Books matching: ambition and greed
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Haunting and beautifully written, Serena is a chilling portrait of ambition and destruction - with an unforgettable anti-heroine at its core. Not for the faint of heart, but a must-read for lovers of dark historical fiction.
'Serena' by Ron Rash is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920s, portraying the story of Serena and her husband George Pemberton as they strive to become wealthy timber barons in North Carolina and beyond. The book explores Serena's ruthless and manipulative nature, as well as her relentless pursuit of power and wealth. The plot delves into the dark and violent world of the logging industry during the Depression era, showcasing the harsh realities of life in the Appalachia mountains. The narrative also touches upon themes of greed, murder, and the struggle for dominance in a male-dominated profession.
WHEN PEMBERTON RETURNED TO THE NORTH Carolina mountains after three months in Boston settling his father’s estate, among those waiting on the train platform was a young woman pregnant with Pemberton’s...September 2008•403 pages- #2
Save:Ambitious, gorgeous, and unflinching - The Sport of Kings is a Southern epic that dazzles as much as it demands patience. Rewarding for fans of literary fiction unafraid of tough themes and complex characters.
'The Sport of Kings' by C.E. Morgan is a sprawling novel set in Kentucky that delves into themes of racism, family, inheritance, and the history of America. The story follows the last scion of the white Forge family, the African American groom of a successful racehorse, and an escaped slave, exploring their intertwined lives and struggles across generations. The book is praised for its encompassing narrative, vivid descriptions of landscape and horse racing, and its exploration of complex themes through multiple perspectives.
How far away from your father can you run? The boy disappeared into the corn, the green blades whisking and whispering as he raced down each canopied lane. The stalks snagged him once, twice, and he c...May 2016•560 pages - #3
Save:"Meet You in Hell" by Les Standiford delves into the intricate and engaging yet tragic relationship between two titans of industry, Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the narrative explores the rise and fall of these men who played pivotal roles in shaping the economic and industrial landscape of the United States. Standiford skillfully weaves together the history of labor relations, the steel industry, and the Homestead Strike and Massacre of June 1892, providing readers with a compelling account of ambition, business acumen, and greed.
May 2005•336 pages - #4
Save:A lively, twisty romp through the halls of an elite prep school - equal parts scandal, heart, and intrigue. If you love layered teen drama with a side of social commentary, this one's for you. Save room on your shelf for the sequel!
The Academy is a vibrant novel set in an elite boarding school in western Massachusetts. It explores a complex web of relationships shaped by ambition, sexuality, and greed. The story unfolds over an academic year, filled with teenage angst and romance. A social media app acts like a ticking time bomb, revealing secrets and intensifying conflicts among students and faculty. This dynamic backdrop keeps the plot engaging as readers dive into the hidden stories of the characters.
Elin Hilderbrand's writing, enriched by her daughter's insights, captures the essence of New England's prep school life. The characters are relatable, complex, and believable, each with their own struggles and backstories. Despite initial challenges in getting to know the characters, the book becomes highly entertaining and hard to put down. With its blend of mysteries, scandals, and a hint of humor, The Academy paves the way for potential sequels, leaving readers eagerly anticipating more.
At nine a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, just as the chapel bells are heralding the start of a new school year, the first vehicles proceed onto the campus of Tiffin Academy. Every student for the past 11...September 2025•433 pages - #5
Save:A unique fantasy novel that dives deep into the cutthroat world of medieval business, but its morally ambiguous main character and slower pace may divide series fans. Try it if you want a different flavor of epic fantasy!
"Rise of a Merchant Prince" in the series "The Serpentwar Saga" by Raymond E. Feist follows the story of Roo Avery as he rises in the world of Midkemian big business, navigating financial machinations to achieve wealth. The plot delves into Roo's morally questionable actions to amass riches, contrasting with the struggles of warriors and wizards fighting against an advancing dark army in the background. The writing style of the book focuses on character development, particularly Roo's flawed nature, greed, and short-sightedness, making him a complex and interesting protagonist in the fantasy genre.
Black and dangerous, it moved like a dark hunter bearing down on its prey. Three tall masts, majestic under full sail, propelled the warship into the harbor of a great city as other ships gave way. Al...1995•472 pages
(Also, see 22 recommendations for the series The Serpentwar Saga ) - #6
Save:A sprawling, addictive, and vividly told medieval saga - perfect for losing yourself in history and drama, but be prepared for déjà vu if you’ve read the prequel.
'World Without End' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction novel set in the 14th century, serving as a sequel to 'The Pillars of the Earth.' The book follows the lives of various characters in the town of Kingsbridge, 200 years after the construction of the medieval cathedral. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by the villagers during the outbreak of the plague, exploring themes of ambition, love, greed, revenge, and the role of the church in society. Despite being a lengthy tome, the book intricately weaves together multiple plots and characters, providing insights into the day-to-day struggles and ordeals of individuals living in the 12th century.
“I can make the formwork,” Merthin said, already thinking about how the frame would be supported by the scaffolding, and the platform on which the masons would have to stand. “But these vaults were no... A classic, high-energy character study that’s both entertaining and unsettling - don’t expect to love Duddy, but you won’t forget him.
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler is a character-driven novel set in 1950s Montreal, following the ambitious and morally complex protagonist, Duddy Kravitz. Duddy is portrayed as a conniving and relentless individual who stops at nothing to achieve his goal of owning land, even if it means betraying those closest to him. The book delves into themes of greed, ambition, family dynamics, and the struggles of the Jewish community during that time period, offering a raw and honest portrayal of a young man's relentless pursuit of success, regardless of the consequences.
Richler's writing style in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is praised for its sharp and engaging dialogue, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor and intensity, drawing readers into Duddy's world of hustling and manipulation as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. The book captures the essence of a specific time and place, showcasing the intricacies of human relationships and the complexities of individual ambitions in a close-knit community.
WHAT WITH HIS WIFE SO ILL THESE PAST FEW WEEKS and the prospect of three more days of teaching before the weekend break, Mr. MacPherson felt unusually glum. He trudged along St. Dominique Street to wi...1959•382 pages- #8
Save:A gripping, classic legal thriller that’s a total page-turner - even if it’s more about the plot than the people. Worth your time if you love suspense, but don’t expect it to be perfect or profound.
'The Firm' by John Grisham follows the story of Mitch McDeere, a young lawyer who is recruited by a prestigious law firm in Memphis. However, as Mitch delves deeper into the firm's operations, he discovers that it is involved in illegal activities with ties to the mafia. Caught between the FBI and the dangerous underworld, Mitch must navigate a web of deception and danger to protect himself and his loved ones. The book is a legal thriller that is fast-paced, suspenseful, and filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the very end.
The senior partner studied the résumé for the hundredth time and again found nothing he disliked about Mitchell Y. McDeere, at least not on paper. He had the brains, the ambition, the good looks. And...1991•491 pages - #9
Save:A brilliantly biting, elegantly written social satire - fascinating, infuriating, and absolutely unforgettable. Undine Spragg is a literary train wreck you can’t look away from.
In "The Custom of the Country," Edith Wharton presents a tragicomic novel critiquing the weakness of the ruling classes through the character of Undine Spragg, a ruthless and materialistic social climber. Undine's relentless pursuit of wealth and status leads her to discard husbands and neglect her children, showcasing the shifting nature of business and social mores in American and European society. Wharton's exquisite prose, vivid scenes, and sharp characterizations keep the reader engaged as Undine navigates the complexities of high society while never wavering from her quest for the next prize.
Undine Spragg is a captivating yet unsympathetic character who embodies the epitome of narcissism and social climbing. Wharton's sharp critique of the nouveau riche and the established aristocracy provides a compelling commentary on the societal values of the time. Through Undine's manipulative and selfish actions, Wharton explores themes of ambition, class dynamics, and the pursuit of happiness in a world driven by material wealth and social status.
But her defence was as feeble as her protest, and she continued to smile on her visitor while Miss Spragg, with a turn of her quick young fingers, possessed herself of the missive and withdrew to the...1900•423 pages - #10
Save:A dense but rewarding entry point to Zola’s epic series - stick with it for keen observation, family intrigue, and a vivid sense of France in upheaval. Essential for Zola fans and adventurous historical fiction readers.
In 1789, the French rebelled against their hereditary monarchs and created a Republic. In time, the Republic thickened into Empire, before returning to monarchy. And then, in 1848, the monarchy fell for a second time, to a Second Republic. But in 1851, in what amounted to a coup, Napoleon III restored his family line into a Second Empire. As well as, no doubt, some socialists and the like. For twenty years, the French survived an Empire, before it too finally came crumbling down. It is across these twenty years that Emile Zola sets his twenty book cycle, of which The Fortune of the Rougons is the first. Through three interconnected families one proletariat, crushed by the boots of the self interested one bourgeois and crippled by madness and one nouveau riche Emperor butt kissing clan the author explores life under the Second Empire in a dizzying array of forms. Each book has its own tone, cast of characters, genre, and plot, but all are connected through a family web.
I loved this book, it was beautifully writing and I enjoy reading every bit of it. I will admit it did try my patients. The took a lot to make it through the first four chapters. So it was hard to stick with it, due to the unlikeable of the characters and the very long chapters. I was glad when I got to chapter five. It was like sunlight break through the darkness. After reading about all the scheming and lack of just human decency with each other. I just need the innocence moments of love between Silvere and Miette. After this point it was easier to finish the book and it made the first four chapter worth every bit of the struggle it was. If Zola didn't stick that chapter in, I don't think I would of finish the book.
WHEN you leave Plassans by the Porte de Rome,* on the southern side of the town, you will find, on the right-hand side of the Nice road, a little way past the first houses in the Faubourg,* a patch of...1870•347 pages
