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Books matching: betrayal and societal norms

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  1. #1

    Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
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    'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy is a tragic tale following the life of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbevilles. Meeting her cousin Alec proves to be her downfall, leading to a series of events where she must navigate love, betrayal, and societal prejudices. Hardy defies conventions by focusing on the rural lower class, offering a frank treatment of sexuality and religion, while portraying a victim of Victorian hypocrisy with compelling depth and emotion.

    The narrative delves into Tess's struggles against her own perceived weaknesses, the brutality of others, and the prejudices of society. Through a mix of cruelty, oppression, and misguided forgiveness, Tess's tragic journey unfolds, challenging readers to question the purity of her character and the societal norms that shape her fate.

    ON AN EVENING IN the latter part of May a middle-aged man was walking homeward from Shaston to the village of Marlott, in the adjoining Vale of Blakemore or Blackmoor. The pair of legs that carried hi...

  2. #2

    The Sealed Letter by Emma Donoghue
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    In 1864, well known feminist publisher Emily Faithfull bumps into an old friend on the street in London. Years ago, she had lived with Helen Codrington and her husband Henry, but their intimate friendship dissolved after the Codringtons' marriage began to strain to the breaking point and Emily was gently asked to leave their residence. Seven years on, Helen tries to win back Emily's friendship, unwittingly involving the unsuspecting spinster in the ongoing scandal that will destroy her marriage. When Henry petitions for divorce, the trial becomes a national scandal to rival the Clinton Lewinsky media extravaganza, and Emily is at the center of it, along with a mysterious sealed letter containing a revelation that could ruin the lives and reputations of Helen, Henry and Emily alike. Filled with rich period detail, The Sealed Letter is smart and scandalous, filled with duplicitous characters and surprising plot twists that keep the pages turning. Highly recommended for fans of the Victorian novels of Sarah Waters, Affinity in particular.

    Helen and Fido, divorce in 1800's, bit slow. The Sealed Letter is a fictionalized story based on a real divorce case with tricky female friendship and a marriage gone to rocks, making it a pageturner for readers.

    The last day of August, and the sky is the colour of hot ash. Something rancid wafts on the air from Smithfield Market; the air glitters with stone dust. She's swept down Farringdon Street in the slip...

  3. #3

    By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept by Elizabeth Smart
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    'By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept' by Elizabeth Smart is a poetic and intense exploration of a tumultuous love affair between the author and a married man. The narrative delves into the author's obsessive and self-destructive love, defying societal norms and family expectations. Smart's writing style is described as poetic, lyrical, and emotionally raw, drawing readers into the protagonist's inner world and emotions.

    The book is a mix of prose and poetry, offering a unique reading experience that immerses readers into the protagonist's intense emotions and passionate love affair. Smart's writing is dense and immersive, making the short novel feel substantial and impactful, with vivid imagery and metaphorical language painting a vivid picture of love's beauty and terror.

    I am standing on a corner in Monterey, waiting for the bus to come in, and all the muscles of my will are holding my terror to face the moment I most desire. Apprehension and the summer afternoon keep...

  4. #4

    Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
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    Set in 19th century China, "Snowflower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See delves into the lives of two young girls, Lily and Snow Flower, who form a lifelong friendship as laotong, bound together by the practices of footbinding and the secret women's writing Nu Shu. The novel explores the complexities of their relationship, the societal norms of the time, and the challenges faced by women in that era. The story unfolds with vivid descriptions of Chinese culture, footbinding rituals, and the deep emotional connections between the characters.

    The narrative of "Snowflower and the Secret Fan" is a poignant tale of friendship, love, and hardship set against the backdrop of 19th century China. Through the eyes of Lily and Snow Flower, readers are taken on a journey that highlights the enduring bond between women, the struggles they faced, and the cultural traditions that shaped their lives. The book intricately weaves together themes of friendship, loyalty, and the resilience of women in a society that often marginalized their voices.

    I AM WHAT THEY CALL IN OUR VILLAGE “ONE WHO HAS NOT yet died”—a widow, eighty years old. Without my husband, the days are long. I no longer care for the special foods that Peony and the others prepare...

  5. #5
    Jackdaw
    Book 4 in the series:A Charm of Magpies

    Jackdaw - A Charm of Magpies by K.J. Charles
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    'Jackdaw' in the series 'A Charm of Magpies' by K.J. Charles follows the story of Jonah, a rogue windwalker who finds himself entangled in a deadly plot against Stephen Day and Lord Crane. Blackmailed into helping with the scheme, Jonah must navigate a world where betrayal, love, and redemption intertwine. The book explores the evolving relationship between Jonah and his lover, Ben, as they face challenges, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of their actions. With grey morals and complex characters, 'Jackdaw' delves into themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the power of love amidst a harsh and unforgiving fantasy world.

    The writing style in 'Jackdaw' is described as top-notch, with a compelling narrative that captures the readers' attention from the beginning. The story intricately weaves together themes of betrayal, redemption, and romance, creating a tale that is both captivating and emotionally resonant. Through the evolution of characters like Jonah and Ben, the book explores the depths of human emotions, moral complexities, and the enduring strength of love in the face of adversity.

    He hated the shouting, the crowded streets, the smell. He hated the pinch-faced beggars, the flower girls with their paltry, wilted offerings, and the frock-coated men who strode busily by. He hated L...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series A Charm of Magpies )

  6. #6

    The Eyes of Tamburah - Archives of the Invisible Sword by Maria V. Snyder
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    The Eyes of Tamburah follows Shayla, a treasure hunter raised by monks and shunned by her city for her appearance, as she embarks on a life-threatening quest to find a valuable artifact. The book is set in an underground city called Zirdai, filled with intricate world-building and secrets, where Shayla navigates through different factions and societies to save her friend's life. The plot is filled with action, intrigue, secret societies, and a powerful will to persevere, reminiscent of Tomb Raider vibes in a City of Ember-like world.


  7. #7
    Theodora
    Book 1 in the series:Empress Theodora

    Theodora - Empress Theodora by Stella Duffy
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    "Theodora" by Stella Duffy is a fictional biography that brings the reader back in time to the Byzantium era and the glory days of Constantinople. The story follows Theodora, a young woman who overcomes the restrictions of her time to pursue a life in the show business at the Hippodrome. As Theodora navigates through challenges and relationships, she eventually finds her way to fulfilling her dreams and achieving happiness, all set against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period.

    "Theodora" is described as a well-written narrative that delves into the complexities of power struggles, pagan rituals, and societal norms of the Christian era. The author, Stella Duffy, weaves together a vivid portrayal of Theodora's journey, from her early struggles to her eventual rise to prominence, offering a glimpse into a distant past filled with intrigue and historical significance.


  8. #8

    The Emperor's Blades - Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne by Brian Staveley
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    The Emperor's Blades by Brian Staveley follows the story of three siblings - Kaden, Valyn, and Adare - who are the children of the Emperor of Annur. The plot revolves around their individual journeys and challenges after the murder of their father. Kaden, the heir, is training as a monk in a remote monastery, while Valyn is training to become part of the elite Kettral soldiers. Adare, the royal sister, is involved in political intrigue as the Minister of Finance in the capital. The book combines elements of political intrigue, action, high fantasy, and coming of age themes, set in a well-developed fantasy world with mythical creatures and a unique magic system.

    The writing style of The Emperor's Blades is praised for its dynamic world-building, good dialogue, and well-developed characters, particularly the two brothers, Kaden and Valyn. The book is noted for its suspenseful plot, intricate world-building, and the way it sets up the next book in the series, leaving readers excited for what comes next.

    He’d been dogging the creature over the tortuous mountain trails for hours, scanning for track where the ground was soft enough, making guesses when he came to bare rock, doubling back when he guessed...

  9. #9

    The Odyssey: A Modern Sequel by Nikos Kazantzakis
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    'The Odyssey: A Modern Sequel' by Nikos Kazantzakis is a lengthy and intense epic poem that has been compared to the works of Dante and Goethe. The writing style is described as powerful and poetic, with rich metaphors and philosophical depth. follows the character Odysseus on a journey that blends elements of reality and dreamlike sequences, offering a unique perspective on the hero's adventures.

    Just before Kazantzakis began to write the Odyssey, he completed a small book, perhaps best titled The Saviors of God and subtitled Spiritual Exercises, where in a passionate and poetic style, yet in ...

  10. #10

    The Dangerous Gentleman - Rogues of Regent Street by Julia London
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    "The Dangerous Gentleman" by Julia London is a historical romance set in the 1700s-1800s, focusing on the tumultuous relationship between Adrian Spence, the Earl of Albright, and Lilliana Dashell. Adrian, who has faced a difficult upbringing and is disowned by his abusive father, marries Lilliana out of revenge against his brother. The story delves into themes of betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness as the couple navigates misunderstandings, family secrets, and attempts to find true happiness amidst their strained marriage. The writing style captures the historical era authentically, with detailed descriptions of the characters, settings, and societal norms of the time.

    None of the mourners gathered around the grave had expected his demise to occur precisely this way, although there were certainly those who had wagered he would not live to see his thirty-third year. ...

    (Also, see 86 recommendations for the series Rogues of Regent Street )

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