Books matching: historical changes
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Imperial Woman by Pearl S. Buck is a biographical novel that delves into the life of Empress Dowager Cixi, the powerful figure in late 19th century China who was the real power behind the throne during the reigns of two weak Emperors. The book provides a detailed insight into the Empress's rise to power, her struggles with traditional customs and modern influences, and her relationships with key figures in the imperial court. The narrative style of the book includes descriptions of Chinese history, customs, and rituals, painting a vivid picture of the Imperial household and the challenges faced during that era.
- #2
Save:Mark Twain's 'Life on the Mississippi' is a memoir that recounts his experiences growing up along the Mississippi River and becoming a pilot of a steamboat. The book meanders through Twain's childhood in Hannibal, Missouri, his apprenticeship as a steamboat pilot, and his return to the river years later. Twain intertwines history, biography, anecdotes, and humor, providing readers with insights into American culture in the 19th century and the significance of the Mississippi River. His writing style combines sarcasm, humor, and detailed descriptions, painting a vivid picture of life along the river and the changes it underwent over time.
The Mississippi is well worth reading about. It is not a commonplace river, but on the contrary is in all ways remarkable. Considering the Missouri its main branch, it is the longest river in the worl... - #3
Save:'Hanna's Daughters' by Marianne Fredriksson is a novel that follows three generations of Swedish women, exploring their lives, struggles, and relationships over different time periods. The story delves into the family history, revealing secrets and reoccurring themes that shape the characters' lives. The narrative weaves through the past and present, offering a compelling blend of Swedish history and a captivating family saga.
"A Woman of Independent Means" by Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey is a story told through letters that chronicles the life of a fiercely independent woman born at the turn of the twentieth century. The protagonist is portrayed as a strong, adaptable, and voracious individual who navigates through life's adversities with grace and dignity. The letters capture her journey from marriage to raising a family, encountering tragedies, surviving, and adapting to the changing times, showcasing her evolution as a character and the societal shifts she witnesses.
delves into themes of women's liberation before the days of women's lib, depicting the protagonist as ahead of her time in demanding equal treatment as a woman. Through her assertive nature, the protagonist challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations, making a case for women to be partners to understanding men rather than relying on them for fulfillment. The narrative offers a thought-provoking exploration of emotions, relationships, and the complexities of asserting one's desires in a world that often expects women to be more considerate of others.
I spent 1958 in Paris on a year-abroad program offered by my alma mater, Hollins College in Virginia. It was the first time I had ever been abroad, and the experience of living in a different culture—...- #5
Save:'Sugar Street' is the third installment in 'The Cairo Trilogy' by Naguib Mahfouz, focusing on the lives of three generations of a Cairo family from 1935 to 1944. The novel delves into the family dynamics, political landscape, and societal changes in Egypt during this period. Through the characters' experiences, the reader witnesses the struggles, joys, tragedies, and growth within the family against the backdrop of a changing Egypt. Mahfouz's writing style utilizes dialogue, internal thoughts, and vivid descriptions to portray the complexities of human relationships and the impact of historical events on individuals.
The narrative of 'Sugar Street' intricately weaves together the personal lives of the characters with the broader political and philosophical discussions of the time. The story explores themes of generational conflicts, societal norms, and the pursuit of individual identity within the constraints of tradition and modernity. Mahfouz skillfully portrays the evolution of the family members as they navigate through life's challenges, revealing the intertwined destinies of the characters and the nation during a pivotal period in Egypt's history.
THEIR HEADS were huddled around the brazier, and their hands were spread over its fire: Amina’s thin and gaunt, Aisha’s stiff, and Umm Hanafi’s like the shell of a turtle. The beautiful pure-white one...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Cairo Trilogy ) - #6
Save:'Deep Summer' by Gwen Bristow is a historical fiction novel set in the Deep South of America, showcasing plantation life during the 18th century. The book follows the life of Judith Sheramy, a young girl who elopes with Philip Larne, an aristocratic man, to the raw and rough Delta country. The storyline chronicles their journey through love, poverty, riches, betrayal, forgiveness, and old age, while also delving into historical events like the Louisiana Purchase. The author, Gwen Bristow, brings to life the early pioneers' struggles in Louisiana and provides a panoramic view of the French, Spanish, and American influences in the region.
The narrative of 'Deep Summer' is richly detailed, filled with historical facts about Louisiana, including aspects like slave ownership, cultural beliefs, and political climates of the United States. The book is praised for its engaging storytelling that captures the essence of the South across centuries, offering an illuminating and unsentimental portrayal of the era. Readers appreciate the well-rounded characters, intricate plot development, and the historical accuracy maintained throughout the novel.
While the men tied up the flatboat Judith leaned over the side washing some kerchiefs and a pair of her father’s nankeen breeches. It was hard to get clothes clean in the river. No matter how hard one... - #7
Save:'Red Star Over China' by Edgar Snow is a captivating historical account that sheds light on China's transition from a Monarch-controlled country to a collectivist, Communist society. The book provides a first-person narrative of Snow's experiences with Mao Zedong and his army after the Long March, offering valuable insights into the rise of Communism in China. Despite being accused of sympathizing with Mao, Snow's writing is praised for its captivating storytelling and eyewitness account of the ground realities during that era.
- #8
Save:Naguib Mahfouz's 'The Harafish' is a family saga that spans generations, following the Al Nagi family through their rise and fall in an Egyptian city. The story revolves around the chief character, Ashur al Nagi, who starts as a foundling and rises to a position of power, bringing compassion and protection to the harafish. As the narrative progresses, the family's descent into corruption, murder, and licentiousness is depicted, only to be revived by a new generation of Ashur who aims to restore the family name. The book's writing style is noted for its simplicity yet profound analysis of human nature, with each character's defining trait skillfully woven into the narrative.
- #9
Save:The book follows the journey of John and his brother as they travel through time, starting from a plague-ridden 14th century England. Given the choice to either die slowly in agony or wake up 99 years later each day, they opt to journey forward in time. Each day brings new experiences and challenges as they witness changes in technology, lifestyle, and faith across different centuries. The novel explores themes of human nature, morality, and the impact of historical events on individuals, all through the lens of time travel.
The first thing you need to understand is what it means to sell your soul. It is not a matter of shaking hands with a shadowy figure, or bartering promises with a burning bush. What do you have to sel... - #10
Save:'Between the Woods and the Water' by Patrick Leigh Fermor is the middle book of his memoir recounting his walk across Europe to Constantinople in 1934. The book follows Fermor as he traverses Hungary and Romania, encountering a variety of landscapes, people, and historical events. Fermor's descriptive prose beautifully captures the idyllic scenery and the complex social landscape of Central Europe as it teeters on the brink of war. The narrative is rich in historical details, showcasing a world that was soon to be altered by the Second World War and the redrawing of national boundaries.
The first part of this narrative, A Time of Gifts, ended on a bridge over the Danube between Slovakia and Hungary, and as it must be unlucky to change in midstream, please let me begin the second part...
