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Books matching: oppressive social dynamics

11 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 11 
  1. #1

    Milkman by Anna Burns
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    Ambitious, strange, and unforgettable - "Milkman" is a rewarding but challenging literary journey into paranoia and survival under pressure. Try a sample: if you vibe with the voice, you'll be hooked.

    The day Somebody McSomebody put a gun to my breast and called me a cat and threatened to shoot me was the same day the milkman died. He had been shot by one of the state hit squads and I did not care...

  2. #2

    The Accursed - The Gothic Saga by Joyce Carol Oates
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    A bold, challenging gothic epic that rewards patient, adventurous readers with its rich writing and daring mix of horror, history, and social critique - but it's definitely not for everyone.

    Fellow historians will be shocked, dismayed, and perhaps incredulous—I am daring to suggest that the Curse did not first manifest itself on June 4, 1905, which was the disastrous morning of Annabel Sl...

  3. #3

    The Moon and the Other by John Kessel
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    A smart, layered, and emotionally rich exploration of humanity set on the Moon - perfect for fans of speculative fiction who enjoy big ideas and messy, believable characters. Not a thrill-ride, but a thoughtful journey well worth the time.

    He would repeat the words after the cultured voice, intent on his accent, while he did the mindless labor that, back in the Society of Cousins, would be managed by an AI. He’d been studying doggedly s...

  4. #4

    The Fifth Sacred Thing - Maya Greenwood by Starhawk
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    A fiercely compassionate and thought-provoking vision of a better world - occasionally heavy-handed, but ultimately unforgettable for those open to its message.

    In the dry time of year, the dangerous time, the risk time, an old woman climbed a hill. Like most people in the southern part of the city, she called the season El Tiempo de la Segadora, the Time of...

  5. #5

    Godan by Premchand
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    A must-read classic that beautifully depicts rural India’s soul - heartbreaking, eye-opening, and profoundly human. Even in translation, it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Indian society.


  6. #6

    The Victim by Saul Bellow
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    The Victim by Saul Bellow is a novel set in 1947 New York City, following the protagonist Asa Leventhal as he grapples with unexpected accusations and manipulations from an acquaintance named Kirby Allbee. Leventhal's self-doubt and paranoia lead him to question his own role in the misfortunes of Allbee, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator. The book explores themes of guilt, insecurity, and the impact of past actions on present relationships, all set against a backdrop of Jewish cultural thinking and post-war urban life.

    ON some nights New York is as hot as Bangkok. The whole continent seems to have moved from its place and slid nearer the equator, the bitter gray Atlantic to have become green and tropical, and the pe...

  7. #7
    Fairest
    Book 3.5 in the series:The Lunar Chronicles

    Fairest - The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
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    Fans of 'The Lunar Chronicles' series are treated to a novella titled 'Fairest' which delves into the backstory of the villainous Queen Levana of Luna. The book provides valuable insights into Levana's childhood, her family dynamics, and the events that shaped her into the power-hungry and manipulative queen readers encounter in the main series. Written in a suspenseful and fast-paced style, 'Fairest' offers a different tone compared to the main volumes and sheds light on the origins of key characters like Princess Winter and Cinder.

    Marissa Meyer skillfully crafts a complex and multi-dimensional portrayal of Queen Levana, showcasing her descent into madness and evil without whitewashing or blackwashing her character. Through Levana's perspective, readers witness her dark beginnings, her desperate quest for love and power, and the twisted path that leads her to become the formidable antagonist in 'The Lunar Chronicles' series.

    She was lying on a burning pyre, hot coals beneath her back. White sparks floated in her vision but the mercy of unconsciousness wouldn’t come. Her throat was hoarse from screaming. The smell of her o...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Lunar Chronicles )

  8. #8

    The Devil and Mrs. Davenport by Paulette Kennedy
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    The Devil and Mrs. Davenport by Paulette Kennedy is set in 1955 and follows Loretta Davenport, a housewife who discovers her supernatural abilities to see and communicate with ghosts. Her husband, Pete, a domineering Bible college professor, dismisses her visions as hysteria and tries to suppress her newfound strength. As Loretta navigates her oppressive marriage and the societal expectations of women in the 1950s, she becomes embroiled in a mystery involving unsolved murders and seeks help from a parapsychologist, leading to intense internal conflicts and thrilling twists in the plot.

    The writing style is intricate and character-driven, with a gothic atmosphere that immerses readers in Loretta's struggles. Kennedy's vivid descriptions and depth of character bring the story to life, making it hard to put down. The book addresses important themes like domestic abuse, women's rights, and personal agency, all while combining domestic horror with a gripping mystery. It's a thought-provoking read that resonates emotionally and showcases Loretta's journey to reclaim her identity against all odds.


  9. #9
    Gathering Blue
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    Book 2 in the series:The Giver

    Gathering Blue - The Giver by Lois Lowry
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    A thoughtful, atmospheric companion to "The Giver" featuring a brave heroine and a richly constructed world, best for fans of dystopian fiction and meaningful character journeys. Not as fast-paced or directly connected as some may hope, but still powerful and moving.

    This had been her mother, the warm and vital woman whose name had been Katrina. Then after the brief and unexpected sickness, it had become the body of Katrina, still containing the lingering spirit....

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Giver )

  10. #10

    Butterfly Burning by Yvonne Vera
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    A lush, demanding read that dazzles with lyricism and emotional depth - best suited for those who savor language and literary exploration over conventional storytelling.


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