Books matching: great depression backdrop
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- #1The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber TreeBook 1 in the series:The Darling Dahlias
Save:"The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree" by Susan Wittig Albert is a cozy mystery set in the 1930s in Darling, Alabama. The story follows a group of women who belong to a garden club and have inherited a rundown house that becomes their clubhouse. As they work on the place, they encounter a ghost, a murder disguised as an accident, a friend accused of embezzlement, and an escaped convict. The women, including Lizzy, Verna, and Ophelia, come together to solve the mysteries, showcasing their friendship, resourcefulness, and amateur sleuthing skills. Through light-hearted storytelling, the author introduces readers to the characters' personalities, morals, and the dynamics of a small southern town during the aftermath of the 1929 financial crash.
provides readers with an insight into Southern life in the 1930s, offering a glimpse into the challenges and camaraderie of the era. The plot involves multiple mysteries that are solved by the end of the story, showcasing the unity and determination of the garden club members as they navigate through difficult circumstances. With historical references and attention to detail, Susan Wittig Albert weaves a tale that immerses readers in the setting of Darling, Alabama, highlighting the characters' relationships, the town's dynamics, and the spirit of friendship that drives the narrative forward.
Their new clubhouse, Lizzy thought proudly, as she called the meeting to order after their tour of the garden—although of course the house wasn’t new at all. It was the old Blackstone house at 302 Cam...May 2010 - #2
Save:Atmospheric, funny, and just a tad spooky, 'The Shabti' is a clever paranormal historical with great characters and a dash of romance. Perfect for fans of witty ghost stories with heart!
The Shabti by Megaera C. Lorenz is a charming blend of ghost story, historical fiction, and romance set in the 1930s. The story follows Dashiel, a reformed medium, who teams up with Hermann, an Egyptologist, to investigate a haunted artifact at a college in Willowvale, Illinois. As they navigate the supernatural occurrences and their own personal demons, a sweet romance blossoms between the two main characters, adding depth and emotion to the atmospheric tale.
Dashiel Quicke sat at the center of the stage, head bowed, a shimmering stream of ectoplasm flowing from his open mouth. Overhead, white-hot arc lamps illuminated the ethereal discharge as it cascaded...May 2024•498 pages - #3
Save:A classic memoir that manages to find hope and humor in tough times - funny, touching, and revealing, but with some dated sensibilities.
'The Plague and I' by Betty MacDonald is a humorous yet poignant account of the author's experience being diagnosed with tuberculosis and spending a year in a sanitarium during the late 1930s. Despite the serious nature of the illness, MacDonald infuses humor into her narrative, providing readers with a glimpse into the harsh realities of that era's healthcare system and the psyche of those dealing with a serious illness. details her time in the sanitarium, the treatments she undergoes, and the colorful characters she encounters, all portrayed with a wry sense of humor and a touch of gallows humor.
MacDonald's writing style in 'The Plague and I' is characterized by a blend of wit, humor, and empathy. She skillfully weaves together laughter and tears, creating an entertaining yet heartfelt narrative that captures the reader's attention from start to finish. Through her vivid descriptions of people, places, and situations, MacDonald offers a unique perspective on life in a sanitarium, shedding light on the challenges and experiences of those grappling with a serious illness during a tumultuous period in history.
GETTING TUBERCULOSIS IN the middle of your life is like starting downtown to do a lot of urgent errands and being hit by a bus. When you regain consciousness you remember nothing about the urgent erra...1948•246 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Betty MacDonald Memoirs ) - #4
Save:A heartfelt, suspenseful non-fiction read that turns an overlooked slice of sports history into a page-turner. Even if you know nothing about rowing - or think you don't care - you’ll likely find yourself cheering for the boys in the boat.
'The Boys in the Boat' by Daniel James Brown tells the inspiring true story of the U.S. rowing team's quest for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the rise of Nazism in Germany, the narrative follows the journey of nine young men from the University of Washington as they come together to form a crew team. The author weaves a compelling tale of teamwork, trust, and perseverance, highlighting the power of human spirit and determination in the face of adversity. Through detailed descriptions of rowing techniques, personal struggles, and historical events, Brown creates a suspenseful and emotional narrative that captures the reader's heart and imagination.
Having rowed myself since the tender age of twelve and having been around rowing ever since, I believe I can speak authoritatively on what we may call the unseen values of rowing—the social,...June 2013•446 pages - #5
Save:A touching, bittersweet classic about the fierce love between a boy and his dogs. Grab the tissues - it’s a must-read for dog lovers and anyone who enjoys stories about grit and growing up, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
'Where the Red Fern Grows' by Wilson Rawls is a heartwarming tale of a young boy, Billy, and his deep bond with his two hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. Set in the Ozarks, the story follows Billy's journey from saving up money to buy the dogs to their adventures in hunting raccoons. The book intricately weaves themes of love, companionship, and loyalty, making it a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates with readers of all ages. The author's writing style delicately captures the emotions and trials faced by Billy and his beloved dogs, creating a narrative that is both captivating and emotionally engaging.
The plot of 'Where the Red Fern Grows' unfolds through a series of adventures and challenges that Billy, Old Dan, and Little Ann face together, highlighting the strong bond between a boy and his dogs. The narrative is filled with moments of love, sadness, and perseverance, ultimately culminating in a heart-wrenching yet poignant ending that leaves a lasting impact on readers. Wilson Rawls' storytelling skillfully portrays the deep connection between humans and animals, making this book a timeless classic that explores themes of friendship, loss, and the enduring power of love.
WHEN I LEFT MY OFFICE THAT BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAY, I HAD no idea what was in store for me. To begin with, everything was too perfect for anything unusual to happen. It was one of those days when a man f...January 1961•267 pages - #6The Art of LoveBook 4 in the series:Decades: A Journey of African-American Romance
Save:"The Art of Love" by Suzette D. Harrison is a novella set in 1920s and 1930s San Francisco, focusing on the romance between a rum runner and an artist, both of whom are Black. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Great Depression and economic pressures, influencing the choices the characters make. Readers praise the book for its historical setting, engaging plot, and well-developed characters, particularly Ava and Chase, whose love story captivates and draws readers into the era.
April 2018•150 pages - #7
Save:A thoughtful, poignant early work - short, moving, and a must-read for fans of Southern fiction or literary coming-of-age stories.
The Neon Bible by John Kennedy Toole is a coming-of-age story set in the American South before, during, and after World War II. The protagonist, a young boy named David, navigates a world of poverty, violence, and societal expectations in a small town. The narrative delves into the struggles of David's family as they face hardships, misunderstandings, and ostracization within their community. The writing style is described as sensitive, observant, and engaging, painting a vivid picture of the bleak and sometimes cruel experiences of growing up in an isolated Bible belt town.
The book explores themes of tragedy, survival, and non-conformity against a backdrop of religious fervor and societal pressures. Through David's perspective, readers are taken on a journey through his childhood, filled with encounters with local religious leaders, rich townspeople, and schoolmates. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of violence, poverty, and familial dynamics, ultimately culminating in a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of adolescence in a challenging environment.
This is the first time I’ve been on a train. I’ve sat in this seat here for about two or three hours now. I can’t see what’s passing by. It’s dark now, but when the train left, the sun was just beginn...January 1989•177 pages - #8
Save:Unflinching and raw, Love on the Dole is a classic if sobering slice of British social history - a tough but rewarding read that still holds a harsh mirror up to society today.
'Love on the Dole' is a powerful novel set in the 1930s, depicting the struggles and hardships faced by the working class in Salford. The story follows the Hardcastle family, focusing on siblings Harry and Sally as they navigate poverty, unemployment, and societal pressures. The writing style is described as raw, realistic, and unapologetic, capturing the bleakness and resilience of the characters living in Hanky Park.
THEY call this part ‘Hanky Park’. It is that district opposite the parish church of Pendleton, one of the many industrial townships comprising the Two Cities. In the early nineteenth century Hanky Par...1932•256 pages - #9
Save:A beautifully written, atmospheric tale of family secrets, tangled loyalties, and small-town eccentricities - perfect for fans of character-rich, leisurely historical fiction.
'The Truth According to Us' by Annie Barrows is a historical fiction novel set in 1930s West Virginia. The story follows Layla Beck, a Senator's daughter who is assigned to write the history of Macedonia, a small town in West Virginia, as part of a WPA project. Living with the Romeyn family, Layla uncovers family mysteries and town secrets while interacting with the eccentric characters of the town. The narrative shifts between different characters' perspectives, including Layla, Jottie, and 12-year-old Willa, creating a rich and complex storytelling experience.
In 1938, the year I was twelve, my hometown of Macedonia, West Virginia, celebrated its sesquicentennial, a word I thought had to do with fruit for the longest time. In school, we commemorated the occ...June 2015•519 pages - #10
Save:A short, stunning classic that packs a huge emotional punch. "Of Mice and Men" will stick with you - recommended for anyone who wants to experience the power of storytelling in just a few hours.
'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a poignant tale about the friendship between two drifters, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. The story follows their journey as they seek work on a ranch in California, highlighting the challenges they face due to Lennie's mental disability and their shared dream of owning a farm. Through vivid character portrayals and a dialogue-driven narrative, Steinbeck masterfully captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life in the 1930s.
The novella delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the pursuit of dreams amidst a backdrop of sadness and violence. Through George and Lennie's endearing relationship, Steinbeck explores the complexities of human emotions and the inevitability of tragic outcomes. The book's concise yet impactful storytelling style, coupled with its profound character development, evokes deep emotions in readers and leaves a lasting impression of the struggles faced by individuals during a tumultuous era.
A FEW MILES south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green. The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight b...1937•132 pages
