Books matching: war related trauma
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Priest of Bones" by Peter McLean follows the story of Tomas Piety, a former soldier turned crime boss, as he returns home to find his criminal empire taken over during his absence. The book is praised for its character-driven narrative, with Tomas Piety being described as a calm, cool, and collected protagonist who operates by a strict code. The story is set in a low fantasy world full of gangsters, thugs, and political intrigue, with a touch of magic that adds depth to the plot. The writing style is noted to be engaging, with a perfect balance of humor, fight scenes, and a captivating magic system.
He had wanted silver, for food and beer barely worth half a clipped copper. That was no way to welcome the returning heroes, to my mind, and it seemed Anne had agreed with me about that. She’d given h... "The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water" by Zen Cho is a novella set in a fantasy world inspired by Chinese myths and legends. The story follows a group of bandits whose lives are changed when they are joined by a nun from the Order of the Pure Moon. The plot involves themes of found family, identity, and friendship amidst a backdrop of political and religious complexities. The writing style is described as setting the scene in an Asian-inspired fantasy land, with sentence structures that fit the tone of the novella perfectly.
This was not because of the knife at his hip or his dusty attire, suggestive of a life spent in the jungle. It was not the first time Weng Wah Coffeehouse had seen a bandit and it would not be the las...'Lucky Us' by Amy Bloom follows the journey of two half-sisters, Eva and Iris, as they navigate through life in the 1940s, seeking fame and fortune in Hollywood. The story is narrated in a slightly disjointed style, with anecdotes from Eva interspersed with letters from various characters, providing different perspectives and filling in gaps in the storyline. As the sisters encounter a range of eccentric characters and face various challenges, the narrative explores themes of family, relationships, and resilience against the backdrop of World War II.
WE’D WAITED FOR HIM for weeks. My mother sat by the window in the morning and smoked through supper every night. When she came home from work at Hobson’s, she was in a bad mood, even after I rubbed he...- #4
Save:The Absolutist by John Boyne is a novel set in the aftermath of World War I, following the story of Tristan Sadler, a young soldier who is haunted by a dark secret from his time in the trenches. The book explores themes of friendship, love, guilt, and betrayal as Tristan seeks closure by revealing the truth to Will's sister Marian. Through Tristan's perspective, the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery, reflecting on the horrors of war and the complexities of relationships during a tumultuous time in history. The writing style is described as intense, vivid, and distressing, providing a detailed portrayal of life and death in the trenches, while also delving into the emotional turmoil of the characters.
“There was the vicar in Leeds,” she said, smiling a little as she tapped her lower lip with her index finger. “And the spinster from Hartlepool whose tragic secret was to prove her undoing. The actres... - #5
Save:'Everyone Brave is Forgiven' by Chris Cleave is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, primarily in London and Malta. The story follows the lives of Mary, Tom, and Alistair as they navigate the challenges and tragedies of wartime. Mary, a young woman of privilege, becomes a teacher and is faced with societal expectations and personal growth. The novel portrays the harsh realities of war, including the London Blitz and the Siege of Malta, while also exploring themes of love, courage, loss, and resilience. Cleave's writing style is emotionally charged, with vivid descriptions and compelling characters that bring the wartime setting to life.
MARY ALMOST WEPT WHEN she learned that her first duty as a schoolmistress would be to evacuate her class to the countryside. And when she discovered that London had evacuated its zoo animals days befo... - #6
Save:'Whistle' by James Jones is a raw and realistic depiction of the lives of four soldiers wounded in the Pacific Theatre of WWII and their journey back to the states for treatment and recovery. The book covers the period from just before their injuries, through transport home, treatment, recovery, and reintegration into mainstream life. Jones delves deep into the characters' experiences, focusing on PTSD (then known as combat fatigue) and the challenges faced by veterans returning home. The writing style captures the enlisted man's perspective and provides insights into the psychological struggles faced post-war.
- #7
Save:In Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden, the narrative unfolds through the intertwining perspectives of Xavier and Niska, detailing the experiences of two Cree snipers during World War I. The book vividly portrays the horrors of trench warfare, the struggles of Native Canadians fighting for Canada, and the impact of war on the characters' lives. Through Xavier's reticence and Elijah's bloodlust, the story delves into themes of friendship, cultural heritage, addiction, and resilience. The writing style is described as haunting, immersive, and evocative, seamlessly blending present-day narratives with past memories to create a poignant and powerful storytelling experience.
FOR MANY DAYS I’ve hidden in the bush by the town, coming out when I hear the call, watching carefully for him. This is an ugly town, far bigger than Moose Factory, even. This is a town I have not bee... - #8
Save:'Testament of Youth' by Vera Brittain is a memoir that vividly recounts the author's experiences during World War I. Brittain's writing style is described as emotional, honest, and filled with pure emotion, drawing readers into the heart of her life's miseries and successes. The book follows Brittain's journey from a sheltered, middle-class English girl to a nurse on the front lines, grappling with the horrors of war and the loss of loved ones. Through her personal account, readers gain insight into the impact of the war on Brittain's life and society as a whole, shedding light on the sacrifices, grief, and resilience of a generation shattered by conflict.
‘Long ago there lived a rich merchant who, besides possessing more treasures than any king in the world, had in his great hall three chairs, one of silver, one of gold, and one of diamonds. But his gr... - #9
Save:'Any Human Heart' by William Boyd is a fictional memoir told in the form of a journal belonging to the protagonist, Logan Mountstuart. The narrative spans the 20th century, capturing Mountstuart's life from his early years in school to his death in the 1990s. Through the diary entries, readers witness Mountstuart's encounters with famous artists and writers, his experiences as a writer, WWII spy, and art dealer, as well as his reflections on love, loss, and personal growth. delves into the complexities of Mountstuart's character, portraying him as a flawed yet deeply human individual navigating through the ups and downs of life.
We – the five Roman Catholics – were walking back from the bus stop up the drive to school, fresh from Mass, when Barrowsmith and four or five of his Neanderthals started chanting ‘Papist dogs’ and ‘F... - #10
Save:'Man's Fate' by Andre Malraux is a novel that delves into the early days of the Chinese Revolution in the 1920s, focusing on the communist attempts to bring about revolution in China before Mao took control of the CCP. The book portrays the struggle of the party, heavily influenced by the Russians, with many European leaders involved. The plot is disorienting, capturing the role of foreigners in Shanghai at the time and featuring a study of conspiracy and the profound meaning of the revolutionary impulse for those involved. Malraux's writing style is described as engaging when abstracted, contemplative, and full of existential melancholy, making it a remarkable but sometimes challenging read.
SHOULD he try to raise the mosquito-netting? Or should he strike through it? Ch’en was torn by anguish: he was sure of himself, yet at the moment he could feel nothing but bewilderment—his eyes rivete...
