Books matching: historical tragedy
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- #1
Save:A haunting, heartfelt tale with rich characters and emotional depth - perfect for fans of ghost stories and the supernatural who appreciate a slow burn and don't mind a few lingering mysteries.
'Eve' in the series 'Psychic Surveys' by author Shani Struthers is a gripping Christmas ghost story that follows psychic investigators Theo and Ness as they are called to a small village haunted by a tragic event that took place on Christmas Eve in 1899. The spirits of the deceased are restless and seeking closure, leading Theo and Ness on a journey to uncover the truth behind the tragedy and help the souls find peace. The writing style captivates readers with its evocative storytelling, rich character development, and intricate plot that weaves together multiple ghost stories, relationships, and emotional depth.
November 2015•201 pages - #2
Save:A beautifully written, atmospheric ghost story that’s more haunting than horrifying - perfect for fans of moody, folklore-tinged tales, but not for those seeking relentless scares or fast-paced thrills.
'Cast A Cold Eye' by Alan Ryan is a ghost story set in rural Ireland, following an American writer named Jack Quinlan who travels to a small village to research the Irish Potato Famine for his book. Jack starts experiencing eerie encounters and apparitions, leading him to uncover the secrets and mysteries hidden within the town. The book is praised for its atmospheric descriptions of the Irish scenery, blending natural beauty with haunting elements, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue throughout the story.
They sat there, four old men, as old as the dirt-floored cottage, a stone and thatch-roofed shebeen, and the rock-scattered hill it stood on, their shallow breath making thin white puffs before their...1984•351 pages - #3
Save:A Fine Balance is a modern classic - emotionally exhausting but profoundly moving and beautifully crafted. It’s not an easy read, but it’s worth it for anyone who wants a challenging, powerful story about resilience, injustice, and endurance. Bring tissues!
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry is a powerful and heart-wrenching novel set in 1970s India, exploring the lives of four individuals from different backgrounds and castes whose paths intertwine during a tumultuous period in the country's history. The book delves deep into the stark realities of poverty, caste system, communal violence, and corruption, painting a vivid picture of the fine balance between hope and despair, justice and injustice, and humanity and cruelty. Through masterful storytelling, Mistry weaves a tale of friendship, resilience, and tragedy as the characters navigate through the challenges and tragedies that life throws at them.
The writing style of A Fine Balance has been praised for its beauty, sensitivity, and ingenuity in portraying the harsh realities of life in India during that era. Mistry's prose is described as clever, well thought out, and evocative, providing insight into the social, political, and economic landscape of 1970s India. The novel captures the reader's attention with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and poignant depiction of human struggles, making it a compelling and unforgettable read that explores themes of resilience, compassion, and the indomitable human spirit.
THE OFFICES OF AU REVOIR EXPORTS looked and smelled like a warehouse, the floors stacked high with bales of textiles swaddled in hessian. The chemical odour of new fabric was sharp in the air. Scraps...1995•670 pages - #4
Save:A macabre, suspenseful read with relentless twists and a haunting vibe - definitely not for the faint of heart, but a cult favorite for fans of shocking family thrillers.
Disturb Not The Dream by Paula Trachtman is a gripping tale of murder, mystery, and the paranormal. The story follows a Doctor who unknowingly moves his family to a house with a dark past, leading to shocking discoveries and strange occurrences. The book is described as both graphic and thoroughly depraved, with a suspenseful plot filled with twists and turns that keep readers enthralled. The writing style is noted to be mysterious and macabre, delivering promised terror early on and keeping readers guessing until the final blow.
He awoke in a pool of sweat, trembling and choking. He knew it hadn’t been a wish-fulfillment dream, nor a fantasy, nor a corruption of the primal scene—as that asshole Freud had tried to tell him. Go...1980•337 pages A must-read memoir - raw, emotional, and unforgettable. Not an easy ride, but so worth it for anyone who wants to better understand Cambodia’s history and the resilience of the human spirit.
'First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers' by Loung Ung is a memoir that recounts the author's harrowing experiences during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. It provides a first-person account of living through the Cambodian genocide, shedding light on the atrocities and struggles faced by the author and her family. The book delves into the brutal realities of the Cambodian killing fields in the 1970s, offering a poignant and heartbreaking narrative of survival and loss.
The writing style of 'First They Killed My Father' by Loung Ung has been praised for its raw and emotional portrayal of the author's childhood during the Khmer Rouge era. Readers have found the memoir to be informative, impactful, and eye-opening, painting a vivid picture of the author's resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable horrors. The book is described as a life-changing read that evokes strong emotions and deep reflection on the human capacity for survival and endurance.
Phnom Penh city wakes early to take advantage of the cool morning breeze before the sun breaks through the haze and invades the country with sweltering heat. Already at 6 A.M. people in Phnom Penh are...2000•273 pages- #6
Save:A beautifully written, emotional epic with unforgettable women at its core, but best suited for those ready to sink into a lengthy, layered, and sometimes slow-moving story.
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman is a historical fiction novel set during the Roman siege of Masada around 70 CE. The story revolves around four women who end up as dovekeepers at Masada, each coming from different backgrounds and sharing their unique paths to the fortress. Through the eyes of these women, the readers get a glimpse of life in Judea at the beginning of the first millennium, showcasing their strength, interdependence, and limited choices.
The novel beautifully weaves together the lives of these four women, blending fact and imagination to create a spellbinding tale of boldness, resourcefulness, and sensuality. The story delves into themes of fate, the blending of Judaism and paganism, mother-daughter relationships, gender roles, and the power of forgiveness, all set against the backdrop of the tragic and iconic event of the fall of Masada.
We had been wandering for so long I forgot what it was like to live within walls or sleep through the night. In that time I lost all I might have possessed if Jerusalem had not fallen: a husband, a fa...October 2011•548 pages - #7
Save:This is a powerful, poetic, and profoundly somber novel - recommended if you’re up for a beautifully written meditation on war, memory, and loss, but only if you don’t mind a heavy dose of existential grayness.
An Italian general arrives in Albania to retrieve the dead bodies of Italian soldiers that were killed and buried during WW2. The novel portrays the struggles and complexities of this task, set against a backdrop of a bleak and grey landscape. The story delves into themes of personal histories, the repercussions of war, and the emotional toll it takes on individuals involved.
RAIN AND FLAKES OF SNOW were falling simultaneously on the foreign soil. The concrete runway, the airport buildings, the soldiers guarding them were all soaking wet. The plain and the surrounding hill...1963•268 pages - #8
Save:A thought-provoking, dreamlike parable about power and surveillance - best for fans of literary dystopias and atmospheric, allegorical tales.
'The Palace of Dreams' by Ismail Kadare is a psychological novel set in an oppressive country, blending elements of Ottoman empirical rule with modern-day Communist rule. The story follows Mark Alem, a member of the Quprili family, as he takes a job in the mysterious and foreboding Palace of Dreams, where dreams from all over the empire are collected and analyzed to find the elusive master dream that could impact political rule. The novel delves into the surreal world of dream interpretation, bureaucratic mazes, and the intricate workings of a monolithic police state, drawing parallels to real historical and political contexts. Kadare's writing style is described as sombre, dark, and melancholic, reminiscent of Eastern European literature, with a tone that captivates readers and immerses them in a world filled with secrecy, fear, and power struggles.
The curtains were letting in the uncertain light of dawn, and as usual he pulled up the blanket in the hope of dozing on a while longer. But he soon realized he wouldn’t be able to. He’d remembered th...1981•207 pages - #9
Save:A beautifully written, heart-wrenching tale of courage and survival that brings the Dust Bowl era to life. Unflinching, immersive, and perfect for fans of emotional, historical fiction - just don’t forget the tissues!
Texas, 1934. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl have brought immense hardships to farmers like Elsa Martinelli. Forced to choose between fighting for her land or seeking a better life in California, Elsa embarks on a journey that tests her courage and resilience. 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah is a poignant portrayal of America during a time of struggle and sacrifice, seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose story defines a generation. The novel delves into themes of love, family, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American Dream amidst adversity and despair.
Elsa Wolcott had spent years in enforced solitude, reading fictional adventures and imagining other lives. In her lonely bedroom, surrounded by the novels that had become her friends, she sometimes da...January 2021•480 pages - #10
Save:A gripping, emotional tale of courage and sacrifice that highlights women’s roles in WWII France - ideal for those who love character-driven historical fiction, but less so for skeptics of melodrama or historical liberties.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The story follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who navigate the challenges of resistance and survival in the face of the Nazi regime. The book delves into the experiences of French civilians, resistance fighters, Jewish individuals, and even German soldiers, providing a compelling and believable portrayal of the time period. Through well-developed characters and a gripping plot, the author weaves a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the strength of women during wartime.
If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are. Today’s young people want to know everything about everyone. The...February 2015•541 pages
