Books matching: themes of racism
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:An ambitious, fast-paced spin on Othello with a fresh setting and timely themes - rewarding for fans of clever retellings, though the compressed timeline and youthful cast may not convince everyone.
"New Boy" by Tracy Chevalier is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Othello set in a 1970s Washington D.C. elementary school playground. The story follows the characters, sixth-grade students, as they navigate themes of racism, jealousy, love, and tragedy in a single day at school. The author cleverly adapts Shakespeare's original work into a more accessible format for readers, focusing on the emotional turmoil and complex relationships among the young characters.
Dee noticed him before anyone else. She was glad of that, held on to it. It made her feel special to have him to herself for a few seconds, before the world around them skipped a beat and did not reco...May 2017•223 pages
(Also, see 86 recommendations for the series Hogarth Shakespeare ) - #2
Save:Time's Witness by Michael Malone is a gripping mystery novel set in North Carolina, following police chief Cuddy Mangum as he navigates the retrial of a black convicted murderer while investigating the shooting death of his brother. The book delves into themes of racism, capital punishment, corruption, and the complexities of the justice system, culminating in a riveting courtroom drama. Malone's writing style is praised for its elegant phrasing, rich characterizations, and the interweaving of multiple plots that bring the new South to life through the eyes of the complex protagonist, Cuddy Mangum.
George Hall was over in Vietnam trying hard not to get killed when the death penalty went out of fashion back home. That was 1967. At the time some kind folks thought we had us a moral revolution goin... - #3
Save:Dust Off the Bones is a harrowing novel that shines a light on the horrific history of Australian treatment of the Aboriginal people. The setting paints a vivid portrait of the desolation and harshness of the scrublands and the vast countryside. The storyline does not pull any punches when it comes to police and legal corruption of the time period. The various characters are extremely well drawn with realistic foibles and unexpected strengths. With unanticipated twists and clever turns, Paul Howarth brings this riveting novel to a surprising, yet completely satisfying, conclusion. Responsibility, redemption, and squandered chances are among the themes in Paul Howarth's second novel, which will live in your memory long after turning the last page. Just as indelible is the portrait of the Australian outback—the dust and drought and the hardness and hardiness of the people who take up residence in such a hostile environment.
June 2021•366 pages
(Also, see 17 recommendations for the series Only Killers and Thieves ) - #4
Save:A gripping and heartfelt survival story that also tackles prejudice and the power of friendship - it’s a quick, worthwhile read that’s stuck with many since childhood, but approach with awareness that some elements reflect the time in which it was written.
'The Cay' by Theodore Taylor is a compelling story set during World War II, where a young white boy named Phillip and an old Black man named Timothy find themselves stranded on a tiny Caribbean island after their ship is torpedoed by a German submarine. The plot revolves around the boy's journey of survival, friendship, and growth as he learns to overcome his prejudices and disabilities with the help of Timothy. The writing style is described as engaging, heartwrenching, and thought-provoking, touching on themes of racial prejudice, survival, love, and sacrifice.
I was asleep on the second floor of our narrow, gabled green house in Willemstad, on the island of Curaçao, the largest of the Dutch islands just off the coast of Venezuela. I remember that on that mo...January 1969•156 pages - #5
Save:A wildly original, empowering story that blends gaming, identity, and social issues - ideal for fans of Ready Player One and anyone craving representation in YA. Well worth your time, even if you have to squint past some implausible details!
'Slay' by Brittney Morris is a young adult novel that follows the story of Keira, a high school student who secretly runs an online game community called SLAY that celebrates black excellence. When a player is killed in real life over a controversy within the game, Keira is faced with difficult decisions about revealing her identity and dealing with legal trouble. The book explores themes of racism, community, and the gaming world, while highlighting the challenges faced by black teenagers in majority white environments. The writing style combines elements of thriller, video game narrative, and teen novel, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.
September 2019•351 pages - #6
Save:'Hart's War' by John Katzenbach is a gripping novel set in a German WWII prisoner of war camp, offering a unique perspective with its unusual characters and setting. The story follows the complex lives of American flyer prisoners of war and their German captors, delving into themes of racial discrimination, moral dilemmas, and intricate relationships within the camp. The plot revolves around a murder trial of a black Tuskegee airman accused of killing a fellow prisoner, skillfully intertwining ethical issues and legal complexities against the backdrop of wartime captivity.
The author, John Katzenbach, meticulously captures the atmosphere of a WWII POW camp, immersing readers in the sounds, smells, and tensions of the era. Through well-developed characters and a compelling narrative, Katzenbach weaves a tale that keeps readers engaged till the end, blending elements of mystery, historical fiction, and ethical introspection seamlessly.
Raymund Thomas Hart, a skinny, quiet young man of unprepossessing appearance, the third in his family after both his father and grandfather to carry the saint's name with its Unusual spelling, lay cra...1999•565 pages - #7
Save:A captivating, multicultural Regency romance that tackles tough topics and delivers fiery chemistry - perfect for readers looking to shake up their historical romance routine.
The Princess Stakes in the series Daring Dukes by Amalie Howard is a unique and refreshing regency romance that stands out for its multicultural representation and intricate plot. The story follows the love journey between Sarani, a biracial heroine, and Rhystan, a free-spirited Duke, as they navigate tragedy and adversity to discover their inner strength and face societal prejudices. The writing style captivates readers with its passionate and thought-provoking narrative, taking them from India to London on a journey filled with love, passion, and transformation.
June 2021•337 pages - #8
Save:'Hero' by J.F. Gonzalez and Wrath James White is a gripping and disturbing story that delves into the horrors faced by a bedridden black civil rights leader, Adelle Smith, as she is tormented by her hospice nurse who harbors white supremacist beliefs. The book explores themes of race, stereotypes, and the brutal realities of abuse and torture, all while highlighting the deep-rooted racist attitudes present in society. The collaborative writing style of the authors seamlessly weaves together a narrative that is heart-wrenching, impactful, and thought-provoking, leaving readers on the edge of their seats throughout the entire book.
Adelle Smith watched quietly as North Philadelphia whizzed by the limousine window as if her life were flashing by. These were the same streets she was born on, the same streets where she’d lived her...2008•180 pages - #9
Save:In the novel 'Hum If You Don't Know the Words' by Bianca Marais, the story is set in 1970s South Africa and follows the lives of two main characters, Robin Conrad and Beauty Mbali. Robin, a white English girl, and Beauty, a Xhosa woman, find their lives intersecting during the Soweto uprising, which leads to a series of tragic events. As Robin's parents are killed and Beauty's daughter goes missing, the two characters form a bond when Beauty is hired to care for Robin. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Robin and Beauty, exploring themes of racism, apartheid, and the search for family and belonging in a divided society. The book blends heartwarming drama with mystery, creating a narrative that delves into the complexities of racial interactions in South Africa.
The writing style of Bianca Marais is praised for its beautiful language, compelling relationships, and intricate portrayal of characters. Readers are drawn into the emotional journey of the characters from the very beginning, experiencing a range of emotions that include heartbreak, humor, and hope. Through the intertwined narratives of Robin and Beauty, the author weaves a story that not only explores personal journeys but also sheds light on the historical and social injustices of apartheid-era South Africa.
July 2017•432 pages - #10
Save:Chapelwood is a chilling mix of Lovecraftian horrors, supernatural threats, and real-world menaces set in Birmingham, Alabama, where Lizzie Borden and Inspector Wolf investigate a series of axe murders and a sinister cult at Chapelwood. The story unfolds 30 years after the events in Maplecroft, focusing on new characters like Ruth and delving deep into themes of racism, bigotry, and religious zealotry, creating a tense and atmospheric narrative.
So I left them an hour after dawn, when the reverend and his coterie lay sleeping in the hall beneath the sanctuary. When last I looked upon them, taking one final glance from the top of the stairs—do...September 2015•450 pages
(Also, see 84 recommendations for the series The Borden Dispatches )
