Books matching: post world war ii setting
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- #1
Save:A riotously funny yet moving look at Hungary’s darkest days - think black comedy meets historical drama. It’s a fast, unforgettable read that’ll make you laugh and maybe cry on the same page. Truly a hidden classic worth unearthing.
'Under the Frog' by Tibor Fischer is a novel set in post-WWII Budapest, following the life story of Gyuri Fischer, a blue-collar worker navigating the grim and absurd nature of life under a Communist regime. The book captures the absurdity and tragedy of living under a totalitarian regime, weaving real-world events such as the Hungarian Uprising of 1956 into the characters' stories. Fischer's writing style is described as fresh, slangy, and humorous, making heavy subjects funny to read while offering striking insights into a society not well-known to many readers.
It was true that at the age of twenty-five he had never left the country, that he had never got more than three days’ march from his birthplace, no more than a day and a half of horse and carting or o...1992•256 pages - #2
Save:A provocative, brilliantly observed, and often biting portrait of a postwar English public school - superb if you like your school stories with an edge and a dose of existential realism, but not for the faint of heart.
Fielding Gray by Simon Raven is a novel set in an unnamed English boys' public school in the months following Germany's surrender in May 1945. The story revolves around the protagonist, Fielding Gray, a 17-year-old schoolboy who develops lustful and romantic feelings for his peer, Christopher Roland. The book explores themes of corruption, betrayal, and schoolboy passions during a time of societal change. Raven's writing style is described as witty and observant, offering a glimpse into human frailty and complex relationships.
1967•211 pages - #3
Save:Gravity’s Rainbow is a mind-bending, dazzling, sometimes infuriating postmodern epic. It’s brilliant if you’re in the mood to work for it, but don’t expect an easy ride!
"Gravity's Rainbow" by Thomas Pynchon is a complex and dense novel set in Europe at the end of World War II, focusing on the design, production, and dispatch of V 2 rockets by the German military. The story revolves around the quest of various characters to uncover the secret of a mysterious device named the Schwarzgerät, which is to be installed in a rocket with the serial number 00000. Pynchon's writing style is frequently digressive, subverting traditional elements of plot and character development, and incorporating detailed knowledge from various disciplines.
The novel is known for its innovation and complexity, often praised for pushing the boundaries of postmodern writing. However, some readers find the book challenging due to the multitude of characters, intricate plotlines, and the author's tendency to jump about seemingly at random. Despite its challenging nature, "Gravity's Rainbow" is recognized for its poetic and beautiful moments, as well as its exploration of themes related to the quest for being and the breaking down of social constructions.
It is too late. The Evacuation still proceeds, but it's all theatre. There are no lights inside the cars. No light anywhere. Above him lift girders old as an iron queen, and glass somewhere far above...1973•829 pages - #4
Save:An offbeat, well-crafted country house mystery with a memorable cast and a satisfying, chilling twist - no wonder it's one of Christie’s own favorites. Perfect for those who like their mysteries clever, their secrets juicy, and their endings unforgettable.
Crooked House by Agatha Christie is a standalone murder mystery novel that revolves around the murder of wealthy Aristide Leonides in his lavish yet peculiar house. The story follows Charles Hayward, a young man in love with Aristide's granddaughter Sophia, as he gets entangled in the investigation to uncover the murderer among the dysfunctional Leonides family members. With unexpected twists and vivid character portrayals, the book unfolds a classic whodunit plot set in a sprawling mansion in the English countryside, keeping readers engaged till the very end.
The narrative of Crooked House is filled with suspense, intrigue, and a touch of creepiness that builds up as the story progresses. Agatha Christie masterfully weaves a tale where every family member and even the staff become suspects in the murder, creating a tangled web of motives, alibis, and secrets. The book not only presents a compelling mystery but also delves into the complexities of family dynamics, showcasing Christie's talent for crafting engaging plots and memorable characters in a non-traditional detective story.
I first came to know Sophia Leonides in Egypt towards the end of the war. She held a fairly high administrative post in one of the Foreign Office departments out there. I knew her first in an official...1948•222 pages - #5
Save:A fun, fast-paced, and slightly over-the-top espionage romp - more Bond than Belgian detective. Enjoy it for what it is: classic Christie escapism with a 1950s spy twist.
Destination Unknown by Agatha Christie is a departure from her usual mystery genre, delving into the realm of spy thrillers. The story follows a suicidal woman, Hilary Craven, who is recruited by British Intelligence to help track down missing scientists. Set in post-World War II England and North Africa, the book explores themes of espionage, political tensions, and the mysterious disappearance of brilliant minds. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, resembling more of a cold war thriller than a classic murder mystery, leading to a satisfying resolution in the end.
The man behind the desk moved a heavy glass paperweight four inches to the right. His face was not so much thoughtful or abstracted as expressionless. He had the pale complexion that comes from living...1954•235 pages - #6
Save:A beautifully written, emotionally charged historical drama about personal growth in the face of disaster - well-suited for fans of women’s fiction, but less so for those craving fast action or meticulous historical focus.
'The Stars Are Fire' by Anita Shreve is a novel set in post-World War II coastal Maine, where Grace, a young woman in an unsatisfying marriage, finds herself facing unexpected challenges when a devastating fire destroys her home and community. The story follows Grace's journey of survival, resilience, and self-discovery as she navigates through loss, hardship, and the complexities of her relationships amidst the aftermath of the fire. Anita Shreve's writing style is described as precise, emotive, and engaging, capturing the stark emotions and quiet pacing that characterize the protagonist's transformative experiences.
A spring of no spring. Grace pins Gene’s khakis to a line that stretches diagonally over the yellow linoleum of the kitchen. Only heat from the stove will dry the cotton. She holds off on the towels,...April 2017•300 pages - #7
Save:A short, sharp shock of a classic - dramatic, affecting, and thought-provoking. Highly recommended if you want a play that will move you and make you think.
"All My Sons" by Arthur Miller is a classic American drama set after World War II, where a family dealing with the loss of a son missing in action is confronted with a devastating family secret. The story unfolds as a memorial tree planted for the missing son is blown down in a storm, leading to a journey towards truth for the characters involved. The play explores themes of guilt, society's values, and the consequences of one's actions, providing a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching narrative that delves deep into the characters' emotions and motivations.
The stage is hedged on R. and L. by tall, closely planted poplars which lend the yard a secluded atmosphere. Upstage is filled with the back of the house and its open, unroofed porch which extends int...January 1947•119 pages - #8
Save:An entertaining and brisk Hercule Poirot outing with a twisty plot and classic country house vibes - perfect for cozy mystery fans and Christie completists, even if the ending feels a tad implausible to some.
'Dead Man's Folly' in the 'Hercule Poirot' series by Agatha Christie revolves around Hercule Poirot being called in by his old friend, mystery novelist Ariadne Oliver, to investigate a murder mystery party gone wrong at an estate. As the story unfolds, a murder occurs during the planned event, leading Poirot to unravel a web of deceit and greed. The plot is set in a picturesque English village, with an array of eccentric characters and unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged till the satisfying ending. The writing style is classic Christie, with clever plotting and misdirection that keeps the reader guessing until the final reveal.
Hercule Poirot leaned back in his upright chair and closed his eyes. His fingers beat a meditative soft tattoo on the edge of the table. In his head he continued to compose the polished periods of the... - #9
Save:'The Fourth Door' by Paul Halter is a locked room mystery novel set just after World War II. The story revolves around a series of mysterious murders and impossible crimes in a small English village, with a focus on the haunted Darnley house and its intriguing occupants. The narrative is described as innovative, featuring a story within a story and a shocking twist at the end. Despite some mixed feelings about the author's writing style and characterization, readers find the plot to be diabolically clever, reminiscent of John Dickson Carr's works.
2010•164 pages - #10
Save:'Razzmatazz' in the series 'Sammy and the Cheese' by author Christopher Moore is a hilarious and whimsical adventure set in post-war San Francisco, featuring a diverse cast of characters including Moonman, Dragons, and a hatchet-bearing woman. The story follows a madcap plot full of interesting characters and meandering adventures that keep readers entertained and laughing out loud. Despite the complex storyline with multiple moving parts, the book is described as a fun and enjoyable read that requires a suspension of disbelief to fully appreciate the humor and creativity woven by Christopher Moore.
When we pulled up to Jimmy’s Joynt on Pier 29 the doorman was beating a skinny guy in a tux with a black rubber dildo the length of a Louisville Slugger and the diameter of a soup can, hitting him onl...May 2022•391 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sammy and the Cheese )
