. Gwynneve's narrative explores her upbringing as a Druid, her struggles with the changing society as Christianity spreads, and her eventual conversion to Christianity. The book delves into the clash between traditional pagan beliefs and the rise of Christianity in Ireland, portraying the challenges faced by individuals like Gwynneve during this tumultuous time. The writing style alternates between past and present chapters, providing a detailed and authentic portrayal of the historical events and societal changes.
My túath was Tarbfhlaith, where I was born to my mother, Murrynn, and my father, Clebd. I can say little of their ancestors, they having been mostly unrenowned in battle, except for my mother’s father... - #10
'The Devils of Loudun' by Aldous Huxley is a fictionalized account of the true story of a corrupt priest, Urbain Grandier, and his interactions with a community of nuns in Loudun during the early 17th century. The plot delves into the nuns' hysteria leading to a witch hunt against Grandier, who is accused of witchcraft. explores themes of mass hysteria, possession, religious devotion, and the extremes of human malleability and influence. Huxley provides a detailed analysis of the events in Loudun, comparing them to contemporary political events and emphasizing the power of suggestion and crowd delirium.
I T was in 1605 that Joseph Hall, the satirist and future bishop, made his first visit to Flanders. “Along our way how many churches saw we demolished, nothing left but rude heaps to tell the passenge...