Books matching: tragic life story
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- #1
Save:'The Man Who Laughs' by Victor Hugo is a compelling and horrifying tale set in 17th century England, following the tragic story of Gwynplaine, a disfigured boy condemned to exhibit himself for the amusement of the public. The novel delves into themes of love, injustice, and the impact of societal classes on individuals' lives. Through Hugo's majestic prose, the reader is taken on a journey filled with vivid characters, intricate plot twists, and a universal message against the cruelty of the aristocracy.
The book explores the struggles faced by the main characters, Gwynplaine and Dea, as they navigate a world filled with deception, betrayal, and unexpected turns of fate. Hugo's writing style weaves together elements of romance, thriller, and manifesto, creating a multifaceted narrative that captivates readers with its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes.
Ursus and Homo were fast friends. Ursus was a man, Homo a wolf. Their dispositions tallied. It was the man who had christened the wolf: probably he had also chosen his own name. Having found Ursus fit... - #2
Save:'The Clockmaker's Daughter' by Kate Morton is a multi-layered novel that intertwines stories from different time periods, all centered around Birchwood Manor. The plot follows characters linked by the house, from the tragic life of the clockmaker's daughter, Birdie Bell, to present-day archivist Elodie Winslow's quest to uncover the mysteries of the past. With elements of mystery, love, loss, and art, the book navigates through various timelines, offering a rich and complex narrative that keeps readers engaged as they piece together the connections between the characters and the house.
We came to Birchwood Manor because Edward said that it was haunted. It wasn’t, not then, but it’s a dull man who lets truth stand in the way of a good story, and Edward was never that. His passion, hi... - #3
Save:The Sojourner by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings is a beautifully written novel that follows the life of Asahel Linden, a man who feels unloved but finds solace in his connection to the land and the people around him. The story is set in a rural northern territory, depicting the rich details of a lifestyle on the brink of change. Rawlings' writing style is described as fresh, clean, and lyrical, painting vivid pictures of the farm life in the early years of the Twentieth Century. Readers are drawn into Asahel's world, experiencing the beauty of the landscape and the profound relationships he forms throughout his lifetime.
- #4
Save:Thing of Beauty by Stephen Fried is a tragic tale of a girl named Gia, who faced abandonment, heroin addiction, and eventually died from AIDS. The book delves into Gia's life as a model, her struggles with drug abuse, and her constant inner battle with identity and societal expectations. Readers found the book to be a detailed account of Gia's life, shedding light on the fashion industry, drug abuse, and the larger-than-life existence of the protagonist.
The narrative captures Gia's journey from a young, abandoned girl to a successful model, highlighting the pitfalls of fame and the dark realities of the modeling world. The book portrays Gia's fractured personality, her need for stability, and the tragic consequences of her tumultuous life, ultimately painting a poignant picture of a woman who could not find solace within herself.
The 1970s came early for Gia Marie Carangi. Many people would later recall 1973, the year the Vietnam War ended and the Supreme Court made abortion legal, as the official start of what they remembered... 'Into Thin Air' by Jon Krakauer is a gripping personal account of the disastrous 1996 Mount Everest expedition, where several climbers lost their lives due to a sudden storm. Krakauer, a journalist and experienced climber, vividly describes the harrowing journey to the summit, highlighting the extreme physical and psychological challenges faced by the climbers. Through his detailed narration, Krakauer delves into the commercialization of Himalayan adventures, the allure of climbing the world's highest peak, and the tragic consequences of nature's unpredictability.
The book provides a chilling insight into the calamitous events that unfolded on Everest, showcasing Krakauer's exceptional storytelling skills and his ability to evoke intense emotions in readers. The narrative transitions from a tale of adventure to a heart-wrenching story of survival and loss, offering a profound exploration of human nature, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of conquering the unconquerable.
Rob Hall New Zealand, leader and head guide Mike Groom Australia, guide Andy “Harold” Harris New Zealand, guide Helen Wilton New Zealand, Base Camp manager Dr. Caroline Mackenzie New Zealand, Base Cam...- #6
Save:'The Drinker' by Hans Fallada is a gripping exploration of alcoholism, human egotism, and the fragility of human lives. The book follows the protagonist's descent into madness due to alcoholism, showcasing the complexities of addiction and mental illness. Written in the first person, the novel vividly portrays the protagonist's struggles and the impact of his actions on those around him. Fallada's skillful writing style engages the reader from the beginning, making it impossible to put the book down.
The plot revolves around a successful businessman who spirals into alcoholism, leading to a series of bad decisions and a breakdown of his life. The protagonist's lack of common sense, wild imagination, and refusal to take responsibility for his actions create a compelling narrative that delves into the darkest aspects of human nature. Fallada's autobiographical account of life under the Nazis adds depth to the story, making 'The Drinker' a thought-provoking and intense read.
Of course I have not always been a drunkard. Indeed it is not very long since I first took to drink. Formerly I was repelled by alcohol; I might take a glass of beer, but wine tasted sour to me, and t... - #7
Save:This book tells the true story of Hana Brady, a young Jewish girl who perished in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. The narrative follows the journey of Hana's suitcase, which eventually ends up in a Japanese school, sparking a quest to uncover the mystery of her life. Through the efforts of students and teachers, led by Fumiko Ishioka, Hana's story is unraveled, revealing the tragic fate of a young life lost too soon. The writing style is described as clear and simple, delivering a vivid picture of Hana's story while maintaining a level of sensitivity suitable for readers of all ages.
But gradually, as the months dragged on, all Hana’s playmates, even Maria, stopped coming over after school and on the weekends. Maria’s parents had ordered her to stay away from Hana. They were afrai... - #8
Save:"Ask the Dust" by John Fante is a story set in LA in 1939, following the struggles of writer Arturo Bandini as he lives hand to mouth, blows his money as soon as he receives it, and falls in love with a waitress named Camila Lopez. Their relationship is portrayed as a love-hate dynamic, filled with volatile emotions and irrational choices. As the plot unfolds, Camilla ends up in a mental institution and disappears into the desert, leaving Bandini grappling with his own shortcomings and desires.
The writing style of "Ask the Dust" is described as dark, beautifully told, and capturing the essence of 1930s Los Angeles. The novel is praised for its vivid portrayal of dive bars, cheap rooms, and the struggles of a young writer beset by love and affliction. The relationship between Bandini and Camilla is depicted as a blend of bitterness and warmth, with tragic characters and gorgeous prose creating a brief yet rewarding narrative that keeps readers engaged until the poignant ending.
One night I was sitting on the bed in my hotel room on Bunker Hill, down in the very middle of Los Angeles. It was an important night in my life, because I had to make a decision about the hotel. Eith... - #9
Save:"The Teleportation Accident" by Ned Beauman is a witty and absurd novel set in various locations like Berlin, Paris, and Los Angeles during the mid-20th century. The story follows Egon Loeser, a self-absorbed and ineffectual character, who is obsessed with creating a teleportation device for a play and pursuing the elusive Adele Hitler. The narrative weaves together historical events, mysterious teleportation elements, and colorful characters, creating a humorous and clever story that delves into themes of existential angst, desire, and the limitations of knowledge.
The book features a mix of genres, with elements of comedy, satire, and philosophical ponderings. The writing style is described as sparkling, bonkers, and slightly absurd, with a narrative that moves through time and space, offering witty observations and colorful similes. Through Loeser's misadventures and interactions with a diverse cast of characters, the reader is taken on a whimsical journey that combines historical references, humor, and clever storytelling.
When you knock a bowl of sugar on to your host’s carpet, it is a parody of the avalanche that killed his mother and father, just as the duck’s beak that your new girlfriend’s lips form when she attemp... - #10
Save:'Cleopatra: A Life' by Stacy Schiff delves into the life of the enigmatic Egyptian queen, Cleopatra VII. The narrative reconstructs Cleopatra's struggles for survival amidst family intrigues and her famous relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The author, Stacy Schiff, blends historical facts with speculation to unravel the truth behind Cleopatra's life, while acknowledging the challenges of interpreting a figure whose history has been shaped by conquerors and myths.
AMONG THE MOST famous women to have lived, Cleopatra VII ruled Egypt for twenty-two years. She lost a kingdom once, regained it, nearly lost it again, amassed an empire, lost it all. A goddess as a ch...
