Books matching: war torn setting
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- #1
Save: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...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Spymasters ) - #2
Save:The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht is a novel set in an unnamed Balkan country, following the narrator, Natalia, a young doctor investigating her grandfather's death. Through a series of local legends and stories, including those of The Tiger's Wife and The Deathless Man, the book explores themes of death, relationships, and the impact of war on individuals and communities. The narrative weaves together past and present, magical realism, and rich characterizations, creating a tapestry of interconnected tales that delve into the human condition amidst a backdrop of historical turmoil.
THE FORTY DAYS OF THE SOUL BEGIN ON THE MORNING after death. That first night, before its forty days begin, the soul lies still against sweated-on pillows and watches the living fold the hands and clo... - #3
Save:'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... - #4
Save:'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... - #5
Save: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.
- #6
Save: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... - #7
Save:'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; ... - #8
Save:The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie is a dark fantasy novel that delves into a world filled with political intrigue, impending war, and morally ambiguous characters. Set in a medieval-like world, the story follows multiple characters such as Logen Ninefingers, Inquisitor Glokta, and Captain Luthar, each with their own unique perspectives and motivations. The plot weaves together their stories as they navigate through a world on the brink of change, with war looming and alliances shifting. Abercrombie's writing style is characterized by its gritty realism, grounded characters, and a focus on the inner thoughts and struggles of the protagonists.
Logen opened his eyes a crack. Light, blurry bright through leaves. This was death? Then why did it hurt so much? His whole left side was throbbing. He tried to take a proper breath, choked, coughed u... - #9
Save:The Misted Cliffs by Catherine Asaro is the second book in the 'Lost Continent' series set in the world of Aronsdale. The story follows Princess Melody Dawnfield, who faces a difficult choice between marrying Cobalt, the heir to Misted Cliffs, to prevent war or seeing her kingdom overrun. The book delves into themes of power, love, and the consequences of difficult decisions in a medieval world. As the characters navigate political conflicts and magical elements, the plot unfolds with a mix of grey morality and realistic choices, creating a solid and readable fantasy story.
Cobalt the Dark, the only son of Varqelle Escar, stood on a ridge and looked out across the Barrens. In the distance, the blurred towers of a half-hidden fortress made black silhouettes against the da... - #10
Save:Fire Caste by Peter Fehervari is a grimdark tale set on the jungle world of Phaedra, where an ongoing war between the Imperial Guard and the Tau has resulted in a perennial stalemate. The story follows Commissar Holt Iverson, who finds himself embroiled in a complex web of corruption, betrayal, and revenge as he navigates the harsh realities of war and the sinister influences of the warp. Fehervari's writing style is described as top-notch, evocative, and dark, with a focus on cerebral dialogue, poignant situations, and excellent action scenes that draw readers into a hellish world where reality becomes malleable.
The alien has cheated me of my Thunderground. One moment we were pinned in a deadlock of hate by its knife, the next… treachery! A twist of agony and then that blade was tearing up through my hand and...
