Books matching: reflections on captivity
88 result(s)
- #1
"Three Came Home" by Agnes Newton Keith tells the harrowing story of Anglo Americans in Borneo during and after WWII. The narrative follows Agnes Keith and her young son as they struggle to survive in a Japanese concentration camp while her husband is held in a different camp. provides a raw and honest portrayal of life in captivity, highlighting the resilience and bravery of the characters. Agnes Newton Keith's writing style, though not polished, effectively conveys the challenges and emotions faced by the protagonists, keeping the readers engaged throughout the story.
- #2
'Mountains of the Mind' by Robert Macfarlane is a cultural history exploring the fascination with mountains and mountaineering in Western Europe. The book delves into the changing attitudes towards mountains throughout history, combining elements of climbing history, geology, personal memoir, and religion. Macfarlane weaves together historical accounts, personal experiences, and reflections on the allure and dangers of mountain exploration, aiming to answer the question of why people are drawn to the heights.
The writing style in 'Mountains of the Mind' varies from scholarly examinations to personal reflections, capturing the beauty and mystique of mountains through lyrical and evocative prose. Macfarlane's storytelling skill brings to life the history of mountaineering, the cultural significance of mountains, and the psychological motivations behind risking one's life to climb them. The book offers a rich mix of historical context, personal anecdotes, and philosophical reflections on the enduring fascination with mountains.
That was it – I was sold on adventure. In one of the reading binges which only the expanses of childhood time permit, I plundered my grandfather’s library and by the end of that summer I had read a do... 'Quartered Safe Out Here' by George MacDonald Fraser is a World War II memoir that offers a vivid and honest account of the author's experiences as a soldier in Burma. The book delves into the life of a British infantryman on the frontlines, providing a personal view of the 'forgotten war'. Fraser's writing style includes phonetically spelled out accents and recreated conversations, bringing the characters to life and immersing the reader in the day-to-day struggles and camaraderie of the soldiers. The author candidly recounts the horrors of war, the challenges of memory recall, and his reflections on the past, all set against the backdrop of the XIV Army campaign in Burma.
THE FIRST TIME I SMELT JAP was in a deep dry-river bed in the Dry Belt, somewhere near Meiktila. I can no more describe the smell than I could describe a colour, but it was heavy and pungent and compo...- #4
Kennedy Ryan's 'Queen Move' follows the story of Kimba and Ezra, childhood friends who reunite years later and discover a deep, undeniable connection. The book delves into themes of second chance love, sacrifice, and challenges faced in both personal and professional lives. Through Kimba, the author addresses issues of race, gender, culture, family, and religion in a beautiful and thought-provoking manner. Ryan's writing style is described as lyrical, immersive, and powerful, breathing life into characters and crafting a captivating romance narrative that captures the heart of the reader.
The words come—sudden, unexpected. A greeting my heart offers when there is no one to reply. No one for me to say it to. Friday evenings, once a day of rest, a Sabbath, are now the most restless days ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series All the King's Men ) - #5
'In the Country of Women' by Susan Straight is a memoir that delves into the author's ancestral roots, detailing the struggles and triumphs of her family, particularly the women, across generations. The book weaves together narratives of love, strength, resilience, and the complexities of family ties, exploring themes of race, culture, and identity. Straight's writing style transitions seamlessly between present-day reflections and historical accounts, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates with readers.
- #6
Samedi the Deafness by Jesse Ball is a dark and strange novel that follows the protagonist, James, as he navigates a mysterious and twisted world filled with stab wounds, suicides, and a place called the verisylum. The story is set over a seven-day period, where James is kidnapped and taken to the verisylum, leading him to question his trust in others. The writing style is disjointed yet captivating, with the author skillfully creating a maze-like narrative that keeps readers on edge, unsure of what will happen next.
The man was crouched in a way that James recognized. It was the manner of a dog that had been severely wounded by another dog in the presence of people and other dogs who all had done nothing to stop ... - #7
'These Precious Days: Essays' by Ann Patchett is a collection of essays that offer a deep insight into the author's life, experiences, and thoughts. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from personal reflections on her own life events to astute observations on living and dying. Patchett's writing style is described as brilliant, with sparkling prose that captivates the reader and offers valuable life lessons.
- #8
'The Anomaly' by Herve Le Tellier is a slow burn thriller that delves into themes of suicide, resurrection, and breaking the cycle of birth and death. The novel is based on wormholes, string theory, and philosophical undertones, exploring human tales and interconnected lives. The story follows a group of characters who share a singular and unnerving experience, each reacting differently to the consequences, leading to unexpected twists and turns. The book's structure introduces various characters through seemingly unrelated short stories, gradually revealing their interconnected lives and shared circumstances as the plot unfolds.
- #9
'3,096 Days' by Natascha Kampusch is a harrowing memoir detailing the author's abduction at the age of 10 by a 35-year-old man. Held in captivity for over eight years in harsh conditions, Natascha's story is one of resilience, survival, and the unseen force of a young girl fighting against evil. The narrative provides insight into the psychological aspects of her experience, her journey towards freedom, and her complex relationship with her captor, all told with a remarkably unemotional style that showcases her strength and maturity.
My father and I had spent the last weekend of February 1998 in Hungary, where he had purchased a holiday house in a small village not far from the border. It was a complete dump, with damp walls where... - #10
The Captive by Grace Burrowes is a captivating Regency Historical Romance that follows the story of Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia, who was captured and tortured by the French for over a year. Upon returning home, he finds his wife and son dead, and his daughter suffering from his absence. Gillian, Countess of Greendale, a widow who has endured years of abuse, steps in to help Christian and his daughter, leading to a tale of intrigue, suspense, and passion as two tortured souls find comfort and love in each other's arms. The book delves into themes of healing, revenge, compassion, and romance, with a writing style that keeps the reader engaged late into the night.
In his personal hell, Christian Donatus Severn, eighth Duke of Mercia, considered the pedagogic days the worst of a horrific lot—also the most precious. The days when his captors used his suffering to...