Books matching: well developed character relationships
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- #1
Save:"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara is a novel that delves into the lives of four men and their enduring friendship, with a focus on the character Jude who has survived significant abuse in his past. The book intricately portrays the struggles and relationships of the characters over time, leading readers through a rollercoaster of emotions from happiness to utter sadness. The author's writing style is described as immersive, intense, and at times, graphic, as it explores themes of love, trauma, and resilience in the face of adversity.
THE ELEVENTH APARTMENT had only one closet, but it did have a sliding glass door that opened onto a small balcony, from which he could see a man sitting across the way, outdoors in only a T-shirt and ... - #2
Save:In "His Majesty's Dragon," author Naomi Novik presents an alternate history during the Napoleonic Wars where dragons play a crucial role in warfare. The story follows Captain Will Laurence, who unexpectedly becomes a dragon rider after capturing a French ship carrying a dragon egg. Laurence forms a deep bond with the dragon, Temeraire, as they navigate through the challenges of joining the British Aerial Corps and fighting alongside each other in aerial battles. The book seamlessly blends elements of historical fiction with fantasy, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and adaptation to new circumstances.
THE DECK OF the French ship was slippery with blood, heaving in the choppy sea; a stroke might as easily bring down the man making it as the intended target. Laurence did not have time in the heat of ... Horns by Joe Hill is a dark and twisted tale that follows the protagonist, Ignatius Perrish, who wakes up one morning with horns growing out of his head. The story delves into themes of love, loss, revenge, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Through a mix of horror, humor, and suspense, Hill weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Ig navigates his newfound abilities and seeks to uncover the truth behind his girlfriend's murder.
The book is characterized by its intricate plot, unique premise, and well-developed characters that bring depth to the story. As Ig grapples with his inner demons and uncovers dark secrets, the narrative unfolds in a way that blends elements of horror, thriller, and paranormal genres. Hill's writing style is described as vivid, engaging, and at times disturbing, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems and where the line between reality and fantasy is blurred.
They weren’t much as horns went, each of them about as long as his ring finger, thick at the base but soon narrowing to a point as they hooked upward. The horns were covered in his own too-pale skin, ...- #4
Save:"City of Bones" follows the story of Clary, a teenage girl who discovers a hidden world of Shadowhunters, angels, and demons after her mother disappears. Set in New York City, the plot revolves around Clary's journey to uncover the truth about her past, her connection to the supernatural world, and her attempts to save her mother. The writing style is described as engaging, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers into the fantastical world created by the author, Cassandra Clare.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” the bouncer said, folding his arms across his massive chest. He stared down at the boy in the red zip-up jacket and shook his shaved head. “You can’t bring that thing in... - #5
Save:Set largely in China, readers become acquainted with the families of Sparrow and Kai at the Shanghai Conservatory in the 1960s, pulling the narrative forward from the Communist Revolution to the demonstrations at Tiananmen Square and even providing updates after that event. The book shows a relationship between mathematics and music. As a genealogist, I was particularly drawn to the mentions of the Book of Records. As a musician, I was drawn to the rest of the story. The writing was strong. A more in depth knowledge of twentieth century Chinese history would make the work more enjoyable than it already was. The book was well deserving of its shortlisting for the Man Booker Prize. Thien's magnum opus reminded me of The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes, a fictionalized biography of Shostakovich trying to survive under the thumb of Stalin. Thien's book is an ambitious, multi generational, multi layered story, beginning in Vancouver but focusing on the cultural revolution in China. Thien's quiet writing belies the emotional depth of a story that describes people trying to endure and retain their human spirit through their love of music and art. It is advisable to pay attention because, although brilliant, this is not an easy read that has many characters and a lot happening with the risk of significant ramifications. By the time I reached the events at Tiananmen Square I was completely hooked. I wish I had known more about Chinese history and government before I started. This is a novel of epic scope and ambition, a complex family story that starts in the China of the 1950s and ends in the present day. The pivotal events are the Cultural Revolution, and specifically the destruction of the Shanghai Conservatory and the denunciations of the musicians there, and the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 and their violent aftermath. There are also many other themes largely musical but also some intriguing digressions on Chinese writing and mathematics. Thien's characters are memorable and I found the book compulsively readable and moving. For most of the book I thought this was one of the best books I had read all year, but later I felt a little let down, firstly because of a glaring factual error in which she claims that Bach and Busoni were born 300 years apart the true figure is no more than 181 and also because the story lost a little impetus and clarity of focus towards the end. I still think it is the best book on the Booker shortlist and would make a worthy winner. This is a wonderful written family saga of recent Chinese history with a lovely focus on music, epic novels and love. A young man watches China transform after a brutal civil war, falls in love with western music, endures the Cultural Revolution and throughout the events leading up the Tienanmen Square massacre. Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeline Thien is a multi generational novel about the Chinese Cultural Revolution and afterwards that puts all other multi generational novels to shame. It's really good, combining wonderful and vibrant character studies with excellent writing and story structure. Thien deserves all the praise she's received for this book. Marie is a girl living Vancouver, Canada, with her mother, her father having returned to China and committed suicide, when they are joined by Ai ming, a college student fleeing China in the aftermath of Tiananmen Square. She leaves them to go to the US in hopes of being granted asylum and Marie never sees her again. In adulthood, Marie undertakes a search for Ai ming, who may have returned to China. As her search goes on, the story is told of how Ai ming and Marie's family were connected and goes further back to the story of Ai ming's parents and grandparents, as they survive WWII, Mao's reign as dictator and on into the turmoil of Tiananmen Square. It's a lot of history, and a quantity of characters, but Thien juggles the storylines adeptly and makes each character from Big Mother Knife to Marie herself, vivid and complex. This is a novel well worth reading. Also, it's a page turner.
IN A SINGLE YEAR, my father left us twice. The first time, to end his marriage, and the second, when he took his own life. That year, 1989, my mother flew to Hong Kong and laid my father to rest in a ... - #6
Save:A Tangled Web by L.M. Montgomery is a novel that delves into the lives of two intertwined families, the Darks and the Penhallows, on Prince Edward Island. The story revolves around the inheritance of a family heirloom, an old jug, and the ensuing family drama, rivalries, secrets, and love affairs that unfold after the matriarch, Aunt Becky, decides to keep the recipient a secret for a year. Set in the 1920s, the book portrays a comical yet charming depiction of family dynamics, love matches, and the quirky characters within the clans.
Several things happened in the Dark and Penhallow clan because of it. Several other things did not happen. As Uncle Pippin said, this may have been Providence or it may have been the devil that certai... - #7
Save:'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 ... - #8
Save:'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is a suspenseful novel set in an exclusive university where a Classics study group decides to commit murder, reminiscent of Eleusinian mysteries. The story follows a group of eccentric and privileged college students who get entangled in a web of their own making, leading to chilling events and profound changes in their lives. The writing style is erudite, literary, and intriguing, with a focus on character development and relationships, creating an evocative and convincing setting.
Does such a thing as 'the fatal flaw,' that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature? I used to think it didn't. Now I think it does. And I think that mine is this:... - #9
Save:'The Death of Vivek Oji' by Akwaeke Emezi is a heartbreaking and powerful novel that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the tragedy of being different in Nigerian society. The story revolves around the mysterious death of Vivek Oji, a young genderfluid individual, and is narrated from the perspectives of his friends, family, and Vivek himself. Through flashbacks and multiple viewpoints, the novel delves into Vivek's struggles with societal norms, family expectations, and the complexities of his relationships, ultimately leading to a tragic end that leaves a lasting impact on those who knew him.
The narrative is beautifully written, with a blend of heart-wrenching storytelling and vivid character portrayals that unravel the layers of love, pain, and acceptance surrounding Vivek. Emezi's non-linear structure adds suspense to the plot, drawing readers into the emotional journey of Vivek's life and the aftermath of his death. The novel tackles important topics such as gender identity, cultural expectations, and the quest for self-discovery, creating a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
If this story was a stack of photographs—the old kind, rounded at the corners and kept in albums under the glass and lace doilies of center tables in parlors across the country—it would start with Viv... - #10
Save:"My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante is a captivating novel that follows the friendship between two intelligent girls, Elena and Lila, as they navigate the impoverished and violent setting of mid-twentieth century Naples. The story delves into their diverging paths in life, detailing Elena's academic pursuits and Lila's struggles with family obligations and early marriage. Through rich period details and intricate character development, the book explores themes of friendship, rivalry, societal expectations, and the complexities of growing up in a challenging environment.
Elena Ferrante's writing style in "My Brilliant Friend" is praised for its ability to vividly capture the essence of childhood and adolescence, blending detailed descriptions with insightful reflections on life. The narrative, told from Elena's perspective, offers a child's view of the world while weaving in deeper themes of friendship, societal norms, and personal growth. The book sets the stage for a compelling quartet that delves into the evolving relationship between Elena and Lila against the backdrop of post-war Italy.
Lila appeared in my life in first grade and immediately impressed me because she was very bad. In that class we were all a little bad, but only when the teacher, Maestra Oliviero, couldn’t see us. Lil...
