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Books matching: struggle for independence

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    A House for Mr Biswas by V.S. Naipaul
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    'A House for Mr Biswas' by V.S. Naipaul revolves around the life of Mohun Biswas, a Trinidadian man of Indian descent, who struggles to find his place in a society dominated by his wife's influential family. Mr. Biswas faces numerous challenges, from his difficult upbringing to his constant battle for independence and dignity. The story follows his journey through various jobs and relationships as he strives to achieve his dream of owning a house of his own, a symbol of freedom and self-sufficiency. Naipaul's writing style captures the humor, sadness, and resilience of Mr. Biswas' character, painting a vivid picture of Trinidadian culture and family dynamics.

    SHORTLY BEFORE he was born there had been another quarrel between Mr Biswas’s mother Bipti and his father Raghu, and Bipti had taken her three children and walked all the way in the hot sun to the vil...

  2. #2

    The Living Reed by Pearl S. Buck
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    The Living Reed by Pearl S. Buck is a historical novel that delves into the struggles and history of Korea during the Japanese imperial era. The story follows one family over several generations, showcasing their lives intertwined with significant events and characters. The novel provides an authentic portrayal of Korean history, exploring their relationships with China and Japan, as well as their fight for independence. Despite being a monumental achievement with extensive research and an epic narrative, the book sometimes feels empty compared to other works by Buck, with the human element getting lost in the grandeur of the story.

    THE YEAR WAS 4214 after Tangun of Korea, and 1881 after Jesus of Judea. It was spring in the capital city of Seoul, a good season for a child to be born, and a fair day. Il-han, surnamed Kim, of the c...

  3. #3

    Liberty: 1784 by Robert Conroy
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    'Liberty: 1784' by Robert Conroy explores an alternate history where the Revolutionary War was lost, and the rebellion attempts to regroup in settlements known as Liberty. The story follows various characters, both historical and fictional, as they navigate the challenges of this new reality, leading to a grand and bloody battle. Conroy's writing style delves into the brutality of the struggle among Crown, Rebels, Tories, and native Americans, providing a plausible and well-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged.

    Deep inside the bowels of the Suffolk, a once proud merchant frigate, Will Drake thought he felt the rotting hulk of the prison vessel move. He paused in fear. The ship was a derelict. She had no mast...

  4. #4
    Fallen Too Far
    Book 1 in the series:Rosemary Beach

    Fallen Too Far - Rosemary Beach by Abbi Glines
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    'Fallen Too Far' by Abbi Glines follows the story of Blaire, a 19-year-old girl who, after facing several hardships in her life, seeks refuge with her estranged father's new family. She finds herself drawn to Rush, her stepbrother, who is the epitome of a bad boy with a mysterious past. As their attraction grows, they navigate through family secrets, forbidden love, and unexpected twists that threaten their happiness. The writing style of the book is described as heartwrenching, compelling, and filled with intense emotions that keep the readers hooked until the end.

    Trucks with mud on the tires were what I was used to seeing parked outside a house party. Expensive foreign cars weren’t. This place had at least twenty of them covering up the long driveway. I pulled...

  5. #5

    Matigari by Ngugi wa Thiong'o
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    Matigari is a compelling novel that tells the tale of a freedom fighter named Matigari who emerges from the wilderness after the wars of independence in his country. Returning to find a corrupt government and oppression still prevalent, Matigari takes on the role of a messianic figure, inspiring others to fight for justice and peace. The book is written in a style that combines allegory, parable, and fairy tale, blurring the lines between the magical and the real, creating a moving tribute to the spirit of independence and the challenges faced by newly independent nations.

    He held an AK47 in his right hand. His left hand was raised to shield his face while he looked across the river, as he had often done over many years, across many hills and valleys, in the four corner...

  6. #6

    The House on the Lagoon by Rosario Ferre
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    The House on the Lagoon by Rosario Ferre is a multigenerational family saga set in Puerto Rico, delving into the country's history, culture, and social issues. The novel follows the Mendizabal family, focusing on Quintin and Isabel's tumultuous marriage as they navigate personal and historical complexities. Through the lens of Quintin, a historian, and Isabel, a writer, the narrative unfolds as a story within a story, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The book intricately weaves together themes of greed, lust, violence, control, societal struggles, and the impact of Puerto Rico's colonial past on its people.


  7. 'The Forgotten Army: India's Armed Struggle for Independence 1942-1945' by Peter Ward Fay is a detailed and research-based account of the Indian National Army (INA). Fay challenges conventional wisdoms surrounding the INA, documenting both its failures and successes, such as the Battle of Legyi. The book sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Indian independence struggles, highlighting the complexities of the political situation during that time, including the alliance between Indian nationalist Bose and the Imperial Japanese Army. Through interviews and research, Fay paints a narrative of the INA's formation, actions, and ultimate defeat, providing a unique perspective on this chapter of history.


  8. Fredrik Logevall has produced an excellent history of Indochina that takes the reader through World War II, and then those years from 1945 when the Japanese who had occupied the country pulled out, and the French tried to return. The base could only be supplied by air, which seems to me to be such a stupid place to establish a base. Logevall narrates in colorful detail how the French generals planned and built this base. The author also relates the Viet Minh side as to how they marched their troops down to surround the base, and the tremendous loss of human life on both sides. Logevall introduces us to Ho Chi Minh, who is a young man when he travels to Paris at the peace conference after World War I in 1919. Dressed in his best suit, this young Vietnamese hopes to have a visit with Woodrow Wilson, and acquaint him with the plight of Indochina under the harsh rule of the French. But Wilson won't see him.

    This is a great revelatory book describing how the US involvement in Vietnam started very early on and served multiple purposes. The 'domino theory' was just the latest in grand arguments underpinning the reasoning to stay. Perhaps more important was the US decision to support the French and relieve them of pressure to enable them to contribute to European Defence. On the great debate whether Vietnam was 'necessary', this book places itself in the No camp. It drives home its argument well but could have benefitted from a broader analytical framework and considered other viewpoints on the war's significance. For example, it should have included Lee Kuan Yew's comments that the US support to South Vietnam, enabled the Asian Tiger economies to rise in the decades afterward.

    IN THE LATE AFTERNOON OF JUNE 18, 1940, THE TALL, STIFF-BACKED Frenchman walked into the BBC studios in London. His country stood on the brink of defeat. German columns were sweeping through France an...

  9. #9

    A Grain of Wheat by Ngugi wa Thiong'o
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    'A Grain of Wheat' by Ngugi wa Thiong'o is a novel set in Kenya during the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule in the 1950s. The story follows multiple characters who are dealing with the aftermath of war, colonial rule, and personal betrayals. The narrative weaves together themes of oppression, betrayal, disillusionment, and love, creating a vivid portrayal of the complexities present during Kenya's transition to independence. Ngugi wa Thiong'o's writing style is described as bleak, difficult, but worth the effort, as he delves into the dark past of the characters and the atrocities committed during the struggle for freedom.

    Mugo felt nervous. He was lying on his back and looking at the roof. Sooty locks hung from the fern and grass thatch and all pointed at his heart. A clear drop of water was delicately suspended above ...

  10. #10
    Trinity
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    Book 1 in the series:Trinity and Redemption

    Trinity - Trinity and Redemption by Leon Uris
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    Leon Uris's 'Trinity' is an epic historical novel set against the backdrop of Ireland's struggle for independence from British rule. The story follows compelling characters like Conor Larkin through decades of Irish history, exploring themes of love, strength, political uprisings, and societal divisions. Uris weaves a rich tapestry of historical events and personal struggles, immersing readers in the complex landscape of Ireland's past.

    I recall with utter clarity the first great shock of my life. A scream came from the cottage next door. I rushed into the room, as familiar as my own home. The Larkin kids, Conor, Liam and Brigid, all...

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