Books matching: historical parallels
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Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism by Rachel Maddow explores the troubling history of Nazi sympathizers in the United States before World War II. The book details how Nazi Germany tried to influence American politics and public opinion through propaganda, aiming to keep the U.S. isolated from the war. Through extensive research, Maddow uncovers connections between prominent American figures and fascist ideologies, highlighting the alarming support for fascism within the nation that many might not recognize today.
Maddow's writing style is clear and engaging, making complex historical topics accessible to readers. The book reads almost like a thriller, with shocking revelations about characters involved in American Nazism. While some readers appreciated her expressive style, others felt it could benefit from more polish. Overall, Prequel serves as a necessary reminder of history's cyclical nature and the constant vigilance needed to protect democracy.
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Save:'Opening Atlantis' by Harry Turtledove is an alternate history novel that explores the premise of an eighth continent named Atlantis in the Atlantic Ocean. Set in the 1400-1700s, the book follows the discovery and colonization of Atlantis by English, Spanish, and French settlers instead of the New World. It delves into the rich history of the Radcliffe family, the first English settlers in Atlantis, through three linked novellas spanning different time periods such as the Wars of the Roses, 17th-century piracy, and the Seven Years War.
Edward Radcliffe steered the St. George toward Le Croisic. Soon he would take the fishing boat out into the Atlantic after cod. Before he did, though, he needed salt, or his cargo would spoil before h... Eric Hoffer's 'The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements' delves into the psychology behind mass movements, exploring the reasons why individuals are attracted to such movements and become fanatics. Hoffer pays particular attention to fascist, communist, and religious fundamentalist movements, emphasizing the role of hatred as a unifying agent. The book offers insights into how mass movements form and spread, drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary social conditions. Hoffer's writing style is described as pithy and philosophical, with a focus on the frustrated individual seeking purpose through assimilation into a collective whole.
It is a truism that many who join a rising revolutionary movement are attracted by the prospect of sudden and spectacular change in their conditions of life. A revolutionary movement is a conspicuous ...- #4
Save:Penmarric by Susan Howatch is a multi-generational family saga set in Cornwall, following the lives of the Castellack family through two World Wars. The story is rich in historical references to the Plantagenets, specifically Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their children, providing a new dimension to the family drama. The narrative is structured in multiple first-person POVs, giving insight into each character's perspective and personal growth over more than fifty years.
He was a young man of twenty, always travelling about on intolerable daily journeys which seemed twice the normal length. . . . He worked far into the night. Those about him ascribed his perpetual lab... - #5
Save:Day of the Oprichnik by Vladimir Sorokin is a postmodernist novel set in an alternate history where the Tsardom is restored. The protagonist is an investigator for the Tsar, navigating a world filled with bizarre and sadistic rules reminiscent of past and present rulers of Russia. The book seamlessly integrates technological and social developments into the narrative, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Sorokin's writing style is captivating, offering a glimpse into a future that feels eerily familiar yet distinct from the present.
Always the same dream: I’m walking across an endless field, a Russian field. Ahead, beyond the receding horizon, I spy a white stallion; I walk toward him, I sense that this stallion is unique, the st... - #6
Save:'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang is a fantasy novel based on Chinese history, featuring a protagonist named Rin who rises from being an orphan to excelling at a prestigious military academy. The story takes unexpected turns diverging from typical YA fantasy tropes, delving into themes of tragedy, war, and morality. The book incorporates elements of Chinese culture and history, drawing parallels to real-world events such as the Japanese occupation and the Second Sino-Japanese War. The writing style is described as detailed, immersive, and thought-provoking, providing a fresh take on epic fantasy with strong themes and messages.
Rin crossed her arms tightly across her chest and walked toward the second proctor. She was led behind a screen, patted thoroughly to make sure she hadn’t packed test materials up any orifices, and th... - #7
Save:'The Burning God' by R.F. Kuang is the final book in 'The Poppy War' trilogy, following the journey of Fang Runin, a character who makes terrible choices and faces betrayal while dealing with death and mayhem. The story is set in a world filled with shamanism and war, lightly disguised as China, where Rin wields the power of the Phoenix and embarks on a mission to unite the land and root out corruption. The narrative delves into themes of power, sacrifice, and the consequences of war, showcasing a dark and intense storyline that keeps readers engaged until the dramatic conclusion.
The air always felt different on the morning of an ambush, as if an electric charge, the crackling residue of a thunderstorm, thrummed through her and every soldier around her. Rin had never felt ener...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Poppy War ) - #8
Save:"Deryni Rising" by Katherine Kurtz is a fantasy novel set in a medieval world where magic and psychic abilities are possessed by the Deryni race, who are feared and hated due to their past as despotic rulers. The story follows the crown prince, Kelson, who is in danger of being assassinated while navigating religious conflicts and political intrigue. The book introduces the concept of Deryni magic and explores themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the struggle for power in a kingdom rich in Catholic ceremony.
NEARLY two weeks later, Morgan and a single blue-cloaked military aide clattered through the north gate of Rhemuth, Brion’s capital city. Though it was not yet midmorning, the horses were lathered and... - #9Honoured EnemyBook 1 in the series:Legends of the Riftwar
Save:Honored Enemy is the first book in the Legends of the Riftwar subseries, co-written by Raymond E. Feist and William R. Forstchen, focusing on original characters set in the world of Midkemia during a time of war. The story delves into the unlikely alliance formed between two enemy forces, Kingdom soldiers and Tsurani, as they face a common and deadly foe, the Dark Elves. The book offers a military-focused narrative with detailed descriptions of battles and survival, exploring themes of friendship, cultural exchanges, and the struggles of individuals caught in the midst of war.
The plot of Honored Enemy revolves around the commanders of the Kingdom and Tsurani military units, Dennis Hartraft and Commander Asyaga, respectively, who must put aside their differences to confront the greater threat posed by the Dark Elves. The writing style combines elements of military fiction, historical events, and fantasy storytelling, painting a vivid picture of the conflicts, alliances, and betrayals that unfold on the battlefield, providing readers with a gripping tale of survival and camaraderie amidst the chaos of war.
Lord Brucal, Knight-Marshal of the Armies of the West, entered the command pavilion, snorting like a warhorse and swearing under his breath. ‘Damn weather,’ he finally said. The elderly general, still... - #10
Save:Blood & Iron is a continuation of the American Empire series by Harry Turtledove, delving into an alternate history where the Confederate states won the civil war and America remained divided. The story follows the aftermath of World War I, exploring the struggles of characters dealing with loss, disabilities, and bitterness towards the USA. Turtledove weaves a narrative that parallels real historical events, such as the rise of political parties in times of chaos and economic turmoil, providing a detailed and fictionalized account of post-war life.
