Books matching: tragic journey
79 result(s)
Desperate Passage by Ethan Rarick recounts the tragic journey of the Donner Party in 1846 as they face extreme hardships while traveling to California. The book delves into the horrors of starvation, divisions within the group, failed attempts to cross the high peaks, and the desperate measures, including cannibalism, taken for survival. Rarick provides a well-rounded account, incorporating viewpoints from survivors, rescuers, and historical records to paint a vivid picture of the harrowing journey.
The narrative in Desperate Passage is engaging and informative, offering insights into the characters of the travellers and dispelling myths surrounding their interactions with Native Americans. Rarick's writing style is straightforward and factual, focusing on the events and decisions that led to the Donner Party's entrapment in the Sierra Nevada mountains, making it a compelling non-fiction account of survival and tragedy.
- #2
Vagabond #1, the first VIZBIG volume in the series, follows the story of a young man named Shinmen Takezo who aspires to become the greatest warrior in Japan after facing misfortune during the aftermath of the Battle of Sekigahara. The book portrays Takezo's journey towards becoming the legendary Miyamoto Musashi, showcasing his struggles, character development, and encounters with historical figures in early Edo era Japan. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and historically accurate, with a focus on violent and graphic storytelling that delves into themes of identity, philosophy, and mission.
The artwork in Vagabond #1 is highly praised for its exceptional detail, expressionist design, and realistic yet stylized art form that brings the characters and settings to life. The book is commended for its intricate drawings, attention to detail in both characters and backgrounds, and exquisite color panels that open each chapter. Readers appreciate the depth of the characters, particularly the protagonist Takezo, who undergoes significant character growth and struggles with his identity and purpose throughout the volume.
- #3
'Frankenstein' by Junji Ito is a manga adaptation that includes the classic story of Frankenstein along with a collection of short stories featuring a boy named Oshikiri. The manga is praised for its eerie and unsettling artwork, with Ito's creepy style complementing the Victorian gothic vibe of the Frankenstein adaptation. The Oshikiri stories delve into paranormal occurrences in the boy's life, involving alternate dimensions and strange happenings in his mansion.
The book is a mix of retold classics and original stories, showcasing Ito's boundless creativity and his ability to create unsettling and creepy narratives. While the Frankenstein adaptation is considered a good retelling with a unique twist, the Oshikiri stories add depth to the collection with their odd and mysterious plotlines.
- #4
'Justine' by Marquis de Sade is a disturbing and controversial novel that follows the misfortunes of an orphan girl named Justine who desires to live a virtuous life but is subjected to various forms of abuse and violence by the people she encounters. The book is known for its graphic and explicit scenes, portraying themes of sadism, sexual assault, and philosophical musings. Readers have described the writing style as dense, repetitive, evil, and lacking pacing, reflecting the author's psychopathic tendencies and perverse views on morality.
The plot of 'Justine' revolves around Justine's continuous cycle of escaping one traumatic situation only to fall into another, highlighting the relentless and unapologetically dark tone of the narrative. The book delves into the depths of human depravity, challenging readers with its provocative content and controversial themes that explore the limits of cruelty and sadistic tendencies in society.
- #5
'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy is a tragic tale following the life of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbevilles. Meeting her cousin Alec proves to be her downfall, leading to a series of events where she must navigate love, betrayal, and societal prejudices. Hardy defies conventions by focusing on the rural lower class, offering a frank treatment of sexuality and religion, while portraying a victim of Victorian hypocrisy with compelling depth and emotion.
The narrative delves into Tess's struggles against her own perceived weaknesses, the brutality of others, and the prejudices of society. Through a mix of cruelty, oppression, and misguided forgiveness, Tess's tragic journey unfolds, challenging readers to question the purity of her character and the societal norms that shape her fate.
ON AN EVENING IN the latter part of May a middle-aged man was walking homeward from Shaston to the village of Marlott, in the adjoining Vale of Blakemore or Blackmoor. The pair of legs that carried hi... - #6
"Secret Path" by Gord Downie is a poignant and emotionally impactful graphic novel that sheds light on Canada's history through the tragic story of Chanie Wenjack. The narrative is described as a mass of bleak emotions, with moments of brightness that make the reader truly feel the weight of the story. is a beautifully told account of Chanie Wenjack's life, offering a thoughtful and clear recounting of his tragic journey. The work is a collaboration between Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire, combining music lyrics with expressive artwork to convey a heart-wrenching tale that educates readers about a lesser-known aspect of Canadian history.
- #7
The German Girl follows the stories of Hannah, a young Jewish girl trying to escape Nazi Germany on the St. Louis, a ship bound for Cuba, and Anna, her great-niece living in present-day New York. The book alternates between the past and present, showcasing the struggles of both characters as they come to terms with their family history and the tragedies they have faced. The narrative weaves together themes of family, survival, and the impact of historical events like WWII and the 9/11 attacks.
I had made up my mind. I’d go to bed and wait until they fell asleep. That was always easy to tell because Papa would lock the big, heavy double windows and close the thick greenish-bronze curtains. H... - #8
'The Goddess Chronicle' by Natsuo Kirino is a captivating retelling of the Japanese creation myth of Izanami and Izanaki, exploring themes of fate, expectations, and the struggles of women. The story follows Namima, who is destined to become the priestess of death on a poor island, while her sister is trained to be the Oracle. As Namima rebels against her fate, the narrative delves into the complexities of mythology, societal roles, and women's empowerment. Kirino's writing style weaves a tale of joy and sorrow, light and darkness, love and vengeance, creating a compelling and thought-provoking story that resonates with readers.
My name is Namima – ‘Woman-Amid-the-Waves’. I am a miko. Born on an island far, far to the south, I was barely sixteen when I died. Now I make my home among the dead, here in this realm of darkness. H...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Canongate's The Myths ) - #9
'Ghosts of the Titanic' by Charles Pellegrino delves into the tragic events surrounding the sinking of the Titanic, intertwining personal accounts of those onboard with detailed scientific analysis. Pellegrino takes readers on a journey through the Titanic expeditions, providing new survivor stories and insights into the wreck. covers a wide range of topics including biology, microbiology, physics, mathematics, psychology, and politics, offering a comprehensive exploration of what happened that fateful night.
Pellegrino's writing style beautifully weaves together intimate narratives of the Titanic passengers with up-to-date scientific information on the wreck. is lauded for its haunting portrayal of the individuals who experienced the disaster, while also presenting intriguing scientific discoveries and forensic reconstructions of the events leading up to the sinking of the Titanic.
- #10
In Silent Graves by Gary A. Braunbeck is a complex and intricately woven story that delves into themes of horror, fantasy, love, tragedy, and the brutality of human nature. The plot follows Robert Londrigan, a TV newscaster whose life takes a tragic turn on Halloween evening, leading him on a journey of anguishing loss and questioning of reality. The writing style is described as rich, poetic, and consistent, with a narrative that involves multiple layers and stories within stories, creating a unique and compelling reading experience.
When I was a young boy and sick with fever, my mother would sit at my bedside and read stories, usually fairy tales or mysteries. I preferred fairy tales but she liked mysteries the best—especially Sh...