Books matching: wager with the devil
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Save:The Wager by Donna Jo Napoli is a gripping retelling of the Sicilian fairy tale, Don Giovanni de la Fortuna. The story centers around Don Giovanni, a handsome and wealthy young man, who loses everything in a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Reduced to a life of begging, he reluctantly accepts a wager from a stranger, which later turns out to be the devil in disguise. The deal requires him to refrain from washing for three years, three months, and three days. This leads to a journey filled with physical suffering, isolation, and a transformative redemption as he navigates his new life.
Napoli's writing style captivates readers with vivid descriptions that bring to life Giovanni’s emotional and physical struggles. The novel balances dark themes with moments of compassion and growth. Despite the heavy subject matter, it is an engaging read that maintains a sense of adventure. Readers appreciate the depth of the protagonist and the moral lessons on humility and kindness. While some found the ending abrupt, many were left emotionally fulfilled and entertained, making it a strong addition to fairy tale retellings.
April 2010•266 pages - #2
Save:A classic that rewards deep reading - rich, poetic, and thought-provoking, but best approached with patience (and maybe a guide or two on hand).
Goethe's Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a captivating exploration of ambition, morality, and the human condition. The book delves deep into existential and moral fabric as Faust deals with the devil, seeking after gold, influence, power, and more, only to face twisted outcomes. The tale of Faust is a probing poetical tract on the nature of good and evil, salvation and damnation, failing and striving, all while presenting a great love story and a profound insight into the human soul.
1839•488 pages - #3
Save:A refreshingly whimsical Regency romance with supernatural twists - funny, sweet, and heartwarming, with just enough darkness to make the light shine brighter. Great for adventurous romance readers looking to mix things up!
The Hourglass by Barbara Metzger is a historical romance novel with a paranormal twist. The story follows Ar, a grim reaper who becomes human again for six months in a wager with the Devil. Ar is determined to find his humanity during this time, and he meets Imogene, a pregnant widow, with whom he embarks on a journey of redemption and love. The writing style sparkles with humor, while the plot unfolds with Ar and Imogene's evolving relationship as they strive to make the world a better place while finding solace in each other's hearts.
He was sick to death of his job. No, he was Death, or one of them, anyway. Collecting the departed was too much work for just one man. Why, a good influenza epidemic could keep a legion of death deale...March 2007•372 pages Brilliant, disturbing, and memorable - this is a must-read true crime that exposes both a devastating injustice and the birth of modern FBI, while shining a long-overdue spotlight on the resilience of the Osage people.
'Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI' by David Grann delves into the disturbing history of the Osage tribe in Oklahoma, who were targeted for their wealth derived from oil reserves on their land. As mysterious deaths plague the tribe, the narrative uncovers a vast conspiracy orchestrated by local whites to steal the tribal wealth. The involvement of the newly formed FBI, led by ex Texas rangers, sheds light on the depths of corruption and greed that characterized this dark period in American history. intricately weaves together the detailed accounts of murders, investigations, and the systematic exploitation of the Osage people, leaving readers shocked by the extent of institutional evil and racial injustice.
Grann's storytelling skillfully intertwines the historical events with a gripping narrative, highlighting the horrors faced by the Osage tribe and the relentless pursuit of justice by the FBI agents. The detailed research and investigative reporting provide a comprehensive understanding of the crimes committed against the Osage people, while also shedding light on the limitations of the rule of law during that era. not only uncovers a forgotten chapter of American history but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring presence of greed, corruption, and racial discrimination in society.
In April, millions of tiny flowers spread over the blackjack hills and vast prairies in the Osage territory of Oklahoma. There are Johnny-jump-ups and spring beauties and little bluets. The Osage writ...April 2017•362 pagesA well-researched, thrilling plunge into jungle exploration and obsession - perfect for fans of gripping real-life mysteries, but less so for those needing tidy endings or uninterested in historical adventure.
'The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon' by David Grann delves into the life and disappearance of British explorer Percy Fawcett as he embarks on a quest to find a legendary lost civilization in the Amazon jungle. Alternating between Fawcett's expeditions and Grann's own journey to retrace Fawcett's steps, the book seamlessly weaves together historical accounts and modern investigations, creating a gripping narrative that blurs the lines between reality and myth. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Grann brings to life the dangers, mysteries, and obsessions that have surrounded Fawcett's enigmatic fate.
Grann's writing style in 'The Lost City of Z' has been praised for its ability to captivate readers with a narrative that reads like fiction while being rooted in historical events. paints a vivid picture of Fawcett's relentless pursuit of the mythical city of Z, his encounters with the unforgiving Amazon environment, and the subsequent quests by others to unravel the mystery of his disappearance. With a blend of personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and exploratory insights, Grann immerses readers in a tale of adventure, obsession, and the enduring allure of the unknown.
On a cold January day in 1925, a tall, distinguished gentleman hurried across the docks in Hoboken, New Jersey, toward the SS Vauban, a five-hundred-and-eleven-foot ocean liner bound for Rio de Janeir...February 2009•397 pages- #6
Save:A gripping blend of high-stakes history and lurid true crime set in turn-of-the-century Chicago. An engrossing, atmospheric read for anyone who loves history that feels stranger (and more thrilling) than fiction - but those hoping for pure true crime or pure architectural history might want to adjust their expectations.
"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson delves into two parallel stories set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. One storyline follows the ambitious architect Daniel Burnham as he strives to create the greatest World's Fair ever seen, while the other narrative focuses on Dr. H.H. Holmes, who becomes the first mass murderer in U.S. history. intricately weaves together the challenges of organizing the fair with the chilling crimes committed by Holmes, creating a captivating blend of history and true crime. Readers are taken on a journey through the bustling city of Chicago, where the grandeur of the fair contrasts with the darkness of Holmes' actions, all presented in a narrative that reads like a suspense novel.
THE DATE WAS APRIL 14, 1912, a sinister day in maritime history, but of course the man in suite 63–65, shelter deck C, did not yet know it. What he did know was that his foot hurt badly, more than he...2002•520 pages
