Books matching: resilience against oppression
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Save:A haunting, feminist-leaning gothic thriller with a memorable heroine and unsettling 1950s setting - flawed, but compulsively readable for fans of dark domestic suspense.
The Devil and Mrs. Davenport by Paulette Kennedy is set in 1955 and follows Loretta Davenport, a housewife who discovers her supernatural abilities to see and communicate with ghosts. Her husband, Pete, a domineering Bible college professor, dismisses her visions as hysteria and tries to suppress her newfound strength. As Loretta navigates her oppressive marriage and the societal expectations of women in the 1950s, she becomes embroiled in a mystery involving unsolved murders and seeks help from a parapsychologist, leading to intense internal conflicts and thrilling twists in the plot.
The writing style is intricate and character-driven, with a gothic atmosphere that immerses readers in Loretta's struggles. Kennedy's vivid descriptions and depth of character bring the story to life, making it hard to put down. The book addresses important themes like domestic abuse, women's rights, and personal agency, all while combining domestic horror with a gripping mystery. It's a thought-provoking read that resonates emotionally and showcases Loretta's journey to reclaim her identity against all odds.
The first day of autumn brought the fever, and with the fever came the voices. Loretta fought the fatigue until it got the best of her—until her bones ached so deeply she thought her legs might snap....March 2024•347 pages - #2
Save:A moving, unflinching look at Afghan women's lives and endurance - both heartbreaking and hopeful. Highly recommended for those who want to better understand a world very different from their own.
'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...May 2014•473 pages - #3
Save:A beautifully written, emotionally charged novel of female empowerment and survival with a haunting, witchy vibe - just be prepared for some heart-wrenching moments along the way.
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.
In the yellow light, she watches her pulse jump at her throat, beneath the necklace he gave her for their last anniversary. The chain is silver and thick, cold against her skin. She doesn’t wear it du...March 2023•331 pages '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.
The Jewish migration to the United States began in the nineteenth century, largely from central Europe. Jews arrived alone or in families, speaking a variety of languages (German, Yiddish, Polish, Rom...April 2022•317 pages- #5
Save:A gripping, darkly imaginative YA fantasy with killer worldbuilding and a fierce message of female empowerment - perfect for fans of girl-powered fantasy, but a bit rushed in places.
In "The Gilded Ones" by Namina Forna, the story follows Deka, a young girl whose blood runs gold, marking her as impure in her village. She is given a choice to either stay and be tortured or join an elite fighting unit with others like her. The book explores themes of racism, sexism, and religion in a society where girls' fates are determined by a purity ritual, and where Deka discovers her rare abilities to control creatures that threaten her community.
The writing style in "The Gilded Ones" is described as fast-paced with a well-crafted fantasy story that unfolds secrets about the world and its characters. The book features a strong female protagonist, Deka, who undergoes significant growth and transformation as she navigates a world filled with brutality, friendships, and dark revelations.
The thought nervously circles in my head as I hurry toward the barn, gathering my cloak to ward off the cold. It’s early morning, and the sun hasn’t yet begun its climb above the snow-dusted trees enc...2020•430 pages A moving, impassioned memoir shining a light on injustice and resilience - an important read for anyone invested in truth, history, and human rights.
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...1999•256 pagesA richly detailed portrait of a legendary Irish pirate queen – atmospheric and empowering, but a slow burn best suited to readers who savor historical depth over constant action.
"Grania: She-King of the Irish Seas" by Morgan Llywelyn is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Grania Grace O'Malley, an Irish chieftain in the sixteenth century. The story revolves around Grania's lifelong struggle with Queen Elizabeth I of England, as the queen aims to destroy Grania's piracy and shipping empire while attempting to take over Ireland. delves into the themes of Irish history, culture, and the resilience of its people against English oppression. The writing style is described as captivating, well-researched, and visually descriptive, making the characters and setting come to life for the readers.
In the darkest watch of the night, a sailor from the forecastle had crept to the rail and glanced around nervously, making certain he was unobserved. From beneath his tunic he had slipped a small meta...1986•467 pagesA haunting, vivid, and accessible account of life in East Germany - one of the most memorable introductions to the human stories behind the Wall. Not your standard history book, but an unforgettable, personal journey into Stasi-era Berlin.
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...2002•302 pages- #9
Save:A bold, imaginative, and hard-hitting novel that holds a mirror to America’s past and present - demanding to be read and discussed, even if it’s not always easy to stomach.
'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is a novel that reimagines the historical underground network that helped slaves escape the South as a literal underground railroad. The story follows Cora, a young slave who embarks on a dangerous journey for freedom, while being pursued by a relentless slave catcher. The book blends elements of fantasy and harsh reality, highlighting the horrors of slavery and the resilience of those who fought against it. Whitehead's writing style weaves historical facts with fictional elements, creating a compelling narrative that delves into themes of freedom, humanity, and survival.
This was her grandmother talking. Cora’s grandmother had never seen the ocean before that bright afternoon in the port of Ouidah and the water dazzled after her time in the fort’s dungeon. The dungeon...January 2016•401 pages - #10
Save:A surprisingly readable Faulkner novel that brings the Civil War South to life through engaging vignettes - great for those new to Faulkner or fans of historical fiction, but may feel fragmented to some.
The Unvanquished by William Faulkner is a novel that offers a glimpse into Civil War history through the eyes of a child, Bayard Sartoris, as he navigates the challenges of war-torn South alongside his slave friend Ringo. The story follows the Sartoris family's resistance to various forms of suppression, including the Union army, thieves, corrupt politicians, and death. Faulkner's writing style, characterized by endless sentences and a low-key narrative that packs a powerful punch, immerses readers in the rural Civil War South, providing a direct and engaging exploration of the era.
The episodic nature of The Unvanquished allows for standalone reading of the stories, yet they come together cohesively to form a novel that delves into the relationships between characters like Bayard, Ringo, Granny, and Drusilla. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, Faulkner weaves a tale of resilience, courage, and defiance against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period, highlighting the tensions between tradition and change in Southern society.
Behind the smokehouse that summer, Ringo and I had a living map. Although Vicksburg was just a handful of chips from the woodpile and the River a trench scraped into the packed earth with the point of...1936•279 pages
