Books matching: struggles with poverty
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- #1
Save:Angela's Ashes is a powerful memoir by Frank McCourt that delves into his childhood growing up in poverty in Limerick, Ireland. The book vividly portrays the struggles faced by the McCourt family, including extreme poverty, alcoholism, and loss of siblings. Despite the bleak circumstances, McCourt's writing style combines humor with tragedy, offering a poignant and emotional account of his upbringing.
The narrative follows Frank McCourt from his boyhood to his late teens, chronicling the hardships and adversities he faced while highlighting moments of resilience and hope. Through McCourt's honest and raw storytelling, readers are immersed in the bleak yet sometimes hopeful world of a poverty-stricken Irish family, offering a unique perspective on survival, family dynamics, and the impact of poverty on childhood.
My father and mother should have stayed in New York where they met and married and where I was born. Instead, they returned to Ireland when I was four, my brother, Malachy, three, the twins, Oliver an... - #2
Save:'Hunger' by Knut Hamsun is a gripping and emotionally evocative novel that follows the unnamed protagonist, a starving writer journalist, as he navigates extreme poverty and hunger in the streets of Oslo. The narrative delves into the protagonist's descent into madness, his struggles with pride and self-destruction, and his relentless pursuit of dignity amidst dire circumstances. The writing style is stark, intense, and primal, portraying the protagonist's inner turmoil and erratic behavior with vivid descriptions of near insanity and misery.
Despite the bleak and intense atmosphere, 'Hunger' is lauded for its ability to immerse readers in the protagonist's psyche, leading them through moments of sublime passion, despair, and defiance. The novel offers a compelling exploration of themes such as pride, honor, shame, self-deception, and the complexities of human irrationality. Through a stream of consciousness narrative, the book provides a chilling and uncompromising look at the harsh realities of literary life in Oslo at the turn of the twentieth century, making it a thought-provoking read for those contemplating a life in artistic pursuits.
Lying awake in my attic room, I hear a clock strike six downstairs. It was fairly light already and people were beginning to walk up and down the stairs. Over by the door, where my room was papered wi... - #3
Save:The Sea Wall by Marguerite Duras is a semi-autobiographical novel set in French colonial Vietnam, focusing on a family consisting of a mentally ill mother, a boy who hunts for food, and a girl who engages in questionable relationships with wealthy men. The story revolves around the family's poverty, isolation, and struggles with corruption, decay, and despair. Duras portrays the harsh realities of life in French Indochina with vivid yet bleak descriptions, tackling themes of colonialism, child mortality, and the impact of poverty on individuals.
ALL THREE OF THEM HAD THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO BUY that horse, even if Joseph could earn with it no more than his cigarette money. To begin with, it was an idea—which showed they were still capab... - #4
Save:All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood is a compelling and controversial story that delves into the complex relationship between Wavy, a young girl growing up in a troubled environment, and Kellen, a mechanic involved in her father's illicit activities. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and redemption as it follows the evolution of their unconventional bond over the years. The writing style is raw and gritty, offering multiple perspectives that provide a deep insight into the characters' motivations and struggles.
My mother always started the story by saying, “Well, she was born in the backseat of a stranger’s car,” as though that explained why Wavy wasn’t normal. It seemed to me that could happen to anybody. M... - #5
Save:'Songs in Ordinary Time' by Mary McGarry Morris is a novel set in 1960s Atkinson, Vermont, focusing on the Fermoyle family. Marie Fermoyle, a single mother of three, faces numerous challenges, including financial struggles and a manipulative con man, Omar Duvall, who disrupts their lives. The story delves into the complexities of family dynamics, desperation, and the impact of deceit and emotional distance on the Fermoyle family members. The plot unfolds slowly, building tension as secrets are revealed and relationships are tested, all against the backdrop of a small town where appearances can be deceiving.
On the day that Duvall came Benjamin Fermoyle was twelve. In a year he had not grown an inch or gained a pound, and no one had noticed. He was not sick, but fixed, immured in the vastness time becomes... - #6
Save:'Nowhere to Be Found' by Bae Suah is a novella that delves into themes of loneliness, abandonment, and societal changes in South Korea during the turbulent year of 1988. The story follows a 24-year-old Korean woman as she navigates a life filled with poverty, family struggles, and personal relationships, all set against the backdrop of a changing society transitioning towards democracy. Through a series of scenes presented in a stream of consciousness style, the protagonist reflects on her past experiences, including encounters with family members, romantic relationships, and societal expectations.
The novella is characterized by its unique narrative structure, incorporating poetic and melancholic writing that captures the protagonist's emotional detachment and inner strength amidst challenging circumstances. The plot unfolds through fragmented scenes that offer glimpses into the protagonist's life, culminating in a blend of harsh reality and hopeful undertones that leave a lasting impact on the reader.
Mostly what I did there was send lecture requests to part-time instructors, make adjustments to their class schedules, mail them their pay stubs, and field complaints from students. As far as the work... - #7
Save:A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a heartwarming coming-of-age story set in the early 20th century Brooklyn, following the life of young Francie Nolan as she navigates poverty, family dynamics, and the pursuit of education. Through vivid descriptions and deep emotional connections, readers are immersed in the struggles and triumphs of Francie and her family, painting a rich picture of life in Brooklyn during that era.
SERENE WAS A WORD YOU COULD PUT TO BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. Especially in the summer of 1912. Somber, as a word, was better. But it did not apply to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Prairie was lovely and Shenandoa... - #8
Save:"Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky follows the story of Raskolnikov, a destitute former student who commits a murder without remorse, delving into the psychological and philosophical arguments behind his crime. The protagonist struggles with guilt, paranoia, and justification for his actions, ultimately facing the consequences of his crime before his punishment is delivered. The novel offers a deep exploration of the criminal mind, the complexities of morality, and the societal implications of one's actions, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia.
Dostoyevsky's writing style in "Crime and Punishment" is described as captivating, suspenseful, and multi-layered, offering an exciting and intriguing narrative with well-developed subplots. is praised for its ability to provoke introspection and raise thought-provoking questions, making readers consider existential crises, moral dilemmas, and the nature of sin. Despite some finding the book dense or challenging, many appreciate the novel for its depth, complexity, and timeless relevance in addressing profound themes.
He had successfully avoided meeting his landlady on the stairs. His closet of a room was under the roof of a high, five-floor house and was more like a cupboard than a place in which to live. The land... - #9
Save:"Midaq Alley" by Naguib Mahfouz is a masterpiece of modern Egyptian and Arabic literature that delves into the lives of the inhabitants of a neighborhood in Cairo during World War II. The book paints a vivid picture of the community living in the alley, showcasing their struggles with poverty, societal norms, and personal ambitions. Through a series of interconnected stories, Mahfouz explores themes of morality, fate, and the impact of tradition on modernity. The writing style is characterized by its realism, with the streets and characters feeling authentic and relatable, even to those familiar with the setting.
The book offers a glimpse into Egyptian and Islamic society, providing valuable insights into the lives of individuals facing the challenges of a changing world. Mahfouz's character work is praised for its depth and irony, offering a nuanced portrayal of the diverse personalities and life choices within the alley. The narrative weaves together various storylines, each contributing to the overarching theme of life's cyclical nature and the inevitability of certain outcomes.
Many things combine to show that Midaq Alley is one of the gems of times gone by and that it once shone forth like a flashing star in the history of Cairo. Which Cairo do I mean? That of the Fatimids,... Linda Tirado's book 'Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America' delves into the struggles of living in poverty in America, shedding light on the challenges faced by the working poor. Through personal anecdotes and rants, the author highlights the injustices and systemic issues that perpetuate poverty, while also addressing misconceptions and stereotypes about the poor. Tirado's writing style is described as a collection of personal stories, offering insights into the daily struggles and hardships faced by those living on the brink of poverty.
I’m writing a chapter about sex, so I’m trying to remember the names of everyone I’ve slept with. I don’t think it’s possible; sobriety hasn’t always been involved. I never bought the idea that sex is...
