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Books matching: traumatic upbringing

42 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 42 
  1. #1

    Marrow by Tarryn Fisher
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    Marrow by Tarryn Fisher is a dark and twisted tale following the life of Margo Moon, a young woman from a troubled background. The story delves into Margo's journey of seeking justice for the evils she witnesses, leading her down a path of vengeance and retribution. The writing style is described as gripping, with intricate characters and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author's prose is striking, cutting deep and leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

    THERE IS A HOUSE IN THE BONE, with a broken window. A sheet of newspaper covers the hole, secured around the edges with thick pieces of duct tape. The siding on the house sags like old flesh, holding ...

  2. #2

    The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
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    'The Heart's Invisible Furies' follows the life of Cyril Avery, a gay Irish man born out of wedlock in 1945, as he navigates through the challenges of growing up in a conservative Catholic Ireland. The novel spans over 70 years, depicting Cyril's struggles with his identity, relationships, and the societal prejudices he faces. Through vivid storytelling and emotional depth, the book explores themes of family, love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance, set against the backdrop of Ireland's history and cultural norms.

    The narrative style of 'The Heart's Invisible Furies' is described as compelling, humorous, poignant, and informative, capturing the reader's attention with its Irish lilt and first-person immediacy. The story unfolds in seven-year intervals, similar to a documentary series, showcasing Cyril's journey from birth to old age, his experiences with love, loss, and acceptance, and the evolving social landscape of Ireland. The novel delves into the hypocrisies of the Catholic Church, the struggles of homosexuality in the mid-20th century, and the complex relationships that shape Cyril's life.

    Long before we discovered that he had fathered two children by two different women, one in Drimoleague and one in Clonakilty, Father James Monroe stood on the altar of the Church of Our Lady, Star of ...

  3. 'The Death of Santini: The Story of a Father and His Son' by Pat Conroy is a memoir that delves into the author's family dynamics and upbringing, focusing on his complicated relationship with his father, who was the inspiration for the character in Conroy's fictional work, The Great Santini. The book explores the impact of Conroy's literary fame on his family, the struggles faced by his siblings due to their father's abusive behavior, and the process of reconciliation between Conroy and his dad. Through detailed descriptions of their military family life and various ups and downs, the reader gets immersed in the story, gaining insights into the Conroy family's journey of forgiveness and understanding.

    The narrative in 'The Death of Santini' is emotionally resonant and engaging, as Conroy opens up about his personal struggles, family dynamics, and the complexities of forgiveness. The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of the author's childhood, his relationship with his father, and the process of coming to terms with his family's past. With a mix of poignant storytelling and introspection, Conroy invites readers to reflect on the profound impact of family relationships on one's identity and personal growth.

    On June 4, 1963, I walked off the graduation stage of Beaufort High School without a single clue about where I was attending college next year or if I’d be attending one at all. My parents had driven ...

  4. #4

    Call Me Tuesday by Leigh Byrne
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    "Call Me Tuesday" by Leigh Byrne delves into the heartbreaking story of a young girl named Tuesday who faces severe abuse and neglect at the hands of her own mother after a tragic event in the family. The plot follows Tuesday's struggles as she endures physical and emotional torment while desperately seeking love and care in a hostile environment. The writing style of the book captures the raw emotions and harrowing experiences of the protagonist, evoking empathy and deep reflection from readers about the realities of child abuse and the resilience of the human spirit.

    At one time, when I first started using the bucket as a toilet, the acrid air in my room had burned the inside of my nose, and everything I ate and drank tasted like the smell of pee. But now, after m...

  5. #5

    Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
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    'Infidel' by Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a powerful autobiography that chronicles the extraordinary life journey of the author from her childhood in Somalia to her escape from an arranged marriage, seeking asylum in Holland, and eventually becoming a member of Parliament. Through her candid storytelling, readers are exposed to the harsh realities of growing up in a Muslim culture full of religious traditions, her struggle for survival, and her unwavering determination to expose Islam for its treatment of women. The book not only delves into Ali's personal experiences but also sheds light on broader issues of human rights, religious fundamentalism, and immigrant integration.

    The writing style of 'Infidel' is captivating and thought-provoking, drawing readers into Ayaan Hirsi Ali's journey of self-discovery and advocacy for women's rights. The narrative flows seamlessly from her childhood in various countries to her transformation into a fearless activist who challenges the oppressive practices of Islam. Through her words, readers are taken on a harrowing yet inspiring exploration of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of freedom in the face of adversity.

    I am sitting with my grandmother on a grass mat under the talal tree. Behind us is our house, and the branches of the talal tree are all that shields us from the sun blazing down on the white sand. “G...

  6. #6

    Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
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    'Kafka on the Shore' by Haruki Murakami is a surreal and fantastical tale that intertwines the stories of a 15-year-old boy named Kafka and an elderly man named Nakata. The narrative weaves between Kafka's journey of self-discovery and Nakata's mystical quest, incorporating elements of magical realism such as talking cats, fish raining from the sky, and encounters with enigmatic characters like Colonel Sanders and Johnnie Walker. The book explores themes of adolescence, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, all presented in Murakami's signature minimalist writing style that creates a haunting and compelling world for the characters to navigate.

    The novel is a complex and layered narrative that delves into the characters' inner turmoil and existential questions, inviting readers to ponder deeper meanings and metaphors embedded within the text. Murakami's storytelling unfolds through multiple storylines that converge in mysterious ways, offering a blend of myth, imagery, and philosophy that keeps readers engaged and questioning the boundaries of the ordinary and the extraordinary.

    Cash isn't the only thing I take from my father's study when I leave home. I take a small, old gold lighter—I like the design and feel of it—and a folding knife with a really sharp blade. Made to skin...

  7. #7
    Hell's Knights
    Book 1 in the series:The MC Sinners

    Hell's Knights - The MC Sinners by Bella Jewel
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    "Hell's Knights" by Bella Jewel follows the story of Addison, a tough and resilient character who, after a difficult past, seeks refuge with her estranged father, Jackson, the president of the Hell's Knights motorcycle club. Addison's life intertwines with Cade, the club's Vice President, forming a complex and intense relationship. is described as a gritty, sexy, and fast-paced story about love, trust, and survival within the biker world.

    I tuck my dark brown hair behind my ears, and lift my sunglasses to stare at the large three-story house, surrounded by barbed wire, that’s situated right on the side of the highway. This is the addre...

  8. #8

    The Last Temptation - Tony Hill & Carol Jordan by Val McDermid
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    The Last Temptation by Val McDermid follows the story of profiler Tony Hill and detective Carol Jordan as they navigate parallel investigations involving a serial killer and a criminal empire across Germany and the Netherlands. The book delves into the dark and twisted world of crime, with complex and multi-faceted characters facing harrowing situations. McDermid's writing style is described as suspenseful, intriguing, and intelligent, weaving together multiple plot lines that keep readers engaged until the gripping climax.

    Blue is one colour the Danube never manages. Slate grey, muddy brown, dirty rust, sweat-stained khaki; all of these and most of the intermediate shades sabotage the dreams of any romantic who stands o...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Tony Hill & Carol Jordan )

  9. #9

    The Family Upstairs - The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
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    'The Family Upstairs' by Lisa Jewell revolves around Libby Jones, who inherits a mansion in London on her 25th birthday, only to uncover dark secrets about her birth family and the mysterious events that occurred in the house years ago. The story is told through multiple points of view, weaving together past and present timelines to reveal a chilling tale of cult-like control, disturbing revelations, and unexpected connections between characters. The writing style is described as engaging, suspenseful, and filled with plot twists that keep the reader hooked till the end, exploring themes of family dynamics, identity, and the impact of past traumas on present lives.

    Libby picks up the letter off the doormat. She turns it in her hands. It looks very formal; the envelope is cream in color, made of high-grade paper, and feels as though it might even be lined with ti...

  10. #10

    The Marsh King's Daughter by Karen Dionne
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    Set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, "The Marsh King's Daughter" follows the gripping story of Helena, who was born to a mother who had been kidnapped and sequestered by her father, known as the Marsh King. Raised in isolation, Helena grows up with the knowledge that her father is a notorious child abductor, but she adores him despite his cruel and abusive nature. The plot explores Helena's past and present as she navigates the complexities of her upbringing, her escape from captivity, and the looming threat of her father's escape from prison.

    The narrative alternates between Helena's childhood experiences in the marshlands and her present-day life as a wife and mother, creating a suspenseful and engaging storyline. As Helena grapples with her conflicting emotions towards her father and confronts the dark secrets of her past, the reader is drawn into a tale of survival, family bonds, and the enduring impact of trauma across generations.

    Wait here,” I tell my three-year-old. I lean through the truck’s open window to fish between her booster seat and the passenger door for the plastic sippy cup of lukewarm orange juice she threw in a f...

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