Books matching: societal prejudices
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Duty and Desire' in the series 'Hearts of Honour' by Elise de Sallier follows the story of Grace, a village healer, and Jonathan, an estate manager, set in the early 1800s. Grace, known for her healing skills and midwifery, faces societal challenges due to her unconventional career. Jonathan, a former officer, seeks Grace's help when his son falls ill, leading to an unexpected bond between them. Their relationship blossoms amidst societal prejudices and personal struggles, ultimately challenging their beliefs about love and marriage. intricately weaves a tale of love, hardship, and societal norms, immersing readers in a historical romance set in a time where love was a complicated affair.
(Also, see 7 recommendations for the series Hearts of Honour ) - #2
Save:"Others" by James Herbert follows the story of private investigator Nicholas Dismas as he investigates a missing baby at a nursing home called 'Perfect Rest'. The plot unfolds with suspense, romance, intrigue, and horror, showcasing a mix of supernatural elements and physical deformities among the characters. The narrative delves into themes of redemption and explores the dark side of human nature in a chilling and creepy setting.
It was a day like any other—except there are no days in that singular (in both senses of the words) place. No minutes, no hours, weeks, or years. No seconds either. There is no time in Hell, you see. ... - #3
Save:'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame' by Victor Hugo is a classic tale set in 14th century Paris, focusing on the tragic story of Quasimodo, a deformed bell ringer hidden in the bell towers of Notre Dame Cathedral by Dom Claude Frollo. The narrative delves into themes of unrequited love, societal prejudices, and power dynamics. Hugo intricately weaves historical details of Paris, the architecture of Notre Dame, and a study of Parisian society into the storyline, providing a rich backdrop to the characters and their interactions. The novel explores the complexities of human nature, with characters like Quasimodo, Esmeralda, and Claude Frollo portrayed in a believable and compelling manner.
The writing style of Victor Hugo in 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame' has been described as dense and detailed, with lengthy digressions into historical and architectural descriptions. While some readers found these tangents slow and tedious, others appreciated the depth they added to the narrative. The novel offers a mix of tragedy, dark humor, and thought-provoking commentary on themes such as love, obsession, and societal norms, making it a complex and engaging read that goes beyond the surface level of a conventional love story.
Three hundred and forty-eight years, six months, and nineteen days ago today the Parisians were awakened by the sound of loud peals from all the bells within the triple precincts of the City, the Univ... - #4
Save:'The Blacker the Berry' by Wallace Thurman is a poignant novel that delves into the complexities of colorism within the Black community, focusing on the experiences of the main character, Emma Lou. The book highlights the struggles faced by dark-skinned Black women like Emma Lou, who constantly grapple with societal prejudices and internalized self-doubt. Thurman's writing style effectively captures the emotional turmoil and inner conflicts of the protagonist as she navigates through a world that judges her based on the color of her skin. The narrative follows Emma Lou's journey from her hometown to Harlem, illustrating her quest for self-acceptance and societal validation in a racially biased environment.
Thurman skillfully weaves themes of identity, self-love, and societal expectations throughout the novel, providing readers with a thought-provoking exploration of race relations and personal growth. Through Emma Lou's experiences, the author sheds light on the harmful impact of color prejudice and the enduring quest for validation and belonging in a world that often marginalizes individuals based on their skin color.
More acutely than ever before Emma Lou began to feel that her luscious black complexion was somewhat of a liability, and that her marked color variation from the other people in her environment was a ... - #5
Save:Laurent and the Beast is a captivating tale of time travel and forbidden love. Laurent, a young man from 1805, makes a deal with a demon to escape his nightmare and finds himself in 2017, entwined in the world of the Kings of Hell Motorcycle Club. The story explores themes of romance, darkness, and character growth, as Laurent and Beast navigate their relationship amidst demons, adversaries, and the challenges of their different backgrounds.
- #6
Save:'You Should Be So Lucky' by Cat Sebastian is a historical gay romance set in 1960s New York City. The story follows Mark Bailey, a grieving journalist assigned to cover Eddie O'Leary, a troubled baseball player. Both men are facing personal and professional challenges, finding unexpected companionship and support in each other. The book beautifully captures the struggles of being gay in a time when it was still a criminal offense, while also delivering a heartwarming and hopeful love story between two unlikely individuals. The writing style is described as evocative, insightful, and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the characters' lives and the historical backdrop of the 1960s.
- #7
Save:The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco follows the story of Tea, a young girl who discovers she is a bone witch when she accidentally raises her brother from the dead. Sent off to train as an asha, Tea struggles with her powers, faces challenges of being an outcast, and navigates through a world filled with magic and supernatural creatures. The book alternates between past and present, revealing Tea's journey as she learns to control her abilities and faces the consequences of her powers, all while hinting at a darker future ahead.
Let me be clear: I never intended to raise my brother from his grave, though he may claim otherwise. If there’s anything I’ve learned from him in the years since, it’s that the dead hide truths as wel... - #8
Save:'The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Sisters Brought Medicine to Women and Women to Medicine' by Janice P. Nimura tells the captivating story of Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell, the first female physicians in the United States. Against the backdrop of the mid-nineteenth century, the author portrays the sisters' relentless pursuit to overcome the male-dominated medical system and societal norms that deemed women unfit for the medical profession. Through historical documents and the Blackwells' own journals, Nimura showcases their unwavering determination to elevate the status of women in medicine and improve healthcare for women and the underprivileged.
Just before Elizabeth left for Henderson, Anna set off in the opposite direction, back to New York to teach music at St. Ann’s Hall in Flushing, a luxurious new girls’ school as grand and elegant as h... - #9
Save:'Sing Me Forgotten' by Jessica S. Olson is a gender-bent retelling of Phantom of the Opera set in an alternate France-like country. The story follows Isda, a gravoir with the ability to manipulate memories through song, who is hidden and trained by Cyril Bardin, the owner of the Opera House. Isda longs to explore the world beyond the shadows of the Opera House and forms a deep connection with Emeric, a talented young man with an exceptional voice. As their romance blossoms, secrets are revealed, leading to a dramatic climax involving love, sacrifice, and the unraveling of memories.
The book is praised for its captivating plot that combines elements of tragic romance, magic, and societal reflections. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters like Isda and Emeric, the beautiful writing style that evokes emotions, and the unique twist on the Phantom of the Opera story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Music soars above the audience to where I hide behind a marble cherub near the Channe Opera House’s domed ceiling. The lead soprano’s vibrato trembles in the air, and my eyes fall shut as her music se... - #10
Save:In 'Dumb Witness', Hercule Poirot investigates the death of an elderly lady, Emily Arundell, who leaves her wealth to her companion, disinheriting her family. Poirot receives a delayed letter from the deceased, leading him to suspect foul play in what was thought to be a natural death. The plot unfolds with twists and turns as Poirot uncovers the motives behind the changed will, the attempted murder, and the actual killer, all set against the backdrop of the upper-class society of interbellum Great Britain. The story involves a large cast of suspects, intricate clues, and a lovable dog, Bob, who plays a significant role in the investigation.
The book presents a classic Agatha Christie mystery with Poirot at the helm, showcasing his deductive prowess and attention to detail in solving the murder case in retrospect. The writing style captures the essence of the time period, providing realistic references to customs and settings of 1937. The narrative keeps readers engaged with its intriguing plot, unexpected twists, and the delightful addition of Bob, the terrier, as a unique character that adds charm to the story.
Miss Arundell died on May 1st. Though her illness was short her death did not occasion much surprise in the little country town of Market Basing where she had lived since she was a girl of sixteen. Fo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hercule Poirot )
