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Books matching: cruelty and oppression

11 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 11 
  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

    Vanquished by S.E. Green
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    Vanquished by S.E. Green follows the story of Valoria, a character who is abducted along with a group of others with no extended family to search for them. The novel explores themes of survival, cruelty, and brutality in a dark setting reminiscent of Roman times, where characters are forced to fight and engage in activities for the pleasure of the elite. Valoria, trained as a warrior, strives to reunite with her sister who was sold into sex slavery, navigating a world filled with lies and deceit.

    The book is described as suspenseful and original, with a plot that moves quickly and characters that are compelling. Despite the heavy moments of cruelty depicted in the story, readers are drawn into the emotional journey of the protagonists, feeling attached and hopeful for their success. The writing style creates an immersive experience for the reader, making them emotionally invested in the dark world portrayed in the book.

    ~1~ Hot. That’s the first thing that enters my mind as I come to gradually, my lashes fluttering open. Thirsty. That’s the second. “Hi,” comes a whisper to my right, and I roll my head toward it. A bl...

  3. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a heartwarming children's story that follows the life of Sara Crewe, a young girl raised by her loving and wealthy father. Sara is known for her kindness, imagination, and resilience, traits that are put to the test when she is sent to a boarding school in London after her father's disappearance. Despite facing adversity, Sara maintains her princess-like demeanor and uses her imagination to overcome challenges, teaching valuable life lessons along the way. The book is described as a blend of diverse emotions such as love, pride, friendship, adaptability, and tolerance, making it a captivating and inspiring read for both children and adults.


  4. #4

    Jack Glass by Adam Roberts
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    'Jack Glass' by Adam Roberts is a unique blend of science fiction and detective novel, divided into three parts, each focusing on a different mystery or puzzle to solve. The story revolves around the mysterious titular character Jack Glass, a criminal mastermind, and Diana Argent, a young girl addicted to solving murder mysteries. The book intricately weaves together elements of Golden Age science fiction and classic murder mysteries, challenging the reader with ingenious puzzles and a convoluted plot that keeps them engaged till the end.

    The writing style in 'Jack Glass' is described as well-crafted, with some lovely and easy prose that captures the reader's attention. The book features intricate world-building, imaginative concepts, and a mix of grim, violent episodes reminiscent of classic mystery novels, creating a compelling and fascinating story that offers a new and different reading experience for fans of both genres.

    This was its sixth run, and, as it had done five times before, it began by unloading its kit. The remaining seven prisoners waited in the hold. There were echoes as they coughed, or kicked their heels...

  5. #5

    The Thirteenth Hour - The Cruel Gods by Trudie Skies
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    'The Thirteenth Hour' in the series 'The Cruel Gods' by author Trudie Skies is a dark fantasy novel set in the intricate world of Chime, where mortals are bound by the cruel whims of the Gods of the 12 domains. The story follows Kayl, a member of the underground group called the Godless, as she navigates a world of oppression, injustice, and hidden secrets. Alongside Quen, a Diviner and Warden of Chime, Kayl unravels a grand mystery involving elemental beings and a world-changing plot that challenges the existing power structures.

    The book is praised for its original world-building, complex characters, and engaging plot that combines elements of steampunk and fantasy. Skies skillfully weaves together themes of power, oppression, and rebellion, drawing parallels to our own societal dynamics. The narrative unfolds through dual perspectives, offering insights into the motivations and struggles of Kayl and Quen as they navigate a world filled with intrigue, danger, and moral ambiguity.


  6. #6

    Consider the Lobster and Other Essays by David Foster Wallace
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    'Consider the Lobster and Other Essays' by David Foster Wallace is a collection of essays that cover a wide range of topics, from John McCain's political campaign to the porn industry, from lobsters to grammar. Wallace's writing style is described as discursive, digressive, and acerbic, with a mix of philosophical musings and humor. The essays provoke thoughtful responses from readers, challenging assumptions and exploring the complexities of modern life with both wit and humanity.

    THE AMERICAN ACADEMY of Emergency Medicine confirms it: Each year, between one and two dozen adult US males are admitted to ERs after having castrated themselves. With kitchen tools, usually, sometime...

  7. #7

    Compromised Into A Scandalous Marriage by Lydia San Andres
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    'Compromised Into A Scandalous Marriage' by Lydia San Andres is set on a sugar plantation in a small Caribbean island in 1904. The story follows Paulina, who is trapped into a marriage with Sebastian, the mill owner, by her cruel brother Antonio's diabolical plan. Sebastian suspects Paulina's involvement in the scheme and struggles with the decision to annul the marriage or give in to the circumstances. The plot involves elements of blackmail, cruelty, and danger, as Sebastian and Paulina navigate their relationship amidst trials and tribulations.

    The writing style of the book captures the exotic location of the Caribbean island and provides a look into a different lifestyle compared to the more common Regency Victorian settings. The author, Lydia San Andres, weaves a tale of historical romantic suspense with well-developed characters like Sebastian and Paulina, who show grace and dignity in the face of adversity, ultimately finding their well-deserved happy ever after.


  8. #8

    Sredni Vashtar by Saki
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    'Sredni Vashtar' by author Saki is a collection of ghost stories that were selected from the Fontana Book of Great Ghost Stories series edited by Ronald Chetwynd Hayes. The stories range from tragic tales of spirits seeking justice to malevolent ghosts tormenting the living, with a mix of classic ghost and horror tales from various authors like M.R. James, Edgar Allen Poe, and Maupassant. The writing style is described as traditional, eerie, and elusive, written in the language of another era, providing a refreshing break from the more contemporary gory and raunchy horror writing.


  9. Paul Preston's book on the Spanish Civil War is a detailed and authoritative history that examines the social conditions leading to the civil war and its ultimate outcome. The author holds both sides up to close scrutiny, not shying away from criticizing the Republicans or the left, while also highlighting the brutality and cruelty of Franco and his Fascist supporters. The book provides a history not just of battles, but of people, offering a valuable background to the conflict.


  10. #10

    Freedom or Death by Nikos Kazantzakis
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    Freedom or Death by Nikos Kazantzakis is a novel set in Crete towards the end of its time as a Turkish province, capturing a liberation movement stirring among the Cretans. The story follows the protagonist, Captain Michales, who idealizes freedom to the point of disdaining pragmatic advice and becoming ensnared by personal failings, including cruelty, inactivity, and obsession with a Turkish woman. The narrative delves into the themes of freedom, personal struggle, and the complexities of human emotions, set against the backdrop of Greek-Turkish interactions and the fading Ottoman Empire.

    The novel weaves a tale of Greek resistance fighters, Turkish oppression, and the struggle for freedom, portraying a vivid picture of day-to-day life in Crete during the 1890s. Through a diverse array of characters, including charismatic leaders, farmers, and merchants, Kazantzakis explores the intricate dynamics between Greeks and Turks, highlighting the deep-rooted conflicts and personal vendettas that fuel the quest for liberation in a society torn between tradition and change.

    CAPTAIN MICHALES gnashed his teeth. He usually did so when wrath took charge of him. “Captain Wildboar” was his apt nickname in Megalokastro. With his sudden rages, his deep, dark eyes, his short, stu...

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