War

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The Gift of Rain - Thryft
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Tan Twan Eng | Myrmidon Books

The Gift of Rain

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Penang, 1939. Sixteen-year-old Philip Hutton is a loner. Half English, half Chinese and feeling neither, he discovers a sense of belonging in an unexpected friendship with Hayato Endo, a Japanese diplomat. Philip shows his new friend around his adored island of Penang, and in return Endo trains him in the art and discipline of aikido. But such knowledge comes at a terrible price. The enigmatic Endo is bound by disciplines of his own and when the Japanese invade Malaya, threatening to destroy Philip's family and everything he loves, he realises that his trusted sensei - to whom he owes absolute loyalty - has been harbouring a devastating secret.Philip must risk everything in an attempt to save those he has placed in mortal danger and discover who and what he really is. With masterful and gorgeous narrative, replete with exotic and captivating images, sounds and aromas - of rain swept beaches, magical mountain temples, pungent spice warehouses, opulent colonial ballrooms and fetid and forbidding rainforests - Tan Twan Eng weaves a haunting and unforgettable story of betrayal, barbaric cruelty, steadfast courage and enduring love.
First They Killed My Father : A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers - Thryft
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From a childhood survivor of Cambodia's brutal Pol Pot regime comes anunforgettable narrative of war crimes and desperate actions, the unnervingstrength of a small girl and her family, and their triumph of spirit. Until the age of five, Lounge Ung lived in Phnom Penh, one of seven childrenof a high-ranking government official. She was a precocious child who lovedthe open city markets, fried crickets, chicken fights, and sassing herparents. While her beautiful mother worried that Loung was atroublemaker--that she stomped around like a thirsty cow--her beloved fatherknew Lounge was a clever girl. When Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge army stormed into Phnom Penh in April 1975, Ung's family fled their home and moved from village to village to hide theiridentity, their education, their former life of privilege. Eventually, thefamily dispersed in order to survive. Because Lounge was resilient and determined, she was trained as a childsoldier in a work camp for orphans, while other siblings were sent to laborcamps. As the Vietnamese penetrated Cambodia, destroying the Khmer Rouge,Loung and her surviving siblings were slowly reunited.Bolstered by the shocking bravery of one brother, the vision of theothers--and sustained be her sister's gentle kindness amid brutality--Loungforged on to create for herself a courageous new life.
The Garden of Evening Mists - Thryft
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Tan Twan Eng | Myrmidon

The Garden of Evening Mists

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Malaya, 1949. After studying law at Cambrige and time spent helping to prosecute Japanese war criminals, Yun Ling Teoh seeks solace among the jungle fringed plantations of Northern Malaya where she grew up as a child.
The Rape of Nanking : The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II - Thryft
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In December 1937, the Japanese army swept into the ancient city of Nanking. Within weeks, more than 300,000 Chinese civilians were systematically raped, tortured, and murdered?a death toll exceeding that of the atomic blasts of Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined. Using extensive interviews with survivors and newly discovered documents, Iris Chang has written what will surely be the definitive history of this horrifying episode. The Rape of Nanking tells the story from three perspectives: of the Japanese soldiers who performed it, of the Chinese civilians who endured it, and of a group of Europeans and Americans who refused to abandon the city and were able to create a safety zone that saved almost 300,000 Chinese. Among these was the Nazi John Rabe, an unlikely hero whom Chang calls the "Oskar Schindler of China" and who worked tirelessly to protect the innocent and publicize the horror. More than just narrating the details of an orgy of violence, The Rape of Nanking analyzes the militaristic culture that fostered in the Japanese soldiers a total disregard for human life. Finally, it tells the appalling story: about how the advent of the Cold War led to a concerted effort on the part of the West and even the Chinese to stifle open discussion of this atrocity. Indeed, Chang characterizes this conspiracy of silence, that persists to this day, as "a second rape."
The Places in Between
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Rory Stewart | Picador

The Places in Between

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If you're drawn to true adventure and cultural immersion, Rory Stewart's "The Places In Between" provides a rare, ground-level glimpse into the heart of Afghanistan during a tumultuous period. Stewart's perilous on-foot trek is bound to stir admiration for his endurance and appreciation for the complexities and kindnesses of Afghan society. This book isn't just about geography—it's a voyage into human resilience and connection in the face of adversity.
How We Disappeared : Longlisted for the Women's Fiction Prize 2020 - Thryft
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A beautiful, stunningly ambitious tale of endurance, identity, and memory, for fans of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko and Georgia Hunter's We Were the Lucky Ones.Singapore, 1942. As Japanese troops sweep down Malaysia and into Singapore, a village is ransacked. Only three survivors remain, one of them a tiny child.In a neighbouring village, seventeen-year-old Wang Di is bundled into the back of a troop carrier and shipped off to a Japanese military rape camp. In the year 2000, her mind is still haunted by her experiences there, but she has long been silent about her memories of that time. It takes twelve-year-old Kevin, and the mumbled confession he overhears from his ailing grandmother, to set in motion a journey into the unknown to discover the truth.Weaving together two timelines and two life-changing secrets, How We Disappeared is an evocative, profoundly moving and utterly dazzling novel heralding the arrival of a new literary star.
The Long March - Thryft
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Sun Shuyun | Harper Perennial

The Long March

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Every nation has its founding myth, and for modern China it is the Long March. In 1934, the fledgling Communist Party and its 200,000 strong armies were forced out of their bases by Chiang Kaishek and his National troops.Walking more than 10,000 miles over mountains, grassland and swamps, they suffered appalling casualties and ended up in the remote barren North. Just one-fifth survived; they went on to launch the new China in the heat of revolution. A legend was born. Justified by a remarkable feat, the Long March was also a triumph of propaganda, for Mao and for the revolution.Seventy years later Sun Shuyun set out to retrace the Marchers’ steps. The rugged landscape has changed little. Her greatest difficult was in wrestling with the scenes lodged in her mind since childhood, part of the upbringing of every Chinese. On each stage of her journey, she found hidden the ruthless purges, the terrible toll of hunger and disease, the fate of women on the March, the huge number of desertions, the futile deaths.The real story of the March, the most vivid pictures, come from the veterans whom Sun Shuyun has found. She follows their trail through all those harsh miles, discovers their faith and disillusion, their pain and their hopes, and also recounts how many suffered even after the March’s end in 1936.‘The Long March’ was an epic journey of endurance, even more severe than history books say, and courage against impossible odds. It is a brave, exciting and tragic story. Sun Shuyun tells it for the first time, as it really happened.
The Gendarme - Thryft
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Mark Mustian | Berkley

The Gendarme

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Recommended for readers interested in exploring the complexities of memory and forgiveness, this book follows the journey of a World War I veteran who begins to remember his past actions as a gendarme marching Armenians out of Turkey. As he attempts to make amends with one woman he spared, readers will be struck by the powerful meditation on the effects of war on the individual psyche.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North - Thryft
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Richard Flanagan | Chatto & Windus

The Narrow Road to the Deep North

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A novel of the cruelty of war, and tenuousness of life and the impossibility of love.Richard Flanagan's story — of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian doctor haunted by a love affair with his uncle's wife — journeys from the caves of Tasmanian trappers in the early twentieth century to a crumbling pre-war beachside hotel, from a Thai jungle prison to a Japanese snow festival, from the Changi gallows to a chance meeting of lovers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.Taking its title from 17th-century haiku poet Basho's travel journal, The Narrow Road To The Deep North is about the impossibility of love. At its heart is one day in a Japanese slave labour camp in August 1943. As the day builds to its horrific climax, Dorrigo Evans battles and fails in his quest to save the lives of his fellow POWs, a man is killed for no reason, and a love story unfolds.
Trafalgar Sunrise - Thryft
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Danielle Lim | Marshall Cavendish International (asia)

Trafalgar Sunrise

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This book would be a good read for someone who is looking for a powerful and emotionally charged story. Trafalgar Sunrise takes you on a journey through time, exploring themes of love, grief, and the indomitable spirit of the human soul. As you follow Grace Hwang's battle against the SARS virus and her quest to reunite a mother with her long-lost daughter, you'll be captivated by the depth of the characters and the intricate interweaving of past and present. Through elegant prose and vivid storytelling, this novel will immerse you in a world where choices have consequences, and where redemption can be found even in the darkest of times. It is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of connection.
Breaking the Tongue : A Novel - Thryft
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Vyvyane Loh | W. W. Norton & Company

Breaking the Tongue : A Novel

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This brilliant novel chronicles the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in World War II. Central to the story is one Chinese family: Claude, raised to be more British than the British and ashamed of his own heritage; his father, Humphrey, whose Anglophilia blinds him to possible defeat and his wife's dalliances; and the redoubtable Grandma Siok, whose sage advice falls on deaf ears. Expatriates, spies, fifth columnists, and nationalists—including the elusive young woman Ling-Li—mingle in this exotic culture as the Japanese threat looms. Beset by the horror of war and betrayal and, finally, torture, Claude must embrace his true heritage. In the extraordinary final paragraphs of the novel, the language itself breaks into Chinese. With penetrating observation, Vyvyane Loh unfolds the coming-of-age story of a young man and a nation, a story that deals with myth, race, and class, with the ways language shapes perceptions, and with the intrigue and suffering of war. Reading group guide included.
Spy Stories: Inside the Secret World of the RAW and the ISI
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If you're drawn to the clandestine world of espionage and geopolitical tensions, "Spy Stories: Inside the Secret World of the RAW and the ISI" could quench your curiosity. It offers a unique, dual perspective on India-Pakistan relations—a narrative not just about spies but about the intricate dance between two powerful intelligence agencies. Adrian Levy and Cathy Scott-Clark's investigative prowess provides an eye-opening journey into key events that have shaped South Asia, revealing the unseen battles and the high stakes involved. It's a gripping read that pulls you into the intelligence quagmire, perfect for anyone interested in real-life spy drama and international politics.
Thirty-Six Stratagems
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Wang Xuanming | Asiapac

Thirty-Six Stratagems

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This book would be a good read for those who are interested in military history and strategic thinking. The unique appeal of "Thirty-six Stratagems" lies in its visual representation of these ancient Chinese military tactics, which makes it easy to understand and engaging to read. Through captivating illustrations and well-developed characters, the book explores how deception, subterfuge, and hidden tactics can be used to achieve military objectives. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply enjoy a good strategy game, this book is sure to leave you inspired and intrigued by the ingenuity and bravery displayed by its characters.
Joseph Conrad: the Eastern Sto : The Eastern Sto - Thryft
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Joseph Conrad | Penguin

Joseph Conrad: the Eastern Sto : The Eastern Sto

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This collection brings together Conrad's most representative stories from South-East Asia, set in Java, Borneo, Singapore and Sumatra. They portray life during a period of rapid colonial expansion when society was changing dramatically. The characters are captured in moments of confrontation, often tragic, between differing ways of life, as European culture comes into conflict with indigenous Malay traditions. Included " A Narrative", " A Memory", "The End of the Tether", "The Lagoon", "Because of the Dollars" and "The Secret Sharer".
The Garden of Evening Mists - Thryft
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Tan Twan Eng | Canongate

The Garden of Evening Mists

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"The Garden of Evening Mists" is a powerful exploration of memory, history, and personal healing. Through Yun Ling's search for a way to remember and honor her sister, the book transports readers to the stunning landscapes of Malaya during the aftermath of World War II and the Japanese Occupation. Eng's writing is evocative and sensual, and readers will be drawn into Yun Ling's story and her complex relationship with Aritomo, the enigmatic Japanese gardener who teaches her the art of creating a garden. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, complex characters, and stories of redemption.
Joss And Gold - Thryft
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Shirley Geok-Lin Lim | Marshall Cavendish Children's Books

Joss And Gold

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"Joss and Gold" is an excellent read for those interested in exploring the complexities of societal expectations and personal desire. Shirley Lim's lush portrayal of Li An's inner conflict, set against the backdrop of political turmoil in 1960s Kuala Lumpur, is both captivating and nuanced. The novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of gender roles, social mores, and the struggle to find one's true self.
The Gift of Rain - Thryft
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Tan Twan Eng | Myrmidon Books

The Gift of Rain

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A beautiful tale of self-discovery amidst war.
The Garden of Evening Mists - Thryft
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Tan Twan Eng | Canongate

The Garden of Evening Mists

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If the interplay of history and personal journey appeals to you, "The Garden of Evening Mists" by Tan Twan Eng is a brilliant pick. The prose will transport you to Malaya's lush landscapes, creating a vivid backdrop to a story of loss, resilience, and the impermanence of life as seen through the garden's ephemeral beauty. Eng's skillful narration promises an engrossing and reflective experience.
The Quiet American - Thryft
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Zadie Smith, Graham Greene  | Vintage Classics

The Quiet American

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"The Quiet American is a must-read for political thriller enthusiasts who enjoy stories revolving around war, political espionage, and morality. Graham Greene's tale draws an ominous picture of a young American agent's naive idealism turned fatal in war-torn Vietnam. The complex interplay of personal, political, and moral motives of the lead characters makes the story a compulsive page-turner that will leave readers pondering over the devastating cost of American interventionism across the world."
China Coast Trilogy: Chinese Box; Change of Flag; Shanghai - Thryft
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Dive into the rich tapestry of China's history, witnessing its incredible transformation over three generations. Christopher New's China Coast Trilogy takes you on an unforgettable journey through Chinese Box, Change of Flag, and Shanghai. Immerse yourself in a captivating historical saga that brings to life the trials and triumphs of a changing nation. This trilogy is perfect for fans of sweeping historical epics and anyone fascinated by Chinese culture and history. Prepare to be enthralled by the enthralling characters and immersive storytelling that will transport you to another time and place.
Witnessing Gwangju - A Memoir - Thryft
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Paul Courtright | Hollym International Corp.

Witnessing Gwangju - A Memoir

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This book, Witnessing Gwangju, is an incredibly powerful and eye-opening memoir that captures the essence of the life-changing Gwangju Uprising. Through the vivid and gripping narration of Paul Courtright, you are transported back in time to witness the tragic events and the incredible bravery of the people involved. It is a story of courage, resilience, and the profound impact that one person's actions can have on the world. Prepare to be moved and inspired by this unforgettable firsthand account.
The Railway Man - Thryft
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Eric Lomax | Vintage Books

The Railway Man

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The Railway Man is a powerful memoir of Eric Lomax's experience as a prisoner of war in WWII, and his journey decades later to confront one of his captors. The book is recommended for those interested in stories of resilience and forgiveness after trauma.
The Rape Of Nanking - The Forgotten Holocaust Of World War II - Thryft
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This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, specifically the atrocities committed during war. The author presents a well-researched and detailed account of the horrific events that took place, giving a voice to the victims and shedding light on a forgotten chapter in history.
First They Killed My Father : A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers - Thryft
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This book would be a good read for those who appreciate powerful true stories of resilience and courage. Loung Ung's firsthand account of surviving the Khmer Rouge and the killing fields in Cambodia will leave you captivated and moved. Through the eyes of a young girl, you will witness the atrocities of war and the unbreakable spirit of the human soul. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of history.
Marilyn and Me - Thryft
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Chi Young Kim, Ji-min Lee  | Fourth Estate

Marilyn and Me

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This book is a captivating historical fiction that beautifully weaves together the lives of two women from vastly different backgrounds. Through the unexpected friendship between Alice, a Korean war survivor, and Marilyn Monroe, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and healing. The author's portrayal of their connection is both tender and powerful, showcasing the transformative power of unlikely friendships. Marilyn and Me is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and stories that explore the resilience of the human spirit.
Masked Dolls - Thryft
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Chiung-Yu Shih, Poppy Toland, Xinlin Wang  | Balestier Press

Masked Dolls

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An Australian woman, burdened by the original sin of her Caucasian ancestors, and a Taiwanese woman, haunted by the memories of 100 years of conflict in her homeland, meet as backpackers while travelling in South Korea. As they live and travel together, two women in flight, one from the East and the other from the West, struggle to find a way out of their personal dilemmas. * * * Shortly after the dawn of the new millennium, Judy and Jiaying are thrown together in a youth hostel in Seoul, both having escaped long-term relationships. Their arrival in Seoul in the first year of the 21st century coincides with passionate anti-American demonstrations on the streets of the city, as South Koreans protest against US troops being stationed in their country, western hegemony and the manipulations of arms dealers. Anti-American sentiment spreads like wildfire. Judy’s parents hail from Britain and France, meet in Paris during a volatile period in French history – the student movement of 1968 – and later migrate to Australia to begin a new life. After her parents part, Judy abandons racial and cultural prejudice and, while studying in Tokyo, falls in love with Zhou, a Chinese student from Beijing. But this stormy relationship eventually culminates in violence and Judy, fleeing its demise, escapes to Seoul. Jiaying’s family are from war-torn China, which, in the 19th century had suffered invasion and colonisation by the British and French; in the 20th century had been occupied by the Japanese, under the pretext of liberating Asia from Western imperialists; and was then convulsed by a Communist revolution propped up by the Russians. Having both fought in and sought to escape the wars, Jiaying’s grandparents and parents eventually settle in Taiwan, carrying with them the scars of a century of conflict. Attempting to begin a new life on this island of exiles, they struggle to come to terms with the humiliation that generations of Chinese people had suffered. Jiaying, twelve years older than Judy, becomes her only confidante, as the younger woman pours out her frustrations. Judy still loves her Chinese boyfriend, but could never really understand him. In Judy’s painful struggle to come to terms with the past, Jiaying is reminded of her own history, from which she still seeks an escape. Nationalism that has wounded and distorted history time and again over the last hundred years; violence as a consequence of sexuality repressed by Confucianism … as Jiaying began her relationship with a European man, these things had begun to seep into her life. Judy’s story gives Jiaying a channel to sort out her own thoughts and gradually begin the healing process. And yet, even as the women forge new paths through the emotional jungle of their lives, violence once again shatters the potential for peace of mind. * * * " Masked Dolls is an unusual look at how the metaphorical shrinking of the world affects people at an individual level. It considers a number of consequences, particularly for the novel never fails to remind us that we live in a patriarchal society which will not tolerate interracial relationships. Masked Dolls is one of those rare books which after reading reveals itself to be greater than the sum of its parts. Brutal, intense, fascinating."--- The Writes of Woman .
First They Killed My Father : A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers - Thryft
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This book is a powerful and poignant memoir of a young girl's survival of the Cambodian genocide. Loung Ung's story is horrific and devastating, yet it is also a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Readers will be moved by the bravery and resilience demonstrated by Loung and her family, and gain a deeper understanding of the atrocities committed under Pol Pot's regime. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, social justice, and the triumph of hope over despair.
Teochew Red Hokkien Green : A Story of Early Singapore - Thryft
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"Teochew Red Hokkien Green" is a historical fiction novel that takes readers to the early days of Singapore, where the mix of cultures and beliefs becomes the catalyst of the story. It paints a vivid picture of the life of three ambitious men from different backgrounds, who form an unbreakable bond through adversities and conflicts. The author weaves a gripping narrative of loyalty, trust and brotherhood, that is both entertaining and informative, and will definitely leave readers wanting more.
Destined for War : can America and China escape Thucydides' Trap? - Thryft
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"Destined for War is a must-read for those interested in geopolitics. Graham Allison's razor-sharp analysis on Thucydides's Trap is both illuminating and alarming. Through historical parallels, he demonstrates how the US and China are headed for conflict, but also offers solutions to avoid disaster. This book should be read by international leaders and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of global power shifts."
The Man who Collected Women - Thryft
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Nigel Barley | Monsoon Books Pte. Ltd.

The Man who Collected Women

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The eccentric Mr Hare – as he was known to Sophia, the first wife of Singapore founder Thomas Stamford Raffles – and his Asian harem are brought vividly to life in this work of historical fiction set in Southeast Asia. Arthur Grimsby is an ageing expat in 1960s Singapore. Museum curator, ornithologist, freshly bereaved, he fears Singapore's looming independence and his redundancy and tries to complete one final piece of the life story of an eccentric 19th-century Englishman called Alexander Hare. Hare was a trader and slave-owner in the East and a friend of Thomas Stamford Raffles, Lieutenant Governor of Java and the founder of Singapore, but Hare's chief claim to fame is as the creator of an Asian harem, including in his collection women from Java, Bali, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Borneo, the Malay Peninsula, China, India and Africa. Hare's love of women and his assembling of a harem, initially in Borneo and then on an uninhabited atoll that would become the Cocos-Keeling Islands, made him an object of guilty male fantasies and of strident female resentments, the epitome of masculine, colonial exploitation. But Arthur Grimsby's paths are no straighter than Alexander Hare's and the two grow together as their destinies intertwine.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North - Thryft
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Richard Flanagan | Alfred A. Knopf

The Narrow Road to the Deep North

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A novel of the cruelty of war, and tenuousness of life and the impossibility of love.Richard Flanagan's story — of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian doctor haunted by a love affair with his uncle's wife — journeys from the caves of Tasmanian trappers in the early twentieth century to a crumbling pre-war beachside hotel, from a Thai jungle prison to a Japanese snow festival, from the Changi gallows to a chance meeting of lovers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.Taking its title from 17th-century haiku poet Basho's travel journal, The Narrow Road To The Deep North is about the impossibility of love. At its heart is one day in a Japanese slave labour camp in August 1943. As the day builds to its horrific climax, Dorrigo Evans battles and fails in his quest to save the lives of his fellow POWs, a man is killed for no reason, and a love story unfolds.
How We Disappeared : LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2020 - Thryft
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A beautiful, stunningly ambitious tale of endurance, identity, and memory, for fans of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko and Georgia Hunter's We Were the Lucky Ones.Singapore, 1942. As Japanese troops sweep down Malaysia and into Singapore, a village is ransacked. Only three survivors remain, one of them a tiny child.In a neighbouring village, seventeen-year-old Wang Di is bundled into the back of a troop carrier and shipped off to a Japanese military rape camp. In the year 2000, her mind is still haunted by her experiences there, but she has long been silent about her memories of that time. It takes twelve-year-old Kevin, and the mumbled confession he overhears from his ailing grandmother, to set in motion a journey into the unknown to discover the truth.Weaving together two timelines and two life-changing secrets, How We Disappeared is an evocative, profoundly moving and utterly dazzling novel heralding the arrival of a new literary star.
The Ghost Who Pinched Me - Thryft
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This book is a must-read for those who appreciate beautifully written stories of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of a young girl during wartime. Through the innocent and heartfelt perspective of ten-year-old Bee Ling, readers will be drawn into the intimate world of sisterhood, discovering the power of familial bonds and the enduring strength that lies within. Mabel Gan's unflinching clarity and evocative storytelling will leave you haunted and moved long after you turn the last page.
Azadi - Freedom. Fascism. Fiction - Thryft
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Arundhati Roy | Penguin

Azadi - Freedom. Fascism. Fiction

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If you're feeling the pull to understand the complexities of modern freedom struggles and to dive into the depths of personal and political discourse, Arundhati Roy's "Azadi" could be just the provocation you need. Her sharp essays blend the personal with the political, challenging you to contemplate the state of the world through the insightful eyes of a seasoned activist. This might be a revelatory read for you, especially in these times of global upheaval—it’s an invitation to ponder and to act.
The Quiet American : Discover Graham Green's prescient political masterpiece - Thryft
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An alternative cover edition for this ISBN can be found here.Into the intrigue and violence of Indo-China comes Pyle, a young idealistic American sent to promote democracy through a mysterious 'Third Force'. As his naive optimism starts to cause bloodshed, his friend Fowler, a cynical foreign correspondent, finds it hard to stand aside and watch. But even as he intervenes he wonders why: for the sake of politics, or for love?
The Sympathizer : A Novel (Pulitzer Prize for Fiction) - Thryft
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This book could be a good read for someone who enjoys suspenseful spy novels with a unique twist. The Sympathizer stands out because it navigates the complexities of identity and captures the aftermath of the Vietnam War in a truly gripping way. Readers will be drawn in by the protagonist's dual identity and torn loyalties, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
The Rape of Nanking : The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II - Thryft
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The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang grips you with an unflinching look at historical atrocities that are often overlooked or denied. Chang's meticulous research and compelling narrative pay respect to the victims and serve as a sobering reflection on the worst of human behaviors during war. It's a powerful, important read for those interested in World War II history or human rights.
The Garden of Evening Mists - Thryft
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Tan Twan Eng | Canongate Canons

The Garden of Evening Mists

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This book, "The Garden of Evening Mists," would be a good read for those who appreciate intricate storytelling and historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of war and memory, the book explores the depths of human emotions, love, and the power of art. With its beautifully described gardens and secrets waiting to be unveiled, this novel is a captivating journey of self-discovery and remembrance.
The Garden of Evening Mists - Thryft
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Tan Twan Eng | Myrmidon Books Ltd

The Garden of Evening Mists

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This book is a mesmerizing exploration of love, loss, and redemption set against the backdrop of post-war Malaya. With its intricate storylines and beautifully descriptive prose, "The Garden of Evening Mists" transports readers to a world filled with lush gardens, hidden secrets, and deep emotional connections. It is a must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction and are drawn to stories that delve into the complexities of human nature.
A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain - Thryft
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Robert Olen Butler | No Exit Press

A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain

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The Vietnam War continues to play itself out in fiction, autobiography, and history books, but no American author has captured the experiences of the Vietnamese themselves--and caught their voices--more tellingly than Robert Olen Butler, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for A Good Scent From a Strange Mountain. The 15 stories collected here, all written in the first person, blend Vietnamese folklore, the terrible, lingering memories of war, American pop culture and family drama. Butler's literary ventriloquism, as he mines the experiences of a people with a great literary tradition of their own, is uncanny; but his talents as a writer of universal truths is what makes this a collection for the ages.
The Railway Man (Vintage War) Exp - Thryft
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Lomax Eric | Vintage Books

The Railway Man (Vintage War) Exp

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Recommendation: "The Railway Man" is a gripping tale of wartime suffering and the courage to face and ultimately overcome torment. Lomax's story of intense physical and emotional pain offers an unflinching look at the brutality of war, but also a glimmer of hope in the form of redemption, forgiveness, and healing. This book is a must-read for those interested in the impact of war on individuals and society alike.
Mao: The Unknown Story - Thryft
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Jung Chang, Jon Halliday  | Anchor

Mao: The Unknown Story

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If you're intrigued by the complexities of political giants, "Mao: The Unknown Story" could be a riveting exploration for you. It unpacks the life of Mao Zedong beyond the propagated myths, revealing shocking truths through meticulous research. This book shines a light on the darker facets of his rule and his influence on global history, making it a captivating read for anyone interested in the real stories behind powerful figures.
One Fourteenth of an Elephant : A Memoir of Life and Death on the Burma-Thailand Railway - Thryft
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"One Fourteenth of an Elephant" is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the suffering, bravery, and struggle for survival of the prisoners of war and slave laborers on the Thai-Burma death railway. The author, Denys Peek, uses a present-tense narrative that gives readers a haunting and deeply moving testimony of the daily realities of those who lived and died on the railway. This book is highly recommended for those interested in history, memoirs, and stories that showcase the greatest examples of humanity and courage amidst great inhumanity and brutality.
The Girl in the Picture: The Story of Kim Phuc, Whose Image Altered the Course of the Vietnam War - Thryft
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This book could be a good read for you if you are interested in compelling true stories that showcase the strength of the human spirit. Through the story of Kim Phuc, known as the "napalm girl," this book takes you on a journey of survival, resilience, and the devastating effects of war. It explores the impact of a single photograph on the course of the Vietnam War and highlights the struggles faced by Kim Phuc as she tries to navigate between war, fame, and personal healing. Prepare to be moved and inspired by this powerful and thought-provoking account.
After Tamerlane : The Rise and Fall of Global Empires, 1400-2000 - Thryft
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Tamerlane, the Ottomans, the Mughals, the Manchus, the British, the Soviets, the Japanese and the Nazis. All built empires they hoped would last all were destined to fail. But, as John Darwin shows in his magnificent book, their empire building created the world we know today. From the death of Tamerlane in 1405, last of the ‘world conquerors’, to the rise and fall of European empires, and from America’s growing colonial presence to the resurgence of India and China as global economic powers, After Tamerlane provides a wonderfully intriguing perspective on the past, present and future of empires.
River of Time - Thryft
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Jon Swain | Random House

River of Time

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Goodreads rating: 4.15

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"River of Time" is a captivating personal account of the five years Jon Swain spent living in the lands of the Mekong river. Readers who enjoy personal narratives about adventure and self-discovery in exotic locales will appreciate this book. Swain does an excellent job of portraying the region’s incredible natural beauty while also delving deeply into the violence and corruption that plagued the area. He writes with a poignant honesty that resonates long after the final page is turned.
Setting the East Ablaze: On Secret Service in Bolshevik Asia - Thryft
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If you're fascinated by the unsung chess game of history where espionage meets revolutionary fervor, "Setting the East Ablaze" offers a front-row seat to the shadowy clash between Bolshevik agents and British spies in Asia. Hopkirk stitches a narrative as thrilling as any spy novel but grounded in the gritty reality of political struggle, making it a mesmerizing read.
The Good Man of Nanking : The Diaries of John Rabe - Thryft
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In November 1937, the Japanese Imperial Army took Nanking (Nanjing), the capital of China and home to 1.3 million people, and began an orgy of murder, rape, and looting. By the time discipline was restored two months later, hundreds of thousands of Chinese were dead, with hundreds of thousands more homeless, starving, and traumatized. The Rape of Nanking, as it is commonly known, still causes international controversy, as Japanese politicians refuse to apologize unequivocally to China and school textbooks continue to misrepresent the events. Like Oskar Schindler of Schindler's List , John Rabe was an enterprising and fundamentally decent German businessman caught up in war. Head of the Nanjing branch of Siemens, the German electronics firm, he had lived and worked in China for almost 30 years. Rather than flee from the threatened city, he stayed to organize a safety zone as refuge of last resort for Chinese civilians. The Good Man of Nanking is his firsthand description of the terrible events and his ultimate success in saving perhaps a quarter of a million lives. The diary format provides a forum for the extraordinary power and immediacy of John Rabe's words, including his gallows humor, placing the reader there in Nanking as the bombs explode and the Japanese soldiers begin their massacres. Rabe's trials were not over when he returned to wartime Germany; diary entries that he wrote during the occupation of Berlin by the Soviet army form a fascinating coda to this book. --John Stevenson
The Wages Of Guilt - Memories Of War In Germany And Japan - Thryft
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If you're intrigued by history and its psychological aftermath, "The Wages Of Guilt" could offer you a profound look into how nations grapple with dark pasts. Ian Buruma's exploration into Germany and Japan's dealing with war legacies is as thought-provoking as it is enlightening, providing a deep dive into collective memory and the complexity of national conscience. This book not only educates but also invites reflection on the long shadows cast by historical events.
The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why It Matters - Thryft
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B.R. Myers | Melville House

The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why It Matters

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Goodreads rating: 3.91

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If you’ve ever puzzled over North Korea's enigmatic presence on the world stage, "The Cleanest Race" could be a revealing read for you. B.R. Myers delves beyond common Western perceptions to unearth the deeply rooted propaganda and nationalist ideology shaping North Korean society. This book might change your understanding of the DPRK, illuminating the complex interplay of history, myth, and politics in a way that's as fascinating as it is vital for grasping current international dynamics.