Books matching: a character study
100 result(s)
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- #11
Save:'The Slow Regard of Silent Things' delves into the life of Auri, a broken and lost girl who spends her days in the Underthing, placing objects in their proper place. The story provides a deeper insight into Auri's character, her eccentricities, and her unique way of interacting with the world around her. The novella takes readers through Auri's daily routines, emotions, and activities, painting a vivid picture of her solitary existence in a poetic and unconventional writing style.
Auri gathered up Foxen, carrying him cupped in the palm of her hand. She made her way through Port, slipping through a jagged crack in the wall. It was not a wide crack, but Auri was so slight she bar...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Kingkiller Chronicle ) - #12
Save:'A Gentleman in Moscow' by Amor Towles is a captivating tale following the life of Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat placed under house arrest in a luxurious hotel in Moscow following the Russian Revolution. Despite his confinement, Rostov forms deep friendships, navigates the changing political landscape, and finds meaning and purpose within the confines of the hotel. The book spans several decades, offering a glimpse into Russian history from the revolution to the early 1950s, all seen through the eyes of the charismatic and resilient Count.
Within the hour, he would be in the warm spring air striding along Tverskaya Street, his moustaches at full sail. En route, he would purchase the Herald from the stand on Gazetny Lane, he would pass F... - #13
Save:'Now Is Everything' by Amy Giles follows the story of Hadley, who is determined to keep her younger sister Lila safe from their abusive father. Hadley navigates the challenges of balancing her role as the captain of the lacrosse team, an overachiever in school, and a protector of her family's dark secret. The narrative alternates between past and present timelines, unraveling deep-rooted family secrets and exploring the aftermath of a tragic plane crash that left Hadley as the lone survivor. The novel delves into themes of abuse, secrecy, young love, and the struggles faced by teenagers in contemporary society.
Against the backdrop of a suburban setting, the author, Amy Giles, intricately weaves a tale that combines mystery and character study as Hadley grapples with her survivor's guilt and the trauma inflicted by her father. The raw honesty and emotional depth in the storytelling shed light on the lengths individuals go to protect their secrets and the repercussions of staying silent in the face of abuse.
- #14
Save:'The Maid's Version' by Daniel Woodrell is a haunting and tragic tale set in a small, poor town in Missouri, revolving around the aftermath of a devastating explosion at a dance hall in 1929. The story is narrated by Alma Dunahew, a maid who holds the key to the truth behind the tragedy that claimed the lives of many townsfolk, including her sister Ruby. Through Alma's accounts, readers are introduced to a cast of colorful characters and are taken on a journey that weaves together past and present, exploring themes of grief, family, and the impact of the Great Depression.
Woodrell's writing style in 'The Maid's Version' is described as evocative, dreamy, and poetic, capturing the language and essence of the Ozarks. The narrative is non-linear and meandering, shifting between different perspectives and time periods, creating a complex yet compelling storytelling experience. The book delves into the lives of the townspeople most affected by the tragedy, offering poignant character studies and exploring the themes of redemption, perseverance, and the complexities of human nature.
- #15
Save:Educated by Tara Westover is a memoir recounting the author's tumultuous childhood growing up in Idaho in a dysfunctional family. Tara's father, a strict Mormon and anti-government supporter, forbids her from attending school, leading her to work in the family's scrap yard instead. Despite the isolation and abuse she faces at home, Tara eventually breaks free and pursues education, earning scholarships and grants to study at prestigious universities like Cambridge and Harvard. The book delves into themes of familial dysfunction, survivalism, mental illness, and the transformative power of education.
My strongest memory is not a memory. It’s something I imagined, then came to remember as if it had happened. The memory was formed when I was five, just before I turned six, from a story my father tol... - #16
Save:"Real Life" by Brandon Taylor is a novel that delves into the life of Wallace, a young black man navigating the challenges of being a graduate student in a predominantly white academic environment. The book explores themes of loneliness, racial discrimination, and the struggle for intimacy, all while portraying the inner turmoil of the protagonist. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, the author paints a poignant picture of Wallace's emotional journey as he grapples with his past, present, and uncertain future.
The narrative of "Real Life" unfolds over a few days in Wallace's life, capturing his experiences with microaggressions, hostilities, and his own depression. The writing style is characterized by its beauty, emotional depth, and the ability to evoke realistic social moments and raw emotions. The novel skillfully addresses complex topics such as racism, sexuality, and personal trauma, while also highlighting the challenges of academic life and the search for connection amidst isolation.
It was a cool evening in late summer when Wallace, his father dead for several weeks, decided that he would meet his friends at the pier after all. The lake was dimpled with white waves. People covete... - #17
Save:'Anxious People' by Fredrik Backman is a story that revolves around a bank robbery gone wrong, where the bank robber inadvertently takes a group of people hostage during an apartment showing. The novel delves into the lives of these characters, their personal dramas, and their interactions as they navigate through this unexpected situation. The writing style of the book is described as quirky, humorous, heartwarming, and filled with insightful observations about human nature and relationships. The plot unfolds in a small town in Sweden on New Year's Eve, with a mix of humor, pathos, and wise words about life and love.
A bank robbery. A hostage drama. A stairwell full of police officers on their way to storm an apartment. It was easy to get to this point, much easier than you might think. All it took was one single ... - #18
Save:Beartown by Fredrik Backman is a gripping novel set in a small, isolated Swedish town where hockey is the heartbeat of the community. The story delves into the lives of various town residents, exploring their relationships, struggles, and moral dilemmas. The plot takes a dark turn when a traumatic event shakes the town, forcing its inhabitants to take sides and confront difficult truths. Backman's writing style is praised for its emotional depth, character development, and ability to evoke strong feelings in readers, making them empathize with even the most flawed characters.
It’s a Friday in early March in Beartown and nothing has happened yet. Everyone is waiting. Tomorrow, the Beartown Ice Hockey Club’s junior team is playing in the semifinal of the biggest youth tourna... - #19
Save:Long Black Veil by Jennifer Finney Boylan is a murder mystery novel that takes readers on a journey involving a group of friends who find themselves trapped in an abandoned prison, leading to a tragic event that impacts their lives for decades. The story unfolds through shifting timelines, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and love, while delving into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of secrets and past traumas.
This was a long time ago, before my first death, and none of us now are the people we were then. Instead we are ghosts: two of us dead, a third unrecognizable, a fourth suspected of murder. It would b... - #20
Save:'The Romantics' by Galt Niederhoffer revolves around a love triangle involving Laura, the maid of honor, Tom, the groom, and Lila, the bride. The plot delves into the complex relationships between the characters, particularly Laura and Lila, who have been best friends competing for Tom's affection over a ten-year period. The writing style of the book is described as engaging, with vividly portrayed characters and a storyline that keeps the reader hooked till the end.
explores themes of love, friendship, and rivalry among a group of wealthy WASPs, reminiscent of characters from classic movies like 'The Philadelphia Story.' The tangled relationships between the characters create a web of drama and intrigue, making it challenging for readers to keep track of the various romantic entanglements and conflicts within the story.
