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Books matching: rich backdrop

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Himself by Jess Kidd
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    'Himself' by Jess Kidd is a captivating blend of magical realism, mystery, and dark comedy set in the small Irish village of Mulderrig. The story follows Mahony, a charming young man with the ability to communicate with the dead, as he returns to his birthplace to uncover the truth about his mother's disappearance. Alongside a cast of quirky characters, both living and dead, Mahony navigates through secrets, murder, and dark moments, all while embracing the enchanting and humorous writing style of Jess Kidd.

    For Mulderrig is a place like no other. Here the colours are a little bit brighter and the sky is a little bit wider. Here the trees are as old as the mountains and a clear river runs into the sea. Pe...

  2. #2

    Leviathan by Paul Auster
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    'Leviathan' by Paul Auster is a novel that delves into the events leading up to the explosive demise of the protagonist, Benjamin Sachs. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, with multiple layers of storytelling that keep the reader engaged and questioning the reliability of the narrator. Auster's writing style is described as mesmerizing, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the unknowability of truth.

    Six days ago, a man blew himself up by the side of a road in northern Wisconsin. There were no witnesses, but it appears that he was sitting on the grass next to his parked car when the bomb he was bu...

  3. #3

    Castle Waiting Vol. 1 - Castle Waiting by Linda Medley
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    'Castle Waiting Vol. 1' by Linda Medley is a whimsical graphic novel that reimagines classic fairy tales in a modern and feminist light. The story follows the inhabitants of a castle, once the home of Sleeping Beauty, who find refuge and form a unique family in this sanctuary for travelers and those in need of a safe haven. Through intertwining relationships and nested flashbacks, the book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, love, and caring for others, all set in a Medieval time period with a touch of magic and mysticism. The plot meanders through different characters' backstories and present lives, presenting a blend of familiar tropes within a new narrative that is both charming and heartwarming.

    The art style in 'Castle Waiting Vol. 1' is described as simple yet evocative, with crisp, clean illustrations that bring the characters and settings to life. The black and white artwork complements the storyline beautifully, creating a fairy tale-like atmosphere that is both sweet and whimsical. The characters, each with their own quirks and strong personalities, shine through the pages, making it easy for readers to distinguish between them. With elements of humor, unexpected twists, and a touch of magic, this graphic novel offers a delightful and engaging reading experience for fans of fairy tales and graphic novels alike.


  4. #4

    The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho
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    The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho is a retelling of the biblical story of Elijah, focusing on themes of choice and destiny in a simple yet inspirational manner. The book follows the journey of Elijah as he navigates through human frailties, inner turmoils, faith, and personal growth, all while preparing for his return to Israel. Coelho's writing style is described as transparent, leading readers towards introspection and self-discovery, making it a thought-provoking read that reflects on the experiences of the protagonist.

    THE STREET was deserted. Inside their houses, the people waited for Ahab’s soldiers to complete the task that the foreign princess had demanded: executing the prophets of Israel. Elijah walked beside ...

  5. #5

    Mister Sandman by Barbara Gowdy
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    'Mister Sandman' by Barbara Gowdy is a novel that delves into the lives of the Canary family, a highly dysfunctional yet strangely devoted family. The story follows the family members as they navigate through their secrets, deceptions, and unconventional behaviors, all while maintaining a strong sense of love and protection towards each other. The youngest member, Joan, who is mute but musically gifted, serves as the keeper of the family's secrets and ultimately becomes the catalyst for honesty and self-discovery among the family members. Set in the 1950s and 60s, the novel explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the complexities of family relationships. The writing style is described as imaginative, complex, and at times darkly humorous, with a touch of fantasy and strong characterizations that make the story engaging and thought-provoking.

    Joan Canary was the Reincarnation Baby. Big news at the time, at least in the Vancouver papers. This is going back, 1956. Joan was that newborn who supposedly screamed, “Oh, no, not again!” at a pitch...

  6. #6

    Beneath the Lion's Gaze by Maaza Mengiste
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    'Beneath the Lion's Gaze' by Maaza Mengiste is a deeply engaging historical fiction set in Ethiopia during the mid-70s. It follows the story of a family, particularly focusing on Hailu, a renowned doctor, and his two sons, Yonas and Dawit, as they navigate through the political upheaval and atrocities of the Ethiopian revolution. Through the lens of this family, the author portrays the horror and atrocity faced by individuals during the downfall of Emperor Haile Selassie and the rise of the Derg communist regime. The writing style is described as emotionally gripping, powerful, and beautifully written, capturing the complexities of love, friendship, and societal injustice during a tumultuous period in Ethiopian history.

    A THIN BLUE VEIN pulsed in the collecting pool of blood where a bullet had lodged deep in the boy’s back. Hailu was sweating under the heat from the bright operating room lights. There was pressure be...

  7. #7

    The Ground Beneath Her Feet by Salman Rushdie
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    The Ground Beneath Her Feet is a modern retelling of the Orpheus myth, set in a slightly altered contemporary world. The story follows the love story of two musicians, Vina and Ormus, from Bombay in the fifties to the end of the 20th century. The novel spans several lifetimes, exploring cultures, mythologies, histories, and music across India, England, and America, creating a sweeping narrative that defies categorization into a single genre.

    On St. Valentine’s Day, 1989, the last day of her life, the legendary popular singer Vina Apsara woke sobbing from a dream of human sacrifice in which she had been the intended victim. Bare-torsoed me...

  8. #8

    The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson
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    The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson is a historical fiction novel that delves into the mystery surrounding the death of King Tutankhamun. Patterson intertwines current day investigations with ancient theories about Tut's life and death. The book follows three perspectives - Patterson's research, Howard Carter's excavation of Tut's tomb, and a narrative detailing the final years of Tut's life. The storyline captivates readers with a fast-paced murder mystery set in ancient Egypt, blending love, mystery, and intrigue into a compelling narrative.

    The writing style of The Murder of King Tut is praised for its detailed research and well-crafted storytelling. Readers appreciate the blend of historical accuracy with Patterson's imaginative narrative, creating a vivid portrayal of ancient Egypt. Despite some discrepancies in historical accuracy, the book is commended for its ability to keep readers engaged and interested in the fascinating tale of King Tut.

    More than five hundred prisoners halted their march toward Thebes in a great field situated two miles from the city. A contingent of the palace guard watched over them in the sweltering midday sun. No...

  9. #9

    Pushing the Limits by Brooke Cumberland
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    Pushing the Limits by Brooke Cumberland is a contemporary romance novel that delves into the taboo student-teacher relationship between Aspen, a talented art student haunted by the loss of her sister, and Morgan, an art professor with his own past traumas. The story follows their journey of overcoming grief, guilt, and anxieties of the past while navigating their forbidden attraction. The dual perspectives of Aspen and Morgan provide a deep insight into their emotional struggles and growth as they find solace and healing in each other's company. Cumberland's writing style captures the intense chemistry between the characters, balancing steamy romance with heartfelt moments.

    It used to keep me up at night. I’d wake up in cold sweats, heaving and panting as I painfully relived our childhood memories. I don’t mind the dreams as much anymore—anything to see or hear her again...

  10. #10

    The Poison Eaters and Other Stories by Holly Black
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    'The Poison Eaters and Other Stories' by Holly Black is a collection of dark and unique tales that turn traditional fantasy subjects on their head. From creepy stories of girls with deadly kisses to vampires portrayed in a terrifying light, this book offers a fresh take on familiar themes. The writing style is described as well-crafted and captivating, with characters that are unforgettable and worlds that readers will want to immerse themselves in.

    The stories in this collection range from voodoo-like fairy tales to modern-day settings with supernatural elements. Holly Black's writing style shines in creating atmospheric and haunting narratives that linger in the reader's mind long after finishing the stories. The book is praised for its originality and ability to deliver unexpected twists on classic fantasy tropes.

    The man she stood with snaked his hand around her back, warm fingers digging into her side as he pulled her closer. He and his friend with the open-necked shirt grinned down at her like underage equal...

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