Books matching: significant historical events
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Black Dogs" by Ian McEwan is a novel that delves into the complexities of relationships and ideologies through the lens of a young couple's marriage. The story follows the protagonist, Jeremy, as he tries to piece together the reasons behind the estrangement of his in-laws, Bernard and June, who were once devoted to each other but grew apart due to their differing beliefs and experiences. Set against the backdrop of significant historical events like World War II and the fall of the Berlin Wall, the narrative explores themes of spirituality, communism, and the impact of war on personal lives. The writing style is described as dense and thought-provoking, with a focus on psychological components that leave the reader enlightened.
- #2
Save:The Adventurer by Mika Waltari follows the journey of Mikael Karvajalka, a Finnish man, through 16th-century Europe, including various countries like Germany, Finland, Sweden, Italy, and Spain. The book delves into the religious conflicts and battles of the time, showcasing the absurdity of religious dogma and the hypocrisies of different Christian factions. As Mikael travels, he encounters noblemen, emperors, and historical figures like Dr. Luther and Pope Clement III, experiencing wars, political intrigue, and personal growth. The story is filled with suspense, humor, and historical accuracy, providing a vivid portrayal of medieval Europe.
- #3
Save:'The End of Days' by Jenny Erpenbeck is a novel that explores the concept of alternate histories through the life of a woman who dies multiple times and continues living in different scenarios. The book spans across the twentieth century in Europe, touching on themes of time, history, politics, family, and geography. Erpenbeck's writing style is described as innovative, poetic, and emotionally moving, with a structure that shifts between different life paths of the central character.
The Lord gave, and the Lord took away, her grandmother said to her at the edge of the grave. But that wasn’t right, because the Lord had taken away much more than had been there to start with, and eve... - #4
Save:Set largely in China, readers become acquainted with the families of Sparrow and Kai at the Shanghai Conservatory in the 1960s, pulling the narrative forward from the Communist Revolution to the demonstrations at Tiananmen Square and even providing updates after that event. The book shows a relationship between mathematics and music. As a genealogist, I was particularly drawn to the mentions of the Book of Records. As a musician, I was drawn to the rest of the story. The writing was strong. A more in depth knowledge of twentieth century Chinese history would make the work more enjoyable than it already was. The book was well deserving of its shortlisting for the Man Booker Prize. Thien's magnum opus reminded me of The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes, a fictionalized biography of Shostakovich trying to survive under the thumb of Stalin. Thien's book is an ambitious, multi generational, multi layered story, beginning in Vancouver but focusing on the cultural revolution in China. Thien's quiet writing belies the emotional depth of a story that describes people trying to endure and retain their human spirit through their love of music and art. It is advisable to pay attention because, although brilliant, this is not an easy read that has many characters and a lot happening with the risk of significant ramifications. By the time I reached the events at Tiananmen Square I was completely hooked. I wish I had known more about Chinese history and government before I started. This is a novel of epic scope and ambition, a complex family story that starts in the China of the 1950s and ends in the present day. The pivotal events are the Cultural Revolution, and specifically the destruction of the Shanghai Conservatory and the denunciations of the musicians there, and the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 and their violent aftermath. There are also many other themes largely musical but also some intriguing digressions on Chinese writing and mathematics. Thien's characters are memorable and I found the book compulsively readable and moving. For most of the book I thought this was one of the best books I had read all year, but later I felt a little let down, firstly because of a glaring factual error in which she claims that Bach and Busoni were born 300 years apart the true figure is no more than 181 and also because the story lost a little impetus and clarity of focus towards the end. I still think it is the best book on the Booker shortlist and would make a worthy winner. This is a wonderful written family saga of recent Chinese history with a lovely focus on music, epic novels and love. A young man watches China transform after a brutal civil war, falls in love with western music, endures the Cultural Revolution and throughout the events leading up the Tienanmen Square massacre. Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeline Thien is a multi generational novel about the Chinese Cultural Revolution and afterwards that puts all other multi generational novels to shame. It's really good, combining wonderful and vibrant character studies with excellent writing and story structure. Thien deserves all the praise she's received for this book. Marie is a girl living Vancouver, Canada, with her mother, her father having returned to China and committed suicide, when they are joined by Ai ming, a college student fleeing China in the aftermath of Tiananmen Square. She leaves them to go to the US in hopes of being granted asylum and Marie never sees her again. In adulthood, Marie undertakes a search for Ai ming, who may have returned to China. As her search goes on, the story is told of how Ai ming and Marie's family were connected and goes further back to the story of Ai ming's parents and grandparents, as they survive WWII, Mao's reign as dictator and on into the turmoil of Tiananmen Square. It's a lot of history, and a quantity of characters, but Thien juggles the storylines adeptly and makes each character from Big Mother Knife to Marie herself, vivid and complex. This is a novel well worth reading. Also, it's a page turner.
IN A SINGLE YEAR, my father left us twice. The first time, to end his marriage, and the second, when he took his own life. That year, 1989, my mother flew to Hong Kong and laid my father to rest in a ... - #5
Save:'Living My Life' by Emma Goldman is a captivating autobiography that delves into the life of the Russian-born anarchist who was a prominent figure in North America and Europe in the early 20th century. The book provides a detailed account of Emma Goldman's revolutionary ideologies, her activism, and her fearless pursuit of freedom and individual rights. Through personal anecdotes and political insights, the narrative unfolds Emma Goldman's journey as a powerful social activist who challenged societal norms and fought against injustice.
It was the 15 of August 1889, the day of my arrival in New York City. I was twenty years old. All that had happened in my life until that time was now left behind me, cast off like a worn-out garment.... - #6
Save:In "Pandora" by Anne Rice, the titular character recounts her mesmerizing tale spanning from Imperial Rome to modern-day Paris and New Orleans. The book delves into Pandora's mortal girlhood, her meeting and falling in love with Marius, and the adventures they embark on over the centuries. The story is rich with history, intertwining with the world around Pandora as she navigates through love, loss, and the complexities of immortality.
Naturally, David, you would leave me something elegant, an inviting page. This notebook bound in dark varnished leather, is it not, tooled with a design of rich roses, thornless, yet leafy, a design t... - #7
Save:"Summer of '69" by Elin Hilderbrand is a historical fiction novel that takes readers back to the tumultuous summer of 1969, exploring the lives of the Levin family as they navigate personal struggles against the backdrop of significant events such as the Vietnam War, the moon landing, Woodstock, and Chappaquiddick incident. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of different family members, providing a multi-generational view of the challenges and secrets that shape their relationships and individual journeys. The author's vivid descriptions, rich character development, and incorporation of real historical events create a nostalgic and immersive reading experience that captures the essence of the era.
In "Summer of '69," Elin Hilderbrand skillfully weaves together the personal stories of the Levin family with the historical events of the time, offering readers a compelling blend of family drama, secrets, and coming-of-age themes set against the backdrop of a transformative summer in American history. Through the characters' interactions, evolving relationships, and introspective moments, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, resilience, and the impact of external events on individual lives, creating a poignant and engaging narrative that resonates with readers.
They are leaving for Nantucket on the third Monday in June, just as they always do. Jessie’s maternal grandmother, Exalta Nichols, is a stickler for tradition, and this is especially true when it come... - #8
Save:'Eyewitness to History' by John Carey is a compilation of firsthand reports of major historical events, ranging from the death of Socrates to the first men on the moon. The book offers a unique perspective on history by presenting accounts written by individuals who witnessed these significant moments, providing readers with a vivid and authentic portrayal of the past. The writing style includes short excerpts from eyewitnesses, allowing readers to experience history through the eyes of those who lived it.
- #9
Save:Maude by Donna Foley Mabry is a touching account of the life of Maude, as narrated by her granddaughter. The book delves into Maude's journey through some of the toughest times in American history, including the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and World War II. Despite enduring immense personal heartache and tragedy, Maude's resilience and unwavering determination to keep moving forward serve as the central theme of the narrative. Readers are taken on a poignant exploration of Maude's life, filled with hardships and challenges, yet infused with moments of love and inspiration.
I came into this world as Nola Maude Clayborn in 1892, in Perkinsville, in the northwest corner of Tennessee, a few miles west of Dyersburg. Pinned to the ground by a church spire at each end of the r... - #10
Save:Robert Robinson's autobiography provides a unique and insightful perspective on life inside the Soviet Union from 1930 to 1974. The book chronicles his 44 years in the USSR as a black American, detailing his struggles, disappointments, and eventual escape from the Communist regime. Through Robinson's narrative, readers gain a deep understanding of the daily life, challenges, and complexities of living in a repressive society like the Soviet Union, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and political insights.
