Books matching: romanticized view
49 result(s)
- #1
Save:Nikolai Gogol's 'Taras Bulba' is a historical tale set in the 16th century, focusing on the Cossacks living in what is now Ukraine. The story revolves around Taras Bulba, a Cossack leader who spurs his people into war against perceived enemies, including the Catholic Poles and Muslim Turks. Amidst the bloodshed and brutality, themes of forbidden love, loyalty, and patriotism are explored. Gogol's writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions, subtle humor, and a romanticized view of the Cossack warriors.
“That splendid epic worthy of Homer … that colossal portrait in a small frame,” wrote the Russian critic Belinsky about Taras Bulba when it first appeared in 1835. Published initially in the form of a... - #2
Save:'Flying Witch T01' by Chihiro Ishizuka is a gentle and charming story that follows the adventures of Makoto, a teenage witch-in-training, as she moves from Yokohama to rural Aomori to complete her training and experience life outside the city. The plot revolves around Makoto's interactions with her extended family, her new friends, and the supernatural occurrences that she encounters in her everyday life. The writing style focuses on portraying a soothing and sweet narrative, blending elements of slice of life with a touch of magic, where mundane activities are interspersed with cute and funny examples of the supernatural.
The book captures a romanticized version of life in rural Japan, offering a restful and heartwarming portrayal of Makoto's journey of self-discovery and magical exploration. Readers are drawn into a world where every character, from Makoto to her cat familiar Chito, is depicted as a model of decency and politeness, emphasizing the importance of relationships and everyday experiences in shaping the narrative.
- #3
Save:'Inside the Victorian Home: A Portrait of Domestic Life in Victorian England' by Judith Flanders is an exhaustively researched account of upper middle-class life in Victorian England. Flanders delves into social conventions, such as social calling, decorating, food preparation, appropriate dress, expectations of domestic help, and mourning practices. She also explores the portrayal of women in periodicals, novels, and plays of the time, acknowledging the idealized expectations presented in these sources.
Flanders presents a detailed look at domestic life in Victorian England, drawing from a variety of sources to provide a comprehensive view of the era. offers insights into the daily lives of both the upper-class residents and the servants, shedding light on the realities behind the romanticized views often associated with this period.
- #4
Save:'The Follower' by Jason Starr is a modern thriller that delves into the lives of contemporary urban singles, focusing on dating, relationships, and the impact of media culture. The story follows Katie, a woman being stalked by Peter, a manipulative and disturbed young man who has sinister intentions towards her. Through a suspenseful plot, the book also explores the dynamics between different characters, shedding light on the behavior and mindset of young adults in places like Manhattan.
The dialogue in 'The Follower' is praised for being pitch-perfect, capturing the essence of how twenty-somethings in urban settings think and behave. The novel not only serves as a gripping thriller about a stalker and his victim but also provides an insightful commentary on modern big city dating, challenging romanticized notions of life for young singles in Manhattan.
- #5
Save:Time and Time Again by Ben Elton is a time travel novel that follows the story of Hugh Stanton, a former soldier recruited to travel back in time to 1914 with the mission of preventing the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and averting the outbreak of World War I. The book explores the complexities of time travel, unintended consequences, and the ethical dilemmas of altering historical events. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, engaging the reader until the final page, and the writing style effectively combines historical research with a suspenseful narrative.
IN CONSTANTINOPLE, ON a bright, chill early morning in June 1914, Hugh Stanton, retired British army captain and professional adventurer, leant against the railings of the Galata Bridge and stared int... - #6
Save:Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee is a nostalgic memoir of the author's life growing up in the English countryside in the early 1900s. The book provides a glimpse into a world that has since disappeared, capturing village life in the Cotswolds between the two World Wars. Lee's childhood experiences straddle changing times, depicting a rural life that was becoming more mechanized while towns were expanding. The author's writing style is described as poetic, lyrical, and filled with humor and tragedy, portraying unforgettable characters and the shadow of the First World War.
The book is presented in a series of vignettes, offering a child's eye view of growing up in a remote village called Slad. The author's ability to draw vivid scenes and bring characters to life is highlighted, creating a charming and evocative portrayal of a lost way of life. Despite some readers finding the book rose-tinted and nostalgic, Lee's writing is praised for its beauty, honesty, and ability to provoke contemplation about life and human connections.
The June grass, amongst which I stood, was taller than I was, and I wept. I had never been so close to grass before. It towered above me and all around me, each blade tattooed with tiger-skins of sunl... - #7
Save:Desperadoes by Ron Hansen is a historical fiction novel that delves into the short-lived criminal history of the Dalton brothers, portraying them as ruthless outlaws who engage in daring bank and train robberies. The story is narrated through the eyes of Emmett Dalton, the sole survivor of a failed bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas. Hansen's writing style captures the mayhem and violence of the Dalton gang's crimes, painting a vivid and unflinching depiction of the harsh realities of living as notorious desperados in the old west.
- #8
Save:'Yes Please' by Amy Poehler is a memoir that delves into the life and career of the author, from her humble beginnings to her success in the comedy industry. Poehler shares stories about her childhood, her experiences with improv groups, her time at SNL, and the creation of Parks and Recreation. The book touches on various topics such as friendship, connections, struggles with depression and divorce, and the impact of technology on our lives. Poehler's writing style is described as funny, honest, and revealing, providing insights into her personal life with a mix of humor and sincerity.
My parents would later point to these two small moments and tell me that was when they knew I would be a performer. Honestly, I don’t think I had a burning desire to act at that young age. Back then, ... - #9
Save:In a crumbling, isolated house at the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas lives an embittered judge who wants only to retire in peace, when his orphaned granddaughter, Sai, arrives on his doorstep. The judge's cook watches over her distractedly, for his thoughts are often on his son, Biju, who is in New York working in one gritty restaurant after another. Kiran Desai's brilliant novel, published to huge acclaim, is a story of joy and despair. Her characters face numerous choices that majestically illuminate the consequences of colonialism as it collides with the modern world. The novel is set in a crumbling grand house in the hills below Kangchenjunga, covering poverty, wealth, and inequality in both India and the US, where the cook's son emigrates illegally to and has exploitative jobs, illustrating constant loss of dignity, love, possessions, and freedom in India.
All day, the colors had been those of dusk, mist moving like a water creature across the great flanks of mountains possessed of ocean shadows and depths. Briefly visible above the vapor, Kanchenjunga ... - #10
Save:'Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey' by Jane Goodall is a heartfelt and insightful exploration of the author's spiritual journey and her deep connection to nature and animals. Jane Goodall shares her personal experiences, from her early life in Africa to her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees, offering a unique perspective on the ethical and spiritual dimensions of science and conservation. Through vivid descriptions and compelling viewpoints, Goodall encourages readers to reflect on their own relationship with the environment and consider the impact of their choices on the planet.
THIS IS A STORY ABOUT A JOURNEY, the journey of one human being through sixty-five years of earth time: my journey. Traditionally, a story begins at the beginning. But what is the beginning? Is it the...
