Books matching: rise of communism
46 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Red Star Over China' by Edgar Snow is a captivating historical account that sheds light on China's transition from a Monarch-controlled country to a collectivist, Communist society. The book provides a first-person narrative of Snow's experiences with Mao Zedong and his army after the Long March, offering valuable insights into the rise of Communism in China. Despite being accused of sympathizing with Mao, Snow's writing is praised for its captivating storytelling and eyewitness account of the ground realities during that era.
- #2
Save:Pearl of China is a fictionalized account of the friendship between Willow, a Chinese girl, and the famous author Pearl Buck. The story spans approximately 70 years, detailing the lives of the two women through historic events like the Boxer Rebellion, the rise of Communism, and the Cultural Revolution in China. The narrative is primarily from Willow's perspective, touching on how ordinary citizens survived challenging times, including Christians in the underground church. The book offers insight into the context in which Buck's great novel, The Good Earth, was created, and portrays Chinese life from a Chinese perspective, although some readers found the historical details a bit overwhelming at times.
The writing style of Pearl of China has been described as simple and spare, with a focus on depicting aspects of Pearl Buck's life through a Chinese rather than Western perspective. The author, Anchee Min, weaves the events and political climate of China into the story seamlessly, making it accessible even to readers unfamiliar with Buck's novels or modern Chinese history. The book delves into themes of friendship, love, loyalty, and the impact of historical events on individuals, providing a fascinating view of China during different political climates and offering a fresh perspective on Pearl Buck's life.
Before I was Willow, I was Weed. My grandmother, NaiNai, insisted that naming me Weed was better. She believed that the gods would have a hard time making my life go lower if I was already at the bott... 'Iron Curtain: The Crushing of Eastern Europe 1944-1956' by Anne Applebaum delves into the post-World War II era where the Soviet Union established control over Eastern Europe, particularly focusing on countries like Poland, East Germany, and Hungary. Through extensive research and firsthand accounts, Applebaum portrays the brutal enforcement of communist regimes in the region, detailing the impact on individuals' lives and the reshaping of institutions to mirror the Soviet model. The narrative explores the rise of totalitarianism, the oppressive tactics employed by Stalin and his regime, and the struggles faced by the populace under Soviet rule.
The mad orgy of ruins, entangled wires, twisted corpses, dead horses, overturned parts of blown-up bridges, bloody hoofs which had been torn off horses, broken guns, scattered ammunition, chamber pots...- #4
Save:"Rhinoceros" by Eugene Ionesco is an absurdist play that explores the theme of conformity versus individuality in a society. The story revolves around people turning into rhinoceri and causing chaos in an urban area. Through humorous and absurd situations, the author delves into the implications of societal pressure, examining how individuals react and conform to the norms around them. The play is set in a small French town, and as characters succumb to fitting in and following a fad, the protagonist, Bérenger, stands as a symbol of resistance against losing his individuality.
The writing style of "Rhinoceros" is described as skillful and adept by readers, permeating with themes that provoke thought and reflection. The play touches on the rise of communism and the assimilation of individuals into societal standards, addressing the confusion and wonder that arise when people abandon their principles to conform. Despite being categorized as part of the Theater of the Absurd, the play is praised for its universal relevance in portraying the pressures individuals face in any society, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read.
- #5
Save:Archie Brown's 'The Rise and Fall of Communism' is a comprehensive single-volume history that delves into the origins, rise, and eventual downfall of communism as an ideology and governmental system. The book covers key events such as the Russian Revolution, the spread of communism, the reign of the Soviet Union, and the eventual collapse of the communist regimes in Eastern Europe. Brown's writing style is described as detailed, objective, and informative, providing readers with a clear understanding of the complexities of communism and its impact on the 20th century.
The book not only narrates historical events but also contextualizes them, exploring the psychological appeal of communism, the reasons for its longevity, and the factors that led to its demise. Brown's meticulous analysis extends from the early radical movements of the 19th century to the dismantling of the Soviet Union, offering a comprehensive overview of communism's evolution through the lens of global history.
Communism and socialism had some common roots, and initially shared a belief in the need to introduce universal public ownership of the means of production. However, a fundamental division emerged bet... "The Russian Revolution: A Very Short Introduction" by S.A. Smith is a concise exploration of the tumultuous time of the Russian Revolution. Despite its brevity, the book provides a dense overview of the subject, offering insights into the historical events that greatly impacted Western Civilization. The narrative style, while fact-based and objective, sacrifices some reading pleasure to maintain thoroughness in summarizing the rise of communism and the transformation of the Bolsheviks during this period.
In spite of increasing land hunger, peasant living standards were actually rising very slowly after 1891, although not in the central black-earth provinces. The rapid expansion of the market – stimula...- #7
Save:'Man's Fate' by Andre Malraux is a novel that delves into the early days of the Chinese Revolution in the 1920s, focusing on the communist attempts to bring about revolution in China before Mao took control of the CCP. The book portrays the struggle of the party, heavily influenced by the Russians, with many European leaders involved. The plot is disorienting, capturing the role of foreigners in Shanghai at the time and featuring a study of conspiracy and the profound meaning of the revolutionary impulse for those involved. Malraux's writing style is described as engaging when abstracted, contemplative, and full of existential melancholy, making it a remarkable but sometimes challenging read.
SHOULD he try to raise the mosquito-netting? Or should he strike through it? Ch’en was torn by anguish: he was sure of himself, yet at the moment he could feel nothing but bewilderment—his eyes rivete... Under a Cruel Star is an autobiographical account by Heda Margolius Kovaly that chronicles her harrowing experiences as a Jewish woman in Czechoslovakia during and after World War II. The book details her time as a Nazi concentration camp inmate and illustrates the challenges she faced as she navigated life in postwar Prague. Heda also reflects on her marriage to a Communist Party official, whose tragic fate reveals the dark realities of the Stalinist regime. Her story captures the profound impact of totalitarianism on personal lives, detailing themes of loss, resilience, and the struggle for truth amidst oppression.
Kovaly's writing style is marked by thoughtful and intelligent observations, drawing readers into her emotional landscape. She vividly portrays her feelings and the surrounding environment, balancing the tragic with glimpses of hope. While some passages may come across as dramatic, they echo the weight of her experiences. The book serves as a valuable historical document, offering insights into the period and the deceptive allure of communism for those like her husband, who were seeking a better future after the devastation of war.
- #9
Save:In Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama, readers are transported to rural China in 1926, where a group of women working in a silk factory forge a sisterhood amidst the harsh conditions. The story follows Pei, a young girl sent to work in the factory by her family, who grows into womanhood while facing long hours and sending her pay back to the family who abandoned her. The narrative explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the struggle for freedom as the women organize a strike against the factory owner for better working conditions and wages, set against the backdrop of the looming Japanese invasion of China.
Women of the Silk is a beautifully written novel that brings its characters and setting to life, moving at a steady pace that allows for natural character and relationship development. The story delves into the bonds of friendship and the strength of women, portraying the struggles and resilience of Pei and her fellow workers in the silk factory. The book captures the essence of Chinese history and women's emancipation, offering a poignant tale of innocence lost and the acceptance of inevitable changes in the face of adversity.
Her first memory of pain was an image of her mother. Pei was three or four the first time, and the same thing that had happened then was happening now. Her mother’s moans almost woke her from this day... - #10
Save:Lace by Shirley Conran is a novel that spans several decades, following a group of women from their time at a Swiss boarding school in the late 40s to the late 70s when secrets from the past are revealed. The story focuses on female friendships, women finding their way in the world, and the cultural evolution of the times, covering topics like Communism, feminism, and relationships. Despite being a lengthy read, the novel is known for its multiple storylines, engaging storytelling, and tight plot that keeps readers engrossed.
IT WAS A warm October evening in 1978 with the distant skyscrapers sparkling in the dusk as Maxine glanced through the limousine window at the familiar New York skyline. She had chosen this route for ...
