Books matching: cultural dislocation
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- #1
Save:A beautifully written, thought-provoking exploration of gender and tradition - not without its narrative gaps, but definitely worth reading for its unique perspective and cultural insight.
Sworn Virgin by Elvira Dones tells the story of Hana, a woman from Albania who transforms into a man named Mark to escape the confines of her society, as allowed by an ancient tradition known as the Kanun. The narrative explores her deep emotional journey through both her initial choice to become a sworn virgin and her later return to femininity when she moves to the United States. The book captures the complexities of gender identity, cultural dislocation, and the personal struggles Hana faces as she navigates between two worlds.
Dones’s writing style flows with a vivid and passionate energy, inviting readers into the rich tapestry of Albanian culture while also tackling broader themes of masculinity and femininity. However, some readers find aspects of the story confusing, particularly regarding Hana's motivations and her assimilation into American life. Despite these critiques, the novel is praised for its compelling insight into an unusual cultural phenomenon and for raising significant questions about identity and societal norms.
2007•282 pages - #2
Save:Gorgeously written and daringly imaginative, but The Opposite House is best for patient readers who don’t mind a little mystery and open-endedness in their fiction. If you love prose that challenges and enchants, take the plunge!
The Opposite House by Helen Oyeyemi is a complex novel that intertwines the lives of Maja Carrerra, a Cuban born Londoner, and a Santerian goddess, Aya Saramagua. The story delves into the themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage as Maja navigates her pregnancy by her white Ghanaian boyfriend while grappling with her longing for her Cuban roots. The narrative alternates between Maja's reality in London and the mystical world of Yemaya, creating a rich tapestry of symbolism and lyricism that explores the complexities of feeling disconnected from one's origins.
The book is characterized by lush prose that immerses the reader in a world where myth and reality intertwine. Through Oyeyemi's evocative writing style, the reader is transported into a narrative that is both poignant and raw, exploring the internal conflicts and yearnings of the characters as they search for a sense of home and belonging in a world that is often at odds with their identities.
2007•271 pages A moving, poetic exploration of family, culture, and identity - perfect for anyone who values eloquent storytelling, strong female voices, and a window into Zimbabwe's soul.
Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter is a heartfelt epistolary novel by J. Nozipo Maraire. It tells the story of a Zimbabwean mother writing to her daughter, Zenzele, who is studying at Harvard. The book beautifully weaves together personal anecdotes, life lessons, and the rich history of Zimbabwe, especially during its struggle for independence. Through a series of intimate conversations, the mother shares family history, folklore, and cultural values, urging her daughter to stay connected to her roots while navigating life in America.
Maraire's writing style is engaging and poetic, filled with warmth and wisdom. The narrative captures the complexities of being an African woman, discussing themes of identity, colonialism, and family. Readers are drawn into the experiences of the characters, feeling the love and struggles of the mother as she imparts important lessons. With its lyrical prose, this book resonates with readers of all backgrounds, making it a significant read for young women, especially those of African heritage.
1995•208 pages- #4
Save:A challenging but rewarding read - powerful, unsettling, and smart. If you like literary fiction that leaves you pondering morality, race, and power dynamics, give it a try. Not for everyone, but a must-read for fans of serious, socially conscious literature.
Set in South Africa during a time of conflict, 'July's People' follows the story of a white family seeking refuge with their servant, July, in his village after widespread rioting. The book explores the interactions between the characters and the shifting balance of power in the new society, focusing on the complexities of race relations and the impact of apartheid on individuals. The writing style, though at times challenging with its evocative language and ambiguous dialogue structure, effectively conveys the tense atmosphere and internal struggles faced by the characters.
The narrative slowly simmers, building tension towards its sudden and open-ended conclusion, as the Smales family confronts the realities of their complicity in the apartheid system and the transformations in their relationships, particularly with their servant, July. The book delves into themes of dependency, power dynamics, and the uncertainties of an intermediate state, offering a nuanced portrayal of race relations and societal upheaval during the South African civil war that ended apartheid.
no door, an aperture in thick mud walls, and the sack that hung over it looped back for air, sometime during the short night. Bam, I’m stifling; her voice raising him from the dead, he staggering up f...June 1960•185 pages - #5
Save:A beautifully written, haunting meditation on alienation and the search for meaning, set against the unforgiving Saharan landscape - but the bleakness, slow pace, and dated views might not work for everyone.
'The Sheltering Sky' by Paul Bowles is a novel that follows the journey of a husband and wife, Port and Kit Moresby, along with their friend Tunner, as they travel through North Africa in the 1940s. The book explores themes of alienation, existential dread, and the unraveling of relationships in a hostile and unfamiliar environment. As the characters venture deeper into the Sahara desert, they are confronted with dangers that test the limits of their humanity, leading to a downward spiral of personal and emotional disintegration. The writing style of Bowles is described as vivid, hypnotic, and searing, painting a haunting picture of the characters' inner turmoil and the harsh realities of the desert landscape.
On the terrace of the Café d’Eckmühl-Noiseux a few Arabs sat drinking mineral water; only their fezzes of varying shades of red distinguished them from the rest of the population of the port. Their Eu...1948•342 pages - #6
Save:A short, haunting classic of Arabic literature - lyrical, unsettling, and endlessly discussable. Tackles the personal and political cost of crossing cultures and the shadows of empire. Not an easy read, but a rewarding one if you like your novels layered and challenging.
Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih is a powerful narrative that delves into the complexities of colonialism, cultural clashes, and personal identity. The story follows the unnamed narrator as he returns to his Sudanese village after studying in England, only to encounter the mysterious Mustafa Sa'eed, who has also spent time in London. Through Mustafa's recollections of his time in Europe and the interactions between the characters, the novel explores themes of post-colonialism, sexism, and the impact of cultural differences on personal relationships. The writing style, as described by readers, is poetic, beautiful, and evocative, capturing the emotional and intellectual depth of the characters and their experiences.
It was, gentlemen, after a long absence — seven years to be exact, during which time I was studying in Europe — that I returned to my people. I learnt much and much passed me by — but that’s another s...1966•176 pages - #7
Save:A beautifully written, intense read for those who appreciate unflinching honesty and nuanced storytelling about trauma, resilience, and family bonds.
'What We Owe' by Golnaz Hashemzadeh Bonde is a poignant and introspective novel that follows Nahid, a woman facing terminal cancer, as she reflects on her life filled with suffering, loss, and regret. The narrative delves into Nahid's past in Iran, her activism, love, betrayal, and her journey to Sweden as a refugee. Through Nahid's introspections, the story explores themes of family dynamics, assimilation, and the enduring impact of one's past on their present.
The writing style of 'What We Owe' is described as beautifully crafted, compelling, and emotionally resonant. The author skillfully weaves together Nahid's reflections on her life with themes of pain, resilience, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The novel is a poignant exploration of the human experience, offering a powerful portrayal of the struggles and sacrifices that shape one's identity.
I’ve always carried my death with me. perhaps saying so is trite, an observation the dying always make. But I’m not like other people, in this as in everything else, or so I like to believe. And I do...October 2018•207 pages - #8
Save:A gut-wrenching but important novel - gritty, heart-breaking, and unforgettable. Not for the faint of heart, but essential if you want a deeper perspective on New Zealand’s social landscape.
"Once Were Warriors" by Alan Duff is a gritty and honest portrayal of Maori culture and the struggles faced by a Maori family trying to find their dignity in a society they don't fully understand. The story delves into themes of identity, culture, despair, and hope, showcasing the human depravity found in all cultures. Through a nuanced view, the author presents a fictionalized account of a Maori family within a ghettoized community, highlighting the trials and tribulations they endure while also shedding light on the broader issues faced by minority cultures worldwide.
The writing style of the book is described as confusing yet realistic, with a mix of thoughts, memories, speech, and actions that provide a deep insight into the characters' minds and hearts. The plot is engaging and offers a unique perspective on Maori people, drawing readers in with its incisive look at relationships and lives, making it a compelling read that resonates with those familiar with other minority cultures facing oppression and ghettoization.
Bastard, she’d think, looking out her back kitchen window. Lucky white bastard, at that glimpse of two-storey house through its surround of big old trees and its oh so secure greater surround of rolli...1985•219 pages - #9
Save:A striking, provocative read that's equal parts beautiful and unsettling - definitely not for everyone, but unforgettable for those willing to take the plunge.
The novel 'I Have the Right to Destroy Myself' by Young-Ha Kim revolves around a nameless narrator who assists people in committing suicide, raising questions about his supernatural nature and motives. The story also delves into the lives of two brothers and their interactions with strange, hopeless women leading to tragic outcomes. The writing style is described as sparse yet compelling, touching on themes of art, death, and the complexities of human desires.
I'M LOOKING AT JACQUES-LOUIS David's 1793 oil painting, The Death of Marat, printed in an art book. The Jacobin revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat lies murdered in his bath. His head is wrapped in a towel,...1995•129 pages - #10
Save:A beautifully written, emotionally rich collection that lingers long after the last story - definitely worth reading if you enjoy reflective tales and superb prose.
'Interpreter of Maladies' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of Indian immigrants and their experiences living in different countries. The stories capture the essence of cultural encounters, relationships, and the struggles of fitting in while holding onto one's identity. Lahiri's writing style beautifully portrays the everyday joys and heartbreaks of ordinary people, creating vivid and relatable characters that resonate with readers.
The book explores themes of diaspora, cultural disconnect, and the complexities of human nature through the simplicity of characters' lives. Lahiri's storytelling weaves together tales of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, offering glimpses into the hopes, sorrows, and love in the lives of immigrants from India in the USA and in India itself. The stories are poignant, touching on themes of alienation, grief, and the search for connection in a foreign land.
THE NOTICE INFORMED THEM that it was a temporary matter: for five days their electricity would be cut off for one hour, beginning at eight P.M. A line had gone down in the last snowstorm, and the repa...1999•220 pages
