Books matching: wealth and class divides
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- #1
Save:A bold, inventive reimagining of Beowulf packed with poetic prose, raw emotion, and fresh perspectives - perfect if you crave something daring and different in modern literature.
'The Mere Wife' by Maria Dahvana Headley is a modern retelling of Beowulf set in the American suburbs, focusing on the lives of Dana Mills, a shell-shocked veteran living in a mountain with her son Gren, and Willa Herot, a privileged suburbanite dealing with her son Dylan's imaginary friend. The book explores themes of motherhood, female relationships, class divide, and the consequences of human actions, all while incorporating elements of surrealism and clever wordplay. The plot unfolds with intense psychological drama, blood-soaked storylines, and a lyrical writing style that captures the essence of the original Beowulf tale while adding a modern twist.
Listen. Long after the end of everything is supposed to have occurred, long after apocalypses have been calculated by cults and calendared by computers, long after the world has ceased believing in mi...July 2018•320 pages - #2
Save:A beautifully detailed and ambitious slice of historical fiction that brings 1901 Buffalo to life. If you’re in the mood for rich atmosphere, nuanced characters, and thought-provoking themes, give this one a try - but be prepared for a leisurely pace and a few melodramatic turns.
City of Light by Lauren Belfer is a historical novel set in early 1900s Buffalo, New York, focusing on the building of the Niagra Falls power station and the societal issues of racism and sexism. The story also incorporates a detective element surrounding the mysterious deaths of individuals involved in the power station, creating a blend of historical drama and mystery.
On the first Monday in March 1901, in the early evening when the sound of sleigh bells filled the air, a student unexpectedly knocked at my door. I was accustomed to receiving visitors on Mondays befo...1999•643 pages - #3
Save:Enclave is a smart, urgent dystopian novel that’s uncomfortably close to reality - beautifully written, thought-provoking, and guaranteed to leave you with plenty to ponder long after the last page.
Enclave by Claire G. Coleman presents a dystopian future that closely mirrors current societal issues. The story revolves around 21-year-old Christine, who lives in Safetown, a walled community that represents a chilling vision of privilege and oppression. As she navigates life within this controlled environment, she grapples with the suffocating surveillance and strict societal rules. The plot intensifies when Christine falls in love with Sienna, a servant from the marginalized outside world, leading to her exile from Safetown. This journey exposes her to the harsh realities beyond the Wall, forcing her to confront her privilege and question the system she once accepted.
Coleman's writing style is both evocative and engaging, blending poetic prose with fast-paced, thrilling sequences. The narrative is marked by a blend of familiar and futuristic elements, capturing the reader's attention while addressing pressing social issues such as racism, homophobia, and climate crisis. The characters, particularly Christine, experience significant personal growth, though some supporting characters may feel underdeveloped. Overall, Enclave serves as a powerful reflection on society, urging readers to consider the importance of connection and understanding in a world often driven by fear and division.
June 2022•266 pages - #4
Save:'Poodle Springs' by Raymond Chandler and Robert B. Parker is a posthumous collaboration where Parker completes Chandler's unfinished work. The story follows iconic detective Philip Marlowe as he navigates a new chapter in his life, newly married to Linda, an heiress from Poodle Springs. Marlowe finds himself entangled in a complex plot involving two murders, showcasing Chandler's signature hard-boiled detective style. The novel explores themes of wealth, class divide, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a thinly veiled Palm Springs in the late 1950s.
January 1989•314 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Philip Marlowe ) - #5
Save:A charming mail-order bride mix-up with a plucky heroine and heartfelt growth, though some dated tropes and melodrama may not suit every reader.
'Train Station Bride' in the 'Crawford Family' series by Holly Bush is a historical romance set in the 1800s, focusing on Julia Crawford, a woman from an affluent family who decides to become a mail-order bride to escape her oppressive past. A mix-up at the train station leads to Julia marrying Jake Shelling, a farmer in South Dakota, before they even introduce themselves. The story unfolds as Julia navigates her new life on the farm, facing challenges from her past and building a relationship with Jake amidst unexpected circumstances and family drama. The plot is described as a blend of romance, drama, and self-discovery, with elements of mistaken identity and secrets that threaten to unravel the couple's newfound happiness.
The interactions between the main characters, Julia and Jake, as well as the secondary characters, are highlighted as a strong point in the book. The narrative explores themes of love, acceptance, forgiveness, and second chances, offering a heartwarming tale of overcoming insecurities and finding one's worth. The writing style is praised for its engaging storytelling, emotional depth, and the way it delves into the characters' inner thoughts and struggles, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
Her mother glided to the door and closed it softly. Julia cocked her ear, waiting for the soft patter of her mother’s slippers on the steps. Only then did she pull the gold chain from her neck and ins...March 2012•216 pages - #6
Save:A soapy, steamy Regency romance chock-full of angst, drama, and second chances. Not for everyone, but great if you crave emotional rollercoasters and red-hot chemistry!
Maggie, Marchioness of Sandhurst, attends a debauched masquerade party with the intention of compromising herself to seek a divorce from her absent husband, Simon, the Marquis of Sandhurst. Despite enduring a year of her husband's infidelity, Maggie finds herself in a passionate affair with Simon at the party. The book explores their complex marriage of convenience, unrequited love, forgiveness, and new beginnings, with a mix of drama, emotions, and twists.
Straight ahead, a masked lady’s nipples were nearly visible above the décolletage of her black evening gown as she sipped champagne and flirted shamelessly with a masked gentleman. To her left, a gent... - #7
Save:A haunting, heartbreakingly poetic sci-fi romance that lingers in your mind - perfect for those craving a thoughtful, beautifully written exploration of love and self-discovery, but perhaps not for fans of fast plots or action-packed adventures.
'The Silver Metal Lover' by Tanith Lee is a science fiction romance set in a future Earth where a young girl named Jane falls in love with a Silver robot. The story explores themes of love, identity, and personal growth as Jane's relationship with Silver leads her to discover new aspects of herself and her existence. The plot delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and societal norms in a futuristic setting shaped by economic and environmental challenges.
I grew up with my mother in Chez Stratos, my mother’s house in the clouds. It’s a beautiful house, but I never knew it was beautiful until people told me so. “How beautiful!” They cried. So I learned...January 1981•296 pages - #8
Save:A biting, clever, and darkly funny portrait of America in turmoil - with a flawed but unforgettable lead. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but a rewarding read for those who appreciate sharp satire and cringe-worthy honesty.
'Lake Success' by Gary Shteyngart follows the journey of Barry Cohen, a wealthy hedge fund manager, who decides to leave his wife and autistic son behind to embark on a Greyhound bus trip across America with a suitcase full of expensive watches. The novel delves into themes of wealth, privilege, self-discovery, and redemption, while offering a satirical commentary on America during the Trump era. The story is told through alternating perspectives, blending humor, absurdity, and poignant moments to create a compelling narrative.
The writing style in 'Lake Success' is engaging and well-crafted, with a mix of laugh-out-loud moments, insightful observations, and vivid characterizations. The author, Gary Shteyngart, skillfully navigates between humor and depth, presenting a cast of flawed and complex characters against the backdrop of a changing America. The novel explores the complexities of human relationships, the pursuit of happiness, and the consequences of living a life driven by materialism.
BARRY COHEN, a man with 2.4 billion dollars of assets under management, staggered into the Port Authority Bus Terminal. He was visibly drunk and bleeding. There was a clean slice above his left brow w...September 2018•368 pages - #9
Save:A poignant, uplifting story with well-drawn, flawed characters, perfect for fans of emotionally charged new adult romance - just be prepared for some heavy themes and yearning for a longer ending!
'Heart Bones' by Colleen Hoover is a heart-wrenching romance novel that follows the journey of Beyah and Samson as they navigate complicated love, heartbreak, loneliness, and self-discovery. The story is filled with raw emotions, unexpected twists, and characters that feel painfully real. Colleen Hoover's writing style captivates readers, drawing them into a beautiful and sweet story of trust, secrets, and personal growth, making it a must-read for fans of romance.
There’s a picture of Mother Teresa that hangs on our living room wall where a television would go if we could afford the kind of television that hangs on the wall, or even a home with the kind of wall...August 2020•346 pages - #10
Save:The middle-grade novel "The Good Thieves" by Katherine Rundell is set in 1920s New York and follows the protagonist Vita on a mission to help her grandfather recover his stolen castle. Vita forms a talented quartet with other children she meets along the way, and together they embark on an action-packed adventure filled with mystery, plot twists, and heartwarming moments. The story is told through the eyes of Vita, a determined and tough young girl who is set on making things right, showcasing themes of grit, determination, and selfless acts of kindness.
The book is described as a romp of an adventure, with vivid descriptions of settings ranging from the gritty streets of New York to the relic of Hudson Castle. The writing style is praised for its rich vocabulary, seamless prose construction, and the wonderfully eclectic mix of colorful characters, including a villainous gangster, a pickpocket, and wanna-be circus stars. The narrative captures the essence of 1920s Manhattan, complete with speakeasies, powerful crooks, and a group of underestimated kids coming together to outwit the villains and restore justice.
August 2019•264 pages
