Books matching: magical realism in history
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- #1
Save:"The Burning Times" by Jeanne Kalogridis is a historical fantasy fiction novel set in medieval France during the 1300s. The story follows Sybille, a midwife with pagan beliefs who is forced to hide among the Franciscan sisterhood to escape persecution by the Church. As she faces imprisonment and interrogation by the Inquisitors, Sybille recounts her story, showcasing her healing abilities, visions of the future, and the clash between pagan worship and Christian beliefs. The narrative weaves elements of Goddess worship, Knights Templar, and the Inquisition, creating a tale filled with twists, intrigue, and a unique blend of historical events and magical realism.
- #2
Save:The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of Hiram Walker, an enslaved man with a special ability who becomes an Underground Railroad conductor. The book explores themes of love, loss, family, and the liberating power of memory, all while delving into the horrors of slavery. Coates combines his knowledge of slavery with magical realism to create a lyrical and compelling narrative that follows Hiram's journey from the plantation to the Underground Railroad and back.
AND I COULD ONLY have seen her there on the stone bridge, a dancer wreathed in ghostly blue, because that was the way they would have taken her back when I was young, back when the Virginia earth was ... - #3
Save:'1Q84' by Haruki Murakami is a contemporary novel that delves into an alternative reality with elements of magical realism. The book follows two main characters, Aomame and Tengo, who were in love during their school days and now find themselves in a mysterious and suspenseful situation as adults. The plot is intricate, combining elements of fantasy, mystery, romance, and suspense, all woven together with Murakami's signature writing style that is described as meticulous, detailed, and engaging. The narrative explores themes of fate, love, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction, creating a world that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
The taxi’s radio was tuned to a classical FM broadcast. Janáček’s Sinfonietta—probably not the ideal music to hear in a taxi caught in traffic. The middle-aged driver didn’t seem to be listening very ... "When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky" by Margaret Verble is a historical fiction novel set in Nashville in the 1920s. The story follows Two Feathers, a young Cherokee woman who works as a horse diver at Glendale Park Zoo. When a disaster strikes during one of her shows, an eclectic group of characters come together to save her, leading to strange events and ghostly encounters at the park. delves into the cultural history of Native Americans, highlighting the mistreatment and disrespect they faced from white Europeans, while also touching upon issues of racism towards African Americans. The writing style incorporates historical facts, unique friendships, and a splash of mystery, creating a character-driven narrative with detailed but sometimes meandering characters.
- #5
Save:Rotherweird is a town in Britain that has been isolated from the rest of the country since the time of Elizabeth I. The story unfolds with the arrival of outsiders who uncover the town's mysterious history and secrets. The narrative alternates between two timelines, blending historical elements with contemporary events, creating a compelling and atmospheric setting. The book features a diverse cast of characters with their own agendas, set against a backdrop of forbidden history, bizarre rules, and a plot filled with intrigue and magic.
The writing style in Rotherweird is described as unusual, mannered, and quirky, with a mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and children's fiction elements. The author, Andrew Caldecott, presents a richly detailed world with intricate world-building and a plot that gradually unfolds, drawing readers into a dark and fascinating tale. The book's unique storytelling approach, character development, and immersive descriptions contribute to a reading experience that is both engaging and intriguing.
One for sorrow: Mary Tudor, a magpie queen – dress black, face chill white, pearls hanging in her hair like teardrops – stands in the pose of a woman with child, her right palm flat across her swollen... - #6
Save:'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is a novel that reimagines the historical underground network that helped slaves escape the South as a literal underground railroad. The story follows Cora, a young slave who embarks on a dangerous journey for freedom, while being pursued by a relentless slave catcher. The book blends elements of fantasy and harsh reality, highlighting the horrors of slavery and the resilience of those who fought against it. Whitehead's writing style weaves historical facts with fictional elements, creating a compelling narrative that delves into themes of freedom, humanity, and survival.
This was her grandmother talking. Cora’s grandmother had never seen the ocean before that bright afternoon in the port of Ouidah and the water dazzled after her time in the fort’s dungeon. The dungeon... - #7
Save:The Salt Roads by Nalo Hopkinson is a novel that weaves together historically dispersed narratives of women from different time periods and places, all connected by the point of view of a goddess. The stories explore themes of captivity, freedom, spirituality, and the experiences of black women throughout history. The book is praised for its seamless transitions between different points of view, times, and places, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
- #8
Save:In 'The Bedlam Stacks' by Natasha Pulley, readers are taken on a journey to 19th century Peru where the protagonist, Merrick Tremayne, is on a mission to find the cinchona tree to obtain quinine. The story unfolds with elements of magical realism, mysterious settings, and a quest for a cure for malaria, all wrapped in a slow-paced narrative that delves into family history and fantastical elements. The writing style is descriptive, creating a vivid picture of the exotic locations and engaging the readers in a world full of mysticism and adventure.
Although I hadn’t been shot at for years, it took me a long time to understand that the bang wasn’t artillery. I sat up in bed to look out of the window, half-balanced on my elbows, but there was noth... - #9
Save:"With the Fire on High" by Elizabeth Acevedo follows the story of Emoni Santiago, a high school senior and young mother with a passion for cooking. The book delves into Emoni's struggles as she navigates motherhood, school, work, and relationships, all while trying to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. The writing style is described as vivid, engaging, and filled with realistic characters and honest growth, providing a glimpse into Emoni's world as she faces challenges and discovers her talents and opportunities.
She seems unfazed by my apology, probably because thing (1) I’m not braiding tight enough to actually hurt her (which is why her hair is all loosey-lopsided!), and thing (2) Babygirl is watching Moana... - #10
Save:Operation Mincemeat is a non-fiction book by Ben Macintyre that tells the true story of how the Allies used a corpse to deceive the Nazis during World War II. The book delves into the intricate details of a British intelligence plan involving double agents, espionage tactics, and the strategic use of forged documents to mislead the enemy.
Macintyre's writing style captivates readers from the first page with its in-depth character development and engaging storytelling. The book not only narrates the bizarre plan to fool the Nazis but also explores the personal dynamics, challenges, and risks faced by those involved in this audacious operation.
José was proud of his reputation as the best fish spotter in Punta Umbria. On a clear day, he could pick out the telltale iridescent flash of sardines several fathoms deep. When he saw a shoal, José w...
