Books matching: the search for truth
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Night Ocean by Paul La Farge is a complex and enigmatic novel that weaves together multiple storylines involving H.P. Lovecraft, Robert Barlow, and a cast of other characters. The narrative follows Marina as she searches for her missing husband Charles, delving into Lovecraft's legacy, literary hoaxes, and the blurred lines between fact and fiction. The book explores themes of truth, identity, and the intricate relationships between writers and their creations, all while keeping the reader guessing about what is real and what is imagined.
My husband, Charlie Willett, disappeared from a psychiatric hospital in the Berkshires on January 7, 2012. I say disappeared because I don’t believe he’s dead, although that would be the reasonable co... 'The Return: Fathers, Sons, and the Land in Between' by Hisham Matar is a poignant memoir detailing the author's relentless search for his father, a Libyan diplomat turned political dissident who disappeared under the Qaddafi regime. Matar's writing style beautifully captures the heartbreaking story of exile, hope, and despair, while also shedding light on the impact of loss and uncertainty on himself and his family. The book weaves together personal experiences with historical and political background, offering a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of family, grief, and the search for truth in the face of oppressive regimes.
Matar's memoir is structured more like a novel, drawing readers into a story that is both particular and universal. The book skillfully blends personal accounts with historical events, providing valuable insights into the political turmoil in Libya and the emotional journey of a son searching for his father over two decades. Through Matar's evocative writing, readers are taken on a compelling journey of resilience, courage, and the enduring power of hope amidst profound loss and uncertainty.
Early morning, March 2012. My mother, my wife Diana and I were sitting in a row of seats that were bolted to the tiled floor of a lounge in Cairo International Airport. Flight 835 for Benghazi, a voic...- #3
Save:The Shivering Sands by Jean Plaidy (Victoria Holt) is a gothic romance novel set in the late 1800s, revolving around Caroline Verlaine, a young widow who embarks on a journey to teach music at an old mansion called Lovat Stacey. However, her true motive is to uncover the truth behind her sister's disappearance while working on an archaeology dig at the premises. As Caroline delves deeper into the mysteries of the house and its inhabitants, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, tragedies, and danger. The novel combines elements of romance, mystery, and suspense, with a plot that twists and turns, keeping readers on edge until the very end.
Roma was two years my senior and we were the only children. Both our mother and father had been dedicated archaeologists to whom the discovery of ancient relics was of far greater importance than bein... - #4
Save:Ten years ago, wealthy socialite Nina Rai disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a quarter of a million dollars and her son Aarav. Now, Aarav, a bestselling author recovering from a car accident, finds his mother's remains in a wrecked car near their exclusive enclave in New Zealand. As he unravels the truth behind his mother's murder, Aarav navigates a community filled with privileged individuals harboring dark secrets. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the shocking truth is revealed, making it a compelling and atmospheric thriller that delves into complex family dynamics and psychological depths.
Aarav's journey to uncover his mother's killer is fraught with challenges, as he battles memory loss and struggles to differentiate between reality and illusion. The narrative weaves a tale of intrigue and mystery, with a cast of eccentric characters and a setting that adds to the eerie atmosphere. Nalini Singh's skillful storytelling creates a web of secrets and lies, leading to a gripping conclusion that leaves readers riveted until the very end.
- #5
Save:Caz Frear's 'Sweet Little Lies' follows DC Cat Kinsella, a London police officer, as she investigates a murder case that hits close to home, uncovering long-buried secrets from her past. The plot weaves between a police procedural and a family drama, keeping readers engaged with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. The writing style is described as detailed, realistic, and engaging, with well-crafted characters and an absorbing storyline that delves into the complexities of family relationships and the impact of past events on the present.
Welcome to a slow nightshift with Murder Investigation Team 4. Where the only crime under investigation is “Who ate the last of DS Parnell’s mince pies?” and the only questions come courtesy of Chris ... - #6
Save:In "The Dharma Bums" by Jack Kerouac, the novel follows the protagonist Ray Smith and his friend Japhy on a journey exploring Zen Buddhism and the search for meaning across America. The story shifts between city life, drunken parties, and Buddhist rituals to moments of serenity in the outdoors and nature. Through Kerouac's frantic narrative style, the book delves into themes of friendship, inner peace, and the quest for truth while showcasing the influence of Zen Buddhism on the characters' lives.
Kerouac's writing style in "The Dharma Bums" combines elements of beat poetry with a meandering yet reflective narrative that captures the essence of the Beat Generation. The book explores themes of asceticism, nature, and the tension between spiritual enlightenment and the desire for freedom. Through Ray Smith's encounters with Japhy and their travels across different landscapes, Kerouac presents a blend of philosophical musings, vivid descriptions, and introspective moments that invite readers to ponder on the deeper meanings of life and self-discovery.
When Gary Snyder, the Zen poet immortalized as “Japhy Ryder” in The Dharma Bums, first met Jack Kerouac in San Francisco in the fall of 1955, he sensed about him “a palpable aura of fame and death.” S... - #7
Save:The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys is a historical fiction novel set in 1950s Spain under the dictatorship of General Franco. The story follows Daniel, a young American photographer, as he navigates the complexities of Franco's regime and falls in love with Ana, a local hotel maid. Through multiple perspectives, the book sheds light on hidden aspects of Spanish history, including the struggles faced by ordinary people under the oppressive rule of Franco.
A weak glow from a bare bulb whispers light onto the supply shelf. Ana spots the tiny sewing kit and throws it into her basket. She runs to the stairs and falls in step with Lorenza, who balances an a... - #8
Save:'A Swift Pure Cry' by Siobhan Dowd is a poignant and heart-wrenching story set in rural Ireland, following the life of fifteen-year-old Shell Talent who is struggling to take care of her younger siblings and alcoholic father after her mother's death. The book explores themes of grief, poverty, faith, and teenage pregnancy as Shell finds herself pregnant and embroiled in a scandal in her small community. Through lyrical prose and vivid storytelling, the author captures Shell's emotional journey and the challenges she faces in a world where she must navigate loss, secrets, and the harsh realities of life at a young age.
Shell's story is one of resilience, courage, and faith as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the complexities of her relationships with those around her. The novel delves deep into Shell's inner world, portraying her struggles, hopes, and fears amidst a backdrop of poverty and societal judgment. With a blend of atmospheric writing and authentic character development, 'A Swift Pure Cry' offers a compelling narrative that explores the depths of human emotions and the strength found in the face of adversity.
The congregation launched into the Our Father as if every last soul was going down. Heaven. Bread. Trespass. Temptation. The words whisked past Shell's ears like rabbits vanishing into their holes. Sh... - #9
Save:'Everything Under' by Daisy Johnson is a modern retelling of the Greek Tragedy, Oedipus, with a focus on Gretel, a lexicographer, who receives a disturbing call from a hospital that brings back memories of her childhood and her mother. The novel explores themes of gender fluidity, family identity, and the importance of connections to our past and present. Through a non-linear narrative, the story weaves together Gretel's search for her mother, her time on the river with her mother, and her present life, creating a complex and compelling storyline.
The places we are born come back. They disguise themselves as migraines, stomach aches, insomnia. They are the way we sometimes wake falling, fumbling for the bed-side lamp, certain everything we’ve b... - #10
Save:The Book of Daniel by E.L. Doctorow is a fictional story inspired by the trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg during the McCarthy era. The novel follows the Isaacson family, loosely based on the Rosenbergs, through the eyes of their son Daniel. It delves into the complexities of the Red Scare, the personal tragedies of the characters, and the lasting impact of political events on individuals. The narrative style of the book shifts between different perspectives, time frames, and locations, creating a rich and engaging portrayal of mid-20th century America.
Daniel Lewin thumbed his way from New York to Worcester, Mass., in just under five hours. With him was his young wife, Phyllis, and their eight-month-old son, Paul, whom Daniel carried in a sling chai...
