Books matching: individuality and oppression
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- #1
Save:'1984' by George Orwell is a dystopian novel set in a totalitarian society where the government controls every aspect of its citizens' lives. The protagonist, Winston Smith, rebels against the oppressive regime and falls in love with Julia, leading to dire consequences. explores themes of government surveillance, loss of freedom, and the manipulation of truth, creating a haunting and thought-provoking narrative that reflects on the dangers of unchecked power. Orwell's writing style is sharp and impactful, evoking a sense of hopelessness and entrapment that resonates with readers.
It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Winston Smith, his chin nuzzled into his breast in an effort to escape the vile wind, slipped quickly through the glass doors ... - #2
Save:Bend Sinister by Vladimir Nabokov is a political satire set in a fictitious European city called Padukgrad, where a new dictatorship led by Paduk, a former classmate of the protagonist Adam Krug, imposes a philosophy of Ekwilism that aims to eradicate individuality. Krug, a renowned philosopher, refuses to endorse the regime, leading to a series of events where his friends and family become pawns in Paduk's quest for validation. The novel explores themes of totalitarianism, friendship, and the moral dilemmas faced by Krug, all presented in Nabokov's unique and engaging writing style filled with wordplay, humor, and metafictional elements.
AN OBLONG PUDDLE inset in the coarse asphalt; like a fancy footprint filled to the brim with quicksilver; like a spatulate hole through which you can see the nether sky. Surrounded. I note, by a diffu... - #3
Save:In Faith of the Fallen, Richard is kidnapped by Nicci and taken to the Old World, where he is exposed to the oppressive rule of the Imperial Order, a society governed by strict regulations. Meanwhile, Kahlan leads the D'haran Empire in a battle against the Imperial Order. The book delves into themes of individualism versus socialism, with a heavy focus on objectivism. The plot showcases Richard's unwavering beliefs and his ability to inspire others, even in the face of adversity. The writing style is described as preachy at times, with clear political messages woven into the narrative.
While she didn’t remember dying, she dimly recalled, at some later point, solemn whispers saying that she had, saying that death had taken her, but that he had pressed his mouth over hers and filled h...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sword of Truth ) Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi is a memoir about a female professor of literature who held secret book clubs after the Islamic regime banned the books she used to teach. The book details the author's experiences in Iran after the revolution and her move to America, focusing on a class she teaches in her home where forbidden western classic books, including Lolita, are read. Through the discussions of literature, the women in the book club express their individuality and opinions, finding freedom from the restrictions of the Islamic State. The narrative structure jumps around in time but remains engaging, holding the reader's attention by immersing them in the lives and emotional struggles of the author, her students, and the societal restrictions faced in post-revolutionary Iran.
In the fall of 1995, after resigning from my last academic post, I decided to indulge myself and fulfill a dream. I chose seven of my best and most committed students and invited them to come to my ho...- #5
Save:"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a short story set in a dystopian society that explores themes of equality and societal control. The story is described as thought-provoking, absurd, funny, and sad by different readers. It is praised for making important points about society and equality, with a sci-fi element that captivates the readers. The writing style is considered captivating, easy to understand, and engaging, making it a popular choice for readers looking for a short yet impactful read.
THE YEAR WAS 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They weren’t only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way. Nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking tha... - #6
Save:'Europe Central' by William T. Vollmann is a weighty novel that takes a sideways look at the events of World War II through the lives of historical and fictional characters. The book delves into the interior lives of characters like N. K. Krepskaya, Fanya Kaplan, Shostakovich, General Vlasov, and others, providing insights into their dilemmas and ambiguities under totalitarian regimes. Vollmann's rich and creamy language touches on themes of damaged humanity, the power of history, and fragmentation, alluding to historical facts and lyrical images throughout the narrative.
The novel explores the ideological struggles of the 1940s between Russia and Germany, as well as within those countries, portraying historical figures as fictional characters. Vollmann's writing style is described as compelling, ambitious, and masterful, tackling an extremely difficult subject with intelligence and authenticity. The book offers a perspective on how Fascism could emerge, how people lived in that culture, and provides a powerful reminder of the personal horror experienced during the war's Eastern Front.
You won’t get to watch it happen; they don’t allow windows in this office, so you may feel a trifle dull at times, but at least you’ll never be alone, since on the steel desk, deep within arm’s length... - #7
Save:In "Christian Nation" by Frederic C. Rich, the story unfolds in an alternate history where John McCain briefly becomes President instead of Barack Obama. The narrative follows the main character Greg and his friend Sanjay as they navigate a world where America is gradually transformed into a Christian theocracy under the leadership of Sarah Palin and Steve Jordan. The book delves into the dangers of authoritarianism veiled in spiritualism, emphasizing the importance of upholding democracy in the face of oppressive regimes. Rich's writing style combines elements of speculative fiction, political commentary, and futuristic drama to present a chillingly plausible scenario of a nation on the brink of a theocratic dictatorship.
ADAM TOLD ME TO START by writing about what I feel now. Sitting here, I don’t feel much except the faint phantom ache of a wound long since healed. It was only six weeks ago that I met Adam Brown. He ... - #8
Save:Anything But Okay by Sarah Darer Littman revolves around Stella, a high school junior dealing with the aftermath of her brother Rob's return from Afghanistan. The book delves into serious issues such as racial discrimination, PTSD in veterans, and the manipulation of truth on social media. Stella's attempt to help her brother leads to unexpected consequences, including a viral video that sparks a conversation about the complexities of truth and multiple perspectives.
Stella's journey in the book involves running for junior class president, facing off against the son of a politician inciting racism, and navigating the fallout of a viral video showing Rob assaulting one of her classmates. As Stella grapples with the challenges of high school life and family struggles, she is forced to confront difficult truths and make tough decisions that impact her relationships and sense of self.
- #9
Save:'Brave New Worlds' is an anthology of dystopian short stories that includes a mix of new and old writers, featuring famous authors like Philip K. Dick and Ursula K. LeGuin. The stories range from classics like 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson to newer works like 'Amaryllis' by Carrie Vaughn. The book explores dark and chilling themes, offering a variety of speculative fiction that is both thought-provoking and impactful.
The collection is carefully curated and organized thematically by the editor, John Joseph Adams, who provides thoughtful commentary that ties the stories together. The stories delve into different dystopias focusing on various issues such as totalitarianism, societal structures, and human psyche, offering a comprehensive look at the genre of dystopian fiction.
Shirley Jackson, best known for penning this classic story, was the author of several novels, such as We Have Always Lived in the Castle and The Haunting of Hill House, The latter of which has been ad... - #10
Save:'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...
