Books matching: red scare
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- #1
Save:'I Married a Communist' by Philip Roth is a novel that delves into the story of Ira Ringold, a Communist spokesman and radio star caught up in McCarthyism, narrated by Nathan Zuckerman. The book spans nearly a century, exploring themes of betrayal, human relationships, and the impact of the McCarthy era on innocent lives. Roth weaves together a complex narrative with rich characters and intellectual references to literature, philosophy, and economics, creating a profound story set against the backdrop of early McCarthyism.
IRA RINGOLD’S older brother, Murray, was my first high school English teacher, and it was through him that I hooked up with Ira. In 1946 Murray was just back from the army, where he’d served with the ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The American Trilogy ) - #2
Save:"Last Night at the Telegraph Club" by Malinda Lo is a historical fiction novel set in 1950s San Francisco, focusing on the life of Lily Hu, a Chinese American girl navigating her identity and sexuality. Lily finds herself drawn to the underground lesbian community at the Telegraph Club, where she forms a deep connection with Kath. The book beautifully captures the complexities of Lily's experiences as she grapples with societal expectations, racism, and her burgeoning queer identity, all against the backdrop of the Red Scare and the Cold War era. Through vivid descriptions and intricate character development, the author paints a poignant coming-of-age story that delves into themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery.
The narrative of "Last Night at the Telegraph Club" is richly layered with historical events and cultural nuances, providing readers with a compelling exploration of Lily's journey towards embracing her true self amidst a time of societal constraints and prejudices. Lo's writing style masterfully weaves together elements of romance, historical context, and personal growth, creating a captivating tale that immerses readers in the vibrant setting of 1950s San Francisco and the challenges faced by Lily as she navigates her identity in a world that seeks to confine her.
It was Friday night in the middle of the dinner rush, and the Eastern Pearl was almost full, but Lily knew immediately who Shirley was talking about. The red paper lanterns hanging overhead shed a war... - #3
Save:The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis is a historical fiction novel set in the 1950s, following the lives of two main characters, Hazel and Maxine, who meet during a USO tour in WWII. The story revolves around their friendship, aspirations in the entertainment industry, and the challenges they face during the Red Scare and McCarthy era. The plot unfolds at the Chelsea Hotel, a creative hub in New York City, and delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, romance, and the impact of political turmoil on the arts scene.
When Hazel had first auditioned for the USO tour, back in New York, she’d imagined arriving abroad and gingerly stepping off a plane to a cheering group of GIs. The stage would be a grand opera house ... - #4
Save:'The Vixen' by Francine Prose is a historical fiction story set during the Cold War era, focusing on the Rosenberg family and a young editor named Simon Putnam. Simon, a Harvard graduate, becomes entangled in a world of deceit and cover-ups, as he is tasked with editing a scandalous novel about Ethel Rosenberg, turning her into a seductive spy. The story delves into themes of McCarthyism, espionage, and personal relationships, highlighting Simon's naivety and struggles in a high-stakes environment.
- #5
Save:Fellow Travelers by Thomas Mallon is a historical fiction novel set during the McCarthy era in the 1950s, focusing on a clandestine affair between two male government staffers, Tim Laughlin and Hawk Fuller. The novel delves into the personal struggles and secrets of various characters amidst the backdrop of the red scare and the lavender scare. Mallon's writing style intricately weaves together the love story between Tim and Hawk with the political intricacies of the Eisenhower era, providing a poignant exploration of the consequences of conformity and the intertwining of personal and political lives.
'The Deviant's War' by Eric Cervini is a gripping account of the early history of LGBTQ advocacy in the United States, focusing on the life and struggles of Frank Kameny. The book delves into the battles faced by Kameny and the LGBTQ community, highlighting the challenges, activism, and spirit of the movement during a tumultuous period. Through engaging prose, the author brings to light the injustices, discrimination, and courage of those who fought for equality, providing a detailed narrative of a pivotal era in LGBTQ history.
The narrative not only captures the personal journey of Kameny but also intertwines it with the broader context of societal and political events, such as the Vietnam War, civil rights movements, and the Red Scare. By exploring Kameny's fight against discrimination and his advocacy for LGBTQ rights, the book sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history, offering valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of the early Gay Liberation movement.
- #7
Save:Adam Hochschild's 'American Midnight' delves into the tumultuous period of US history from 1917 to 1921, covering events such as the lead up to the American entry into World War I and the presidency of Woodrow Wilson. The book sheds light on the intolerance towards dissent and foreigners, drawing parallels to the political climate in America today. Through detailed storytelling, the author explores themes of political repression, racism, xenophobia, economic distress, and social dislocation during this forgotten crisis in democracy's history.
Hochschild's writing style in 'American Midnight' is captivating and enthralling, offering a well-researched starting point for readers to understand a controversial and troubling period in America's past. The book not only provides a historical account of events but also serves as a warning about the future, urging readers to acknowledge the country's past while highlighting the implications for the present political landscape.
'Killing Hope: U.S. Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II' by William Blum is a detailed and heart-wrenching history of the USA's involvement in torture and murder in dozens of different countries in the last 60 years. The book meticulously documents American interventions throughout the world, including well-known events like Korea and Vietnam, as well as lesser-known interventions. Blum's writing style presents a harrowing picture of deceit, denial, and amoral manipulation to secure the industrial military political equilibrium, working chronologically through the last 60 years of political history.
Blum's 'Killing Hope' is described as a devastating attack on America's actual foreign policies, as opposed to the propaganda fed to the public. The book provides a damning view of US CIA policy since WWII, offering highly opinionated hot takes on US actions abroad, covering events from the '53 overthrow of Mossadegh to Dubya's invasion of Panama. The author's meticulous documentation, lack of indulgence in repetition, and use of mainstream sources like the NYT for citations make this book a detailed and shocking reference for understanding US foreign interventions post-WWII.
The two sides had been clashing across the Parallel for several years. What happened on that fateful day in June could thus be regarded as no more than the escalation of an ongoing civil war. The Nort...- #9
Save:The Book of Daniel by E.L. Doctorow is a fictional story inspired by the trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg during the McCarthy era. The novel follows the Isaacson family, loosely based on the Rosenbergs, through the eyes of their son Daniel. It delves into the complexities of the Red Scare, the personal tragedies of the characters, and the lasting impact of political events on individuals. The narrative style of the book shifts between different perspectives, time frames, and locations, creating a rich and engaging portrayal of mid-20th century America.
Daniel Lewin thumbed his way from New York to Worcester, Mass., in just under five hours. With him was his young wife, Phyllis, and their eight-month-old son, Paul, whom Daniel carried in a sling chai... - #10
Save:"The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver is a novel that follows the life of Harrison Shepherd, a writer who navigates through the tumultuous events of the 1920s to the 1960s in Mexico and the US. The story delves into his relationships with historical figures such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Lev Trotsky, showcasing his journey from being a cook and journalist to a successful author. The narrative weaves through themes of friendship, betrayal, McCarthyism, and the complexities of identity, all portrayed through Shepherd's journals and the perspective of his secretary.
Kingsolver's writing style in "The Lacuna" is praised for its vivid prose, intricate character development, and the seamless incorporation of historical events. The novel expertly blends fiction with real-life figures, offering a glimpse into the lives of renowned artists and political figures while exploring Shepherd's personal struggles and triumphs. The multi-layered storytelling, shifting perspectives, and the use of journal entries and newspaper clippings add depth to the narrative, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
A certain feeling comes from throwing your good life away, and it is one part rapture. Or so it seemed for now, to a woman with flame-colored hair who marched uphill to meet her demise. Innocence was ...
