Books matching: society and class struggle
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- #1
Save:Set in late 19th century New York City, 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr follows a team of individuals, including the alienist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, crime reporter John Moore, and a few detectives, as they track down a serial killer targeting young boys and possibly young girls. The novel intertwines historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt with fictional characters to create a gripping psychological thriller. Through detailed historical research, the author recreates the atmosphere of the period, delving into the birth of American profiling and modern forensic science.
The book is a complex blend of mystery, thriller, and historical fiction, providing a rich historical portrait of New York City while also delivering a suspenseful detective story utilizing early psychological profiling techniques. The narrative is filled with chilling details and vivid descriptions that bring the city to life, immersing readers in the gritty yet intriguing world of criminal investigation in the late 1800s.
The words as I write them make as little sense as did the sight of his coffin descending into a patch of sandy soil near Sagamore Hill, the place he loved more than any other on earth. As I stood ther... - #2
Save:Elantris is a unique fantasy novel that follows the story of a country on the brink of destruction, where the city of Elantris and its god-like inhabitants have fallen from grace. The plot revolves around Prince Raoden, an Elantrian struggling to survive in the decaying city, a high priest named Hrathen seeking to convert and conquer Arelon, and Princess Sarene determined to thwart Hrathen's plans. The book combines elements of political intrigue, magical mysteries, and well-developed characters to create a captivating narrative that keeps readers on edge until the final chapter.
The writing style of Elantris is praised for its detailed world-building, multiple character points of view, and engaging plot progression. The intricate magic system, distinct characters, and well-imagined world of Elantris provide a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. Despite a slow start for some readers, the story gains momentum as it unfolds, offering a blend of mystery, political intrigue, and character development that keeps readers immersed in the narrative.
Prince Raoden of Arelon awoke early that morning, completely unaware that he had been damned for all eternity. Still drowsy, Raoden sat up, blinking in the soft morning light. Just outside his open ba... - #3
Save:Set in England in the 1830s, 'The Colour of Milk' by Nell Leyshon follows the story of Mary, a young farm girl who is sent to work for the local vicar. The novel is narrated by Mary herself, a character with a strong spirit and a clear-eyed view of her world, written in a simplistic and stark style to reflect her circumstances. Mary's relationship with her grandfather is particularly poignant, providing her with the love she lacks in her harsh life. As the story unfolds, unexpected events lead to a shocking ending, deviating from the typical happy-ever-after narrative.
The book delves into themes of poverty, adolescence, and power dynamics between master and servant, portraying Mary as a spirited and outspoken protagonist who defies societal expectations. Written with sparse punctuation and a minimalist approach, the novel captures Mary's voice and perspective, evoking sympathy and admiration for her character amidst the bleak backdrop of farm life in the 1830s.
the day it started was not a warm day to begin. no it was a cold day to begin and the frost was on every blade of grass. but then later the sun did come up and the frost went and then the birds were a... - #4
Save:'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga is a modern and eye-opening novel that delves into the harsh realities of Indian society. The story is narrated by Balram Halwai, a former servant turned entrepreneur, who writes a series of letters to the Premier of China detailing his rise from poverty to wealth through acts of violence and corruption. The book provides a satirical and candid look at the deep-rooted issues of poverty, corruption, and social injustice in India, while also exploring themes of power struggles, oppression, and the impact of globalization on the caste system.
Adiga's writing style in 'The White Tiger' is raw, honest, and darkly humorous, capturing the complexities of Balram's character and the stark realities of Indian society. The narrative unfolds through Balram's distinctive voice, portraying a vivid picture of a country grappling with economic growth, inequality, and moral decay. The book weaves together elements of satire, social commentary, and personal reflection to offer a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by individuals striving for success in a corrupt and oppressive system.
My ex-employer the late Mr. Ashok’s ex-wife, Pinky Madam, taught me one of these things; and at 11:32 p.m. today, which was about ten minutes ago, when the lady on All India Radio announced, “Premier ... - #5
Save:The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley is a historical fiction novel set in 17th century Paris, blending elements of magic, fortune-telling, royal intrigue, and the occult. The story follows Genevieve Pasquier, a young girl who becomes a renowned fortune-teller known as Madame de Morville, navigating the complexities of French high society, politics, and the underground world of witches. As she gains fame and power, Genevieve must use her intelligence and wit to survive in a world filled with secrets and danger.
Riley's writing style in The Oracle Glass is described as richly detailed, transporting readers to the vivid setting of 17th century Paris with its glittering sights, dark undercurrents, and carefully kept secrets. The novel weaves together historical events and characters with elements of magic and fantasy, creating a compelling narrative that delves into themes of power, deception, and the resilience of the human spirit.
“What, in heaven’s name, is that?” The Milanese ambassador to the court of His Majesty, Louis XIV, King of France, raised his lorgnon to his eye, the better to inspect the curious figure that had just... - #6
Save:Set in mid Victorian Edinburgh, "The Way of All Flesh" follows the journey of Will Raven, a young medical student, and Sarah, a maid at the household where he is apprenticed, as they delve into solving the mystery of young women dying in contorted positions with evidence of abortions. The book seamlessly intertwines a gripping plot with a rich historical backdrop, detailing the medical developments of the era and the societal barriers faced by women in seeking education and controlling their reproductive choices.
The novel presents a dark and engaging narrative, exploring the complexities of the characters' pasts while navigating through the medical mysteries and dangers lurking in foggy 19th-century Edinburgh. Through the eyes of Raven and Sarah, readers are taken on a journey filled with suspense, historical discoveries, and a quest for justice in a society where class struggles and women's rights take center stage.
No decent story ought to begin with a dead prostitute, and for that, apologies, for it is not something upon which respectable persons would desire to dwell. However, it was the very assumption that t... - #7
Save:'A Clergyman's Daughter' by George Orwell is a novel that follows the life of Dorothy, the daughter of a Rector in Knype Hill, England. Dorothy starts off as an unpaid curate for her father, taking on various responsibilities including fending off creditors, attending to parishioners, and earning money for the church. The plot takes a turn when Dorothy loses her memory and finds herself living as a homeless person in London, working in the hop fields and later as a school teacher. Throughout the book, themes of faith, purposeful work, and personal growth are explored, showcasing Orwell's unique writing style that delves into the psychological and emotional depths of his characters.
As the alarm clock on the chest of drawers exploded like a horrid little bomb of bell metal, Dorothy, wrenched from the depths of some complex, troubling dream, awoke with a start and lay on her back ... - #8
Save:'Spartacus' by Howard Fast is a historical fiction novel that explores the story of Spartacus, a Thracian slave turned gladiator who leads a massive slave rebellion against the Roman Republic. The book delves into the moral climate of Rome, depicting the struggles and triumphs of the slaves, the brutal reality of Roman society, and the complexities of power, class relations, and freedom. Through vivid descriptions and compelling characters, the author weaves together different perspectives to narrate the tale of Spartacus and his followers, shedding light on their fight against oppression and their quest for liberty.
Fast's writing style in 'Spartacus' is characterized by skillful prose that vividly recreates the atmosphere of ancient Rome. The author brings to life various aspects of Roman society, from the blood splattered gladiatorial arenas to the disciplined legionary camps, showcasing a nuanced and complex portrayal of characters like Crassus, Cicero, and Gracchus. Through the retelling of Spartacus' rebellion and its aftermath, Fast explores themes of power, corruption, struggle, and the enduring quest for freedom that resonate through the centuries.
It is recorded that as early as the middle of the month of March, the highroad from the Eternal City, Rome, to the somewhat smaller but hardly less lovely town of Capua, was opened to public travel on... - #9
Save:'Roofworld' by Christopher Fowler is a thriller set in the late 1980s, focusing on a secret society living on the rooftops of London. The society is facing internal conflicts and external threats, leading to a war for survival against evil forces. The story unfolds with mysterious deaths occurring on the rooftops, while the police below start to investigate the strange occurrences. The writing style of the book is described as imaginative, absorbing, and original, creating a universe above London that is both enticing and believable.
Getting him into the bell tower proved to be a laborious business. The door at the top of the narrow stone steps had been securely padlocked, so that they had to stand with the boy propped between the... - #10
Save:The Moon and the Other by John Kessel is a speculative social commentary wearing sci-fi drag, exploring the complexities of a matriarchal society on the moon and its interactions with patriarchal colonies. The novel delves into themes of feminism, societal reform, and the differences between men and women, all set within a political science fiction narrative. The book presents a beautiful and tragic story with flawed, human characters navigating relationships and societal challenges, ultimately reflecting on themes of morality, meaning, and humanity.
He would repeat the words after the cultured voice, intent on his accent, while he did the mindless labor that, back in the Society of Cousins, would be managed by an AI. He’d been studying doggedly s...
