Books matching: social exploitation
63 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Going to the Dogs: The Story of a Moralist" by Erich Kastner is set primarily in Berlin during the Depression before the rise of the Nazis. It delves into the hopelessness, intrigue, and degeneration of Weimar Germany, portraying a troubled city losing itself in the quest for pleasure and sex. The story follows Jacob Fabian, a college graduate working in advertising, who wanders the streets of Weimar Berlin with his friend Labude, engaging in visits to nightclubs, brothels, and questionable establishments while exchanging opinions on various topics. The novel offers a thick texture with a multitude of characters coming and going, discussing philosophers like Descartes and Schopenhauer, and conveying a sense of sadness, loneliness, and a yearning for rationality amidst the degeneration of the city.
Fabian was sitting in a café, by name Spalteholz, reading the headlines of the evening papers: English Airship Disaster near Beauvais, Strychnine Stored with Lentils, Girl of Nine Jumps from Window, E... - #2
Save:The Miser of Mayfair by M.C. Beaton is the first book in the 'A House for the Season' series, set in Regency England. The story follows Fiona Sinclair, a beautiful and mysterious orphan under the guardianship of Mr. Roderick Sinclair. The plot revolves around Fiona's attempts to navigate the London marriage market during the London season, with the help of the servants at No. 67 Clarges Street. The writing style is described as charming and engaging, capturing the essence of the Regency era with humor and light-heartedness.
At first, Mr. Sinclair could hardly believe his luck. He was a fat, jovial, slovenly man, a bachelor, who had retired five years before to enjoy the remainder of his days in drinking away his savings.... - #3
Save:'A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii' is a collection of six interrelated stories by six different authors, each offering a unique perspective on the catastrophic destruction of Pompeii in AD 79. The stories are set in the days leading up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, showcasing the lives of various characters, both historical and fictional, as they navigate love, despair, courage, and tragedy in the face of impending disaster. The writing style is vivid, colorful, and rich in historical detail, painting a compelling picture of Roman society during the Early Roman Empire.
I discreetly tightened my loincloth as I approached Pompeii’s Sarno Gate. The mere sight of the chipped arch funneling us into the city—the knowledge that I was that much closer to her—made my body re... - #4
Save:'The Empire of Fear' by Brian M. Stableford is an alternate history vampire novel that delves into a world where vampires are real, ruling over society in the 17th century. The book explores the clash between vampires and revolutionaries, blending real-life historical figures with a unique perspective on vampires that is dark, weird, and fascinating. Stableford's writing is mature and interesting, grounding the vampire theme in history and myth while addressing themes of doctrinal absolutism versus free inquiry, superstition versus science, and the nature of power and fear.
It was the thirteenth of June in the Year of Our Lord 1623. Warm weather had come early to Grand Normandy and the streets of London were bathed in sunlight. There were crowds everywhere and the port w... - #5
Save:'Poilu: The World War I Notebooks of Corporal Louis Barthas, Barrelmaker, 1914-1918' by Louis Barthas is a firsthand account of a French soldier's experiences in the trenches during World War I. The author, a socialist and pacifist, vividly describes the horrors and hardships faced by the common soldiers, including endless marches, harsh conditions, and the mistreatment by officers. Barthas offers a critical view of the officer class and the social exploitation of frontline soldiers, highlighting the reality of war devoid of glory or honor.
Barthas' narrative delves into the psychological aspects of warfare, exploring why people willingly march to their own slaughter at the command of indifferent and sadistic commanders. serves as a poignant commentary on human psychology and the mechanisms of totalitarian control over soldiers' bodies, hearts, minds, and souls. Through Barthas' candid and harrowing account, readers gain insight into the brutal realities of war and the sacrifices made by ordinary soldiers at the behest of those in power.
Few documents from the Great War are as remarkable as the war notebooks of Louis Barthas, published in English for the first time in Edward M. Strauss’s fine translation. They are special for a number... - #6
Save:Jacob A. Riis's book 'How the Other Half Lives' provides a vivid and detailed account of life in the tenements of New York City at the end of the 19th century. Through his journalistic investigation and personal experiences, Riis exposes the harsh living conditions, exploitation, and suffering endured by the working poor and immigrants in the city. The book sheds light on the struggles faced by these marginalized communities, including overcrowding, lack of adequate housing and nourishment, violence, abuse, and disease. Riis's writing style, although old-fashioned, effectively conveys the poignant reality of the time, urging readers to consider the historical context of ethnic, racial, class, and gender biases prevalent in his work.
JACOB August Riis, police reporter turned social reformer, fought for the elimination of slum conditions on New York’s lower East Side more persistently and with greater effectiveness than any of the ... - #7
Save:The Oracle Year by Charles Soule is a science fiction novel that follows Will Dando, a struggling bassist in NYC, who wakes up one day with 108 predictions from a dream. Will starts sharing these predictions on a website he creates, causing major social upheavals and attracting the attention of both rich individuals and the government. As chaos mounts and the death toll rises, Will must navigate the consequences of his newfound ability while trying to keep a low profile.
The novel is praised for its engaging plot, intriguing premise, and well-developed characters like Will, Leigh, Miko, Hamza, and The Coach. The writing style is noted for its fast pace, high stakes, and superior world-building, making it a solid and enjoyable read for fans of science fiction.
He tipped his beer up, finishing the last few swallows. He set about the task of getting the bartender’s attention, which looked like it could be an ordeal. The bar hadn’t been crowded when he’d arriv... - #8
Save:'Plagues and Peoples' by William H. McNeill explores the intricate relationship between infectious diseases and human history, spanning from prehistory to the 20th century. Through meticulous research, McNeill delves into how diseases, both microparasites like viruses and bacteria, and macroparasites such as conquerors and rulers, have shaped the course of civilizations. The book highlights significant historical events like the impact of diseases on military conquests, the spread of epidemics through global movements, and the development of medical practices to combat deadly illnesses. McNeill's writing style is informative, thought-provoking, and offers a fresh perspective on how diseases have influenced human affairs throughout time.
Before fully human populations evolved, we must suppose that like other animals our ancestors fitted into an elaborate, self-regulating ecological balance. The most conspicuous aspect of this balance ... - #9
Save:The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl and C.M. Kornbluth is a science fiction novel set in a future where corporations have taken over in an oligarchy style government. The story explores a world where water has become scarce, available only to the very wealthy, and corporations are looking to colonize space. The narrative follows the protagonist as he goes from a life of privilege to fighting for survival, with his perspectives evolving as he delves deeper into the challenges he faces. The book presents a satirical take on a society where advertisement reigns supreme, and the consequences of having too much power concentrated in the hands of a few.
The writing style of The Space Merchants is described as smart, humorous, cynical, and entertaining, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged. It portrays a dystopian world where the distinction between being a citizen and a consumer is stark, highlighting the consequences of unchecked corporate power and the impact of consumerism on society at large.
As I dressed that morning I ran over in my mind the long list of statistics, evasions, and exaggerations that they would expect in my report. My section—Production—had been plagued with a long series ... - #10
Save:'Twentieth Anniversary Screening' by Jeff Strand is a novella that revolves around the twentieth anniversary screening of a terrible slasher movie called The Roofer, where a moviegoer went on a murderous rampage. The story unfolds in a unique mixed media format, portraying the massacre through an online article podcast channel. The plot is filled with dark humor, absurd twists, and quirky characters, making it a grisly, fun, and quick read for fans of slasher horror.
The author, Jeff Strand, known for his blending of horror and humor, showcases his signature style in 'Twentieth Anniversary Screening.' The novella skillfully combines elements of violent horror, off-kilter humor, and very desperate characters finding themselves in absurd situations. The narrative cleverly explores the exploitation of a real murder for profit, while also critiquing it, all within the backdrop of a disastrous anniversary screening event.
