Books matching: war torn setting
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Save:The Dark of the Sun by Wilbur Smith is a thrilling tale set in an African context, focusing on a group of mercenaries led by hero Bruce Curry as they embark on a dangerous mission through the war-torn Congo. The story is a fight for survival where every character is clearly on one side of good or evil, with intense action, explosions, and challenging events surrounding their mission to rescue citizens surrounded by hostiles. The narrative is described as gripping and a page-turner, with a gradually building plot that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
‘I don’t like the idea,’ announced Wally Hendry, and belched. He moved his tongue round his mouth getting the taste of it before he went on. ‘I think the whole idea stinks like a ten-day corpse.’ He l...1960•298 pages - #2
Save:A sharp, atmospheric blend of spy-thriller and romance that stands out for its lush writing, layered characters, and historical adventure - perfect for those who want substance with their swoon!
Set during the French Revolution, "The Forbidden Rose" follows the adventure romance between English spy William and aristocrat Marguerite, who is hiding in a barn after her family chateau burns down. The story unfolds with intricate details and slow reveals of plot and characters, creating a rich world inhabited by realistic and compelling characters. The book offers a mix of historical intrigue, political dynamics, and a thrilling plot that keeps readers engaged and captivated.
Her snare circled its throat. She had caught it with a line of red silk, teased and spun from the torn strip of a dress. It could not escape. Even when it heard death coming toward it through the brus... - #3
Save:Wildly original and deeply affecting, Endling is a brilliant, unconventional read - equal parts tragic, funny, and thought-provoking. You’ll be challenged, but you won’t be bored.
Endling by Maria Reva is a unique novel that tackles heavy themes like war, identity, and survival through an absurdist lens. The story follows Yeva, a biologist who funds her quest to save endangered snails by working in the Ukrainian mail-order bride industry. Along with two sisters, Nastia and Sol, Yeva concocts an outrageous plan to expose the exploitation inherent in the industry by trying to kidnap potential suitors. However, their plans are disrupted by the onset of war as Russian troops invade Ukraine, changing everything for these characters and forcing them to navigate their chaotic lives amid growing danger.
Reva’s writing style is inventive and engaging, seamlessly blending humor with moments of profound sadness. The narrative shifts between different perspectives and incorporates metafictional elements, as the author even inserts herself into the story to reflect on the challenges of writing about a war still unfolding. With compelling characters, a rich narrative, and striking language, Endling evokes empathy while keeping readers entranced by the twists and the surreal blend of life's absurdities against a backdrop of dire circumstances.
That Saturday night was the first time Yeva had ever won anything. She’d stayed through the entire party, waiting for the winner to be announced at 2:00 a.m., tipping back free rosé at an empty corner...June 2025•352 pages - #4
Save:A Bond of Thread is a fantasy book set in a unique world of fae creatures, magic, and soul bonding. The story follows the characters Ilyas and Skye, who are trapped in a cave by vicious feral fae, leading to a development of their relationship from enemies to lovers. The plot is rich and compelling, focusing on the characters' backstories, motivations, and conflicts based on human emotions and fae powers. The writing style is praised for its world-building, complex characters, and the ability to evoke strong emotions in readers.
June 2021•393 pages - #5
Save:Beg The Night by Emily Blackwood is an engaging tale set in a dystopian world where magic users known as Mystics are hunted and imprisoned by a government called The Ministry. The story follows Athena, a young woman who is captured despite having no known magical abilities. As she navigates her captivity, she becomes intertwined with Sinner, a powerful Mystic, leading to a forbidden connection sparked by a desperate ritual. The plot is filled with tension, character growth, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, coupled with an exploration of power and self-awareness.
The writing style is fast-paced, making it a quick read that grips the reader from the start. Character development is strong, with dual perspectives that help deepen the emotional connection to the characters. While the world-building is somewhat sparse and leaves some questions unanswered, the execution of the plot and character interactions keep readers invested. Overall, the book combines addictive storytelling with just the right amount of romance and tension, making it a promising start to what could be a captivating series.
Everyone but me, anyway. Ironic, since I was the one who deserved it the most. The sun roasted my skin as I gripped the tarp that held my younger sister’s body. She wasn’t nearly as heavy as my father...April 2025•350 pages - #6
Save:A gorgeously-rendered portrait of wartime and postwar Hong Kong, wrapped in secrets and regrets - but don’t expect all the mysteries to be neatly resolved. Worth it for the setting; less so if you want clear-cut character arcs and answers.
'The Piano Teacher' by Janice Y.K. Lee is a historical novel set in Hong Kong before, during, and after World War II. It follows the lives of various characters, including Will Truesdale and Claire Pendleton, as they navigate relationships, social dynamics, and survival during the Japanese occupation. The writing style is described as transporting, providing insights into post-war Hong Kong, and intertwining two storylines within one novel.
IT STARTED as an accident. The small Herend rabbit had fallen into Claire’s purse. It had been on the piano and she had been gathering up the sheet music at the end of the lesson when she knocked it o...December 2008•359 pages - #7
Save:A short, powerful meditation on voice, repression, and womanhood - mesmerizing and disturbing in equal measure. Not an easy read, but one that stays with you.
The Patience Stone by Atiq Rahimi is a powerful and poetic story set in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime, where a wife tends to her comatose husband, using him as a confidant to share her deepest emotions, resentments, and desires. The concept of the Patience Stone, a mythical object that absorbs confessions until it bursts, serves as a strong metaphor in this brief but impactful narrative. The book delves into the woman's raw and authentic emotions, her inner conflicts, and societal repressions, all narrated in a lyrical and almost poetic prose style.
BY KHALED HOSSEINI It is a vexing fact that women are the most beleaguered members of Afghan society. Long before the arrival of the Taliban, Afghan women struggled for basic rights. Outside of a few...2008•161 pages - #8
Save:Twisty, brilliant, and brain-melting - Borges’s "The Garden of Forking Paths" is a classic short story that redefines what fiction can do. You’ll think about it long after you finish, but be ready for some mental gymnastics!
'The Garden of Forking Paths' by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of mind-bending short stories that explore themes of parallel realities, free will, and the nature of storytelling. The writing style is described as imaginative, magical, and thought-provoking, with stories that often have mind-blowing or mind-bending endings. Borges' work is praised for its ability to challenge readers' perceptions and offer unique narrative experiences that blend genres like detective, spy, literary, and historical fiction.
The book is known for its intricate narratives, philosophical depth, and the way Borges plays with concepts of time, causation, and the multiplicity of choices. Readers appreciate the complexity of the stories, the literary references woven throughout, and the way Borges crafts tales that leave a lasting impact on the imagination.
I owe the discovery of Uqbar to the concurrence of a mirror and an encyclopaedia. The mirror unsettled the far end of a corridor in a villa in Gaona Street, in the Buenos Aires suburb of Ramos Mejía;...1941•64 pages - #9
Save:A beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that blends realism and magical elements to explore migration, love, and identity. It's not for everyone, but if you like literary fiction that makes you reflect on the world, Exit West is a must-read.
'Exit West' by Mohsin Hamid follows the story of a young couple, Nadia and Saeed, as they navigate a war-torn city and eventually flee through mysterious doors to different countries. The writing style is described as beautifully written and introspective, exploring themes of love, war, and immigration in a straightforward and unsentimental manner. The use of magical realism is mentioned as a device to convey the complexities of immigration, while the characters of Nadia and Saeed are praised for their depth and evolution throughout the story.
IN A CITY SWOLLEN BY REFUGEES but still mostly at peace, or at least not yet openly at war, a young man met a young woman in a classroom and did not speak to her. For many days. His name was Saeed and...February 2017•240 pages - #10
Save:A heartfelt ode to the power of literature in the darkest times - moving, memorable, and just a bit haunting. Great for lovers of books about books, but be prepared for some tough moments amidst the beauty.
Set during a civil war on a remote island in the Pacific, 'Mister Pip' follows the story of Matilda, a young girl who finds solace and escape in the pages of Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations'. The novel explores the impact of literature, particularly the character of Pip, on Matilda and her community as they navigate the horrors of war and the complexities of life on the island. Through the eyes of Matilda, the book delves into themes of education, imagination, and the power of storytelling in the face of adversity.
Lloyd Jones' writing style in 'Mister Pip' captures the innocence and perspective of a child amidst challenging circumstances, transitioning between the simplistic viewpoint of Matilda and the broader reflections of an adult looking back on the events. The narrative weaves together elements of hope, tragedy, and coming-of-age, offering a poignant portrayal of resilience and the transformative nature of literature in a war-torn setting.
EVERYONE CALLED HIM POP EYE. EVEN IN those days, when I was a skinny thirteen-year-old, I thought he probably knew about his nickname but didn’t care. His eyes were too interested in what lay up ahead...2006•274 pages
