Books matching: resilience against oppression
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Save:'The Pearl that Broke Its Shell' by Nadia Hashimi is a novel set in Afghanistan, spanning two generations of women, Rahima and Shekiba. The book delves into the harsh realities of Afghan women's lives, highlighting their struggles, oppression, and resilience. The plot alternates between the early 1900s and the early 2000s, showcasing the parallel narratives of Rahima, who was married off at a young age, and Shekiba, who navigated through societal expectations by living as a man. The writing style is described as lyrical and captivating, offering a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan.
Parwin shot me a look and we picked up our hurried pace. We did the best we could without running. Rubber soles slapped against the road and raised puffs of dusty smoke. The hems of our skirts flapped... - #2
Save:Weyward by Emilia Hart is a powerful and magical novel that follows the lives of three mistreated women in different time periods - Altha in 1619, Violet in 1942, and Kate in 2019. Altha is accused of witchcraft and fighting for her life, while Violet is isolated in a manor house and denied education. Kate, running away from an abusive partner, seeks solace in her great aunt's Weyward Cottage, uncovering a mysterious connection to the natural world. Through these women's stories of resilience and empowerment, the book weaves together themes of female strength, familial bonds, and the healing power of nature.
A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy is a powerful memoir by Tia Levings, recounting her journey through the painful realities of living within a patriarchal Christian framework. Starting from her teenage years in a Baptist megachurch, Tia reveals how the restrictive teachings about gender roles shaped her life and led her into an abusive marriage. Throughout the book, Tia shares her experiences with psychological and physical abuse, illustrating the chilling effects of extreme religious doctrines on her marriage and motherhood.
The writing style is reflective and engaging, making it hard to put the book down. Tia crafts her story with warmth and hope, despite the heavy subject matter. Readers find it relatable, even if their backgrounds differ, as she shares the painful realities of resurfacing from psychological trauma. The memoir shines a light on the destructive elements of fundamentalist teachings and the resilience required to escape them, making it both a gripping and educational read.
'Gangsters vs. Nazis: How Jewish Mobsters Battled Nazis in WW2 Era America' by author Michael Benson explores the intriguing alliance between Jewish gangsters and the fight against Nazism in America during the late 1930s. The narrative delves into the clandestine collaboration between influential figures like Judge Nathan Perlman and notorious gangsters such as Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, and Barney Ross to combat the rising Nazi threat. Through a mix of historical facts and engaging storytelling, Benson sheds light on the lesser-known aspect of Jewish mobsters using their criminal networks to disrupt and dismantle pro-Nazi organizations across various American cities.
is praised for its detailed documentation of the events that transpired between World War I and World War II, offering readers a captivating insight into the complexities of the Jewish mafia's efforts to protect their community and thwart the spread of Nazism on American soil. Benson's narrative style is commended for its ability to present a compelling account of how these unlikely alliances and daring actions played a significant role in challenging the perception of Jews as passive victims, showcasing their resilience and willingness to confront oppression through unconventional means.
Australian Author, Anna Funder, explores the stories of those who lived in East Berlin and beyond under the Communist rule and how the falling of the Berlin Wall impacted on their lives. She offers up a fascinating collection of individual's stories of life, love and persecution by the Stasi, and recollections of those who were part of the 'machine'. It is an interesting examination of the recent past history of one of Europe's most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities. Funder gives us the picture painted by the regular young adults. We are taken on a trip to find out what the real destiny of a husband was, we are shaken. This story is rougher than any fiction novel. It is the real world at its worst.
The author is an Australian journalist who lived in Berlin and Leipzig in the late 1990s and recorded the stories of East Germans, both the victims of abuses by the dreaded Stasi Ministry of State Security and the former perpetrators, most of whom seem quite unrepentant about what they did. The stories by the victims are often horrifying and pathetic in the true sense of that word, stories of split families, carefully planned escapes foiled at the last minute, and the all pervasive atmosphere of distrust, deceit and Orwellian mass surveillance and informing, including by people blackmailed into informing on their own loved ones. A depressing but important read now a generation after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
I am hungover and steer myself like a car through the crowds at Alexanderplatz station. Several times I miscalculate my width, scraping into a bin, and an advertising bollard. Tomorrow bruises will de...- #6
Save:Fools Crow by James Welch is a historical novel set in the late 19th century, depicting the life of Native American tribes, specifically focusing on the Pikuni tribe in Montana. The story follows the journey of Fools Crow, a young brave who evolves from an outcast to a respected member of his tribe, navigating through the challenges posed by white settlers encroaching on their territory. The book captures the clash of cultures between Native Americans and whites, exploring themes of survival, honor, and the impact of assimilation on the indigenous people. The narrative is rich in details about Native American culture, including marriage practices, dream visions, hunting, and tribal relations, providing a comprehensive view of their way of life.
NOW THAT THE WEATHER had changed, the moon of the falling leaves turned white in the blackening sky and White Man’s Dog was restless. He chewed the stick of dry meat and watched Cold Maker gather his ... - #7
Save:"Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a reimagined fairy tale based on Rumpelstiltskin, following the story of three young women from different backgrounds who find strength and agency in challenging circumstances. Miryem, the daughter of a moneylender, discovers her ability to turn silver into gold and attracts the attention of the powerful Staryk king. Alongside Wanda, a poor girl seeking to escape her abusive father, and Irina, the daughter of a duke caught in a political scheme, the women's lives intertwine as they navigate magic, danger, and self-discovery. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the perspectives of these characters, showcasing Novik's talent for intricate world-building and character development.
The real story is, the miller’s daughter with her long golden hair wants to catch a lord, a prince, a rich man’s son, so she goes to the moneylender and borrows for a ring and a necklace and decks her... - #8
Save:'They Called Us Enemy' by George Takei is an autobiographical graphic novel that sheds light on his childhood experiences in US concentration camps during WWII. The book captures the true story of American internment camps for Japanese-Americans through Takei's memories, making it a heart-wrenching yet inspiring read. The writing style is engaging and captivating, drawing readers into the emotional journey of Takei and his family during a dark period in American history.
'Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea' by Barbara Demick is a gripping non-fiction book that delves into the lives of North Koreans who managed to escape the oppressive regime. The book vividly portrays the daily struggles, brainwashing, and suffering endured by the citizens under the totalitarian rule of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Through personal stories, the book sheds light on the famine of the 1990s, the lack of freedom, and the stark contrast between the closed society of North Korea and the modern world.
The writing style of the book is described as moving, tragic, and compelling, with a perfect blend of personal narratives and historical context. Barbara Demick's storytelling is sensitive, informative, and gripping, making the reader emotionally invested in the lives of the defectors and providing a chilling portrait of North Korea as one of the last fully communist dictatorships in the 21st century.
Next to this mysterious black hole, South Korea, Japan, and now China fairly gleam with prosperity. Even from hundreds of miles above, the billboards, the headlights and streetlights, the neon of the ...Leonard Peltier's book, 'Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance', is a political and autobiographical account written from prison, detailing his experiences as an inmate. Despite the injustice of his conviction, Peltier's quiet strength shines through every page, offering insights into his life as a native American navigating through a society that often refuses to acknowledge the truth. The book delves into the struggle for truth and justice, shedding light on the criminalization of those who speak truth to power and the challenges faced by indigenous peoples in a world that seeks to suppress their sovereignty.
10:00 P.M. Time for the nightly lockdown and head count. The heavy metal door to my cell lets out an ominous grinding sound, then slides abruptly shut with a loud clang. I hear other doors clanging al...
