Books matching: social class issues
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- #1
"A Deal With the Devil" by Liz Carlyle is a historical romance set in England in 1829, featuring heroine Aubrey Montford and her son Iain living in Cadrow Castle. Aubrey takes on the role of a housekeeper for Major Lorimer, the uncle of the Earl of Walrafen, who is emotionally troubled and avoids the castle due to past memories. When the major dies mysteriously, suspicion falls on Aubrey, and the Earl of Walrafen returns to investigate, leading to sparks flying between him and Aubrey. The story delves into their evolving relationship, secrets, and the murder mystery surrounding the major's death, all set against the backdrop of historical England.
It was a lovely afternoon in Mayfair. The windows of shops and homes alike had been flung open to take in the autumn breeze, and up and down Hill Street, housemaids were seizing the chance to sweep do... - #2
Commander Sam Vimes is reluctantly on vacation in the countryside with his family when he becomes entangled in a murder mystery involving goblins, slavery, and drug pushing. The book explores themes of crime, social hierarchy, racial prejudice, and human rights through Vimes' investigation and his interactions with various characters. The writing style is a mix of wit, humor, satire, and social commentary, with a focus on the character of Vimes and his moral compass as he navigates the complexities of the case.
THE GOBLIN EXPERIENCE of the world is the cult or perhaps religion of Unggue. In short, it is a remarkably complex resurrection-based religion founded on the sanctity of bodily secretions. Its central...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld ) - #3
'An Unlikely Countess' in the 'Mallorens' series by Jo Beverley follows the story of Catesby Burgoyne, who unexpectedly becomes the new Earl of Malzard. Determined to prove his worth and take care of his responsibilities, including marriage and producing an heir, Catesby meets Prudence Youlgrave. After a chance meeting and an instant attraction, their lives become entwined when Catesby interrupts Prudence's wedding to save her from a cruel bully and ends up marrying her himself without her knowledge. The story explores their struggles as a newly married couple, battling resentful relatives, societal expectations, and their own insecurities while growing in love and confidence together.
beautifully portrays the challenges faced by women in that era, the importance of love and trust in a relationship, and the growth of the characters as they navigate through societal norms and personal struggles. Jo Beverley's writing style brings to life believable characters, a captivating plot, and a sweet romance that tugs at the heartstrings.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Mallorens ) - #4
'Sightseeing' by Rattawut Lapcharoensap is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of modern-day Thailand. The stories cover a wide range of themes such as family dynamics, cultural clashes, social class struggles, and personal growth. Through various perspectives, including different ages, genders, and backgrounds, Lapcharoensap paints a vivid and realistic picture of Thailand, showcasing both the beauty and dark realities of the country. The writing style is described as lush, illustrative, and accessible, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the contemporary Thai experience.
This is how we count the days. June: the Germans come to the Island—football cleats, big T-shirts, thick tongues—speaking like spitting. July: the Italians, the French, the British, the Americans. The... - #5
A Season Beyond a Kiss by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is the continuation of the Birmingham Family Saga, focusing on the story of Jeff Birmingham and his love, Raelynn. Set in early 19th century Charleston, the novel explores their marriage, built on love and chemistry despite their lack of trust and knowledge of each other. The book is filled with plots against the couple and features a side romance that adds depth to the storyline. The writing style is detailed, allowing readers to vividly imagine the settings and characters, making them feel immersed in the world created by Woodiwiss.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Birmingham Family Saga ) - #6
'The Dressmaker' by Kate Alcott is a historical fiction novel set around the sinking of the Titanic. The story follows Tess Collins, a young maid who boards the Titanic and survives the tragedy. The plot delves into the aftermath of the disaster, focusing on Tess's experiences working for Lady Duff Gordon, a wealthy fashion designer, and the congressional inquiry that follows. The book explores themes of ambition, loyalty, relationships, and societal changes in the early 20th century, providing a unique perspective on the Titanic's survivors and their struggles.
The rotting wood planks beneath Lucile’s feet were spongy, catching her boot heels as she made her way through the crowd on the Cherbourg dock. She pulled her silver-fox stole snugly around her neck, ... - #7
Liberating Lacey by Anne Calhoun follows the story of Lacey, a 36-year-old divorcee looking for adventure, who meets Hunter, a 28-year-old cop, in a bar. Despite their different backgrounds and lifestyles, they are drawn to each other and embark on a passionate affair filled with steamy encounters. The book explores their evolving relationship, the challenges they face due to age and social differences, and the personal growth they experience as individuals.
The narrative is praised for its well-written and believable sex scenes that are hot without being over the top. The author delves into the depth of the characters and plot, offering a mix of erotic romance with substantial character development and a captivating storyline. Despite some editing errors, readers find the book enjoyable, entertaining, and engaging, with a focus on the evolving relationship between Lacey and Hunter.
Distractingly arrhythmic strobe lights flashed in Lacey Meyers’ eyes as she looked around the unfamiliar nightclub. Near the end of the bar, a pack of boisterous young men parted for a woman wearing s... - #8
The Minotaur by Barbara Vine is a psychological thriller set in an English country house where a Swedish nurse, Kerstin Kvist, is hired to care for John Cosway, a man diagnosed with schizophrenia. The story unfolds as Kerstin navigates the dysfunctional dynamics within the Cosway family, particularly the controlling matriarch, Julia Cosway, and her four daughters. As Kerstin delves deeper into the family's secrets, a tragic event occurs that changes everyone's lives forever. The book is described as a character-driven narrative, focusing on the intricate observations of a dysfunctional family and the few outsiders they interact with, set against a Gothic and suspenseful backdrop.
We are thin on the ground, we women cartoonists, it's still thought of as a man's job, and there are even fewer of my sort who aren't English and never went to art school. Over the close-on thirty yea... - #9
'The Fountain Overflows' by Rebecca West follows the Aubrey family, consisting of a father who is a genius but struggles with money, a mother who used to be a concert pianist, and their four children growing up in Edwardian London. The story is narrated by Rose, one of the children, who provides insights into their eccentric yet loving family dynamics, the struggles with poverty, and the role of music in their lives. The plot includes encounters with a poltergeist, a murder trial, and a climax that changes their lives, echoing the shaping events of the author's own life.
West's writing style in 'The Fountain Overflows' is described as effortlessly blending a child's point of view with mature reflections, capturing the period, place, and social milieu of Edwardian London. The narrative is filled with detailed descriptions of the characters, their surroundings, and the challenges they face, creating a vivid and nostalgic portrayal of a bygone era.
THERE WAS such a long pause that I wondered whether my Mamma and my Papa were ever going to speak to each other again. Not that I feared they had quarrelled, only we children had quarrels, but they ha... - #10
Berlin Alexanderplatz by Alfred Doblin is a novel set in 1920s Berlin, following the story of Franz Biberkopf, a former criminal trying to lead an honest life amidst the chaos of the city. The book intricately weaves together elements of human damage, decline and fall plot, and a melancholic understanding of the human species against the backdrop of Berlin's societal struggles in the aftermath of World War I and the growing modernity of the era. Doblin's writing style incorporates a mix of narrative, headlines, mythological reflections, and popular military ditties, creating a rich and confusing collage effect that captures the essence of Berlin in that period.
He stood outside the gates of Tegel Penitentiary, a free man. Only yesterday, he had been on the allotments with the others, hoeing potatoes in his convict stripes, and now he was wearing his yellow s...