Books matching: sexuality and gender roles
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- #1
Save:'The World According to Garp' by John Irving is a novel that follows the life of T.S. Garp, exploring his journey through happy moments followed by tragedies, making readers both sympathize and despise the character. The book delves into complex themes such as feminism, single parenting, marital affairs, and societal issues, all while showcasing Irving's unique storytelling style that blends humor, compassion, and eccentricity.
Irving's narrative weaves a rich tapestry of quirky characters, extreme situations, and bizarre incidents that range from laugh-out-loud funny to incredibly sad. The protagonist, T.S. Garp, is a writer whose life mirrors the wacky stories he creates. The novel is a mix of humor, tragedy, and classic storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is both eccentric and deeply human.
John Irving, a highly imaginative storyteller whose fictional values and narrative techniques have invited comparison with Charles Dickens and other popular nineteenth-century novelists, was born in E... - #2
Save:In a post-apocalyptic world, a healer named Snake uses genetically modified snakes to produce drugs and treat diseases. When her rare dreamsnake is killed, she embarks on a quest to find another one, facing dangers and meeting new friends along the way. The story unfolds gradually, offering glimpses into a world of contrasts between technology and lack of technology, with a well-rendered female protagonist at its core.
The writing style of 'Dreamsnake' is described as a mix of soft sci-fi and fantasy, with an unusual premise involving a healer woman who uses venomous snakes to create medicines. The book explores themes of female empowerment, self-sufficiency, and gender roles in a world filled with post-apocalyptic landscapes, alien snakes, social commentary, and intriguing world-building.
The little boy was frightened. Gently, Snake touched his hot forehead. Behind her, three adults stood close together, watching, suspicious, afraid to show their concern with more than narrow lines aro... - #3
Save:A rich people, mid-life crisis among the privileged novel that engages empathy and pity despite featuring unlikeable characters. The story follows Toby Fleishman, a recently separated doctor, navigating divorce, casual sex, and parenting while his wife, Rachel, seemingly disappears. The novel delves into themes of identity, marriage, and self-definition, offering a feminist exploration of societal expectations and treatment of women.
Toby Fleishman awoke one morning inside the city he’d lived in all his adult life and which was suddenly somehow now crawling with women who wanted him. Not just any women, but women who were self-act... - #4
Save:'Thendara House' in the 'Darkover' series by Marion Zimmer Bradley focuses on the culture clash between the Terrans and the native Darkovans. It follows the story of a Terran, Magda, and a native of Darkover, Jaelle, as they navigate their roles and relationships in this medieval society ruled by a psychic aristocracy. is praised for its exploration of identity, sexuality, and societal issues faced by strong, fully human female characters, making it a feminist tract that challenges mainstream norms. Despite some inconsistencies in storytelling, the book is commended for its engrossing plot and well-loved characters.
Light feathers of snow were falling overhead; but toward the east there was a break in the clouds where the dull reddish light of Cottman IV—the sun of Darkover, called the Bloody Sun by the Terran Em...
(Also, see 87 recommendations for the series Darkover ) - #5
Save:'Jagua Nana' by Cyprian Ekwensi is a compelling novel set in 1950s early 60s Lagos, Nigeria, that follows the life of Jagua Nana, a beautiful but aging sex worker, and her relationship with her younger lover Freddie. The story delves into themes of love, betrayal, struggle for equality, and the clash of cultures between traditional African values and Western influences. Ekwensi skillfully portrays the vibrant nightlife of Lagos, its corruption, and the hustle that permeates the city, creating a rich and immersive setting for the characters to navigate through.
Jagua had just had a cold bath, and, in the manner of African women, she sat on a low stool with a mirror propped between her bare knees, gazing at her wet hair. Only one cloth – a flowered cotton pri... - #6
Save:'The Years' by Annie Ernaux is a unique blend of memoir and social history that spans from 1941 to the early 21st century. Through the author's own experiences, readers are taken on a journey through the changing world, cultural shifts, and personal memories. Ernaux's writing style incorporates a mix of personal recollections, social commentary, and historical events, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and detached. The book explores themes of generational change, societal norms, political events, and the evolution of personal values over nearly seven decades.
—the woman who squatted to urinate in broad daylight, behind the shack that served coffee at the edge of the ruins in Yvetot, after the war, who stood, skirts lifted, to pull up her underwear and then... The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman by Angela Carter is a surreal and dense novel that explores the concept of a war against reality. The story follows a bureaucrat named Desiderio who gets involved in a city where reality is in flux due to the machinations of Dr. Hoffman. The book delves into bizarre and meandering narratives, filled with illusions and deep mysteries, as Desiderio embarks on a journey that takes him through circuses, pleasure houses, and strange fantasy lands.
I cannot remember exactly how it began. Nobody, not even the Minister, could remember. But I know it started well after my abysmal childhood was mercifully over. The nuns who buried my mother fixed me...- #8
Save:'The Garden of Eden' by Ernest Hemingway is a modern exploration of sexual exploration, madness, and unconventional relationships set in the 1920s southern France. The story follows the newlywed couple, Catherine and David, as they navigate a love triangle involving another woman named Marita. delves into themes of gender roles, intimacy, and the complexities of relationships, all while maintaining Hemingway's signature clean prose style.
They were living at le Grau du Roi then and the hotel was on a canal that ran from the walled city of Aigues Mortes straight down to the sea. They could see the towers of Aigues Mortes across the low ... 'Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Identity, and the Meaning of Sex' by Angela Chen is a thought-provoking exploration of asexuality, desire, and the societal perceptions surrounding sex and sexuality. Through personal anecdotes, academic research, and interviews, the author delves into the complexities of asexuality, discussing its overlap with other forms of discrimination and challenging societal norms regarding sex and romance. Readers find the book to be well-structured, insightful, and eye-opening, providing a comprehensive introduction to asexuality while encouraging self-reflection on one's own desires and experiences.
- #10
Save:'Gather the Daughters' by Jennie Melamed is set on an isolated island where a strict society follows laws passed down by their ancestors. The story follows a group of young girls on the brink of womanhood who start questioning the rules and traditions that govern their lives, leading to rebellion and despair. The narrative unfolds with a quiet eeriness, exploring themes of gender roles, family dynamics, and the consequences of rebelling against an oppressive system. The writing style is described as articulate, gentle yet disturbing, and it delves into dark subject matters such as incestuous relationships and the control of women's bodies.
The long spelling lesson is done, and Mr. Abraham is now talking about soaking and curing leather. As he rambles on about techniques for concentrating urine, Vanessa inhales lightly and cautiously, as...
