Books matching: women's struggles
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'An Unrestored Woman' by Shobha Rao is a collection of interconnected short stories that revolve around the Partition of India and Pakistan in the 1940s. The stories depict the struggles faced by men and women during this tumultuous time, showcasing themes of loss, love, passion, and the human spirit's perseverance. The book delves into the aftermath of the ethnic Partition, portraying the damage done to families, particularly women, and highlighting the far-reaching effects of the historical event.
The writing style of Shobha Rao in 'An Unrestored Woman' is described as finely written, heartbreakingly beautiful, and nuanced. The stories are praised for their vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and the music of the words used to paint a picture of the characters' lives during and after the Partition. The interconnected nature of the stories allows for a complex exploration of the themes of displacement, love, ambition, seduction, and revenge, providing a compelling and honest portrayal of the struggles faced by the characters.
Neela, on the night she learned of her husband’s death, sat under the banyan tree outside their hut and felt an intense hunger. It was on the night of the train accident. No, not an accident, she corr... - #2
Save:In "Calico Palace," Gwen Bristow brings to life the early days of California's Gold Rush and the development of San Francisco through the captivating story of Kendra Logan. Kendra, an unwanted child, finds love, heartbreak, and resilience as she navigates the tumultuous times of the gold discoveries. Alongside memorable characters like Marny, the daring gambling hostess, and Pocket, the steady miner, Kendra experiences the hazards and heartaches of the goldfields, the San Francisco fires, and the treacherous journey across the isthmus of Panama. Bristow's vivid descriptions and attention to historical detail make the narrative come alive, offering a glimpse into the dreams and determination of those who shaped the vibrant landscape of Gold Rush era California.
The book is a blend of historical romance and adventure, following Kendra's journey from an unwanted child to a resilient woman who finds her heart's desire amidst the chaos of a rapidly changing San Francisco. Through the lens of Kendra's experiences, readers are transported to a time where people from all walks of life converge in search of love, wealth, and new beginnings, painting a vivid portrait of a city and its inhabitants driven by ambition and hope.
On the quarterdeck at the after part of the ship, Kendra Logan stood by the rail watching the gray sea around her. Kendra was nineteen years old. Her figure was slim and firm, and her face, while not ... - #3
Save:Set in late nineteenth-century New York, 'Church of Marvels' by Leslie Parry weaves together the lives of extraordinary characters facing dark and gritty challenges. From a night soiler discovering an abandoned baby to a woman searching for her missing sister, the novel delves into themes of family, loyalty, and the social impacts of disabilities. Parry's writing style is described as descriptive, lyrical, and atmospheric, transporting readers to a vivid and haunting world filled with unusual characters and unexpected twists.
SYLVAN FOUND THE BABY ON A BALMY SUMMER NIGHT, WHEN he was digging out the privies behind a tenement on Broome Street. All night long the damp air had clung to his skin like a fever, and now, with onl... - #4
Save:"Topics of Conversation" by Miranda Popkey is a collection of stories from one woman's perspective, exploring themes of power dynamics in relationships, societal expectations, and the complexities of women's experiences. The narrative delves into topics such as relationships, consent, desire, violence, and feminism, presented through primarily one-sided conversations that make up the novel. Each chapter is denoted by a place and year, providing a chronological look at the protagonist's life as she navigates through making decisions, facing consequences, and striving to define her own path.
From the shore, the sea in three pieces like an abstract painting in gentle motion. Closest to the sand, liquid the pale green of a fertile lake. Then a swath of aquamarine, the color you imagine read... - #5
Save:'The Space Between Us' by Thrity Umrigar is a novel that delves into the lives of two women, Sera and Bhima, living in Bombay, India. Sera, a middle-class Parsi widow, and Bhima, her Hindu domestic servant, navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives, bound by betrayals, love for their children, and societal class boundaries. Through flashbacks, the author skillfully reveals how their present circumstances have been shaped, exploring themes of love, betrayal, family, and friendship against the backdrop of modern-day Bombay. The book sheds light on the impact of rigid class divisions in India and the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society.
Rolling onto her left side on the thin cotton mattress on the floor, she sits up abruptly, as she does every morning. She lifts one bony hand over her head in a yawn and a stretch, and a strong, milde... - #6
Save:The Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay is a historical fiction novel that takes inspiration from Charles Dickens's Fagin. The story follows the lives of characters like Ikey Solomon, Mary Abacus, and Hannah as they navigate the criminal underworld in Victorian London, eventually leading them to the convict settlement of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). The plot unfolds with intricate details about their crimes, relationships, and struggles as they try to establish new lives in Australia. The narrative style blends elements of real historical events with fictionalized accounts, creating a captivating portrayal of the characters' journeys and the harsh realities they face.
Ikey Solomon was so entirely a Londoner that he was a human part of the great metropolis, a jigsawed brick that fitted into no other place. He was mixed into that mouldy mortar, an ingredient in the s... - #7
Save:'Her Mother's Daughter' by Marilyn French is a multi-generational family saga that delves into the lives of strong women in one family, exploring themes of mother-daughter relationships, women's struggles, and cultural norms over time. The narrative shifts between different generations, showcasing the hardships and survival skills of the characters, while also questioning societal expectations and gender roles. The writing style includes a mix of first-person and third-person narration, as well as journal entries, providing a deep insight into the characters' emotions and experiences.
MY MOTHER LIVED TO be old, although she always said she would die young. All through my childhood she warned me—threatened me?—that because of her defective heart, she would depart early from this val... - #8
Save:The novel 'Crown in Candlelight' by Rosemary Hawley Jarman follows the life of Katherine of Valois, a historical figure born in 1401, who was married to King Henry V of England and later to Owen Tudor. The story delves into the complexities of Katherine's life, from her struggles as a mother of the King, forced into seclusion, to her unconventional relationship with Owen Tudor. The book intricately weaves together historical events such as the annexation of Wales and the invasion of France, providing a rich and detailed backdrop for the romance between Katherine and Owen. The writing style is praised for its clarity and engaging narration, offering a fresh perspective on lesser-known historical figures and events.
- #9
Save:Ponti is a debut novel that experiments with an unusual and very original construct, inspired by the fractured nature of relationships. Set in Singapore over 50 years, the story revolves around three women - Amisa, her daughter Szu, and Szu's friend Circe. The narrative moves back and forth in time, unfolding through vivid and compelling storytelling that delves into the struggles and friendships of these characters against the backdrop of a constantly evolving city.
The novel is a character-driven exploration of women's friendships and struggles in Singapore, portraying the lives of outcasts navigating societal expectations and personal desires. Through the perspectives of Szu, Amisa, and Circe, the book captures the essence of Singaporean life, love for B-class cinema, and the challenges faced by women in a rapidly changing society.
'Women Without Men: A Novel of Modern Iran' by author Shahrnush Parsipur is a captivating story that follows the lives of women in Iran as they navigate through various male and societal pressures. The narrative revolves around a group of women who come together in a garden, experiencing their own rebirths in unique ways. The book combines elements of magical realism with poetic writing, allowing readers to interpret events and themes such as individual strength, perseverance, and the discovery of independence in a culture dominated by male superiority.
The plot of the book intertwines the stories of different women, each facing their own challenges and transformations. Through Parsipur's storytelling, readers are taken on a journey that explores themes of societal expectations, women's liberation, and the complexities of human nature, all set against the backdrop of modern Iran.
