Books matching: slow contemplative pacing
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Land of Green Plums by Herta Muller is a haunting and bleak novel set in Ceausescu's Romania, depicting the lives of four young people from rural areas who face constant fear, oppression, and harassment under the totalitarian regime. The narrative delves into the struggles of the characters as they navigate a country plagued by surveillance, interrogation, and persecution, ultimately leading to their despair and unhappiness. Through fragmented storytelling and vivid imagery, the book captures the atmosphere of a police state post-WWII Romania, offering a deep exploration of the psychological torment and subterfuge experienced by the characters.
The writing style of The Land of Green Plums is characterized by its lyrical prose, symbolic language, and atmospheric depiction of life under a dictatorship. Muller weaves together a narrative that is nonlinear and purposefully confusing, mirroring the sense of confusion and lack of sense in a world ruled by a dictator. The book is rich in symbolism, with every action and detail carrying layers of meaning, reflecting the subtle resistance and defiance of the characters against the oppressive regime.
- #2
Save:The Cellist of Sarajevo is a poignant novel set in a city under siege during the Bosnian war. The story follows the lives of four characters, each struggling to survive and maintain their humanity in the face of war atrocities. The plot revolves around a cellist who vows to play a piece symbolizing hope and rebirth at the site of a massacre each day for 22 days, honoring the victims while risking his life. Through snapshots of daily life, the author paints a vivid picture of the war-torn city and explores themes of resilience, survival, and the impact of war on civilians.
It screamed downward, splitting air and sky without effort. A target expanded in size, brought into focus by time and velocity. There was a moment before impact that was the last instant of things as ... - #3
Save:'The Unseen' by Roy Jacobsen follows the life of the Barroy family living on a small Norwegian island, focusing on their struggles, isolation, and resilience against the harsh climate. The novel depicts their day-to-day challenges, interactions with the mainland, and the gradual changes that disrupt their traditional way of life. Through poetic yet lean prose, the book captures the essence of life on the island, portraying a timeless narrative of survival, adaptation, and the impact of modernization on a remote community.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Ingrid, offering a glimpse into the family dynamics, the cyclical nature of existence on the island, and the subtle evolution of their world over several decades. With a blend of vivid vignettes and atmospheric storytelling, 'The Unseen' paints a rich portrait of a family deeply connected to nature, weathering both physical and emotional storms as they navigate the challenges of their environment and the encroaching changes of the outside world.
On a windless day in July the smoke rises vertically to the sky. Pastor Johannes Malmberget is rowed out to the island and received by the fisherman-cum-farmer Hans Barrøy, the island’s rightful owner... - #4
Save:Set in pre-WW2 China, 'Pavilion of Women' by Pearl S. Buck follows the story of Madame Wu, a wealthy matriarch who decides to bring a concubine into her husband's life as a way to free herself from traditional duties. The novel explores Madame Wu's pursuit of personal freedom, the clash of western ideas with traditional values, and the consequences of her decisions on her family. Through thought-provoking narrative and philosophical undertones, the book delves into themes of duty, love, and the pursuit of perfection in a complex familial setting.
IT WAS HER FORTIETH birthday. Madame Wu sat before the tilted mirror of her toilet case and looked at her own calm face. In her mind she was comparing it with the face she had seen in this same mirror... - #5
Save:The Stolen Child by Lisa Carey is a dark and enchanting tale set on a cloistered island in the Irish sea, where powerful women, fairy folk, myths, and legends intertwine. The story follows the lives of the island's inhabitants, delving into themes of motherhood, hope, desperation, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The writing style is described as lyrical, lilting, and evocative of the Irish language and culture, drawing readers into a world where reality and magic blend seamlessly.
The plot of The Stolen Child revolves around the relationships between the characters, particularly the two sisters, as they navigate generational curses, harsh living conditions, superstitions, and the influence of the fae. The book explores deep emotions, dark themes, and the impact of the past on the present, creating a captivating narrative that weaves together elements of fantasy, folklore, and human resilience.
- #6
Save:'The Truce (The Reawakening)' by Primo Levi is a poignant autobiography that serves as a sequel to the author's classic memoir of the Holocaust, 'Survival in Auschwitz.' The book recounts Levi's journey home after his survival in the concentration camp, capturing the chaotic aftermath of the war where jews, refugees, and war victims strive to return home amidst starvation and sickness. Levi's lucid writing style presents vivid descriptions of a wide array of characters, showcasing their strength, resilience, kindness, and cruelty in the face of absurd circumstances. The narrative delves into the harrowing experiences of Levi and his companions as they navigate through various camps, highlighting the struggles and survival instincts of those who endured the atrocities of Auschwitz.
Unlike the somber tone of 'If This is a Man,' 'The Truce' is filled with expectation and hope as Primo Levi documents his circuitous journey home, shedding light on the resilience and optimism that persisted even in the aftermath of the horrors of the concentration camp. Levi's account offers a unique perspective on the post-Holocaust era, challenging common perceptions and providing a thought-provoking narrative that unveils the complexities of human nature in the face of adversity.
- #7
Save:Black Narcissus by Rumer Godden is a tale set in the Himalayas where a group of Anglican nuns strive to establish a school and dispensary in a former palace of the General's harem. The novel explores the challenges faced by the nuns as they are haunted both physically and spiritually by the grandeur of the mountains and the cultural differences they encounter. The book delves into the clash of cultures, the psychological effects of their pious living, and the dark desires that surface among the nuns as they struggle to impose their beliefs in a remote and exotic location.
The story follows Sister Clodagh and her fellow sisters as they navigate the complexities of their new environment, dealing with local traditions, superstitions, and their own internal conflicts. The narrative is rich in imagery, portraying the majestic Himalayan landscape and the interactions between the nuns and the inhabitants of the region. As the nuns face challenges and tragedies, the novel explores themes of forbidden passions, cultural clashes, and the inevitable consequences of trying to impose Western ideals in a foreign land.
Last year it had been called St Saviour’s School, but, when the Brotherhood left after only staying five months, it lapsed into the Palace again. The natives had never called it anything else; they ha... - #8
Save:Mr. Palomar by Italo Calvino is a collection of sketches that follow the life of the reflective protagonist, Mr. Palomar, as he observes and contemplates various aspects of his life and the world around him. The book is structured into sections, sub-sections, and sub-sub sections, mirroring Palomar's attempts to name and categorize everything scientifically, leading to humorous and absurd moments. Calvino's writing style in Mr. Palomar is described as precise, insightful, and philosophical, with a focus on the protagonist's introspective musings and observations.
The sea is barely wrinkled, and little waves strike the sandy shore. Mr. Palomar is standing on the shore, looking at a wave. Not that he is lost in contemplation of the waves. He is not lost, because... - #9
Save:Eggs by Jerry Spinelli is a heartwarming story about two children, David and Primrose, who are dealing with loss in their lives. David, a nine-year-old boy who recently lost his mother, moves to live with his grandmother and struggles to cope with his grief. Primrose, a thirteen-year-old girl with her own family issues, forms an unlikely friendship with David. Together, they navigate through their sadness and loneliness, supporting each other and finding solace in their bond. The plot explores themes of friendship, grief, and acceptance, with a touch of humor and a hint of mystery.
He let it hang there: “silly.” He said nothing. Unreplied to, the word would get bigger and bigger, filling the car, suffocating her, forcing her to open her mouth and take it back, swallow it. That w... - #10
Save:Charming Billy is a novel that delves into the life of the title character, an alcoholic man who is remembered fondly by his family and friends at his funeral. The story unfolds through flashbacks and reminiscences, revealing Billy's lost love, struggles with alcoholism, and the impact he had on those around him. McDermott skillfully weaves together different perspectives and timelines, portraying the complexity of human relationships and the lasting effects of one man's life.
SOMEWHERE IN THE BRONX, only twenty minutes or so from the cemetery, Maeve found a small bar-and-grill in a wooded alcove set well off the street that was willing to serve the funeral party of forty-s...
