Books matching: themes of grief and war
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- #1
Save:The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor is a reimagining of the Alice in Wonderland story, where Wonderland is depicted as a real place with Princess Alyss as the rightful queen who is forced into exile after her parents are murdered. The plot follows Alyss as she navigates through different worlds, including Victorian London, while facing challenges and battles to reclaim her throne. The writing style is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and imaginative, with a focus on themes of grief, war, and the power of imagination.
THE QUEENDOM had been enjoying a tentative peace ever since the time, twelve years earlier, when unbridled bloodshed spattered the doorstep of every Wonderlander. The civil war hadn’t been the longest... - #2
Save:In the book 'Serpents of Sky and Flame' by Rebecca F. Kenney, readers are taken into a world where dragon prince Kyreagan, mourning the loss of all female dragons in a war, kidnaps human females from a rival kingdom to ensure the survival of his species. Among the captives is Princess Serylla, who vows to resist her captor but finds herself drawn to him as they navigate unexpected transformations and forbidden passions. The story unfolds through dual points of view, highlighting the growth of the characters as they challenge prejudices, face personal traumas, and discover the beauty and strength in human connections.
The book is a blend of fantasy, romance, and monster elements, featuring enemies-to-lovers dynamics, intricate world-building, and rich character development. Through a mix of humor, spice, and poignant reflections on identity and acceptance, 'Serpents of Sky and Flame' explores themes of grief, war, and the complexities of relationships in a war-torn and magical realm.
- #3
Save:'The Emperor of Any Place' by Tim Wynne-Jones is a multi-generational story that delves into family relationships and survival during war. After Evan's father's death, his estranged grandfather visits, leading to the uncovering of family secrets dating back to World War II. The heart of the narrative revolves around a soldier's diary, blending elements of magical realism with conflicts from both past and present. The dual storylines keep readers engaged, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and fantastical challenges intertwined with historical events.
The book follows Evan's journey as he navigates grief, family dynamics, and the discovery of a Japanese soldier's diary found after his father's passing. Through the exploration of the diary and interactions with his grandfather, Evan gains a deeper understanding of his family's history and forms new relationships. The novel weaves together themes of loss, reconciliation, and the impact of war on individuals across different generations, creating a compelling narrative that seamlessly merges reality with fantasy elements.
Evan stands at the door to his father’s study. There is a sign at eye level: THE DOCKYARD. It was a present he gave to his father last Christmas, made of cork so that if the house sank, at least the s... - #4
Save:'Since the Surrender' by Julie Anne Long is the third book in the Pennyroyal Green series. The story follows Captain Chase Eversea, a wounded war hero, who is tasked with bringing his cousin Adam back to Pennyroyal Green to become the town's vicar. When Rosalind March, a widow and the wife of Chase's former commanding officer, seeks his help in finding her missing sister, the two are drawn into a mystery involving a prostitution ring. As Chase and Rosalind navigate their past encounters and the challenges they face, they must work together to solve the mystery while exploring themes of honor, betrayal, and love.
Chase Eversea—Captain Charles Eversea—took perverse, righteous pleasure in the word. Banished from Pennyroyal Green, Sussex, his home, and his family, all for muttering six little words into the foam ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pennyroyal Green ) - #5
Save:The Wars by Timothy Findley is a powerful and evocative novel set during World War I, following the story of Robert Ross, a young Canadian officer who enlists after a family tragedy. The book delves into the horrors of trench warfare, vividly portraying the brutal conditions and emotional turmoil experienced by soldiers on the front lines. Through a combination of interviews, diary entries, and flashbacks, the narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, providing glimpses into Robert's life before, during, and after the war. Findley's writing style is described as spare yet impactful, with vivid descriptions that bring to life the grim reality of war without shying away from its complexities.
She was standing in the middle of the railroad tracks. Her head was bowed and her right front hoof was raised as if she rested. Her reins hung down to the ground and her saddle had slipped to one side... - #6
Save:It Takes Two to Tangle by Theresa Romain is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Henry Middlebrook, a military man who returns to London Society after being injured in the Napoleonic Wars. Upon his return, Henry is set on finding a wife and sets his sights on Lady Stratton. However, things take an unexpected turn when he meets Frances, Lady Stratton's companion and cousin. As Henry enlists Frances' help in his courtship of Lady Stratton, the two characters form a connection that complicates their original intentions. The plot focuses on the evolving relationship between Henry and Frances, exploring themes of mistaken identity, personal growth, and emotional connection in a subtle and sweet romance.
As he stepped forward again, ready for another artistic attack, Henry’s foot bumped the fussy baroque table on which he’d set his palette. The palette rattled perilously close to the edge of the table... - #7
Save:Readers find 'War of the Foxes' to be a complex and subtle book filled with dense metaphors. The book explores the aftershocks of situations in life and provides an enlightened view on coping with these effects. The writing style is described as intense, new, and emotionally captivating, with a unique voice that absorbs and captivates readers.
Two rabbits were chased by a fox, of all the crazy shit in the world, and the fox kept up the chase, circling the world until the world caught up with them in some broken-down downtown metropolis. Ins... - #8
Save:'Spectred Isle' by K.J. Charles is a historical paranormal romance set in post-World War I England. The story follows Raymond Glyde, an occultist, and Saul Lazenby, who keep meeting under mysterious circumstances. As they uncover a building attraction between them, they must work together to save London from supernatural threats, all while navigating their own personal demons from the past. The plot is filled with suspenseful chills, delightful relationship moments, and a well-constructed world that seamlessly blends historical and paranormal elements.
Saul Lazenby felt an unaccustomed contentment as he hopped off the train at Oakleigh Park station, up in the wild suburban highlands of Barnet, North London. It was pleasant to stroll in the spring su... - #9
Save:The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The story follows the life of Alexias, a young Athenian aristocrat, from his early years during the plague of Athens to his involvement in the war and his struggles to keep his family alive. The novel provides a detailed portrayal of Athenian society, political intrigue, military conflicts, and philosophical discussions, with a focus on the relationships between characters like Socrates, Plato, and historical figures. The writing style includes rich prose, vivid descriptions of ancient Athens, and a first-person narrative that immerses the reader in the historical setting.
You will say there is nothing out of the way in this. Yet I daresay it is less common than you might suppose; for as a rule, when a father decides to expose an infant, it is done and there the matter ... - #10
Save:"Pied Piper" by Nevil Shute is a heartwarming story set during World War II, following an elderly British gentleman, John Howard, who finds himself in France at the onset of the German invasion. Howard's journey back to England becomes complicated as he takes on the responsibility of protecting a growing group of children he encounters along the way. The book portrays the challenges, adventures, and sacrifices made by Howard as he navigates occupied France with the children, showcasing themes of kindness, courage, and resilience. Shute's writing style is praised for being quietly humorous, colorful, and filled with richly drawn characters, making the story both poignant and satisfying.
His name is John Sidney Howard, and he is a member of my club in London. I came in for dinner that night at about eight o’clock, tired after a long day of conferences about my aspect of the war. He wa...
