Books matching: friendship and rivalry
100 result(s)
- #1
'Amsterdam' by Ian McEwan opens at a woman's funeral where two of her past lovers, Clive and Vernon, are discussing her death and loss. The two men, a publisher and a famous composer, agree to protect each other from a lingering painful death, leading to moral challenges and disapproval of each other's decisions. The plot revolves around the unethical actions of the characters, the absurd conclusion, and the questionable recipient of the Booker Prize, with readers expressing disappointment in the predictability of the storyline.
Poor Molly. It began with a tingling in her arm as she raised it outside the Dorchester Grill to stop a cab—a sensation that never went away. Within weeks she was fumbling for the names of things. Par... - #2
'The First Man in Rome' by Colleen McCullough is a detailed and immersive historical fiction novel set in the late 100s BC, focusing on the rise of Gaius Marius, a seven-time Roman consul. The book delves into the political intrigue, historical events, and character-driven drama of the Roman Republic. McCullough's meticulous research is evident in the recreation of the Roman world, with detailed maps, glossaries, and pencil drawings of key characters. The story unfolds through multi-threaded plotlines and a wide array of characters, requiring readers to navigate through the complexity of Rome's political landscape.
The writing style in 'The First Man in Rome' has been described as dense and detailed, with a focus on historical accuracy and vivid recreation of ancient Rome. The narrative is filled with background information provided through epistles, which can be tiring at times. Despite some criticisms of the writing being slow and ponderous, the book presents a rich tapestry of Roman life, military campaigns, and political struggles, making it an educational and engaging read for those interested in the Roman Republic.
Having no personal commitment to either ofthe new consuls, Gaius Julius Caesar and his sons simply tacked themselves onto the procession which started nearest to their own house, the procession of the... - #3Droodby:
'Drood' by Dan Simmons is a captivating historical literary mystery that delves into the friendship and rivalry between Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. The story is narrated through the eyes of Wilkie Collins, who recounts the final years of Dickens' life after a near-fatal train accident and his obsession with a mysterious figure named Drood. The novel weaves a tale of intrigue, darkness, and madness, exploring the complexities of Dickens and Collins' relationship and the haunting inspiration behind Dickens' unfinished work, 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood.'
I was out of town on the day of my friend’s disaster at Staplehurst, so it was a full three days after the accident that I received a message from my younger brother, Charles, who had married Dickens’... - #4
The Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan is a captivating YA fantasy novel set in the world of Creepy Hollow. The story follows Violet, a faerie trainee aiming to become a Guardian, who accidentally brings a human boy named Nate into the faerie realm, breaking Guild Law. As Violet navigates through a dangerous plot involving evil faeries and long-lost family members, she finds herself entangled in a web of romantic feelings and dark secrets. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, revealing Violet's journey of self-discovery and growth amidst action-packed adventures.
The book is filled with magical creatures, heart-stopping action, and swoon-worthy romance, making it a thrilling and addictive read. Readers are taken on a journey through the enchanting world of Creepy Hollow, where friendships, enemies, betrayals, and secrets intertwine to create an engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With relatable characters, intricate world-building, and a fast-paced plot, The Faerie Guardian offers a mix of excitement, mystery, and emotional depth that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
“Ow!” I cry out as the boy grabs hold of my arm. The arm that’s only just begun to heal from the reptiscilla’s bite. I stumble on the invisible path, my mind loses hold of my destination, and I tumble... - #5
'The Woman Next Door' by Yewande Omotoso is a novel set in post-apartheid Cape Town, South Africa, focusing on the complex relationship between two elderly neighbors, Marion and Hortensia. Both women have lived next to each other for years in a state of restrained enmity, but circumstances force them to interact on a new level, leading to a fragile friendship. Through flashbacks, the author reveals the history of these two women, highlighting their bitterness, regrets, and the challenges they face as they navigate their past and present. The story delves into themes of race, anger, pride, forgiveness, remorse, and friendship, presenting Marion and Hortensia as complex characters in a complex situation.
THE HABIT OF walking was something Hortensia took up after Peter fell ill. Not at the beginning of his sickness, but later, when he turned seriously ill, bedridden. It had been a Wednesday. She rememb... - #6
Set on the Korean island of Jeju, "The Island of Sea Women" by Lisa See follows the lives of two female divers, Young Sook and Mi Ja, from their childhood in the 1930s through historical events like Japanese colonialism, World War II, and the Korean War up to the present day. The story delves into the unique culture of haenyeo, female divers who provide for their families by diving for seafood while the men take care of the children. Through themes of friendship, hardship, and forgiveness, the novel portrays the strength and resilience of these women in the face of adversity.
Lisa See's writing style intricately weaves together the personal stories of the characters with historical events, creating a compelling and emotional narrative. The book sheds light on the lives of haenyeo, the matrifocal society on Jeju Island, and the impact of wars and occupations on the community. Through a mix of past and present timelines, readers are taken on a journey through the lives of these women, highlighting their struggles, sacrifices, and the enduring power of female friendship.
My first day of sea work started hours before sunrise when even the crows were still asleep. I dressed and made my way through the dark to our latrine. I climbed the ladder to the stone structure and ... - #7
The Boys' Club by Erica Katz is a compelling novel that delves into the life of Alex Vogel, a young female lawyer navigating the male-dominated world of a prestigious law firm. The story follows Alex as she is drawn into the high-stakes world of Mergers and Acquisitions, facing challenges, moral dilemmas, and dangerous situations that force her to reevaluate her choices. The writing style captures the fast-paced and enthralling nature of Alex's journey, providing a realistic portrayal of the corporate environment and the struggles faced by women in such workplaces.
- #8
'Jamrach's Menagerie' by Carol Birch is a dark and thrilling historical novel set in Victorian London, following the life of a young boy named Jaffy Brown who embarks on a sea adventure to capture a mysterious dragon for his employer, Mr. Jamrach. The story explores themes of adventure, survival, friendship, and moral dilemmas, with vivid descriptions of life at sea, whaling, and the characters' experiences. The writing style is described as captivating, with detailed and imaginative descriptions that bring the story to life, keeping the readers enthralled until the end.
All of this was a long time ago. In those days my mother could easily have passed for a child. She was a small, tough thing with muscular shoulders and arms. When she walked she strode, swinging her a... - #9
'The Information' by Martin Amis is a novel that delves into the world of literary publication and the relationships between writers. It follows the antagonistic relationship between two writers, one successful and shallow, the other unknown and abstruse, as the latter seeks revenge on the former. The plot is described as full of jealousy, small-mindedness, and dark humor, portraying the ego of men, writers in particular, and people in general. The writing style is noted for being dense, packed with rich language, and often playful, with a focus on exposing the literary world's intricacies.
Richard Tull was crying in his sleep. The woman beside him, his wife, Gina, woke and turned. She moved up on him from behind and laid hands on his pale and straining shoulders. There was a professiona... - #10
The Girls of Slender Means is a novel set in post-war London in 1945, focusing on a group of young women living in a boarding house called the May of Teck Club. The story delves into their relationships, escapades, and interactions with one another, offering a glimpse into their lives as they navigate the challenges of the time period. The narrative shifts between past and present, weaving together individual women's stories while building up to a central tragedy that adds depth and poignancy to the plot. Muriel Spark's writing style is characterized by sharp wit, keen observation, and a mix of comic and lyrical elements that bring the characters and setting to life.
The book is praised for its portrayal of post-war London, capturing the spirit of the times with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. Spark's ability to evoke the randomness of life and death, as well as the complexities of human relationships, adds depth to the narrative. Despite being a short and pithy novel, The Girls of Slender Means is commended for its engaging storytelling, subtle humor, and the twist in the narrative that brings the book to life, making it a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on the lives of young women in the aftermath of World War II.
Long ago in 1945 all the nice people in England were poor, allowing for exceptions. The streets of the cities were lined with buildings in bad repair or in no repair at all, bomb-sites piled with ston...