Books matching: rural village life
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- #1
Save:Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee is a nostalgic memoir of the author's life growing up in the English countryside in the early 1900s. The book provides a glimpse into a world that has since disappeared, capturing village life in the Cotswolds between the two World Wars. Lee's childhood experiences straddle changing times, depicting a rural life that was becoming more mechanized while towns were expanding. The author's writing style is described as poetic, lyrical, and filled with humor and tragedy, portraying unforgettable characters and the shadow of the First World War.
The book is presented in a series of vignettes, offering a child's eye view of growing up in a remote village called Slad. The author's ability to draw vivid scenes and bring characters to life is highlighted, creating a charming and evocative portrayal of a lost way of life. Despite some readers finding the book rose-tinted and nostalgic, Lee's writing is praised for its beauty, honesty, and ability to provoke contemplation about life and human connections.
The June grass, amongst which I stood, was taller than I was, and I wept. I had never been so close to grass before. It towered above me and all around me, each blade tattooed with tiger-skins of sunl... - #2
Save:"Ash" by Malinda Lo is a retelling of the classic Cinderella tale with a twist, incorporating elements of fantasy and fairies. The story follows Aisling Ash, who after losing her parents, is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. She finds solace in fairy tales and is drawn into different worlds, including the world of nobility with the King's huntress, Kaisa, and the world of the elves with Sidhean. As Ash navigates her way through these worlds, she is forced to make difficult choices that will shape her future.
The book is praised for its unique take on the traditional Cinderella story, its incorporation of fairy tales and original storytelling, and its focus on themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. With a blend of fantasy, romance, and strong female characters, "Ash" appeals to readers who enjoy a fresh interpretation of a well-known fairy tale and a captivating narrative that keeps them engaged until the end.
Ash woke in the middle of the night from a dream of horses—tall, thundering white horses with foaming mouths and slender, wraithlike riders. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and went to the... - #3
Save:A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle is a delightful memoir chronicling the author's first year living in the French countryside of Provence. The book follows Mayle and his wife as they purchase an old farmhouse, navigate renovations, interact with quirky neighbors, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Through vivid descriptions of food and wine, humorous anecdotes, and charming portrayals of daily life, Mayle captures the essence of Provence and the challenges and joys of adapting to a new way of living.
We have always found that New Year's Eve, with its eleventh-hour excesses and doomed resolutions, is a dismal occasion for all the forced jollity and midnight toasts and kisses. And so, when we heard ... - #4
Save:'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh is a historical fiction novel set during the Partition of India in 1947. The story takes place in a small village called Mano Majra, where Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for generations. However, as the political situation escalates and the subcontinent is divided into India and Pakistan, the village is torn apart by violence, looting, and murder. The novel portrays the impact of the Partition on the villagers, the horrors they face, and the relationships that are tested during this tumultuous time. The writing style is described as masterful, emotional, and haunting, depicting the stark realities faced by the common folk amidst the chaos created by the leaders of the day.
The summer of 1947 was not like other Indian summers. Even the weather had a different feel in India that year. It was hotter than usual, and drier and dustier. And the summer was longer. No one could... - #5
Save:'Cats In The Belfry' by Doreen Tovey is a delightful and humorous book that revolves around the author's life with her Siamese cats, Solomon and Sheba, in a rural village in England during the 1950s. The book captures the charming and sometimes chaotic adventures of the cats, portraying their antics, personalities, and the unique bond between the author and her feline companions. Through a blend of wit and warmth, Doreen Tovey skillfully narrates the daily life and misadventures of her beloved pets, offering a heartwarming and entertaining glimpse into the world of cat lovers.
The writing style of 'Cats In The Belfry' is described as humorous, light-hearted, and engaging, making it a delightful read for cat lovers and fans of British domestic comedy. Doreen Tovey's storytelling is praised for its ability to evoke laughter, nostalgia, and a sense of joy, as she vividly brings to life the escapades of her Siamese cats with charm and wit. The book not only celebrates the quirks and charms of feline companions but also provides a glimpse into the author's life filled with love, laughter, and the unique bond shared with her pets.
Our first Siamese was called Sugieh and we bought her because we had mice. The only excuse I can offer for such Philistine conduct is that they were not ordinary mice. They were the hangers-on of a pe... - #6
Save:'The Black Spider' by Jeremias Gotthelf, H.M. Waidson, written in 1842, is a dark and atmospheric tale set in a Swiss village, where the villagers, oppressed by a ruthless knight, make a pact with the devil to assist with their labors. The story unfolds with biblical parallels, featuring characters like Christine, a latter-day Eve, and Christen, who sacrifices himself. The narrative is a mix of legend and morality tale, with a focus on the battle between Good and Evil, culminating in a horrifying encounter with a black spider embodying the devil.
ABOVE the mountains rose the sun, shining in limpid majesty down into a welcoming but narrow valley, where it woke to joyous life creatures that had been created to take pleasure in the sunshine of th... 'Akenfield: Portrait of an English Village' by Ronald Blythe is a captivating portrayal of rural Suffolk in the 1960s, offering wonderful oral histories of a small, unnamed community near Ipswich. The book delves into the daily lives of the village inhabitants, capturing a lost world on the brink of irreparable change. Through intimate interviews, the author paints a vivid picture of life in a small, insular community in rural England, showcasing the social dynamics, class structures, and cultural traditions of the time. Blythe's writing style is reminiscent of a historical documentary, providing readers with a close-up view of a bygone era.
- #8
Save:'Under the Greenwood Tree' by Thomas Hardy is a gentle novel that revolves around the day-to-day lives of the inhabitants of a rural parish. The plot focuses on the romantic entanglements of the characters, particularly the courtship between a young schoolmistress named Fancy Day and a local boy named Dick Dewy. The story unfolds in a countryside setting, highlighting the interactions within the community, the dynamics of the church choir, and the challenges faced by the protagonists in pursuing their love amidst social constraints. Hardy's writing style in this novel is characterized by its pastoral theme, light-hearted approach, and attention to detail in portraying village life.
To dwellers in a wood almost every species of tree has its voice as well as its feature. At the passing of the breeze the fir–trees sob and moan no less distinctly than they rock; the holly whistles a... - #9
Save:Village School by Miss Read is a gentle and nostalgic portrayal of English village life in the 1950s, focusing on the experiences of a headmistress in a small rural community. Through a series of anecdotes and reflections, the book offers a charming look at the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of being a village school headmistress, providing insights into the characters, the school, and the village life of that time. The writing style is described as beautifully descriptive, wry, and sophisticated, with a touch of gentle humor that captures the personalities of the school children and other village residents.
The book is a delightful and reminiscent read, reminiscent of the Little House books but set in an English countryside village. It offers a peaceful and heartwarming depiction of a bygone era, where village life unfolds quietly, intertwined with the changing seasons and the English landscape. The author, Miss Read, is praised for her ability to capture the charm and myriad details of life during that time, offering readers a window into a simpler yet richly detailed world.
- #10
Save:'Caught!' in 'The Shamwell Tales' series by J.L. Merrow follows the story of Robert Emeny, a young elementary school teacher in rural England who fled his high school teaching position under a cloud of scandal. The book delves into themes of class consciousness, bisexuality, and the complexities of relationships. The narrative is filled with humor, romance, and moments of self-discovery as Emeny navigates his feelings for Sean, a rough and tumble rat catcher, and grapples with his own insecurities and anxieties.
The writing style of 'Caught!' is described as extremely well-crafted, with gentle humor, and moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity. J.L. Merrow's storytelling brings to life a cast of characters that are relatable, flawed, and endearing. The book offers a blend of sweet romance, wit, and emotional depth, creating a narrative that resonates with readers through its exploration of love, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
