Books matching: rich and multifaceted characters
38 result(s)
- #11
"Now Is the Hour" by Tom Spanbauer is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel set in the 1960s, following the journey of Rigby John Klusener as he navigates his coming-of-age experience in a small town in Idaho. The story delves into themes of self-discovery, prejudice, love, and acceptance, all portrayed through the eyes of Rigby John in a rich and detailed narrative style that captures the essence of the era. The writing style, characterized by stream of consciousness and vivid descriptions, immerses readers into a world of complex characters and emotional depth, making the reader feel a part of Rigby John's journey.
BACK WHEN I was a kid, back in the early days, there was this one afternoon. I was looking out the front-room window. Blue sky was everywhere up above, the bright sun shining down, not a cloud. The wa... - #12
'A Flame in Byzantium' by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro follows the story of Olivia Clemens, a wealthy unmarried vampire who attracts the attention of powerful men. As Olivia faces increasing threats due to her status, she must navigate the dangers of the Byzantine court with the help of characters like Belisarius and Niklos. Set in ancient Rome during the destruction of the library at Alexandria, the novel intricately weaves historical facts into a compelling narrative, showcasing the struggles of Olivia as a strong and independent heroine in a society filled with meanness, greed, and bigotry.
At Neapolis there was chaos as those who could flee Roma came to this port seeking escape. Carts, wagons, litters, and every beast of burden had been pressed into use for the rout, and reports from Be... - #13
"Middle Passage" by Charles Johnson is a novel that follows the story of Rutherford Calhoun, a newly freed slave who finds himself entangled in a series of events involving marriage, blackmail, and a voyage aboard a slave ship. The narrative unfolds with vivid descriptions of the characters, including the cunning Captain Falcon and the mysterious Allmuseri tribesmen. The book explores themes of slavery, morality, and internal conflict, all set against the backdrop of a nautical adventure in the 19th century. Johnson's writing style is rich in vocabulary, with deep metaphors and imageries that offer a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience.
- #14
'The Egyptian' by Mika Waltari is a historical novel set in ancient Egypt, mainly during the reign of the pharaoh Akhenaton. The story follows Sinuhe, a physician who rises to become an advisor and friend to pharaohs and kings. Through Sinuhe's travels from Egypt to various other regions, including Syria, Babylon, Hattusa, and Crete, the novel paints a timeless human story of ideologies, religion, and the brutal reality of human civilization. The narrative delves into the themes of change, decision-making, and the personal and broader implications of historical events, set against a backdrop of ancient Egypt's political and religious turmoil.
The writing style of 'The Egyptian' is described as dark, atmospheric, educational, and livened by humor. The novel is praised for its epic sweep, philosophy, and good writing based on sound research, capturing the essence of life in ancient Egypt. Waltari's intelligent guesses and detailed descriptions provide a rich and immersive reading experience, offering insights into how ideologies and religion shape a nation and its people. The story is narrated in the first person by Sinuhe, providing a unique perspective on the historical events and personal struggles during a pivotal point in Egypt's history.
I, Sinuhe, the son of Senmut and of his wife Kipa, write this. I do not write it to the glory of the gods in the land of Kem, for I am weary of gods, nor to the glory of the Pharaohs, for I am weary o... - #15
Perla by Carolina De Robertis is a poignant tale set during Argentina's Dirty War from 1976 to 1983, focusing on Perla, an Argentinian psychology student who encounters a ghost of one of the disappeared from the era. The book skillfully weaves magical realism into the narrative, exploring themes of memory, trauma, and the hidden bond between Perla and the ghost stranger, with a non-linear structure that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.
Some things are impossible for the mind to hold alone. So listen, if you can, with your whole being. The story pushes and demands to be told, here, now, with you so close and the past even closer, bre... - #16
The Darlings by Cristina Alger is a novel that delves into the lives of the super-rich Darling family and their entanglement in a financial scandal reminiscent of the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme. Set in post-9/11 New York City, the story unfolds over a week, revealing the interplay of characters from the upper echelons of Manhattan society and those on its periphery. The narrative explores themes of white privilege, financial fraud, family dynamics, and ethical dilemmas, providing a riveting and well-researched account of a scandal that shatters the lives of many involved.
Paul slipped in through the side door just as the applause was ending. He stood at the edge of the ballroom until the clapping faded and the music started up again. His wife, Merrill, was up front nea... Fisherman's Wharf is home to private eyes A. Kimrean and Z. Kimrean. The door to their rundown office shows both names, but when you look inside there is only one desk, one chair, and one androgynous P.I. decked out in a tank top and waistcoat. Collectively known as A.Z., this body holds twin siblings, Zooey and Adrian. Adrian is the brains, while Zooey is the hedonistic free spirit. Together they are locked in one body as chimeric twins. The combination is strange, but it has won the hearts of the local San Francisco police department. In their latest case, Kimrean is working to find out who is killing off the sons of local drug cartel boss, Victor Lyon. On the outside it appears the murders are a result of a turf war with another local gang, but Kimrean doesn't believe that to be true. They will use their unique detective style and out of the norm antics to discover the truth. Just when they think they have their hands full with the case, they realize they also need to save an undercover cop, deal with an eleven year old stowaway, and stop an all out gang war from happening in the streets of San Carnal. Can Zooey and Adrian put their differences aside and focus on the task at hand Will they stop the murderer before it's too late for everyone involved Last year I fell in love with Edgar Cantero's unique and quirky writing style after reading MEDDLING KIDS. This year, I'm remembering where that love came from through the pages of THIS BODY'S NOT BIG ENOUGH FOR BOTH OF US. This book is downright fun For starters, the premise of A.Z. Kimrean is a unique one I haven't read about before. The idea of both Zooey and Adrian controlling one body and the struggles between their polar opposite personalities adds to the entertainment value of this book. Not to be outdone by the main characters, Cantero adds in secondary characters who are interesting and make the reader want to care about what will happen to them. I guarantee you're going to love spunky, eleven year old Ursula The actual case that Kimrean is working to solve is a gangster battle straight out of a movie. This book is action packed, addictive, and easily one of the most fun and exciting titles I've read all year If you're looking for a crime fiction tale riddled with comedic relief and out of the box main characters pick this one up
Carlyle smashed the receiver on the phone, bit down on a cigar, whatted away some guy who had just knocked on his door, did something else that deputy police chiefs do, though in an unnecessarily viol...- #18
'Fair and Tender Ladies' by Lee Smith is a captivating story told through a series of letters written by the main character, Ivy Rowe, spanning from her childhood to old age. The narrative follows Ivy's life in the Appalachian mountains, touching upon significant historical events such as the first World War and societal changes spanning decades. Through Ivy's letters, readers are immersed in a world rich with human experiences, relationships, and the vibrant culture of Appalachia. The writing style, characterized by colloquial language and beautifully crafted descriptions, brings Ivy's story to life, making it a poignant and engaging read.
Your name is not much common here, I think it is so pretty too. I say it now and agin it tastes sweet in my mouth like honey or cane or how I picture the fotched-on candy from Mrs. Browns book about F... - #19
The novel 'Sweetness In The Belly' by Camilla Gibb follows the life of Lilly, an English girl who is raised as a Muslim after her parents' death in North Africa. The story takes readers on a journey through Lilly's experiences in Ethiopia and London, exploring themes of faith, love, politics, and cultural identity. The narrative seamlessly weaves between Lilly's past in Ethiopia during the 70s and her present life in London in the 80s, providing a rich tapestry of different cultures and settings. Gibb's writing effortlessly transports the reader to the vibrant streets of Harar and the immigrant communities of London, offering a poignant exploration of belonging and resilience.
Through Lilly's compelling story, the novel delves into the complexities of identity, faith, and relationships, showcasing Gibb's research and storytelling skills. The book shines a light on Ethiopian history, Muslim traditions, and the challenges faced by refugees, all while presenting a nuanced portrayal of Lilly's journey from a young girl in Africa to a nurse in England. Gibb's writing style effortlessly captures the essence of each setting, from the bustling streets of Harar to the multicultural landscape of London, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.
- #20
In "Watch Me Disappear," Billie Flanagan goes missing during a solo hiking trip, leaving behind her husband Jonathan and daughter Olive. As they grapple with her disappearance, secrets from Billie's past start to unravel, leading to questions about her true identity and fate. Olive's visions of her mother being alive add a supernatural element to the mystery, while Jonathan's discoveries about Billie's hidden life challenge his perception of their marriage. The narrative delves into themes of grief, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists and emotional character development.
OLIVE IS CROSSING from the Sunshine Wing to the Redwood Wing, on her way to her third-period English class, when her dead mother appears for the first time. Weaving through the eddies of girls, twenty...