Books matching: the impact of war
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Whalebone Theatre' by Joanna Quinn is a historical fiction novel set in the early 20th century, following the Seagrave children, their family, and friends through their trials and tribulations. The story revolves around Cristabel Seagrave, a strong and imaginative female who leads her siblings and cousins in creating a theater from the bones of a dead whale. The narrative spans from the aftermath of World War I to the turbulent times of World War II, showcasing the characters' growth, relationships, and roles in the war efforts. Quinn's writing style intricately weaves together themes of family dynamics, love, bravery, and the power of storytelling.
The book is characterized by vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the English countryside and wartime landscapes, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. Through the lens of the Seagrave family, Quinn explores themes of creativity, resilience, and the impact of war on individuals, offering a poignant tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of family.
- #2
Save:Stefan Hertmans' 'War and Turpentine' is a poignant novel that delves into the life of his grandfather, Urbain Martien, a gifted painter and unsung Flemish war hero in World War I. The book is a blend of history, biography, and autobiography, chronicling Urbain's experiences before, during, and after the war. Through Urbain's diaries and family memories, Hertmans paints a vivid picture of a man who lived through poverty, war, and love, capturing the essence of a bygone era in Belgium.
Wild geese are flying over, hour after hour. The first birds came just before dawn, in the frigid interval before daybreak. As they soared over the countryside, cackling, their wings shone in the firs... - #3
Save:In the novel "Black Butterflies" by Priscilla Morris, readers are taken on a journey through the siege of Sarajevo in the early 1990s. The story revolves around Zora, an artist and teacher, who finds herself caught up in the conflict zone as war devastates her beloved city. The book vividly details the impact of war on ordinary people, showcasing themes of resilience, compassion, and human kindness amidst the horrors of war. Through Zora's perspective, the author portrays the complexities of war, including the struggles of survival, the loss of normalcy, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The writing style in "Black Butterflies" is described as hauntingly beautiful, with a focus on human emotions such as helplessness, hopelessness, love, and loss. The author weaves symbolism, leitmotifs, and recurring metaphors throughout the narrative, creating a poignant and reflective story that captures the essence of life in a war zone. Through Zora's experiences, readers are transported to a world where community spirit, art, and human connections serve as beacons of hope in the midst of tragedy.
- #4
Save:'Letters from Skye' by Jessica Brockmole is an epistolary novel that spans two World Wars, focusing on the correspondence between a Scottish poet, Elspeth Dunn, and an American man, David Graham, during WWI. The story unfolds through letters exchanged between the two characters, showcasing their evolving relationship from admiration to friendship and eventually to love. The narrative also delves into the life of Elspeth's daughter, Margaret, during WWII, as she uncovers the mysteries of her mother's past through the letters she discovers.
I hope you won’t think me forward, but I wanted to write to express my admiration for your book, From an Eagle’s Aerie. I’ll admit, I’m not usually a guy for poetry. More often, I can be found with a ... - #5
Save:Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo is a poignant and heartwrenching novel set during World War I, following the lives of two brothers, Tommo and Charlie Peaceful. The story unfolds through flashbacks as Tommo recounts his childhood and the events that lead to his present circumstances in the trenches of WWI. The novel beautifully captures the themes of family loyalty, courage in the face of war, and the harsh realities of trench warfare during the Great War. Morpurgo's writing style alternates between past and present, creating a moving narrative that delves into the emotions and experiences of the characters.
Charlie is taking me by the hand, leading me because he knows I don’t want to go. I’ve never worn a collar before and it’s choking me. My boots are strange and heavy on my feet. My heart is heavy too,... - #6
Save:'A Bell for Adano' by John Hersey is a novel set in Italy during World War II, focusing on U.S. Army Major Victor Joppolo's efforts to restore order and bring peace to a small Italian town recently liberated from the Fascists. The story revolves around Joppolo's mission to replace the town's historic bell, which was stolen by the Fascists and melted down for armaments. Through a simple and gentle writing style, Hersey paints a picture of the town's residents transitioning from mistrust to acceptance of the Americans as benevolent overseers.
The plot of 'A Bell for Adano' follows Major Joppolo as he navigates through military bureaucracy, local customs, and the aftermath of war to improve the town's infrastructure and rebuild a sense of community. The narrative captures the quirky locals, the Major's genuine care for the townspeople, and his quest to find a suitable replacement for the lost bell, symbolizing hope and restoration for the town amidst the chaos of war.
An American corporal ran tautly along the dirty Via Favemi and at the corner he threw himself down. He made certain arrangements with his light machine gun and then turned and beckoned to his friends ... - #7
Save:Bobbie Ann Mason's 'In Country' is a poignant coming-of-age story set in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The novel follows high school senior Samantha, whose father died in Vietnam before she was born. Living with her alienated Vietnam veteran uncle, Sam navigates the impact of war on her family and community. Through her quest to uncover her father's past and understand the effects of war, Sam embarks on a road trip to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. The narrative combines first and third-person points of view, bringing the characters to life in a unique way. Themes of loss, family, and the legacy of war are explored through Sam's journey of self-discovery and connection to her father's memory.
- #8
Save:'Girl at War' by Sara Novi? is a poignant novel that follows the life of Ana Juric, a young girl living in Croatia during the civil war in Yugoslavia. The story shifts between Ana's experiences as a 10-year-old during the war and as a college student in New York, grappling with her past. The book delves into themes of war, loss, identity, and resilience, offering a multilayered narrative that captures the horrors of war and the struggle to come to terms with the past.
The war in Zagreb began over a pack of cigarettes. There had been tensions beforehand, rumors of disturbances in other towns whispered above my head, but no explosions, nothing outright. Caught betwee... - #9
Save:Resistance by Anita Shreve is a World War II novel set in a Belgian village occupied by the Nazis. The story follows the lives of the resistance fighters, particularly Claire Daussois, who shelters an American pilot named Ted Brice after his plane crashes. The book delves into the complexities of wartime choices, love, betrayal, and the harrowing experiences faced by the characters. The plot unfolds with a mix of tragedy, romance, and the brutal realities of war, creating an emotionally charged narrative that captures the readers' attention.
THE PILOT PAUSED AT THE EDGE OF THE WOOD, WHERE already it was dark, oak-dark at midday. He propped himself against a tree, believing that in the shadows he was hidden, at least for the moment. The ot... - #10
Save:'Sleepwalking Land' is a novel set in war-torn Mozambique, following the journey of a young boy named Muidinga and an old man, Tuahir, who take shelter in a burnt out bus. Inside the bus, they discover a set of notebooks belonging to a young man named Kindzu, detailing his quest to find his lost father. The narrative alternates between the stories of Kindzu and Muidinga, as they navigate through a landscape filled with encounters with mythical creatures and symbolic events. The book seamlessly weaves magical realism into the harsh realities of post-independence civil war Mozambique, creating a dream-like quality that adds depth to the storytelling.
The author, Mia Couto, skillfully maintains a balance between the magical elements and the narrative, creating a beautifully written and translated work that captivates readers. The characters and the landscape in 'Sleepwalking Land' 'sleepwalk' their way through the story, giving it a dream-like quality while still adhering tightly to the plot. Couto's deep understanding of Mozambican culture and his use of magical realism provide a unique perspective on the impact of war on families and cultures, inviting readers to reflect on themes of human dignity and resilience amidst chaos.
