Books matching: victim of circumstances
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- #1
Save:"The Spy: A Novel of Mata Hari" by Paulo Coelho is a fictionalized biography of the famous exotic dancer Mata Hari, focusing on her life, arrest, and execution for alleged espionage during World War I. The story is told through letters and narratives from Mata Hari and her lawyer, shedding light on her struggles, motivations, and the injustices she faced. Coelho's writing style is described as lyrical and compelling, providing insights into Mata Hari's character and the historical events surrounding her.
I do not know what will happen at the end of this week. I have always been an optimistic woman, but time has left me bitter, alone, and sad. If things turn out as I hope, you will never receive this l... - #2
Save:'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... - #3Rubyby:
Save:'Ruby' by Cynthia Bond is a haunting tale set in rural Texas, following the lives of two exquisitely sensitive young people who are traumatized as children and find each other as adults despite religious and social roadblocks. The story explores themes of love, generational incest, abuse, racism, and the struggles faced by the characters in a small town setting.
Ruby Bell was a constant reminder of what could befall a woman whose shoe heels were too high. The people of Liberty Township wove her into cautionary tales of the wages of sin and travel. They called... - #4
Save:The Client by John Grisham follows the story of Mark, an 11-year-old boy who witnesses a suicide and becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets involving a murdered US Senator. Mark seeks the help of lawyer Reggie Love to protect himself from the threats of the FBI, the Mafia, and a cold-blooded killer. The book is a legal thriller with a compelling plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, featuring memorable characters like Mark, Reggie, and a juvie judge. The writing style is described as fast-paced, intriguing, and filled with suspense, making it a page-turner that is hard to put down.
MARK WAS ELEVEN AND HAD BEEN SMOKING OFF AND ON for two years, never trying to quit but being careful not to get hooked. He preferred Kools, his ex-father’s brand, but his mother smoked Virginia Slims... - #5
Save:'Sutton' by J.R. Moehringer is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of infamous bank robber Willie Sutton. The book follows Sutton's release from prison and his interactions with a reporter and photographer as they revisit key locations in his life, triggering memories of his daring robberies, escapes, and his one true love, Bess. Through flashbacks and present-day conversations, the story explores Sutton's motivations, relationships, and the impact of his actions, blending fact with fiction seamlessly.
The narrative of 'Sutton' weaves together Sutton's past and present, providing a complex psychological portrait of the protagonist and other characters. Moehringer's writing style captures the essence of Old New York, bank robbers, and star-crossed lovers, creating a compelling and engaging read. The novel explores themes of love, crime, loyalty, and the societal conditions that shaped Sutton's life choices, offering a unique perspective on a notorious figure in American history.
He’s sitting at his metal desk, bent over a yellow legal pad, talking to himself, and to her—as always, to her. So he doesn’t notice them standing at his door. Until they run their batons along the ba... - #6
Save:'Marie Antoinette: The Journey' by Antonia Fraser is a biography that delves into the life of the controversial historical figure, Marie Antoinette. The book provides a detailed account of Marie Antoinette's experiences, challenges, and the misconceptions surrounding her. The writing style is engaging and accessible, offering readers a well-researched insight into the queen's life, presenting her as a complex and relatable individual rather than a mere historical figure.
The announcement was made by the Emperor Francis Stephen. He left his wife’s bedroom, after the usual Te Deum and Benediction had been said. In the Mirror Room next door the ladies and gentlemen of th... - #7
Save:In "The Anatomist's Wife," Lady Kiera Darby, a talented artist haunted by scandal, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation at her sister's estate in Scotland. As suspicions swirl around her, she teams up with Sebastian Gage, an inquiry agent, to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of a houseguest. The book weaves together historical details, romance, and a complex mystery set against the backdrop of 19th-century high society, showcasing Lady Darby's resilience and investigative skills alongside Gage's charm and expertise.
The story unfolds with Lady Darby navigating societal scorn and her own troubled past, all while delving into the intricacies of the murder case alongside Gage. Through Lady Darby's voice and observations, readers are drawn into a tale of intrigue, courage, and budding romance, as the duo races against time to solve the murder before official authorities arrive at the remote estate, blending elements of forensic detection and historical mystery in a captivating narrative.
The scream froze me in my tracks, but the shout that followed propelled me out of my indecision and around the hedge line of the maze. Lady Lydia Perkins continued to shriek at ear-piercing levels whi... - #8
Save:'Typhoid Mary' by Anthony Bourdain is a fascinating exploration of the life of Mary Mallon, also known as Typhoid Mary, who unknowingly spread typhoid fever to those she cooked for in the early 20th century. Bourdain delves into the historical context of Mary's story, shedding light on the social aspects of the women's movement and the challenges faced by immigrants during that time. Through a mix of historical detail and personal accounts, Bourdain paints a vivid picture of Mary's life as a cook, her struggles, and the impact of her actions on public health.
It was August 27, 1906, when at the rented summer home of Charles Henry Warren and family in Oyster Bay, Long Island, the Warrens’ young daughter became ill with what was diagnosed as typhoid fever. T... - #9
Save:Patient H.M. by Luke Dittrich is a nonfiction book that delves into the life of Henry Molaison, a patient whose ability to retain new memories was destroyed by surgical lobotomies. The book explores the history of brain surgery, specifically focusing on lobotomies and the impact they had on patients like Henry. Written by the grandson of the surgeon who operated on Henry, the book also intertwines the author's personal family history with the broader scientific study of memory and mental health practices.
In the northwest corner of Colt Park, in downtown Hartford, Connecticut, a ten-foot-tall bronze statue of the park’s namesake rose from a granite pedestal. Engraved tributes to Samuel Colt, inventor o... - #10
Save:'The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum' by Heinrich Boll revolves around the story of Katharina, an ordinary woman whose life is turned upside down by irresponsible journalism, leading her to commit a shocking crime. The novel, narrated in a detached and factual manner, delves into the consequences of sensationalistic news stories and the destructive power of the tabloid press on individuals' lives. Through a methodical exploration of events, the author highlights the impact of distorted reporting, misquoted witnesses, and public reaction, showcasing how a chance encounter and biased journalism can lead to tragic outcomes.
Boll's writing style in 'The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum' is praised for its dry, factual tone that contrasts with the sensationalistic twist on the factual subject matter. The novel skillfully critiques the tabloid press and society's tendency to jump on sensational news without questioning its truthfulness. With a narrative that is both powerful and touching, the book raises important questions about the role of the press as a moral compass and the manipulation of public opinion for political agendas, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read.
