Books matching: working class struggle
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- #1
'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning' by Alan Sillitoe is a novel that delves into the life of Arthur Seaton, a working-class man in Nottingham who works in a factory during the week and seeks excitement and thrills on the weekends. The book portrays Arthur as a self-centered, hedonistic character who indulges in drinking, fights, and affairs with married women. Despite his flaws, Sillitoe's writing style captures the essence of working-class life in England in the 1960s, showcasing the struggles and desires of individuals like Arthur who are trapped in a cycle of monotony and rebellion against authority.
The narrative skillfully weaves together themes of class struggle, individuality, and societal norms, presenting a complex character in Arthur Seaton who is both rebellious and relatable. Through Arthur's interactions with his family, friends, and romantic interests, the novel explores the tensions between personal freedom and social expectations, offering a raw and gritty portrayal of working-class existence in post-war Britain.
The rowdy gang of singers who sat at the scattered tables saw Arthur walk unsteadily to the head of the stairs, and though they must all have known that he was dead drunk, and seen the danger he would... - #2
'The Valley of the Moon' by Jack London follows the story of a young couple, Saxon and Billy, who face struggles in their working-class life during labor disputes in Oakland. Despite the challenges they encounter, they decide to leave the city and embark on a journey to find their dream home in the California countryside. The novel offers a mix of social commentary, reflections on working-class life, and a portrayal of the beauty of the California coast and countryside.
The writing style in 'The Valley of the Moon' is described as masterful by readers, with London showcasing his ability to write from a woman's perspective, offering surprises, and providing insights into the social issues of the early 20th century. is appreciated for its vivid depiction of the California landscape and its exploration of themes such as love, dreams, and the struggles of the working class.
"You hear me, Saxon? Come on along. What if it is the Bricklayers? I'll have gentlemen friends there, and so'll you. The Al Vista band'll be along, an' you know it plays heavenly. An' you just love d... - #3
Children of the Dead End is an autobiographical novel that tells the story of a Donegal boy sent away from home at age twelve to earn wages to send back to his destitute family. He works as a laborer aka navvy on farms, building sites, and the railroad before his talent for writing takes his life in another direction. His longings and search for his childhood sweetheart carry the novel to its conclusion. This is a story with a message on the evils of unjust income distribution that is as relevant today as it was when it was written in 1914. Highly recommended. The story itself is very moving at times, as the author looks back on his early life in particular.
- #4
'All Over But the Shoutin'' by Rick Bragg is a memoir that delves into the author's childhood memories and his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful writer. The book narrates the story of overcoming obstacles, reaching goals against all odds, and the deep devotion of a boy to his mother. Bragg writes with style, wit, and compassion, offering a heartfelt account of growing up poor in the South and the impact of familial relationships on his life.
The narrative captures the struggles of poverty, dysfunctional family dynamics, and the author's rise to becoming a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Bragg's writing style is described as powerful, evocative, and emotionally generous, with a focus on authenticity and storytelling. The book resonates with readers through its poignant depiction of courage, adversity, and the unconditional love of a mother, making it a compelling and touching read.
I used to stand amazed and watch the redbirds fight. They would flash and flutter like scraps of burning rags through a sky unbelievably blue, swirling, soaring, plummeting. On the ground they were a ... - #5
'Tell Me a Riddle' by Tillie Olsen is a collection of four short stories that delve into the lives of working-class women, immigrant women, older women, and families. The stories explore universal themes such as marriage, parent-children relationships, illness, and death. Olsen's writing is described as moving, raw, and effective in portraying the emotions of the characters without explicitly stating them, making the reader feel deeply connected to the narratives.
The book is praised for its concise, precise, and striking writing style that covers a wide range of topics with depth and authenticity. The stories are noted for their ability to capture the nuances of different voices and human experiences, making 'Tell Me a Riddle' a unique and powerful work in American literature.
- #6
'Who Killed My Father' by Edouard Louis is a poignant and raw exploration of the author's complicated relationship with his father, delving into themes of poverty, neglect, and societal injustices. The book is a heartfelt memoir that sheds light on the struggles faced by the working class in France, portraying the emotional journey of reconciliation and understanding between a son and his father. Louis's writing style is described as sincere, powerful, and deeply personal, capturing the harsh realities of life with empathy and respect.
The same definition holds with regard to male privilege, to hatred of homosexuality or trans people, to domination by class — to social and political oppression of all kinds. If we look at politics as... - #7
'Post Office' by Charles Bukowski follows the life of Hank Chinaski, a postal worker who also enjoys gambling, drinking, and relationships with women. The book is a collection of short stories that chronicle Chinaski's experiences at the post office, his interactions with colleagues and supervisors, and his personal struggles with mundane work and hedonistic pursuits. The writing style is described as raw, humorous, and honest, capturing the essence of Bukowski's cynical and raunchy narrative voice.
It was Christmas season and I learned from the drunk up the hill, who did the trick every Christmas, that they would hire damned near anybody, and so I went and the next thing I knew I had this leathe... - #8
The Snapper depicts the story of Sharon Rabbitte, a young woman from a working-class family in north Dublin who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. The novel explores the family dynamics, tensions, and humor as they navigate the repercussions of Sharon's pregnancy, including speculation about the father and the neighborhood's reactions. Roddy Doyle's writing style is characterized by humorous and clever dialogue that captures the essence of Dublin and its characters, making the reader feel intimately connected to the setting and the individuals portrayed.
Jimmy Jr was upstairs in the boys’ room doing his DJ. practice. Darren was in the front room watching Police Academy II on the video. Les was out. Tracy and Linda, the twins, were in the front room an...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Barrytown Trilogy ) - #9
'Big Bad Love' by Larry Brown is a collection of short stories that delve into the gritty and raw lives of characters in the Southern culture. The book portrays men and their struggles with love, relationships, loneliness, and making bad choices. Brown's writing style is described as deep, humorous, and emotionally impactful, showcasing flawed and realistic characters navigating through life in the South.
'The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner' by Alan Sillitoe is a collection of short stories set in pre and post-World War II British working class society. The title story follows an adolescent boy from a working-class background who is caught up in petty crime and sentenced to a borstal. Allowed to train outside the facility for a long-distance running competition, the story delves into his internal struggles between winning the race and defying the authorities. Other stories in the book portray characters facing loneliness, desperation, and societal inequalities, evoking a sense of anger, alienation, and desolation.
The writing style of Alan Sillitoe in this book is described as gritty, dark, and reminiscent of Dickens in its portrayal of the working class of England. The stories are said to be beautifully crafted, tragic, moving, and thought-provoking, capturing the trauma of wartime, the harsh realities of the class divide, and the struggles of individuals trying to break free from their circumstances.
AS soon as I got to Borstal they made me a long-distance cross-country runner. I suppose they thought I was just the build for it because I was long and skinny for my age (and still am) and in any cas...