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Books matching: rich cultures

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
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    'The Night Tiger' by Yangsze Choo is a captivating blend of magical realism, historical fiction, and mystery set in British Malaya during the 1930s. The story follows Ren, a young houseboy on a mission to fulfill his master's dying wish by reuniting his severed finger with his body within 49 days. Alongside Ren, we meet Ji Lin, a determined young woman working to pay off her mother's debts, both of whom become entangled in a web of superstitions, Chinese folklore, and mysterious deaths involving a vengeful tiger. Choo's writing style weaves together elements of Chinese mythology, colonial Malaysia, and intricate character relationships to create a lush and atmospheric narrative filled with suspense and intrigue.

    The old man is dying. Ren can see it in the shallow breaths, the sunken face, and the skin stretched thinly over his cheekbones. Yet he wants the shutters open. Irritably, he beckons the boy over, and...

  2. #2

    Islandia by Austin Tappan Wright
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    'Islandia' by Austin Tappan Wright is a novel that transports readers to a utopian country called Islandia, where the protagonist, John Lang, serves as the American Consul. The book explores the clash of cultures as Islandia rejects Western influences to preserve its unique values and way of life. Through intricate world-building, the author paints a vivid picture of Islandia, its landscapes, social norms, and political intrigues. The narrative follows Lang's journey of self-discovery, as he navigates his relationships with the people of Islandia and grapples with the choice between two contrasting worlds.

    Wright's writing style in 'Islandia' is described as immersive and reflective, drawing readers into a world that feels both fantastical and rooted in reality. The book delves into themes of culture shock, love, politics, and personal choice, offering a slow-paced yet absorbing reading experience. With rich descriptions of Islandia's society, language, and customs, Wright creates a thought-provoking narrative that prompts readers to reflect on their own values and beliefs.

    The English route to Islandia permitted a visit to the crown colony of St. Anthony. I took my passage by a Cunarder to Liverpool and continued by rail to London where I spent six days, busy, carefree,...

  3. #3

    Mean Spirit by Linda Hogan
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    Mean Spirit by Linda Hogan is a fictionalized version of real-life events that took place in Oklahoma during the early 1920s after oil was discovered under land owned by members of the Osage Indian tribe. The novel portrays the assault on the Osage people and the injustices they faced, including being stripped of their land and, in some cases, their lives. Through multiple character perspectives, the book explores the greed and corruption of white settlers, the cultural resurgence of the Osage people, and the struggles they faced in seeking justice and protection.

    Linda Hogan uses fiction as a medium to reveal the hard truths about the mistreatment of indigenous Americans, particularly focusing on the exploitation of Indians in Oklahoma once oil was discovered. The book combines elements of magical realism, humor, and a murder mystery while providing insights into Indian culture and beliefs. Despite being set in the early twentieth century, the issues addressed in the book are still relevant today, making it a poignant and educational read.


  4. #4

    The Mahabharata - Mahabharata by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Bibek Debroy
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    'The Mahabharata' in the series 'Mahabharata' by author Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, translated by Bibek Debroy, is a scholarly and readable translation of the ancient Indian text. It covers various sections and stories of the epic, setting the stage for significant events like the snake sacrifice, the birth of Pandavas, and other notable stories. The translation is described as excellent, detailed, and easy to understand, maintaining the essence and integrity of the epic while making it accessible to a wider audience. is praised for its quality, packaging, delivery, and pricing, making it a highly recommended read for lovers of ancient Indian epics.


  5. #5

    Son of the Storm - The Nameless Republic by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
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    'Son of the Storm' is set in the ancient city of Bassa where an outsider with pale skin arrives, bringing a mythic magic that could change the lives of the characters forever. The story follows the young scholar Danso, who is biracial and faces racism due to his light skin, as he navigates the intricate societal fabric of Bassa. Alongside his intended, Esheme, and her mother Nem, they are drawn into a world of power struggles and ancient magic that threatens to unravel the very society they live in. The narrative explores themes of racial discrimination, political tensions, and gender conflicts within a richly established West Africa inspired setting.

    The writing style of 'Son of the Storm' is praised for its unique voice, intricate world-building, and complex characters. The narrative unfolds slowly, gradually revealing the characters' internal struggles and societal dynamics, culminating in a story filled with awe, wonder, fear, and the pursuit of power. Despite some pacing issues and forced exposition, the book delves into themes of environmental exploitation, racial prejudice, and the consequences of wielding forgotten magic, offering a fresh and politically charged fantasy tale that stands out from traditional Western fantasy novels.

    For a multitude of seasons before Oke was born, the travelhouse had offered food, wine, board, and music—and for those who had been on the road too long, companionship—to many a traveller across the S...

  6. #6
    Fudoki
    Book 2 in the series:Love/War/Death

    Fudoki - Love/War/Death by Kij Johnson
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    Fudoki by Kij Johnson is a captivating novel that weaves together the stories of a dying princess and a cat turned human by the Kami. The book delves into themes of identity, personal history, and home, set against the backdrop of 11th century Japan. Through rich storytelling and elegant prose, Johnson creates a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, leaving the reader immersed in the intertwined narratives of Princess Harueme and the cat woman Kagaya Hime.

    Three people lived here. They called themselves servants to justify their presence, but they were no more than cuckoos squatting in a nest that did not belong to them. They lived in the north wing, wh...

    (Also, see 40 recommendations for the series Love/War/Death )

  7. #7

    The Bridge of Beyond by Simone Schwarz-Bart
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    Set on the French West Indian island of Guadeloupe, 'The Bridge of Beyond' by Simone Schwarz-Bart traces a century of history of the Lougandor women beginning after the end of slavery. The novel follows five generations, focusing on Toussine, known as Queen Without a Name, and her granddaughter, Telumee. The book delves into the struggles of these women to survive in an unstable economy, turning to alcohol and violence in times of despair. Schwarz-Bart's writing style is described as lush, realistic, and filled with rich imagery that immerses the reader in the natural world of Guadeloupe, creating a magical tribute to women, self-reliance, and the power of transcendence.

    A MAN’S COUNTRY may be cramped or vast according to the size of his heart. I’ve never found my country too small, though that isn’t to say my heart is great. And if I could choose it’s here in Guadelo...

  8. #8

    When Gravity Fails by George Alec Effinger
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    George Alec Effinger's 'When Gravity Fails' is a cyberpunk detective noir novel set in a future Middle Eastern world where the protagonist, Marid Audran, navigates a dark and gritty society filled with sex, drugs, and murder. The story follows Marid as he becomes entangled in solving a mystery while exploring themes of identity, faith, and societal issues in a world where technology plays a significant role in modifying personalities.

    Effinger's writing style combines elements of hard-boiled detective fiction with cyberpunk, creating a unique and immersive world that blends traditional noir storytelling with futuristic technology. The narrative delves into the complexities of the characters and the setting, offering a fast-paced and intriguing read that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

    Chiriga’s nightclub was right in the middle of the Budayeen, eight blocks from the eastern gate, eight blocks from the cemetery. It was handy to have the graveyard so close-at-hand. The Budayeen was a...

  9. #9

    A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
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    A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who find themselves married to the same abusive man, Rasheed. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan from the 1970s to the 2000s, the book delves into the struggles and sacrifices these women endure, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in a male-dominated society. The narrative captures the strength, resilience, and unlikely friendship that blossoms between the two women amidst the turmoil they face, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive conditions and violence experienced by women in the region.

    Hosseini's storytelling in A Thousand Splendid Suns is described as captivating, moving, and powerful, as he skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience. Through the eyes of Mariam and Laila, the reader gains insight into the plight of women in Afghanistan, the impact of war and political unrest on ordinary people, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book offers a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters, providing a window into the complexities of life in Afghanistan during tumultuous times.

    It happened on a Thursday. It must have, because Mariam remembered that she had been restless and preoccupied that day, the way she was only on Thursdays, the day when Jalil visited her at the kolba. ...

  10. #10

    Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
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    Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Korean family's struggles and hardships from the early 20th century in Korea to their migration to Japan and eventually the United States. The story delves into the historical context of the Japanese occupation of Korea, discrimination against Koreans in Japan, and the challenges faced by the family through wars, poverty, and cultural clashes. The narrative spans several generations, portraying the characters' resilience, sacrifices, and the impact of world events on their lives. The writing style is straightforward, with a focus on character development and exploring themes of identity, belonging, and survival.

    At the turn of the century, an aging fisherman and his wife decided to take in lodgers for extra money. Both were born and raised in the fishing village of Yeongdo—a five-mile-wide islet beside the po...

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