Books matching: blood feud
21 result(s)
- #1
Save:"Broken April" by Ismail Kadare is a haunting novel set in the high plateaus of northern Albania, focusing on the traditional code of blood feuds known as Kanun. The story follows characters like Gjorg, who is forced to avenge his brother's death under the Kanun, and a honeymooning couple exploring the region and learning about the customs firsthand. The narrative alternates between different perspectives, shedding light on the brutal and rigid laws governing life and death in the mountainous region, creating a compelling and bleak portrayal of existence under the Kanun.
His feet were cold, and each time he moved his numbed legs a little he heard the desolate grating of pebbles under his shoes. But the sense of desolation was really inside him. Never before had he sta... - #2
Save:The Sagas of Icelanders by Jane Smiley is an intriguing collection of prose describing life and events in Iceland during the 10th and 11th centuries. The book includes a strong representative selection from among the Icelanders' Sagas, featuring stories that take place in Iceland or involve Icelanders abroad during and just after the Viking Age. The sagas provide a glimpse into the unique societal structure of Iceland during this time, showcasing the complex legislative and judicial institutions, the role of kinship in settling disputes, and the significance of blood feuds in the narratives.
The sagas within the book offer readers a rich tapestry of Icelandic history and culture, blending Nordic Viking heritage with influences from Celtic Gaelic peoples. The vivid descriptions of Iceland's desolate landscape, characterized by basalt and lava beds, volcanoes, geysers, and glaciers, set the stage for epic adventures. The book presents a diverse portrayal of Vikings, depicting them as both noble and skilled navigators, traders, and explorers, as well as savage marauders, reflecting the evolution of Norsemen over the centuries.
The prose literature of medieval Iceland is a great world treasure – elaborate, various, strange, profound, and as eternally current as any of the other great literary treasures – the Homeric epics, D... - #3
Save:Set in the Dark Ages of Scotland on the Isle of Skye, 'Blood Feud' by Jayne Castel tells the tale of two warring tribes, the Wolf People and the Eagle People, who have been in conflict for generations. When the chieftains of both tribes are killed, the new leaders decide to end the blood feud by arranging a marriage between Tea, a strong and proud Pictish warrior woman from the Wolf tribe, and Galan, the chief of the Eagles. The story follows the reluctant alliance formed through this marriage, as Tea and Galan navigate their deep-seated hatred, painful pasts, and the desire for peace in a time of constant warfare and betrayal.
The author, Jayne Castel, weaves a compelling narrative filled with historical details, treachery, and romance, set against the backdrop of the Isle of Skye in the 4th century. Through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters like Galan and Tea, Castel brings to life a world of ancient Scottish history, warring clans, and the struggles of forging peace amidst deep-rooted animosities and personal vendettas.
Harvest Fire arrived upon the isle with shorter days and a chill to the air. The folk of Dun Ardtreck celebrated the changing of the seasons with a great slaughter of animals—sheep, goats and pigs—for... - #4
Save:In 'XV', the fifteenth martyr in a blood feud, Ellen Winthrop, is portrayed as a broken but resilient character enduring cruelty from both her husband and captor, Mischa Stepanov. The story delves into the dark and twisted world of abuse, threats, and violence, with Ellen caught in the midst of a war between the Russians and the Winthorps. As secrets unravel and identities are revealed, Ellen faces a choice between her past life and a dangerous future with deadly consequences.
The narrative in 'XV' explores the complexities of characters like Ellen and Mischa, shedding light on their dark pasts and motivations. The book is described as a dark romance that pushes the boundaries of the genre, immersing readers in a raw and haunting tale of vengeance and survival amidst a backdrop of mafia wars and personal torment.
Familiar terror gnaws at my belly as moisture gathers in my armpits and sweeps across my palms. At least, now, I have an inkling of my fate. I’m trapped in another one of his games. My nostrils flare ... - #5
Save:Malum Discordiae is a paranormal romance set in the Tennebrose world created by author Ashlyn Drewek. The story follows Cassius Corbin, a Necromancer, and Graeme Hewitt, from a prominent witch family, as they navigate a forbidden love amidst a centuries-old blood feud between their families. The plot is filled with mystery, suspense, witchcraft, tension, and a touch of steam, keeping readers hooked with unexpected turns and revelations. The writing style is described as brilliant, with a perfect blend of banter, angst, and spice that captivates readers from the early chapters.
The Oresteia is a trilogy of Greek tragedies by Aeschylus that revolves around the murder of Agamemnon by Clytemnestra, the subsequent murder of Clytemnestra by their son Orestes, and Orestes' trial. The plays explore themes of revenge, justice, and the influence of Greek gods on the characters' decisions. The trilogy is the only extant example of an ancient Greek theatre trilogy, showcasing the transition from personal vendetta to organized litigation.
“The Greek Tragedy in New Translations is based on the conviction that poets like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides can only be properly rendered by translators who are themselves poets. Scholars ma...- #7
Save:Ali and Nino by Kurban Said is a love story set in Azerbaijan during WWI, portraying the romance between Ali, a Muslim Azerbaijani, and Nino, a Christian Georgian girl. The book delves into the clash of cultures, religions, and political turmoil of the time, as the couple navigates obstacles such as war, cultural tensions, and societal norms. The narrative unfolds in locations like Baku, Caucasus, and Iran, showcasing the interplay between East and West in a poignant and tragic love story.
The writing style of Ali and Nino is described as colorful, poetic, and detailed, with beautiful descriptions of settings, cultures, and customs. The author skillfully weaves together historical, cultural, and political elements, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The novel captures the essence of the region, the complexities of relationships, and the enduring themes of love and identity amidst a backdrop of war and societal change.
We were a very mixed lot, we forty schoolboys who were having a Geography lesson one hot afternoon in the Imperial Russian Humanistic High School of Baku, Transcaucasia: thirty Mohammedans, four Armen... British travel writer Richard Grant embarks on a dangerous journey through Mexico's Sierra Madre mountain range, known for its narco traffickers and lawlessness. The book delves into the history and culture of the region, shedding light on the drug trade, poverty, and violence that plague the area. Grant's writing style combines elements of adventure, cultural exploration, and introspection, offering readers a vivid and eye-opening account of his travels through this treacherous landscape.
SO THIS IS WHAT it feels like to be hunted. My spine is pressed up against the bark of a pine tree. My heart hammers against my rib cage with astonishing force. Here they come again. Here comes the bi...- #9
Save:Cloud of Sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka is a historical fiction novel set in Japan during the 19th century, portraying a time of rapid change as modern ways replace the samurai lifestyle. The story follows Lord Genji, a samurai more inclined towards poetry and love than swordsmanship, who also possesses the family curse of seeing visions of the future. The narrative is filled with complex characters, intertwining plot lines, subterfuge, revenge, and romance, creating a rich tapestry of samurai historical fiction.
The book delves into the clash between traditional Japanese culture and the encroaching influence of Westerners, particularly through the interactions between a group of American missionaries and the Tokumichi samurai clan. The author weaves together multiple storylines, including the struggles of the characters amidst a changing world, the dynamics of power and politics, and the exploration of love, duty, and revenge, all set against the backdrop of feudal Japan transitioning into a new era.
Heiko, feigning sleep, kept her breathing deep and slow, her muscles relaxed but not slack, her lips closed, at the very edge of parting, her eyes soft beneath unfluttering eyelids, her hooded gaze tu... - #10
Save:'Titus Andronicus' by William Shakespeare is a revenge play that revolves around the intertwined cases of revenge between the families of Titus Andronicus, a Roman general, and Tamora, Queen of the Goths and later Empress of Rome. The plot is driven by themes of instability, chaos, death, and violence, showcasing how revenge begets revenge in a cycle of destruction. The play is known for its extreme violence, shocking plot twists, and complex characters, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read that explores the depths of human nature.
In recent years, ways of dealing with Shakespeare’s texts and with the interpretation of his plays have been undergoing significant change. This edition, while retaining many of the features that have...
