Books matching: societal constraints
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- #1
Save:Seaworthy, steamy, and sparkling with Tessa Dare’s signature charm - even if some waves of drama drag, Gray and Sophia’s romance is worth the trip for adventurous historical romance lovers.
Sophia, a young woman longing for passion and adventure, assumes a false identity as a governess and boards a ship sailing to the West Indies. On the ship, she meets Gray, the owner, and experiences passion and adventure. The story unfolds with a mix of deception, selflessness, and romance as Sophia's true identity is revealed, leading to a series of misunderstandings and emotional moments between the characters.
Taking one last deep breath, she sidled her way into the dank, drunken confusion, forbidding her gray serge skirts to brush against anything. Much less anyone. From every murky corner—and for a square...August 2009•400 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Wanton Dairymaid Trilogy ) - #2
Save:The novel 'Ann Veronica' by H.G. Wells is a timeless exploration of gender issues and societal norms in 19th century London. The story revolves around a young woman named Ann Veronica who rebels against the constraints placed on her by society, particularly regarding marriage and a woman's role. The plot follows Ann Veronica's journey towards independence and self-discovery, as she challenges traditional expectations and seeks to live life on her own terms. Wells' writing style includes detailed character dialogues and a narrative that delves into the complexities of societal expectations and personal freedom.
1909•380 pages - #3
Save:Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman is a historical fiction novel that explores the budding relationship between the young Blackbeard, known as Teach, and Anne. The story delves into Teach's journey from a privileged young man to the feared pirate he becomes, while Anne, a strong-willed character, navigates her own challenges and desires for freedom. The book intertwines themes of romance, societal expectations, and the yearning for adventure, set against the backdrop of the 17th century.
As Teach and Anne's relationship evolves, they face obstacles such as accusations of piracy, societal norms, and personal struggles. The narrative weaves in elements of romance, adventure, and historical context, painting a vivid picture of the characters' motivations and desires as they navigate a world filled with danger, secrets, and unexpected revelations.
That morning was no different, the thick clouds overhead were determined once again to release their pent-up frustration on her. In the crowded marketplace and its stalls, the air smelled of sweet wat...February 2016•396 pages - #4
Save:A meticulously researched look at Ada Lovelace's life, perfect for historical fiction and STEM fans - just be prepared for a slow-burn, detail-rich narrative that sometimes gets bogged down in minutiae.
Enchantress of Numbers by Jennifer Chiaverini is a fictionalized account of the life of Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron and colleague of Charles Babbage. The book delves into Ada's childhood, her difficult relationship with her mother, and her groundbreaking work in mathematics and science. The narrative is divided into three sections, exploring Ada's family history, her personal development, and her collaboration with Charles Babbage on the first computer.
You may well wonder how I, no more than seven weeks old when my mother left my father and launched the great scandal that came to be known throughout England as the Separation, can claim to have witne...2017•448 pages - #5
Save:A beautifully written, emotionally resonant tale of two women's fight for autonomy in a divided Sri Lanka - compelling, thought-provoking, and not to be missed if you appreciate layered, powerful literary fiction.
'A Disobedient Girl' by Ru Freeman is a novel set in Sri Lanka that follows the intertwined lives of two women, Latha and Biso. Latha is raised as a friend to a wealthy family's daughter, Thara, only to later realize she is destined to be a servant. Biso, a mother of three, escapes from her abusive husband and embarks on a journey to start a new life. The narrative alternates between these two women's struggles with societal expectations, class distinctions, and personal sacrifices, showcasing themes of resilience, oppression, and the pursuit of independence. Freeman's writing style vividly brings to life the characters and their challenges, skillfully weaving together a story of heartbreak and perseverance in a culture that restricts privileges based on class.
She loved fine things and she had no doubt that she deserved them. That is why it had not felt like stealing when she’d helped herself to one of the oval cakes that were stacked in the cabinet underne...July 2009•392 pages - #6
Save:A witty, nuanced classic exploring love, family, and the balance between logic and emotion - perfect for those who enjoy sharp social insight and richly drawn characters.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen follows the love lives of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Elinor is portrayed as passionate and outspoken, while Marianne is depicted as reserved and thoughtful. The novel delves into the courtship of the sisters, exploring the ups and downs, misunderstandings, and risks that come with giving one's heart to another. Set in late 18th century England, Jane Austen skillfully portrays the manners and customs of the time, poking fun at the artifice and silliness of societal norms. Through different heartaches and heartbreaks, both sisters end up with suitors who are well matched.
Descriptions and dialogues dominate the beginning of the book, gradually leading to a story that is filled with depth and introspection. As the plot unfolds, readers witness the parallel experiences of love that the sisters go through, ultimately learning that a balance of sense and sensibility is crucial for personal happiness in a society governed by status and money.
The family of Dashwood had been long settled in Sussex. Their estate was large, and their residence was at Norland Park, in the centre of their property, where for many generations they had lived in s...1811•407 pages - #7
Save:A bold, thought-provoking classic that pulls no punches and features one of literature’s most enigmatic heroines - a great pick if you like your drama served with ambiguity and edge.
"Hedda Gabler" by Henrik Ibsen is a classic play that delves into the life of the protagonist, Hedda Gabler, a woman with ambitions beyond her current circumstances. Married to an aspiring academic, George Tesman, Hedda's life is thrown into disarray with the reappearance of Tesman's academic rival, Eilert Lovborg. The play explores themes of manipulation, ambition, control, and the consequences of one's actions, especially when driven by desires that lead to tragic outcomes.
1890•115 pages - #8
Save:A chilling, beautifully-written gothic tale that masterfully blends spiritualism, obsession, and the oppressive weight of Victorian society. Prepare for a slow but rewarding descent into the dark corners of the human mind.
Affinity by Sarah Waters is a dark and atmospheric novel set in Victorian London, focusing on the unlikely relationship between Margaret Prior, a spinster recovering from a nervous breakdown, and Selina Dawes, a convicted medium in Millbank prison. The story unfolds through diary entries, revealing the complex dynamics between the characters and the suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged until the surprising ending. Waters' writing style captures the mood of the era and delves into themes of spiritualism, forbidden relationships, and societal constraints, creating a gripping and authentic narrative that explores themes of love, obsession, and deception.
Pa used to say that any piece of history might be made into a tale: it was only a question of deciding where the tale began, and where it ended. That, he said, was all his skill. And perhaps, after al...1999•382 pages - #9
Save:A short, beautifully written, and ultimately heartbreaking classic - bleak, but unforgettable. Best for fans of literary drama and tragic romance.
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton tells the tragic tale of Ethan Frome, a farmer living in Starkfield, Massachusetts, who struggles with his unproductive farm and his difficult wife, Zeena. When Zeena's cousin, Mattie, comes to live with them, Ethan becomes obsessed with her, leading to a heartbreaking story of unconsummated love and the struggle between passion and duty.
The novella is set in a bleak New England environment, with evocative descriptions of the winter landscapes adding to the melancholy tone of the story. Through Wharton's powerful characterizations and descriptive prowess, the narrative explores themes of poverty, unfulfilled desires, and the consequences of forbidden love, culminating in a tragic and haunting denouement.
THE VILLAGE lay under two feet of snow, with drifts at the windy corners. In a sky of iron the points of the Dipper hung like icicles and Orion flashed his cold fires. The moon had set, but the night...January 1910•191 pages - #10
Save:A richly textured, absorbing novel about transformation, grit, and finding your own path - Britannia Mews is a rewarding read for anyone who loves nuanced characters and atmospheric settings.
Britannia Mews by Margery Sharp is a novel that follows the life of Adelaide Culver, a young girl who rebels against middle-class restrictions and embarks on a path of recklessness and adventure. Set against the backdrop of the evolving Britannia Mews, the story spans from the 1870s to World War II, showcasing Adelaide's unconventional choices and her entanglement with various intriguing characters. The book portrays a feminist sensibility, old-fashioned grit, and the theme of making the best of one's situation, presenting Adelaide as an awkward yet memorable heroine.
The narrative of Britannia Mews captures the transformation of characters and customs in England from the Victorian era to World War II, illustrating the evolution of Adelaide Culver Lambert alongside the changing landscape of Britannia Mews. Through Adelaide's elopement with her drawing master and subsequent experiences in the mews, the story delves into themes of independence, resilience, and defiance against societal norms, culminating in a tale of strength and determination amidst challenging circumstances.
Britannia Mews was built in 1865 to accommodate the carriage-horses, coachmen, and other respectable dependents of the ten houses in Albion Place. The Place, facing directly upon Hyde Park, and formin...January 1946•384 pages
