Books matching: themes of poverty
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- #1
The Tesseract by Alex Garland is a novel that intricately weaves together the lives of disparate characters in the setting of Manila. Through clever storytelling, the author brings these characters together in a climax that is both original and intense, keeping the reader engaged throughout. The book follows three unique stories that eventually overlap with brilliant twists, showcasing Garland's writing expertise and ability to create a compelling narrative.
Outside there was plenty. Through the bars of his window, Sean could see sunlight on drifting litter and flashes of foliage in the narrow gaps between squatter shacks. But inside, nothing. Beige and k... - #2
Crooked Hallelujah by Kelli Jo Ford is a multi-generational novel that follows the lives of Cherokee women in Oklahoma and Texas. The narrative unfolds through the challenges faced by characters like Justine and Reney, exploring themes of family, faith, and overcoming hardships. The book delves into the complexities of relationships within a family of strong women, showcasing their struggles and triumphs over the years.
The storytelling in Crooked Hallelujah is structured as a series of short stories arranged in chronological order, allowing the reader to intimately connect with various characters at different stages of their lives. Through beautifully written prose, the author paints a vivid picture of the characters' lives and the deep, complex relationships they navigate, offering a poignant exploration of themes like resilience and the impact of heritage on identity.
- #3
'Wait Until Spring, Bandini' by John Fante is a coming of age story that follows the struggles of Arturo Bandini, a young Italian-American boy torn between his fiery, rebellious nature and his desire to do the right thing, influenced by his Catholic beliefs. Set in a small Colorado town, the novel delves into the lives of an immigrant family, particularly focusing on the dynamics between the father, Svevo, a struggling bricklayer with vices, and the rest of the family. The story revolves around themes of poverty, family conflict, Catholicism, and the aspirations of young Arturo, who dreams of becoming a baseball player.
Fante's writing style in 'Wait Until Spring, Bandini' is praised for its beautiful prose, evocative descriptions, and brutal honesty. The novel is noted for its ability to candidly portray immigrant life in the early 1930s, exploring themes such as Catholicism, racism, pride, and love through alternating points of view. The narrative is said to be richly detailed, emotionally honest, and offers a glimpse into the struggles and passions of the Bandini family, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
He came along, kicking the deep snow. Here was a disgusted man. His name was Svevo Bandini, and he lived three blocks down that street. He was cold and there were holes in his shoes. That morning he h... - #4
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... - #5
'Suttree' by Cormac McCarthy is a novel that follows Cornelius Suttree, a man who abandons his affluent family to live among outcasts along the Tennessee riverfront in Knoxville. The book delves into the episodic experiences of Suttree as he interacts with a variety of eccentric characters living on the fringes of society, showcasing a mix of tragedy and hope. McCarthy's writing style in 'Suttree' is described as dense, wordy, and filled with rich prose that vividly recreates the setting of Knoxville in the 1950s.
The novel is praised for its profound and surreal prose that transports the reader to the South, blending grim descriptions of poverty with punctuations of humor. It is noted for its depiction of Southern Gothic elements and the character of Cornelius Suttree, who leads a simple life as an impoverished fisherman amidst a cast of shady characters. The book is considered a must-read for fans of Southern literature, offering a unique exploration of societal outcasts and the complexities of human nature.
Peering down into the water where the morning sun fashioned wheels of light, coronets fanwise in which lay trapped each twig, each grain of sediment, long flakes and blades of light in the dusty water... 'Crapalachia: A Biography of a Place' by Scott McClanahan is a blend of fiction and nonfiction, a coming-of-age memoir set in West Virginia. It explores the author's childhood experiences visiting his Grandma Ruby in Danese, delving into the lives of his family members and friends. The narrative style is a mix of stream of consciousness and storytelling, capturing the essence of growing up in a rural setting with humor and understanding.
The stories within the book touch on themes of family dynamics, struggles with poverty, dealing with loss, and the unique characters that populate the author's world. McClanahan paints vivid portraits of his relatives, particularly his Grandma Ruby and Uncle Nathan, showcasing their quirks, dreams, and challenges in a poignant and sometimes humorous light.
There were 13 of them. The children had names that ended in Y sounds. That night I couldn’t sleep so I got out Grandma’s picture books and I learned about my blood and the names that ended in Y sounds...Stephanie Land's memoir, 'Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive,' delves into her experiences as a single mother working as a maid to support herself and her daughter Mia. The book sheds light on the struggles faced by those working in low-paying positions, the challenges of navigating government assistance programs, and the emotional toll of living in poverty. Land's writing style is described as honest, gritty, and eye-opening, providing a raw portrayal of her journey from homelessness to pursuing her dream of becoming a writer.
It was an afternoon in June, the day before her first birthday. I perched on the shelter’s threadbare love seat, holding up an old digital camera to capture her first steps. Mia’s tangled hair and thi...- #8
The Lower Depths by Maxim Gorky is a dark drama that delves into the lives of Russian society's outcasts living in poverty and despair. The play portrays the struggles and interactions of characters such as a thief, a prostitute, and other criminals, highlighting their daily dramas, fights, and moments of counsel. The arrival of Luka, an idealistic figure spreading a message of hope, adds a layer of spirituality and hope to the otherwise bleak setting. Gorky's writing style captures the gritty realism of the characters and their streetwise dialogue, making the play feel modern despite its 1902 publication date.
The central theme of The Lower Depths revolves around the total annihilation of human personality by misery and the harsh struggle for life that leads individuals to degrade themselves. Despite the bleakness, the play also conveys a message that even in the depths of despair, there remains a glimmer of humanity and a dream to overcome misery, offering a sense of shared warmth and hope amidst the darkness.
A cellar resembling a cave. The ceiling, which merges into stone walls, is low and grimy, and the plaster and paint are peeling off. There is a window, high up on the right wall, from which comes the ... - #9
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a poignant novel set in Lee County, Virginia, during the height of the oxycodone crisis. The story follows the life of Demon Copperhead, from his birth to a single mother, through abuse, foster homes, teenage years as a football player, drug addiction, recovery, and new beginnings. Kingsolver expertly portrays the struggles of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness in Appalachia, weaving a narrative that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
On any other day they’d have seen her outside on the deck of her trailer home, good neighbors taking notice, pestering the tit of trouble as they will. All through the dog-breath air of late summer an... - #10
Unsticky by Sarra Manning is a contemporary romance novel that follows the unconventional relationship between Grace, an intern at a fashion magazine, and Vaughn, a wealthy man who pays her to be his mistress. The story explores their flawed characters, their complex dynamics, and the journey they embark on towards finding happiness together. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of humor, realism, and emotional depth that keeps readers invested in the story of these two misfits.