Books matching: survival and loss
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- #1
Save:'A Long Long Way' by Sebastian Barry is a poignant and vivid portrayal of a young Irish soldier, Willie Dunne, who joins the British Army to fight in World War I. The novel follows Willie's journey from enlisting to facing the horrors of the Western Front in Belgium, all while grappling with his identity as an Irishman and his loyalty to his country. Barry's lyrical and poetic writing style captures the inner conflict of Willie as he navigates the political turmoil in Ireland and the brutal realities of war, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.
Such a singing voice he had. His mother, who was a blunt woman enough, one of the Cullens herself, daughter of the coppicer on the Humewood estate in Wicklow, got only good from it. She set him on a c... - #2
Save:'The Cursed' by Dave Duncan revolves around a world where the cursed are individuals afflicted with a disease that grants them unique abilities, but also brings fear and condemnation from society. The storyline follows characters like Gwin Solith and Bullion Tharn who find themselves at the center of a resistance movement against invading armies. The novel is praised for its fascinating concept, strong and likable characters, and the protagonist's ability to influence the cursed. Despite some rushed conclusions and obscure motivations of certain factions, the book presents a gripping plot with a mix of adventure and underlying commentary.
Gwin was helping Tob the stableboy replace the wheat sheaf over the door. She was needed only when a cart came along and threatened to sweep ladder and Tob and wheat sheaf all away together, but her p... - #3
Save:'Crystal Empire' by L. Neil Smith is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Black Plague decimated Europe, allowing Muslim empires to conquer the continent. The story follows Sedrich Sedrichson, a native of a Vinland settlement, as he embarks on a journey to deliver the Caliph's daughter to the emperor of the Crystal Empire in America. The plot is filled with political intrigue, cultural clashes, and the exploration of a world shaped by historical what-ifs. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and a narrative that takes unexpected turns, keeping readers engrossed in this parallel history.
“And he that owneth the house shall come and tell the priest, saying, it seemeth to me there is as it were a plague in the house. Then the priest shall command that they empty the house...that all tha... - #4
Save:'Eighty-Sixed' by David B. Feinberg is a novel that captures the life of B.J. Rosenthal, a gay man living in New York City during the early 1980s and the onset of the AIDS crisis in 1986. The book delves into B.J.'s quest for love, his experiences with casual encounters, and the contrast between the carefree pre-AIDS era and the terror-filled days of the epidemic. Through witty narration, the author paints a vivid picture of the gay community, showcasing the highs of the '80s lifestyle and the heartbreaking impact of the AIDS epidemic.
The novel skillfully weaves together humor, tragedy, and personal growth, offering readers a glimpse into a specific time and cultural moment. Feinberg's writing style combines sarcasm and wit to tackle serious topics such as love, fear of infection, and the resilience of individuals facing a devastating crisis. By documenting B.J.'s journey through the maze of relationships and self-discovery, 'Eighty-Sixed' stands as a poignant testament to an era marked by both joy and sorrow.
- #5
Save:A Sea of Sorrow: A Novel of Odysseus is a collection of short stories retelling the epic tale of The Odyssey through the eyes of various characters such as Penelope, Telemachus, Circe, and Calypso. The book offers a unique and clever concept, providing a realistic twist to the mythology and supernatural elements, making the stories more stunning and engaging. The narratives explore the dangers of life on Ithaca, the struggles of waiting for Odysseus to return, and the interactions with gods and mythical creatures in a fresh and captivating way.
The writing style in A Sea of Sorrow is praised for its original spins on venerable myths, captivating storytelling, and engaging characters. The book successfully brings to life the shattered victims of The Odyssey, allowing readers to experience the well-known story from a different perspective. The authors skillfully blend historical fiction with fantastical elements, creating a seamless reimagining of Odysseus's journey home after the fall of Troy.
It was one of her father-in-law’s men, a wizened warrior with white-streaked hair and scowl lines scored deeply into his weathered forehead. He held two squirming, cursing boys by the neck, presenting... - #6
Save:'Good Morning, Midnight' by Lily Brooks-Dalton is a post-apocalyptic novel that focuses on character development and emotions rather than detailing the cause of the catastrophe. The story follows two main characters - an aging astronomer alone in the Arctic Circle and a group of astronauts returning from Jupiter to a mysteriously silent Earth. The narrative alternates between these two perspectives, exploring themes of self-discovery, loneliness, and the uncertainties of the future in a beautifully written and character-driven manner.
THE BARBEAU OBSERVATORY was built as an extension of the mountain. The blunt fist of the telescope’s dome rose defiantly higher than anything else for miles, surveying the rest of the mountain range l... - #7
Save:'Everything Inside' by Edwidge Danticat is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of characters immersed in both Haitian and American cultures. The stories are described as bittersweet and moving, exploring themes of love, loss, survival, and the complexities of human relationships. The writing style is praised for being immersive, with strong, well-developed characters that resonate with the readers.
- #8
Save:'Night' by Elie Wiesel is a chilling memoir detailing the author's personal experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Through the eyes of a young Jewish boy, readers witness the horrors of the Holocaust, the loss of family, innocence, and faith. The narrative is raw, honest, and impactful, shedding light on the inhumane treatment endured by prisoners and the struggle to find hope and humanity amidst unimaginable darkness.
THEY CALLED HIM MOISHE THE BEADLE, as if his entire life he had never had a surname. He was the jack-of-all-trades in a Hasidic house of prayer, a shtibl. The Jews of Sighet—the little town in Transyl... - #9
Save:'The Hunger Angel' by Herta Muller is a poignant and intense novel that follows the story of Leo, a young German man sent to a Russian forced labor camp at the end of World War II. The book delves into Leo's harrowing experiences in the camp, his struggles with constant hunger, and the psychological impact that lingers with him even after his release. Muller's writing style is described as poetic, evocative, and dark, with a focus on vivid flashbacks, symbolic storytelling, and the use of language to convey deep emotions and inner turmoil.
I carried all I had, but it wasn’t mine. Everything either came from someone else or wasn’t what it was supposed to be. A gramophone box served as a pigskin suitcase. The light overcoat came from my f... - #10
Save:'The History of Love' by Nicole Krauss is a beautifully written novel that intertwines the lives of various characters, including an elderly Holocaust survivor named Leo Gursky, a young girl named Alma Singer, and an author named Zvi Litvinoff. The story revolves around a book titled 'The History of Love' and explores themes of love, loss, loneliness, and the power of storytelling. The narrative is complex, with multiple perspectives and timelines that eventually converge to reveal the connections between the characters and their shared histories.
The writing style of Nicole Krauss in 'The History of Love' is described as poetic, intricate, and emotionally compelling. The book features interweaving narratives, unique storytelling techniques, and a mix of humor, tragedy, and drama. Through the characters of Leo, Alma, and Zvi, Krauss delves into the human experience, highlighting the importance of connection, self-expression, and the enduring impact of art on individuals' lives.
When they write my obituary. Tomorrow. Or the next day. It will say, LEO GURSKY IS SURVIVED BY AN APARTMENT FULL OF SHIT. I’m surprised I haven’t been buried alive. The place isn’t big. I have to stru...
