Books matching: struggles of women
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- #1
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who find themselves married to the same abusive man, Rasheed. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan from the 1970s to the 2000s, the book delves into the struggles and sacrifices these women endure, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in a male-dominated society. The narrative captures the strength, resilience, and unlikely friendship that blossoms between the two women amidst the turmoil they face, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive conditions and violence experienced by women in the region.
Hosseini's storytelling in A Thousand Splendid Suns is described as captivating, moving, and powerful, as he skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience. Through the eyes of Mariam and Laila, the reader gains insight into the plight of women in Afghanistan, the impact of war and political unrest on ordinary people, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book offers a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters, providing a window into the complexities of life in Afghanistan during tumultuous times.
It happened on a Thursday. It must have, because Mariam remembered that she had been restless and preoccupied that day, the way she was only on Thursdays, the day when Jalil visited her at the kolba. ... - #2
Figuring by Maria Popova is a remarkable exploration of the interconnected lives of various historical figures, including scientists, poets, artists, and philosophers. Through poetic and lyrical prose, Popova delves into themes of music, feminism, history of science, and transcendentalist philosophy, weaving a narrative that reveals the influences and connections between these diverse individuals. The book captures the essence of these extraordinary but unconventional women and their pioneering work that opened up new vistas for humanity, all while reflecting on the beauty and complexities of human existence.
Popova's writing style is described as erudite, eloquent, and insightful, with sentences that read like layered poems. She skillfully juxtaposes the lives of her subjects, creating a narrative that grows forward through time while also reaching out in tangled vines and loops, revealing the interconnectedness of human experience and achievement. Through Popova's exploration of science, physics, astronomy, poetry, and philosophy, Figuring offers a unique perspective on the struggles of women to be taken seriously in academia and highlights the interconnectedness of human endeavors throughout history.
A spindly middle-aged mathematician with a soaring mind, a sunken heart, and bad skin is being thrown about the back of a carriage in the bone-hollowing cold of a German January. Since his youth, he h... - #3
'Minor Characters' by Joyce Johnson is a memoir that delves into the author's experience as a young woman involved in the Beat movement of the 1950s. Through her relationship with Jack Kerouac and other key figures, Johnson provides a unique perspective on the Beat Generation, offering insights into the lives of both major and minor characters. The writing style is described as expressive, sensitive, and engaging, bringing to life the struggles and aspirations of the women who were often sidelined in the male-dominated literary circle.
The book explores themes of love, struggle, and self-discovery, portraying the Beat poets and writers as complex individuals with both strengths and flaws. Johnson's narrative skillfully captures the essence of the era, depicting the challenges faced by women in a society where they were considered secondary to men. Despite the disillusionment and tragedies that unfold, the book offers a poignant portrayal of the characters' journeys and the evolution of their relationships.
In a 1998 interview Joyce Johnson recounted a story about her early days as a child actor. In 1944 Johnson’s mother, Rosalind Glassman, omnivorously ambitious for her only child, brought Joyce, then e... - #4
'The Passion of Artemisia' by Susan Vreeland is a historical fiction novel that portrays the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the few female post-Renaissance painters. The story delves into Artemisia's struggles as a woman artist in a male-dominated profession, her traumatic experience of being raped by her painting teacher, and the challenges she faced to earn respect for her work. Vreeland's writing style is described as descriptive, engaging, and successful in bringing to life the world of 17th-century Italy, with a focus on the art scene and the societal norms of the time.
The novel intertwines fact and fiction to provide a fictionalized biography of Artemisia Gentileschi, highlighting her unique perspective and influence on the art world. Readers are taken on a journey through Artemisia's life, from her early trials in Rome to her successes in Florence, portraying her as a strong and determined character who defied societal expectations. The book is praised for its vivid portrayal of Italy during that era, the descriptions of Artemisia's paintings, and the challenges she faced as a female artist, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of a remarkable historical figure.
My father walked beside me to give me courage, his palm touching gently the back laces of my bodice. In the low-angled glare already baking the paving stones of the piazza and the top of my head, the ... - #5
In the near future America depicted in 'Red Clocks' by Leni Zumas, the Personhood Amendment has granted legal rights to unborn embryos, outlawing abortion and IVF, while the Every Child Needs Two Act prevents unmarried people from adopting. The novel follows the lives of five women, each navigating the harsh realities of a society where draconian laws have been passed, leading to a complex web of struggles and connections among them. The writing style is described as artfully choppy and stylized, with distinct voices for each character, creating a dark, dreamy, and beautiful narrative that reimagines a United States where abortion is once again illegal and criminalized.
In a room for women whose bodies are broken, Eivør Mínervudottír’s biographer waits her turn. She wears sweatpants, is white skinned and freckle cheeked, not young, not old. Before she is called to cl... - #6
Set on the French West Indian island of Guadeloupe, 'The Bridge of Beyond' by Simone Schwarz-Bart traces a century of history of the Lougandor women beginning after the end of slavery. The novel follows five generations, focusing on Toussine, known as Queen Without a Name, and her granddaughter, Telumee. The book delves into the struggles of these women to survive in an unstable economy, turning to alcohol and violence in times of despair. Schwarz-Bart's writing style is described as lush, realistic, and filled with rich imagery that immerses the reader in the natural world of Guadeloupe, creating a magical tribute to women, self-reliance, and the power of transcendence.
A MAN’S COUNTRY may be cramped or vast according to the size of his heart. I’ve never found my country too small, though that isn’t to say my heart is great. And if I could choose it’s here in Guadelo... - #7
'Memphis: A Novel' by Tara M. Stringfellow is a poignant and evocative story that spans multiple generations of strong black women living in the south. The book provides a deep historical insight into the lives of these women, portraying their struggles, triumphs, and the complexities of their relationships. The writing style is described as rich and vivid, painting a vivid picture of the deep south and the characters within the story.
The novel weaves together the lives of characters like Joan, Miriam, August, Hazel, and Della, exploring their experiences, challenges, and growth over time. Through the perspectives of different generations of a gifted family from Memphis, the book delves into themes of family, history, and the unique experiences of black women in the heart of Memphis. The author's storytelling is captivating, with a mix of humor, sadness, and reality that keeps readers engaged till the very end.
- #8
The Street by Ann Petry is a powerful and heartbreaking tale set in Harlem during the 1940s. The story follows Lutie Johnson, a young black woman striving to create a better life for herself and her son amidst the prejudice, violence, and poverty of her neighborhood. The book delves into the struggles Lutie faces as she battles against the oppressive forces of her environment, highlighting the harsh realities of racism, economic oppression, and the challenges of being a single mother in a hostile world.
Petry's writing style immerses the reader in the gritty and unapologetic world of Harlem, painting a vivid picture of the characters' struggles and the bleakness of their circumstances. The novel skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, showcasing the interconnected lives of the residents of the street and the impact of their environment on their choices and destinies.
THERE was a cold November wind blowing through 116th Street. It rattled the tops of garbage cans, sucked window shades out through the top of opened windows and set them flapping back against the wind... - #9
'Jane and Prudence' by Barbara Pym follows the unlikely friendship between Jane, a vicar's wife, and Prudence, a single career woman in London, who bonded during their days at Oxford. The plot meanders while poking gentle, sly fun at church society, gender roles, and love affairs in 1950s Britain. Jane, a quirky vicar's wife, tries her hand at matchmaking to find Prudence a husband, leading to amusing situations and banal conversations. The story unfolds with a mix of humor, wit, and introspection, showcasing the characters' struggles with societal expectations and personal desires.
Jane and Prudence were walking in the college garden before dinner. Their conversation came in excited little bursts, for Oxford is very lovely in midsummer, and the glimpses of grey towers through th... - #10
The Dream of a Common Language by Adrienne Rich is a collection of modern poetry that delves into the exploration of a woman's heart and mind through language that is accessible to all. The poems are described as beautiful, raw, and emotionally moving, touching on themes of love, intimacy, tragedy, and the drive to connect. Rich's writing style is praised for its honesty, nobility, and ability to evoke powerful emotions in the readers.