Books matching: societal struggles
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Vernon Subutex 1' follows the story of Vernon Subutex, a down-on-his-luck former record store owner in Paris who becomes homeless after his friend Alex Bleach, a successful musician, dies. Vernon's eviction leads him to possess tapes of Alex's confession, sparking a series of events involving their circle of friends from the past. The narrative delves into themes of homelessness, friendship, secrets, and transformation, providing a realistic portrayal of societal issues and personal journeys. The writing style is described as primarily focused on telling rather than showing, with new characters introduced through ranty monologues that reflect societal divisions and struggles.
- #2
Save:"Under the Hawthorn Tree" by Ai Mi is a poignant story set during China's cultural revolution, offering a sensitive portrayal of a young Chinese girl navigating through life's complexities. The book delves into the themes of love, loyalty, and hardship, providing insights into the historical era in Chinese history. The writing style, although at times sparse, effectively conveys the emotional depth of the characters and the challenges they face, making it a compelling read for those interested in exploring different cultures and historical periods.
- #3
Save:'The Boy in the Rain' by Stephanie Cowell is an elegant and lyrical gay love story set in Edwardian England. The novel follows the lives of two main protagonists, Robbie and Anton, as they navigate a secret love affair in a time marked by restrictive social norms and the aftermath of Oscar Wilde's trial. The plot delves into themes of love, passion, loss, societal expectations, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a historical period where gross indecency laws governed sexual acts between men.
Stephanie Cowell's writing style is highly literary, evocative, and poignant, drawing readers into the characters' world with vivid descriptions and insightful exploration of emotions. The book captures the complexities of the characters' journey as they grapple with their feelings, societal pressures, and the challenges of living in a time where love between men was met with harsh consequences.
- #4
Save:'The Betrothed' by Alessandro Manzoni is a classic Italian historical novel set in 17th century Lombardy, following the story of two young lovers, Renzo and Lucia, amidst wars, famine, and the plague of 1628-1630. The novel delves into the corrupt and oppressive rule of Spanish and Austrian oppressors, offering a compelling political analysis of the times. Through vivid descriptions of historical events and characters, Manzoni weaves a tale of love, suffering, and resilience, rich in characterization and profound interest in the workings of history.
One arm of Lake Como turns off to the south between two unbroken chains of mountains, which cut it up into a series of bays and inlets as the hills advance into the water and retreat again, until it q... - #5
Save:Apartment Women by Gu Byeong-mo is a compelling exploration of gender roles and motherhood in contemporary Korea. Set in a government-subsidized apartment complex, the story follows four women as they navigate the challenges of raising children in a society grappling with a declining birth rate. The narrative offers a glimpse into their lives, highlighting struggles like managing careers, forming friendships, and maintaining appearances, all while dealing with the expectations placed upon them as mothers.
The writing style is thoughtful, blending cultural commentary with personal stories. While the plot presents interesting insights into the characters' complexities, some readers found parts of it tedious and felt that certain themes were repeated excessively. The book invites readers to reflect on what it means to be a woman and a mother, though its translation may pose challenges for some. Overall, it balances engaging character interactions with a broader critique of societal norms.
- #6
Save:The Shadowed Sun is the second book in N.K. Jemisin's Dreamblood Series, set 10 years after the events of The Killing Moon. The story follows the aftermath of the Kisuati occupation of Gujaareeh, focusing on the first female Sharer healer in the priesthood, Hanani, as she navigates through oppressive rule, a mysterious plague, and political unrest. The book delves into themes of rebellion, romance, power struggles, trauma recovery, and the complexities of dreams within a richly built Egyptian-like setting with a unique magic system.
There were two hundred and fifty-six places where a man could hide within his own flesh. The soldier dying beneath Hanani’s hands had fled to someplace deep. She had searched his heart and brain and g...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dreamblood ) - #7
Save:The novel 'Just by Looking at Him' by Ryan O'Connell follows the story of Elliot, a disabled gay man in his 30s living with cerebral palsy and his boyfriend, Gus. The book delves into Elliot's relationships with his boyfriend, colleagues, boss, and family, all narrated from his own perspective. The story touches on themes of gay lifestyle, monogamy in relationships, and self-acceptance, with a mix of humor, sarcasm, and pop culture references. Despite the explicit sex scenes and triggering subjects like alcoholism and cheating, the author handles them well, offering different viewpoints through the characters' reactions.
The book is a mix of memoir and slice of life, maintaining the complexity of relationships and presenting genuine characters with relatable issues. While the story takes a while to delve into the underlying theme of self-acceptance, it offers a journey of self-discovery and authenticity. The writing style is fast-paced, filled with witty zingers, and pop culture references, making it a fun and engaging read that tackles serious topics like disability, sexuality, and addictions.
The walk to my office is fifteen minutes from the studio gate. An Uber drops me off, and I walk across the lot, usually accompanied by a mid-grade hangover, trying not to get run over by a trolley ful... - #8
Save:Gracelin O'Malley by Ann Moore is a historical fiction novel set during the time of The Great Famine in Ireland. The story follows the protagonist, Gracelin O'Malley, a strong and resilient young woman who faces tragedy, abuse, and challenges during this tumultuous period in Irish history. The book intricately weaves historical events such as the potato famine, civil war, and uprisings against British rule into the narrative, providing a vivid and emotional portrayal of the hardships faced by the Irish people.
The novel delves into themes of survival, resilience, sacrifice, and the will to overcome adversity. Through the character of Gracelin O'Malley, readers witness the struggles of the Irish population during a time of mass starvation, disease, and political turmoil. The author, Ann Moore, skillfully combines realistic characters with meticulous historical research, creating a compelling story that sheds light on the social and emotional impact of this devastating period in Irish history.
CAMPFIRE flickered in the woods along the far bank of the River Lee. It was early spring and the tinkers had come. If they had waited but another day, they would not have witnessed the terrible thing ... - #9
Save:'The Story of an Hour' by Kate Chopin is a short story that delves into the emotional journey of a woman named Mrs. Mallard after hearing the news of her husband's death. Despite the tragic news, the story takes unexpected turns, leaving readers surprised by the impactful storytelling and the depth of emotions conveyed in just a few pages. Chopin's writing style is praised for its ability to pack a punch in a concise manner, with unexpected twists and a tender voice that uses personification and irony to explore themes of love and marriage of the time.
The narrative of 'The Story of an Hour' is described as a rollercoaster of emotions, with readers experiencing a gut punch and a revelation through the cleverly written plot. Kate Chopin's skill in creating inferences, assumptions, and ideas about the lead character within a minimal space is highlighted as a remarkable aspect of the story, making it a must-read that leaves a lasting impact on those who delve into its pages.
It was her sister Josephine who told her, in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half concealing. Her husband’s friend Richards was there, too, near her. It was he who had been in the news... - #10
Save:'Shattered' by Lee Winter is a captivating story set in a world where aliens with superpowers are compelled to assist and safeguard humans. The narrative follows Lena Martin, a dedicated individual whose responsibility is to track down the aliens who refuse to fulfill their duties. The book delves into themes of diversity, equality, ethics, and morality, addressing contemporary societal issues while also emphasizing the importance of change for the sake of love. The plot unfolds with compelling characters, including a strong Black lesbian superhero, offering a blend of humor, character growth, and challenging interactions that resonate with readers.
The writing style in 'Shattered' is highly praised for its excellence, with readers commending Lee Winter's skill in crafting a well-paced story with misfit characters that engage the audience. The book takes readers on a journey to explore unfamiliar settings, sparking curiosity and prompting further exploration beyond the story's conclusion.
Lena Martin stood still under the falling snow and listened. She held her breath, willing herself to hear beyond the yowling wind ripping through towering pine trees. Actually, not breathing was a mer...
