Books matching: tragedy and family secrets
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- #1
Save:In "Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng, the Lee family is faced with the tragic death of their daughter Lydia, leading them to unravel family secrets and confront the impact of unspoken truths on their relationships. The novel delves into themes of mixed-race identity, parental expectations, sibling dynamics, and the complexities of communication within a family. Through a nonlinear narrative, Ng skillfully navigates between past and present, exploring the characters' perspectives and emotions as they come to terms with Lydia's death and its aftermath.
Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet. 1977, May 3, six thirty in the morning, no one knows anything but this innocuous fact: Lydia is late for breakfast. As always, next to her cereal bowl, her... - #2
Save:The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore is a captivating tale of two rival traveling performing families, the Palomas and the Corbeaus, who are locked in a feud filled with superstition, lies, and sabotage. Set in a contemporary setting with elements of magical realism, the story follows the blossoming romance between Lace Paloma and Cluck Corbeau, two teenagers from the opposing families, as they navigate forbidden love amidst family secrets and past tragedies. McLemore's writing seamlessly weaves together themes of family rivalry, love, and magic, creating a beautifully intricate fantasy world reminiscent of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novels.
The novel explores themes of forbidden love, family secrets, and the power of overcoming longstanding feuds. Through alternating points of view between Cluck and Lace, the story delves into the complexities of their relationship, the dark magic and superstitions that govern their families, and the repercussions of their love in a world filled with animosity and mistrust. McLemore's lyrical and vivid writing style adds depth to the narrative, drawing readers into a world where love transcends boundaries and challenges the legacy of hatred and misunderstandings passed down through generations.
The feathers were Lace’s first warning. They showed up between suitcases, in the trunk of her father’s station wagon, on the handles of came-with-the-car first-aid kits so old the gauze had yellowed. ... - #3
Save:The Story of Edgar Sawtelle follows the life of a mute teenager, Edgar Sawtelle, and his family business of breeding and training a special type of intelligent dogs. The book delves into themes of love, family, and tragedy, drawing parallels to Shakespeare's Hamlet. The narrative is rich and detailed, with a focus on the strong bond between Edgar and his dogs, particularly Almondine, who plays a crucial role in his life from childhood to adolescence. The story unfolds in the remote woods of Wisconsin, where dark family secrets and a tragic event set off a chain of events leading to an unexpected ending.
The author, David Wroblewski, weaves a complex tale that combines elements of classical tragedy with modern storytelling. The book intricately explores the relationships between the characters, both human and canine, and delves into deep emotional themes while incorporating mystical and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as lyrical and detailed, with a symphonic quality that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions from highs to lows, making it a captivating and haunting read.
IN THE YEAR 1919, EDGAR’S GRANDFATHER, WHO WAS BORN WITH an extra share of whimsy, bought their land and all the buildings on it from a man he’d never met, a man named Schultz, who in his turn had wal... - #4
Save:'I Call Upon Thee' by Ania Ahlborn is a chilling tale that follows Maggie Olsen as she returns to her Southern home after the tragic death of her sister Brynn. As Maggie delves into her past, she uncovers dark and supernatural forces at play within her family. The story weaves between the present and the past, revealing eerie experiences involving a cemetery, a porcelain doll, and a Ouija board. Maggie's journey is filled with suspense, supernatural encounters, and a sense of looming dread as she navigates the shadows of her haunted homestead.
The author, Ania Ahlborn, expertly builds tension and creates a vivid atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The plot unfolds with a mix of familiar scenarios like playing with a Ouija board, but takes a sinister turn as malevolent spirits and family secrets come to light. The narrative skillfully blends elements of horror and psychological suspense, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, making 'I Call Upon Thee' a captivating and haunting read.
- #5
Save:The Good House by Tananarive Due is a haunting tale filled with elements of horror, voodoo, family secrets, and supernatural entities. The story follows Angela Toussaint Hill, who returns to her ancestral home, the Good House, with her son Corey, only to uncover a dark family curse tied to voodoo practices and demonic possession. As the narrative alternates between past and present, readers are immersed in a chilling atmosphere of dread and mystery, with intricate character dynamics and a richly developed world. Due's writing skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, tragedy, and the occult, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant story that keeps readers on edge.
Angela didn’t want to have a party that day. Maybe it was the lawyer in her, but she was too much of a stickler to enjoy hosting parties, brooding over details. Is there enough food? What if there’s a... - #6
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... - #7
Save:"All My Sons" by Arthur Miller is a classic American drama set after World War II, where a family dealing with the loss of a son missing in action is confronted with a devastating family secret. The story unfolds as a memorial tree planted for the missing son is blown down in a storm, leading to a journey towards truth for the characters involved. The play explores themes of guilt, society's values, and the consequences of one's actions, providing a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching narrative that delves deep into the characters' emotions and motivations.
The stage is hedged on R. and L. by tall, closely planted poplars which lend the yard a secluded atmosphere. Upstage is filled with the back of the house and its open, unroofed porch which extends int... - #8
Save:A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd is a historical mystery set during World War I, focusing on British nurse Bess Crawford who navigates through the challenges of war and solving mysteries. The book delves into the complexities of the time period, showcasing the grim realities of war and the psychological impacts on the characters. Through a well-structured plot and detailed writing style, the author creates a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
At sea… This morning the sun is lovely and warm. All the portholes below are open, to allow what breeze there is to blow through the lower decks and air them. With no wounded onboard to keep us occupi... - #9
Save:'The Duchess Of Malfi' by John Webster is a Jacobean tragedy that revolves around the virtuous Duchess who is betrayed by her greedy and malicious brothers, leading to a series of evil deeds and tragic events. The plot is filled with drama, bloodshed, and profound speeches, reminiscent of Shakespearean tragedies, but with a unique twist that captivates readers. The character development is highlighted by the presence of complex and intriguing characters like Bosolo, the Steward, who delivers some of the best lines in the play.
- #10
Save:Set in a grand English country house, 'The House at Riverton' follows the life of Grace Bradley, a former servant, as she reflects on the mysterious death of a young poet that occurred during a society party in 1924. Through Grace's reminiscences, readers are taken on a journey back to the early 20th century, exploring the intertwined lives of the aristocratic Hartford family and the secrets that have been kept hidden for decades. The narrative weaves together themes of love, loyalty, class distinctions, and the impact of past events on the present, creating a rich historical mystery that slowly unravels to reveal unexpected truths.
The writing style of 'The House at Riverton' is described as beautifully crafted, engaging, and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era filled with drama, tragedy, and intricate relationships. The novel skillfully blends elements of gothic fiction with historical accuracy, offering a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of the human experience, the societal norms of the Edwardian era, and the enduring power of secrets and memories.
It was 1924 and I was at Riverton again. All the doors hung wide open, silk billowing in the summer breeze. An orchestra perched high on the hill beneath the ancient maple, violins lilting lazily in t...
