Books matching: revolutionary politics
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- #1
Save:'Demons' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novel set in a small Russian town at the end of the 19th century, exploring themes of political anarchy, nihilism, and the impact of revolutionary violence. The plot revolves around the appearance of a group of modish radicals disrupting the peace of the town, led by charismatic but nihilistic Nikolai Stavrogin. The novel delves into the disarray caused by the conflicting ideologies of the characters and the moral decay within society, building a complex moral tale around the characters' actions and beliefs.
The writing style of 'Demons' is described as intricate and profound, with layers of allegories and philosophical treatises woven into the narrative. Dostoyevsky's narrative voice is noted for its ironic humor even when discussing dark and terrible events, creating a unique reading experience that delves deep into the psychological complexities of the characters and the societal upheaval they bring.
"flaccid woman" had prepared them in advance and had relished their effect beforehand. But Varvara Petrovna was not one to be taken aback by sentimental effects and riddles. She sternly demanded the m... - #2
Save:'The Revolution Betrayed' by Leon Trotsky is a remarkable book that provides a thorough analysis of the roots of Stalinism and the Soviet Union's history. It delves into the mistakes made by Stalin, which led to the destruction of the original idealism among the revolutionaries. Trotsky's writing style is described as polemic, with mixed metaphors, and some casual racism, reminiscent of period Leninist texts. The book offers hard-based evidence to give insight into the level of change needed to bring the Soviet Union to the productivity levels of its competitors.
OWING to the insignificance of the Russian bourgeoisie, the democratic tasks of backward Russia—such as liquidation of the monarchy and the semi-feudal slavery of the peasants—could be achieved only t... - #3
Save:City of Darkness, City of Light by Marge Piercy is a novel that delves into the intricacies of the French Revolution, following the lives of key figures such as Georges Danton, Maximilian Robespierre, and Marie Jean Nicholas Caritat, Marquis de Condorcet, alongside three women who played significant roles - Pauline Leon, Claire Lacombe, and Manon Roland. Through vivid storytelling, Piercy brings to life the political turmoil, personal sacrifices, and intricate relationships of these historical figures during a tumultuous period in history. The book captures the essence of the epoch and provides a deeper insight into the motivations and actions of the Revolutionaries, offering readers a compelling narrative that immerses them in the drama and complexity of the times.
CLAIRE Lacombe was fifteen when she determined she must find a way out. Her brother Pierre’s friend Albert pushed her down on the floor and tried to mount her. He threw her skirts up, almost choking h... - #4
Save:"Illuminations" by Arthur Rimbaud is a collection of poetry that captivates readers with its vibrant colors and abstract, detached feeling reminiscent of Sylvia Plath's writing. The book features facing French and English pages, allowing readers to appreciate John Ashbery's exceptional translation, which follows Rimbaud's subtleties and complexities. Rimbaud's work is praised for its timeless quality, likened to Greek and Roman classics, and for its unique blend of meter and rhyme, intentionally juxtaposed with moments of breaking convention.
- #5
Save:'Hawksbill Station' by Robert Silverberg is a novella that explores the concept of a penal colony in the Cambrian period where political dissidents are sent back in time as a humane alternative to execution. The story follows the struggles of these male exiles, led by revolutionary Jim Barrett, as they try to survive and find meaning in their lives in a harsh and desolate past. The narrative alternates between the happenings at Hawksbill Station and flashbacks to Barrett's life, delving into themes of ideological commitment, fairness of punishment, and the impact of being displaced by historical events.
The book is a masterful examination of political power shifts, character portraits of men facing a hopeless situation, and a study of ambition in various forms. Silverberg's narrative competence shines through in the creation of a vividly imagined prehistoric setting and the depiction of convicts grappling with their circumstances. Despite a diversion into 20th-century political exposition, the novella effectively conveys the struggles and complexities faced by the characters in this unique time-travel scenario.
Barrett was the uncrowned king of Hawksbill Station. No one disputed that. He had been there the longest; he had suffered the most; he had the deepest inner resources of strength. Before his accident,... "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the systematic subjugation of black men in America. Through meticulously researched arguments, Alexander reveals the deeply embedded racial biases within the criminal justice system, highlighting the disparities and injustices faced by black and brown individuals. The book traces the historical trajectory of mass incarceration, exposing the racial motivations behind the criminal industrial complex and shedding light on a new caste system that mirrors the oppressive nature of the Jim Crow era.
The writing style of the book is described as intelligent, powerful, and gut-wrenching, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic racism in the United States. Alexander blends academic sources with common sense observations to create a compelling narrative that not only educates but also urges readers to take action against the injustices perpetuated by the current criminal justice system.
For more than one hundred years, scholars have written about the illusory nature of the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln issued a declaration purporting to free slaves held in Sout...- #7
Save:'Sashenka' by Simon Sebag Montefiore is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of the title character, Sashenka Zeitlin, through three pivotal time periods in Russian history - 1916, 1939, and 1994. Sashenka, born into a wealthy Jewish family in St. Petersburg, decides to become a Bolshevik, leading to a series of events that shape her life as she navigates the Communist elite, makes a mistake that brings her downfall, and becomes the subject of a historian's investigation in the present day. The plot is rich in historical detail, spanning generations and offering a vivid portrayal of life in twentieth-century Russia, with themes of revolution, espionage, and personal struggles against the backdrop of political turmoil.
It was only teatime but the sun had already set when three of the Tsar’s gendarmes took up positions at the gates of the Smolny Institute for Noble Girls. The end of term at the finest girls’ boarding... - #8
Save:'Telex from Cuba' by Rachel Kushner is a novel set in pre-Castro Cuba, focusing on the Americans living in Oriente Province who worked for the United Fruit Company. The story is narrated from the perspective of various characters, including teenagers K.C. Stites and Everly Lederer, as well as a French aristocrat, Christian de La Maziere, who is involved in the Cuban Revolution. The book provides a detailed portrayal of American expatriate life in Cuba, the political shenanigans of the time, and the seedy glamour of Havana. The plot weaves together different storylines, offering snapshots of the characters' lives and their interactions amidst the backdrop of a country in turmoil.
The writing style of 'Telex from Cuba' is characterized as detailed and historically engaging, providing insights into the political climate of the 1950s Cuba. The novel offers a rich depiction of the complexities of Cuban society, the impact of colonialism, and the upheaval of civil war. The narrative structure includes multiple viewpoints and a symmetrical progression from the perspective of characters like Everly, K.C., and Christian de La Maziere, creating a layered storytelling experience.
It was the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes that morning. An orange rectangle, the color of hot lava, hovering on the wall of my bedroom. It was from the light, which was streaming through the ... 'Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815' by Gordon S. Wood provides a detailed exploration of the critical period in U.S. history from 1789 to 1815. The book delves into the growth of American government institutions, the tensions between Republicans and Federalists, the struggles of different social classes, and the evolution of the United States into a united nation symbolizing freedom and independence. Through a comprehensive analysis of key figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, Wood documents the societal, political, and economic changes that shaped the early years of the American republic.
Gordon S. Wood’s Empire of Liberty takes its place in the Oxford History of the United States between two other notable volumes: Robert Mid dlekauff’s The Glorious Cause, which masterfully covers the ...- #10
Save:Adrian Tchaikovsky's "Alien Clay" is set in a dystopian future where humanity is governed by the oppressive Mandate, which exiles political dissidents to prison colonies like Kiln. The story follows Professor Arton Daghdev, a disgraced ecologist, who finds himself on a harsh and alien world filled with bizarre life forms that challenge the boundaries of biology and understanding. As he navigates the dangers of Kiln and its treacherous inhabitants, Daghdev must confront both the oppressive regime of his home planet and the complex, often terrifying ecology that surrounds him.
Tchaikovsky's writing style is characterized by vivid world-building, a strong focus on ecological themes, and a sardonic narrative voice that brings Daghdev's experiences to life. While some readers may find the pacing slow at times, especially in the book's early sections, the unfolding story is rich with philosophical musings about adaptability and the nature of life. Tchaikovsky explores revolutionary politics, evolutionary biology, and the relationships between human and alien ecosystems, creating a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
