Books matching: societal constraints on women
35 result(s)
- #1
Save:Enchantress of Numbers by Jennifer Chiaverini is a fictionalized account of the life of Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron and colleague of Charles Babbage. The book delves into Ada's childhood, her difficult relationship with her mother, and her groundbreaking work in mathematics and science. The narrative is divided into three sections, exploring Ada's family history, her personal development, and her collaboration with Charles Babbage on the first computer.
You may well wonder how I, no more than seven weeks old when my mother left my father and launched the great scandal that came to be known throughout England as the Separation, can claim to have witne... - #2
Save:In "The Familiars" by Stacey Halls, the story unfolds in the dark days of the 1600s, amidst false accusations of witchcraft and the looming threat of the witch trials. The protagonist, Fleetwood Shuttleworth, a young pregnant woman, finds solace in a midwife named Alice Grey, as they navigate the dangers of the witch trials in Lancashire. The book weaves together historical facts with a fictionalized account of the Pendle witch trials of 1612, portraying the struggles of women in a male-dominated society and the bonds of friendship that transcend societal norms.
I left the house with the letter because I did not know what else to do. The lawn was wet with late-morning dew that soaked my favorite silk rose slippers, for in my haste I hadn’t thought to put on p... - #3
Save:'Girls with Sharp Sticks' by Suzanne Young explores the controlled lives of young women at the elite Innovation Academy, where they are groomed to be perfect girls for their sponsors by a domineering male faculty. The story follows Mena as she questions the oppressive patriarchal conditions at the academy and uncovers the sinister truths behind the facade of perfection. The plot unfolds in a boarding school setting, blending elements of suspense, mystery, science fiction, and feminist themes, ultimately leading to a twist that leaves readers shocked and eager for the next installment.
The book delves into themes of misogyny, rape culture, body horror, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Through the character of Mena, the narrative sheds light on the pervasiveness of patriarchy and the importance of questioning authority. The writing style evokes strong emotions of rage towards the cruelty inflicted on the girls at the academy, building tension as the protagonist navigates a journey of self-discovery and empowerment in the face of manipulation and control.
Rain taps on my school-provided slicker, the inside of the clear plastic material growing foggy in the humid air, and I look around the Federal Flower Garden. Precipitation has soaked the soil, causin... 'The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein' by Kiersten White is a twisted retelling of Frankenstein, focusing on the character of Elizabeth Lavenza. The story follows Elizabeth's journey as she navigates the dark and disturbing world of Victor Frankenstein, uncovering his madness and the lengths she will go to survive in a society that undervalues women's lives. Through Elizabeth's perspective, readers witness a narrative filled with gothic atmosphere, complex character dynamics, and a deep exploration of survival and sacrifice.
The plot unfolds with Elizabeth's realization of Victor's disturbing intentions, her struggle to maintain her position in the Frankenstein household, and her quest to uncover the truth about Victor's actions. White's writing style is described as atmospheric and captivating, drawing readers into a feminist tale of resilience and darkness, while skillfully intertwining elements of horror and suspense with the original Frankenstein narrative.
Justine trembled beside me like a newborn rabbit, burying her face in my shoulder. Another bolt lit our carriage with bright white clarity before rendering us temporarily deaf with a clap of thunder s...- #5
Save:"Indiana" by George Sand is a novel that delves into the life of a young woman named Indiana, trapped in a loveless marriage and yearning for freedom. Set in the early 1800s, the story explores the societal constraints placed on women, particularly in France, highlighting the struggles of female desire within the confines of class restrictions and social norms. Through the protagonist's journey, the author sheds light on the oppressive laws governing women's rights during that era, ultimately portraying a feminist narrative that challenges traditional gender roles.
Sand's writing style in "Indiana" is characterized by its intricate portrayal of complex relationships and societal issues, blending elements of melodrama and social commentary. The author's use of allegory and vivid descriptions captures the emotional turmoil of the characters, especially Indiana, as she navigates through a world filled with passion, betrayal, and societal expectations. Despite some inconsistencies in the delivery of the narrative, the novel stands out for its exploration of themes such as love, freedom, and the plight of women in a male-dominated society.
ON a chilly wet autumn evening, in a little manor house in Brie,* three people, lost in thought, were solemnly watching the embers burn in the fireplace and the hands make their way slowly round the c... - #6
Save:'Bittersweet' by Nevada Barr is set in the 1870s American West and Pennsylvania and follows the story of two remarkable pioneer women, Imogene and Sarah Mary. Imogene, a school teacher haunted by her past, forms a deep bond with her student Sarah Mary after a tragic event. Together, they flee and support each other with fierce devotion, navigating the challenges faced by women in the 19th century. The novel explores themes of love, resilience, and the struggles of women during a time when marriage was often the only option.
A RAWBONED WOMAN NEARLY SIX FEET TALL PULLED ON THE BRASS handle; the door was wedged against the lintel and wouldn’t close-the fog that had lain over Philadelphia since late September had swelled the... - #7
Save:The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish is a historical fiction novel that alternates between 17th-century London and the early 21st century, following the intertwined tales of two remarkable women: Ester Velasquez, a young Jewish emigrant from Amsterdam secretly scribing for a rabbi, and Helen Watt, a historian passionate about Jewish history but suffering from Parkinson's Disease. The story revolves around the discovery of 300-year-old Jewish documents in plague-ridden London, with themes of intellectual pursuits, interfaith relationships, and the challenges faced by women in different time periods.
Half past one—and the American hadn’t so much as telephoned. A lack of professionalism incompatible with a finding of this magnitude. Yet Darcy had said the American was his most talented postgraduate... Set in Rio de Janeiro in the 1940s, 'The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao' by Martha Batalha follows the lives of two sisters, Euridice and Guida Gusmao. The novel explores the struggles and ambitions of the brilliant-minded Euridice, who faces societal constraints as a woman in a time when options for women were limited. The story delves into the rebellious nature of the sisters, their relationships, and the challenges they encounter in a conservative society.
The narrative intricately weaves together themes of women's empowerment, resilience, family dynamics, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Through humorous and quirky storytelling, the author paints a vivid picture of life in Brazil, capturing the essence of the characters' journeys and the complexities of their relationships.
By the time Euridice Gusmao married Antenor Campelo, the longing she’d felt for her sister’s return had already faded. She found herself able once again to flash a smile when she heard something funny...- #9
Save:'No Name' by Wilkie Collins follows the story of Magdalen Vanstone and her sister Norah, who are left destitute after their parents' death reveals they were born out of wedlock. The plot revolves around Magdalen's passionate quest to restore her and her sister's rightful inheritance, leading her to resort to trickery and deceit. The novel is set in Victorian England and explores themes of illegitimacy, inheritance laws, and the societal constraints placed on women during that era. The writing style is described as suspenseful, with intricate plot twists, well-developed characters, and a focus on moral dilemmas and legal intricacies.
The hands on the hall-clock pointed to half-past six in the morning. The house was a country residence in West Somersetshire, called Combe-Raven. The day was the fourth of March, and the year was eigh... - #10
Save:The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge is a historical mystery set in the nineteenth century, following Faith Sunderly as she investigates her father's mysterious death. Faith discovers a magical tree that feeds on lies but reveals truths through its hallucinogenic fruit, leading her on a dangerous path to uncover the secrets surrounding her family. The book delves into themes of feminism, religion, and scientific debate, all intertwined in a gripping plot full of twists and turns. Hardinge's writing style expertly combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction to create a dark and clever story with a strong female protagonist.
The boat moved with a nauseous, relentless rhythm, like someone chewing on a rotten tooth. The islands just visible through the mist also looked like teeth, Faith decided. Not fine, clean Dover teeth,...
