Books matching: societal conflict
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Food of the Gods' by H.G. Wells tells the story of Professor Redwood and Mr Bensington, two scientists who create a substance named Herakleophorbia, also known as Boom Food, that causes animals and plants to grow to massive sizes. Chaos ensues when this substance is accidentally consumed by various creatures, leading to public fear, political backlash, and violence. As some infants are fed the substance and grow into giants, the story explores themes of societal change, moral dilemmas, and the clash between the normal population and these giant offspring. Wells crafts a cautionary tale of science gone awry, with elements of social commentary and political tensions that resonate throughout the narrative.
The writing style of H.G. Wells in 'The Food of the Gods' is described as a mix of science fiction, social commentary, and cautionary tale. delves into the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation, public reactions to technological advancements, and the power dynamics between different groups in society. Through intricate storytelling and character development, Wells presents a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of growth, survival, and the ethical implications of scientific progress.
In the middle years of the nineteenth century there first became abundant in this strange world of ours a class of men, men tending for the most part to become elderly, who are called, and who are ver... - #2
Save:'Soldier, Ask Not' delves deeper into the galactic civilization of man, weaving together various threads from the previous books in the series. The story follows Tam Olyn, a character who is well developed for the 1960s, as he navigates a world where humankind has split itself up to direct its own evolution. opens with a line from Homer, setting the stage for a tale of conflict and wrath against a group known as The Friendlies, portrayed in an indispensable manner to the Childe Cycle.
Menin aeide thea, Peleiadeo Achileos -begins the Iliad of Homer, and its story of thirty-four hundred years ago. This is the story of the wrath of Achilles.-And this is the story of my wrath; I, Earth...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Childe Cycle ) - #3
Save:In "Archangel Down," readers are transported to a future where humans have colonized many galaxies without encountering alien species. The storyline follows interstellar military commander Commander Noa Sato and Professor James Sinclair, who find themselves entangled in a mysterious project called Archangel. The plot unfolds in a world filled with advanced technologies, complex characters, and a dystopian setting, all while exploring themes of human romance, prejudice, and the meaning of humanity. With echoes of WWII and the holocaust, the narrative delves into topics like race, racism, religious fundamentalism, and fascism, offering a thought-provoking and engaging read.
The book presents a well-crafted and compelling first installment in a series that blends elements of space opera, ground combat, human romance, and alien first contact. With a mix of mystery, action, and humor sprinkled throughout the story, readers are taken on a journey through a detailed world built by the author, C. Gockel. The characters are excellently developed, the plot is gripping, and the writing style balances darker themes with humorous banter, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers entertained and engaged.
- #4
Save:Slan by A.E. van Vogt is a classic science fiction novel set in a world where Slans, a telepathic mutant race, are hunted down by humans. The story follows Jommy Cross, a young Slan trying to protect his people and uncover the secrets of their existence. The plot involves a tri-cornered war between Human Beings, Slans, and Tendrilless Slans, with themes of genetic engineering, telepathy, and the struggle for coexistence in a world filled with oppression and fear.
Her fear as they walked hurriedly along the street was a quiet, swift pulsation that throbbed from her mind to his. A hundred other thoughts beat against his mind, from the crowds that swarmed by on e... - #5
Save:"The Sorrow of Belgium" by Hugo Claus is a coming of age story of a young Belgian boy, Louis Seynaeve, set during World War II. The novel delves into Louis' experiences in a country at war, exploring themes of growing up in a divided Belgium with complex loyalties. The story is told through Louis' perspective, highlighting his relationships with family and friends, the impact of war on his life, and the cultural tensions between the Flemish and French traditions in Belgium.
Regarded as a panoramic novel of life in wartime Flanders, "The Sorrow of Belgium" paints a scathing, humorous, and moving portrayal of a Flemish community during the war. Through Louis' journey from a sheltered convent school to the chaos of war, the book explores beliefs, loyalties, and friendships severely tested by the wartime circumstances. The narrative is rich in dialogues, wit, and memorable characters coping with the destruction and ambiguity of wartime Belgium.
The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare is a historical romance novella set in 1814 England. The story follows Eliza Cade, a young woman who is not allowed to make her debut into society due to a youthful mistake. When she meets Mr. Harry Wright, a notorious rake, their interactions are filled with banter, hidden desires, and a developing relationship. As they navigate misunderstandings, passion, and love, Eliza and Harry must confront their inner selves and societal expectations to find their happily ever after.
Bram shifted his weight to his good leg, feeling the stab to his pride. He was a lieutenant colonel in the British army, and at over six feet tall, he was said to cut an imposing figure. Typically, a ...- #7
Save:'The Sentinel' by Eden Winters is a science fiction story that follows Fourteen, a programmed super soldier, who defies his masters to protect a newborn girl and discovers his own humanity in the process. He finds love and family with Connell, a colonist on the planet he escapes to, and together they navigate a world threatened by advanced hybridized soldiers. The writing style combines tight prose with emotional depth, exploring themes of love, family, and the blurring lines between man and machine.
Soldier Fourteen nodded, snapping the last section of his body armor into place. Prickles raced across his skin, tiny filaments piercing his epidermis, digging in deep to meld suit to body. Properly g... - #8
Save:The novel 'The Other Americans' by Laila Lalami revolves around Nora, an immigrant from Morocco, who returns to her small desert town near Joshua Tree, California, after her father's hit-and-run death. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including Nora's, a police officer's, an undocumented witness', and more, exploring themes of grief, family dynamics, racism, and immigration. The book delves into the aftermath of the tragic event, unraveling the complexities of each character's life and their interconnected relationships.
'The Other Americans' is structured with short chapters from various characters' viewpoints, slowly revealing the circumstances surrounding Driss Guerraoui's death and its impact on the community. Through a diverse cast of characters, including immigrants and native-born Americans, the narrative weaves together different storylines, shedding light on the struggles and experiences of individuals living in a desert town in Southern California. The book is praised for its immersive storytelling, rich character development, and exploration of timely and thought-provoking themes.
My father was killed on a spring night four years ago, while I sat in the corner booth of a new bistro in Oakland. Whenever I think about that moment, these two contradictory images come to me: my fat... - #9
Save:Genocidal Organ is a thought-provoking dystopian science fiction novel that delves into issues of morality, human folly, and the manipulation of language to incite genocide. The story follows Clavis Shepherd, an assassin for the United States Military, on a mission to hunt down John Paul, a linguist responsible for spreading genocide worldwide through linguistic manipulation. The novel is a gripping narrative that explores philosophical musings with real-world implications, creating a grim but plausible near future where humanity's capacity for violence is metaphorically portrayed as an organ within us.
Mom takes me by the hand. “Ready to go?” she asks. I nod, and we start walking toward the line of dead people in the distance. This is a bit like how it was the first day of school, I seem to remember... - #10
Save:"Seven Daughters and Seven Sons" by Barbara Cohen is a middle-grade novel based on a Middle Eastern folktale about a girl named Buran who disguises herself as a boy to make her fortune. The story follows Buran as she navigates self-acceptance, cultural customs, and the challenges of pursuing her goals in a society where women have limited opportunities. The book weaves together themes of courage, determination, and the importance of love and family, set against the backdrop of a richly described historical setting.
The narrative style of the book is reminiscent of a fairy tale retelling, with elements of romance, adventure, and self-discovery. The author incorporates elements of Middle Eastern culture and folklore, creating a vivid and engaging story that appeals to both younger readers and those open to exploring different cultures and perspectives.
