Books matching: politically turbulent times
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- #1
Save:'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende is an epic tale spanning three generations of the Trueba family, set against the backdrop of politically turbulent times in Latin America. The story revolves around the strong women of the family, their struggles for independence, and their interconnected lives filled with secrets, seduction, revenge, and forgiveness. Allende weaves magical realism into the narrative, creating a captivating journey of imagery and family ties, while exploring themes of love, power, politics, and the impact of historical events on personal lives.
The book delves into the lives of the Trueba family members, showcasing their complex relationships, personal growth, and the interplay between practicality and spirituality. Allende's vivid and descriptive writing style brings the characters to life, making the reader feel the importance of family in Latin American culture. Through a blend of magical realism and historical facts, the author creates a compelling narrative that explores themes of feminism, political upheaval, and the power of forgiveness.
Barrabás came to us by sea, the child Clara wrote in her delicate calligraphy. She was already in the habit of writing down important matters, and afterward, when she was mute, she also recorded trivi... - #2
Save:'The Firebird' by Susanna Kearsley follows the story of Nicola, a woman with the gift of psychometry, who can touch objects and see their past. When she comes across a small wood carving called The Firebird, she sees a vision of Empress Catherine and a young woman named Anna. Determined to authenticate the carving, Nicola enlists the help of Rob, a friend with similar abilities, and embarks on a journey to trace Anna's steps through Jacobite Britain, France, and Russia. The novel seamlessly weaves the contemporary storyline with the historical one, providing a compelling blend of time-traveling romance and paranormal elements.
I was on the Tube, a half a minute out of Holland Park and in that muzzy not-awake-yet state that always bridged the time between my breakfast cup of coffee and the one that I’d have shortly at my des...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Slains ) - #3
Save:'The Initiate Brother' by Sean S. Thomas Russell is a fantasy fiction book that combines elements of Japan's samurai and China's world. The story is described as gripping with a good mixture of action and intrigue. The plot is set in an alternate Asia, with the emperor ruling over a kingdom reminiscent of ancient Japan and China. The book focuses on the aftermath of a Civil War, the threat of Barbarian hordes invading from the north, and the political intrigues of an empire. The writing style is praised for being superlative, lyrical, and clear, with fully fleshed out characters that undergo tremendous development.
The practice of condemning messengers, the Supreme Master thought, had not developed without reason. The old man looked down at the scroll he had received from the Floating City that very morning and ... 'Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe' by Nancy Goldstone tells the fascinating tale of Beatrice of Savoy and her daughters, Marguerite, Eleanor, Sanchia, and Beatrice of Provence, who all made brilliant marriages to the Kings of France, England, the future Holy Roman Emperor, and the powerful Count of Anjou. The book delves into the strategic marriages of these daughters, their roles in governing when their spouses were unable, and the power they held behind the scenes in the thirteenth century European power politics. Goldstone's writing style is described as engaging, carefully researched, and pure history that reads like a novel, providing a captivating insight into the lives of these strong women during a turbulent historical period.
Goldstone's 'Four Queens' is praised for its detailed storytelling that uncovers the lives and roles of these four medieval queens and their impact on shaping European history. The book is commended for providing an interwoven tale of alternating narratives, covering two crusades, a civil war, and showcasing the power and influence women held in governing nations during the thirteenth century. Readers appreciate the author's ability to make complex political situations accessible and straightforward, offering a unique perspective on the political wrangling, family dynamics, and intricacies of the period.
Anyone who argues that women did not really rule or wield power during the Middle Ages is obviously unfamiliar with the career of Blanche of Castile, queen of France, the widow of Louis VIII. For a qu...James Shapiro's 'A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare: 1599' delves into a critical year in the life of Shakespeare, exploring the historical, cultural, and social context that influenced his work. The book provides a detailed account of the events of 1599, such as the building of the Globe Theatre, the political uncertainty of Queen Elizabeth's reign, and the creation of seminal works like 'Henry V,' 'Julius Caesar,' 'As You Like It,' and 'Hamlet.' Shapiro skillfully intertwines Shakespeare's plays with the political events of the time, showcasing how the playwright reflected the angst and tensions of the era in his work.
Shapiro's writing style is praised for its depth and scholarly approach, offering readers a fun and enlightening journey through Elizabethan history and Shakespeare's life. The book not only provides detailed analyses of Shakespeare's plays but also explores the social life of the time, shedding light on the cold, hard business of being a playwright and operating a playhouse. Shapiro's meticulous research and insightful interpretations offer readers a wealth of information and inspiration, making 'A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare: 1599' a must-read for fans of Shakespeare and Elizabethan history.
Late in the afternoon of Tuesday, December 26, 1598, two days before their fateful rendezvous at the Theatre, the Chamberlain’s Men made their way through London’s dark and chilly streets to Whitehall...- #6
Save:The 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Vol. 1' by Luo Guanzhong is a classic Chinese novel that delves into the historical period of the Three Kingdoms. Set in the Warring States period, the book narrates the epic tale of three warring states after the fall of the Han Empire, featuring battles, political intrigue, and a myriad of characters. The writing style is described as a mix of history, mythology, and fiction, creating a dramatic and suspenseful narrative that captivates readers with its rich storytelling.
The book is praised for its epic scope, spanning generations and offering a loose historical fiction account of a significant era in Chinese history. Despite being written centuries ago, the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' remains a page-turner with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and themes of warfare, politics, and power struggles. Readers are drawn to the novel's immersive storytelling that blends real historical events with fantastical elements, making it a timeless classic in Chinese literature.
The Zhou dynasty collapsed when seven kingdoms tore apart the empire by fighting among themselves, until eventually the Qin kingdom conquered all of the other kingdoms. But the Qin did not last long, ... In Stephen Vincent Benet's 'The Devil and Daniel Webster,' the story unfolds around a troubled farmer named Jabez Stone who makes a pact with the devil for a prosperous future but later seeks to break the deal. Desperate for help, Stone enlists the renowned lawyer Daniel Webster to defend him in a trial against the devil, Mr. Scratch. The narrative is a blend of American folklore and moral themes, depicting a battle between good and evil as Webster fights to protect his client's soul and his own integrity. The writing style is characterized by colloquial wit, historical flair, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and patriotic tale that explores themes of patriotism, righteousness, and the American experience.
In "Leadership: In Turbulent Times" by Doris Kearns Goodwin, the author delves into the lives and presidencies of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson, examining their leadership styles and how they navigated through challenging times. Goodwin provides a detailed analysis of the character of each president, their journey to power, and the critical moments that defined their leadership. The book offers a thoughtful exploration of history, drawing parallels between these remarkable leaders and shedding light on their approaches to governance during tumultuous eras.
Lincoln was only twenty-three years old on March 9, 1832, when he declared his intention to run for a seat in the Illinois state legislature. The frontier state had not yet developed party machinery t...- #9
Save:'The Discourses' by Niccolò Machiavelli delves into the benefits of a republic versus a kingdom, drawing extensively from the early Roman Republic as a reference point. Machiavelli explores the core conflict within a State between the upper class and the plebs, touching on topics like governments, war, religion, and human nature. The book provides in-depth analysis of political systems, national and international tactics, and the intricacies of different forms of government.
Machiavelli's writing style in 'The Discourses' is characterized by astute observations on political events, military endeavors, and religious practices. He blends historical examples with current events to make his arguments, emphasizing the importance of good laws, respect, and severe punishment in maintaining a successful republic. The book is structured into three lengthy books, each covering different aspects of Rome's history and governance, offering a detailed insight into the workings of a republic.
14. The Romans interpreted their Auspices in accordance with their Needs, were wise enough ostensibly to observe Religion when forced to ignore it, and punished those who were so rash as to disparage ... - #10
Save:'On Power' by Robert A. Caro is a reflective and insightful lecture where the author delves into the essence of political power through his extensive research on figures like Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson. Caro's narration not only touches upon the lives of these influential men but also explores the broader themes of power dynamics, its impact on society, and the intricate process of wielding political influence. The book provides a glimpse into Caro's investigative journey, his dedication to understanding the mechanisms of power, and the profound effects it has on individuals and communities.
The lecture serves as a captivating introduction to Caro's extensive biographical works, offering listeners a condensed yet powerful narrative that showcases the author's expertise in storytelling and research. Through anecdotes about his writing process, personal experiences, and the crucial role played by his wife in his work, Caro invites the audience to ponder on the complexities of political power and its far-reaching consequences. The book not only highlights Caro's meticulous approach to his subjects but also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the nuances of power dynamics in shaping historical events and societal structures.
