Books matching: class and racial tensions
14 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Wide Sargasso Sea' by Jean Rhys is a haunting and dreamlike novel that serves as a prequel to 'Jane Eyre'. It delves into the life of Antoinette Cosway, the first Mrs. Rochester, exploring her descent into madness within the lush landscapes of the West Indies. The book provides a compelling backstory to the character of Bertha, portraying the complexities of class and racial tensions in a post-colonial and post-slavery society, all while challenging the reader's sympathies between Antoinette and Rochester.
They say when trouble come close ranks, and so the white people did. But we were not in their ranks. The Jamaican ladies had never approved of my mother, ‘because she pretty like pretty self’ Christop... - #2
Save:"Leave the World Behind" by Rumaan Alam follows the story of two families, a white couple with children on vacation and an older Black couple who claim to be the owners of the house they are renting. As a mysterious disaster unfolds in the outside world, the families are left isolated, unsure of what is happening and facing growing unease and dread. The narrative weaves through themes of race, class, and the horror of the unknown, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of safety and the fragility of human existence.
WELL, THE SUN WAS SHINING. THEY FELT THAT BODED WELL—people turn any old thing into an omen. It was all just to say no clouds were to be seen. The sun where the sun always was. The sun persistent and ... - #3
Save:'The Piano Teacher' by Janice Y.K. Lee is a historical novel set in Hong Kong before, during, and after World War II. It follows the lives of various characters, including Will Truesdale and Claire Pendleton, as they navigate relationships, social dynamics, and survival during the Japanese occupation. The writing style is described as transporting, providing insights into post-war Hong Kong, and intertwining two storylines within one novel.
IT STARTED as an accident. The small Herend rabbit had fallen into Claire’s purse. It had been on the piano and she had been gathering up the sheet music at the end of the lesson when she knocked it o... - #4
Save:The Broken Shore by Peter Temple is a gripping crime fiction novel set in a small town in Victoria, Australia. The story follows Joe Cashin, a troubled cop recuperating from injuries, who investigates the murder of a wealthy man while questioning the easy scapegoating of local Aboriginal boys. Temple's writing style is described as exquisite and descriptive, blending crime fiction with literary wonder, capturing the social and political divisions in Australia through a rich sense of place.
CASHIN WALKED around the hill, into the wind from the sea. It was cold, late autumn, last glowing leaves clinging to the liquidambars and maples his great-grandfather’s brother had planted, their surr... - #5
Save:'Sleep in the Woods' by Dorothy Eden is a romance adventure set in 1800s New Zealand, following the story of Briar Johnson, a foundling raised by a schoolmaster who embarks on a journey to New Zealand with two young ladies in search of husbands. Briar ends up marrying Saul Whitmore, a wealthy sheep rancher in Taranaki, and they face the challenges of making a new life together in the wild country. The plot revolves around their struggles, false expectations, lack of communication, and ultimately, their journey towards building a strong marriage amidst the harsh realities of pioneer life.
The author, Dorothy Eden, skillfully paints a vivid picture of the setting, characters, and struggles faced by the white settlers in New Zealand, showcasing her love for the country through well-drawn characters and descriptions of flora and fauna. combines elements of romance, adventure, and human interest, offering a complete and engaging read that delves into the complexities of relationships, survival, and societal dynamics during the colonization of New Zealand.
- #6
Save:Unladylike Lessons in Love by Amita Murray follows the life of Lila Marleigh, an independent and unconventional heroine who navigates through high society in London. The story revolves around Lila's past, her relationships, and her determination to help those around her. As secrets from her past resurface, Lila finds herself entangled in a mystery that challenges her modern sensibilities and forces her to confront her own history. The book expertly combines elements of mystery and romance, with intricate relationships and a strong focus on character development. Readers are taken on a journey filled with drama, intrigue, and unexpected twists as Lila's world unravels and she strives to find love and acceptance in a society that often judges her.
The narrative of Unladylike Lessons in Love is characterized by its multi-layered plot, dynamic characters, and a blend of romance and mystery. Amita Murray weaves a tale that delves into themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal growth. Through Lila's story, the reader is immersed in a Regency setting that is both captivating and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on love, resilience, and the complexities of relationships.
- #7
Save:Set in 1936 Singapore, "The Frangipani Tree Mystery" follows the young protagonist Su Lin, a determined and brave girl with a withered leg. When Su Lin becomes the nanny in the British governor's household, she seizes the opportunity to utilize her journalistic and detective skills to uncover mysteries surrounding deaths in the mansion. The book not only delves into the intriguing murder mystery but also explores the tensions among different classes and nationalities in colonial Singapore. With engaging characters like the sympathetic main character Su Lin and Chief Inspector Thomas LeFroy, the story weaves together elements of mystery, history, and culture.
- #8
Save:Tar Baby by Toni Morrison is a novel set on a Caribbean island, focusing on the interactions between a wealthy white American couple, their Black servants, and a mysterious sailor who disrupts their lives. The story delves into themes of race, class, gender, and family dynamics, with a complex narrative structure that weaves together the characters' struggles and relationships. Morrison's writing style is described as poetic, with vivid descriptions and deep exploration of social issues such as racial boundaries and cultural identity.
THE END of the world, as it turned out, was nothing more than a collection of magnificent winter houses on Isle des Chevaliers. When laborers imported from Haiti came to clear the land, clouds and fis... - #9
Save:'The Night Tiger' by Yangsze Choo is a captivating blend of magical realism, historical fiction, and mystery set in British Malaya during the 1930s. The story follows Ren, a young houseboy on a mission to fulfill his master's dying wish by reuniting his severed finger with his body within 49 days. Alongside Ren, we meet Ji Lin, a determined young woman working to pay off her mother's debts, both of whom become entangled in a web of superstitions, Chinese folklore, and mysterious deaths involving a vengeful tiger. Choo's writing style weaves together elements of Chinese mythology, colonial Malaysia, and intricate character relationships to create a lush and atmospheric narrative filled with suspense and intrigue.
The old man is dying. Ren can see it in the shallow breaths, the sunken face, and the skin stretched thinly over his cheekbones. Yet he wants the shutters open. Irritably, he beckons the boy over, and... - #10
Save:A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee is a historical mystery set in Calcutta, India in 1919, during the British Raj period. The story follows Captain Sam Wyndham, a detective from Scotland Yard, who arrives in Calcutta to investigate the murder of a British official. As Wyndham delves into the case, he navigates through a backdrop of political tensions, corruption, and cultural complexities of colonial India. The plot unfolds with intriguing twists and turns, revealing a rich tapestry of characters and a vivid portrayal of the setting. The writing style captures the essence of the time period, blending elements of mystery, historical detail, and character development to create a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the world of post-WWI Calcutta.
A crowd of natives had gathered. A motley collection of gawkers, hawkers and housewives. They jostled and pushed ever closer, eager to catch a glimpse of the corpse. Word had spread quickly. It always...
