War

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For Whom The Bell Tolls - Thryft
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Ernest Hemingway | Vintage Classics

For Whom The Bell Tolls

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In 1937 Ernest Hemingway traveled to Spain to cover the civil war there for the North American Newspaper Alliance. Three years later he completed the greatest novel to emerge from "the good fight," For Whom the Bell Tolls. The story of Robert Jordan, a young American in the International Brigades attached to an antifascist guerilla unit in the mountains of Spain, it tells of loyalty and courage, love and defeat, and the tragic death of an ideal. In his portrayal of Jordan's love for the beautiful Maria and his superb account of El Sordo's last stand, in his brilliant travesty of La Pasionaria and his unwillingness to believe in blind faith, Hemingway surpasses his achievement in The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms to create a work at once rare and beautiful, strong and brutal, compassionate, moving and wise. "If the function of a writer is to reveal reality," Maxwell Perkins wrote to Hemingway after reading the manuscript, "no one ever so completely performed it." Greater in power, broader in scope, and more intensely emotional than any of the author's previous works, it stands as one of the best war novels of all time.
4 3 2 1
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Paul Auster | Faber & Faber

4 3 2 1

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If you're intrigued by the idea of how different choices can radically change our paths, "4321" will captivate you. Paul Auster presents four parallel lives of Archie Ferguson, each spun from the same starting points yet unfolding into distinct narratives. The novel's exploration of identity, family, and chance isn't just a compelling read—it's a profound meditation on the 'what-ifs' of life that could keep you thinking long after the last page.
Small Island - Thryft
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Andrea Levy | Picador

Small Island

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SMALL ISLAND IS AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER. IT WON THE ORANGE PRIZE FOR FICTION, THE ORANGE PRIZE FOR FICTION: BEST OF THE BEST, THE WHITBREAD NOVEL AWARD, THE WHITBREAD BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD, AND THE COMMOMWEALTH WRITERS' PRIZE. IT HAS NOW BEEN ADAPTED FOR THE SCREEN AS A COPRODUCTION OF THE BBC AND MASTERPIECE/WGBH BOSTON. Hortense Joseph arrives in London from Jamaica in 1948 with her life in her suitcase, her heart broken, her resolve intact. Her husband, Gilbert Joseph, returns from the war expecting to be received as a hero, but finds his status as a black man in Britain to be second class. His white landlady, Queenie, raised as a farmer's daughter, befriends Gilbert, and later Hortense, with innocence and courage, until the unexpected arrival of her husband, Bernard, who returns from combat with issues of his own to resolve. Told in these four voices, Small Island is a courageous novel of tender emotion and sparkling wit, of crossings taken and passages lost, of shattering compassion and of reckless optimism in the face of insurmountable barriers—in short, an encapsulation of that most American of experiences: the immigrant's life.Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9780312429522
Sunnyside - Thryft
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Glen David Gold | Sceptre

Sunnyside

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This book could be a good read for someone who is fascinated by the early days of Hollywood and the birth of celebrity culture. Glen David Gold masterfully weaves together the lives of three characters - Leland Wheeler, Hugo Black, and the iconic Charlie Chaplin - against the backdrop of war and the emergence of American capitalism. The vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling will transport you to a world of dreams, ambition, and the making of a legend. Be prepared to be captivated by the spellbinding journey of an iconic figure in SUNNYSIDE.
Atonement : Vintage 21 edition - Thryft
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Ian McEwan | Vintage Books

Atonement : Vintage 21 edition

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"Atonement" is perfect for readers who enjoy complex character development. The book delves deep into themes of love, guilt, betrayal, and redemption. The story is set in the 1930s and follows the lives of three individuals who's lives are irrevocably changed in a single day. The book is beautifully written, and the emotions of the characters are palpable to the reader. This book will leave you thinking about the choices we make, and how they impact our lives and those around us. Highly recommended for those who enjoy literary fiction.
The Iliad - Thryft
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Homer | Wordsworth Classics

The Iliad

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Widely regarded as being the earliest example of ancient Greek literature, The Iliad tells the epic story of the climax of the ten-year Trojan War. The legendary Greek warrior Achilles quarrels with Agamemnon - his Commander-in-Chief - over possession of the lovely maid Briseis and leaves the field of the battle to sulk in his tent. As a result the fortunes of the Greek army suffer a reverse and Achilles is only drawn out again onto the field of battle to face the mighty Trojan hero Hector after his friend Patroclus has been slain by Hector while wearing Achilles' armour. This is a story of war in which heroism and compassion rise above the tragedy of the conflict to the glory of the great warriors who are its inspirational and yet believable dramatis personae. It is a glorious reminder of the Mycenaean age.
I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home
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Lorrie Moore | Faber

I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home

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If you've ever felt torn between places and people, or if you've ever had to find your footing amid national chaos and personal turmoil, this book speaks volumes. It's a story that unflinchingly explores themes of loss, love, and what it means to truly be home. Lorrie Moore's narrative captures the raw essence of human connections, woven into the tapestry of a country's frenzy, which might resonate deeply with your own experiences.
Life And Times of Michael K - Thryft
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J.M. Coetzee | Penguin Books

Life And Times of Michael K

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In a South Africa turned by war, Michael K. sets out to take his ailing mother back to her rural home. On the way there she dies, leaving him alone in an anarchic world of brutal roving armies. Imprisoned, Michael is unable to bear confinement and escapes, determined to live with dignity. This life affirming novel goes to the center of human experience—the need for an interior, spiritual life; for some connections to the world in which we live; and for purity of vision.
Great Circle
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Maggie Shipstead | Doubleday

Great Circle

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If you're drawn to stories of bold adventures and complex, trailblazing characters, "Great Circle" is a journey you shouldn't miss. Through Marian Graves' life, which arcs like the flight path she's determined to conquer, you'll experience a poignant quest for freedom. Spanning eras and intertwining with Hadley Baxter's modern-day Hollywood, the novel invites you on an exploration of ambition and identity that resonates long after the final page.
Flood of Fire - Ibis Trilogy
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Amitav Ghosh | Viking

Flood of Fire - Ibis Trilogy

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If you've been enthralled by the rich tapestry of characters and the intertwining of their destinies in the first two books of the Ibis Trilogy, you won't want to miss 'Flood of Fire'. Ghosh's storytelling remains vibrant, using the backdrop of the Opium Wars to explore themes of colonialism, trade, and cultural exchanges. It's the sprawling conclusion that promises to bring catharsis and an understanding of how deeply personal and global histories can entwine.
For Whom the Bell Tolls - Thryft
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Ernest Hemingway | Scribner

For Whom the Bell Tolls

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For those interested in war stories, Hemingway's classic captures the essence of loyalty and sacrifice in the midst of a brutal civil war, while also exploring the themes of love and honor in a way that resonates with readers long after the last page has been turned. Through his unforgettable characters and vivid descriptions, Hemingway brings to life a tumultuous and tragic period of history, and asks tough questions about what it truly means to be brave and remain loyal to one's cause.
Pale View of Hills - Thryft
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Kazuo Ishiguro | Faber & Faber

Pale View of Hills

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This book could be a good read for you if you enjoy thought-provoking stories that delve into the depths of human emotions. Through the haunting exploration of loss and memory, the author takes you on a journey that intertwines past and present, leaving you with a profound understanding of the complexities of life. Ishiguro's ability to seamlessly blend different time periods and evoke a sense of unease makes this a captivating read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
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.
Go as a River
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Shelley Read | Doubleday

Go as a River

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"Go as a River" could be a mesmerizing addition to your bookshelf if you're drawn to stories that marry the profundity of life's experiences with the enchanting power of nature's metaphors. Shelley Read's poetic narration promises to lead you through a spectrum of human emotions, from the thrills of young love to the depths of loss, making it a potentially transformative read for those who seek both beauty and truth in their literary escapes.
Rangoon 1941 : A Novel Based on True Events - Thryft
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S. Kella Samuels | Sks Enterprises

Rangoon 1941 : A Novel Based on True Events

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Recommended for those interested in lesser-known histories.
The Mountain: Stories - Thryft
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Paul Yoon | S&s/ Marysue Rucci Books

The Mountain: Stories

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"From Paul Yoon, the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of Once the Shore and Snow Hunters, comes a luminous collection of short stories set throughout the world--from the Hudson Valley to the Russian Far East--across periods of time after World War II"--
Memoirs of a Fox-hunting Man - Thryft
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Siegfried Sassoon | Faber And Faber

Memoirs of a Fox-hunting Man

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1929. Sassoon, the English novelist and poet who, after serving as an officer in World War I, expressed his conviction of the brutality and waste of war in his grim, forceful, realistic verse. He is also known for his three-volume fictional autobiography, at first published anonymously under the title The Memoirs of George Sherston. Memoirs of a Fox Hunting Man is the first volume in the trilogy and gives a particularly vivid evocation of the life of the English country gentry before World War I. Contents: Early Days; The Flower Show Match; A Fresh Start; A Day with the Potford; At the Rectory; The Colonel's Cup; Denis Milden as Master; Migration to the Midlands; In the Army; and At the Front.
Foe
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J.M. Coetzee | Penguin

Foe

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"Foe" offers a thought-provoking twist on the classic tale of Crusoe. J.M. Coetzee's pen weaves a narrative that not only challenges the romanticized notions of adventure and discovery but delves deeply into the themes of colonization, voice, and the nature of storytelling itself. It's a compelling read for those who love postmodern literature and enjoy seeing familiar stories turned on their head to reveal the untold perspectives.
The Zone of Interest - Thryft
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Martin Amis | Vintage

The Zone of Interest

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This book delves into the complexities of human relationships amidst the backdrop of the Holocaust. It explores the psychological aspects of characters in the story, and how they react in the face of personal struggles, societal expectations, and the larger-scale horrors that are unfolding around them. The book is recommended for those who are interested in historical fiction and examining the complexities of human nature.
The Iliad - Thryft
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Homer, E.V. Rieu, Peter Jones  | London: Penguin

The Iliad

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The Iliad is a classic that tells the story of Achilles, a brave warrior at the heart of the Trojan War. This book is ideal for those who enjoy historical fiction, action, and adventure. The powerful description of the battles and the philosophical discussions on fate and mortality are some of the unique features that make this book a must-read. Overall, The Iliad is a timeless masterpiece that will leave readers enthralled and intellectually stimulated.
City Of Joy - Thryft
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Dominique Lapierre | Arrow/children's (a Division Of Random House

City Of Joy

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Goodreads rating: 4.24

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This book is a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit, showcasing the unwavering determination of individuals in the face of extreme poverty and despair. Through the stories of Mother Teresa, Stephen Kovalski, and Max Loeb, the book takes us on an emotional journey that will inspire and challenge readers to reevaluate their own lives. City of Joy is a captivating and heart-wrenching read that will ultimately leave you with a renewed sense of hope and faith in humanity.
The Kite Runner
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Khaled Hosseini | Riverhead Books

The Kite Runner

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"The Kite Runner" reaches into the core of human connections, vividly showcasing the complexities of friendship and guilt against a backdrop of a turbulent Afghanistan. If you're drawn to stories that weave personal struggles with historical events, this book could be a powerful and evocative addition to your reading list. It's intimate, yet expansive in scope, capturing the intricate dance between personal demons and societal upheaval.
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
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Arundhati Roy | Hamish Hamilton

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

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Arundhati Roy's "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness" is a complex narrative that weaves together the lives of unforgettable characters across the expanse of India's social and political landscapes. If you're drawn to stories that blend personal sagas with the tumult of historical events, and revel in rich, lyrical prose that delves deep into the heart of human resilience, this novel is a profound journey you won't want to miss.
The Kite Runner
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Khaled Hosseini | Bloomsbury

The Kite Runner

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You might find "The Kite Runner" incredibly moving if you're interested in stories that weave personal redemption with the vivid backdrop of a nation's turbulent history. Khaled Hosseini's rich narrative reveals not just the bond and betrayal between two boys, but it also opens a window into Afghanistan's soul. It's one of those rare novels that captures heartbreak and hope, with characters that linger with you well after the last page.
Atonement
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Ian McEwan | Vintage

Atonement

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If you're drawn to stories that weave love and historical events into a deeply personal narrative, then "Atonement" by Ian McEwan is a compelling choice. McEwan's narrative finesse brings a summer day in 1935 into sharp focus, with repercussions that echo through wartime. The novel's ability to navigate complex emotions and the human condition while incorporating unexpected structural twists creates an unforgettable reading experience. You'll find yourself immersed in the richness of McEwan's prose and the intricacy of his storytelling.
The Siege Of Krishnapur : Winner of the Booker Prize - Thryft
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If you're drawn to the intricate tapestry of history unfurling amidst chaos, "The Siege of Krishnapur" offers just that—a blend of suspense, humor, and profound insights into civilization's fragility. It's a page-turner that doesn't just rely on action, but dives deep into a riveting period of history, examining both the heroism and insanity that crisis can provoke. The book doesn't shy away from the details, whether it's the mechanics of war or the sociology of a siege. Its Booker Prize isn't merely a decoration, but a testament to its layered narrative and lasting impact.
Four Fires - Thryft
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Bryce Courtenay | Viking

Four Fires

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"Four Fires" is a heart-warming story that showcases the strength of the human spirit. Through the lives of the Maloney family, readers are reminded that no matter how difficult life can be, resilience and perseverance can help overcome any challenge. Bryce Courtenay's beautiful writing style and attention to detail accurately depict life in small-town Australia in the 1950s. This book is perfect for anyone in need of a feel-good read that highlights the importance of family, love, and determination.
Fives and Twenty-Fives - Thryft
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Michael Pitre | Bloomsbury

Fives and Twenty-Fives

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It is the early months of the Arab Spring, 2011. But for three young men, two American and one Iraqi, their minds return again and again to 2006, to the bloodiest stretch of the Iraq War. Members of the same platoon, they were tasked with the often deadly job of repairing potholes in the roads of the Al Anbar Province: potholes that almost always concealed a home-made bomb. They have survived the war but now they must learn to live with themselves. As they struggle to find their place in a world that no longer knows them, they realise that the war has left nothing in their lives untouched and that salvation may come from an unexpected quarter.
The English Patient - Thryft
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Michael Ondaatje | Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The English Patient

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The English Patient could be a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction with a focus on character development. The book's unique appeal lies in the way it weaves the love story of the titular character with the backdrop of the Second World War, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the impact of trauma. The poetic prose and vivid imagery make for a powerful and immersive reading experience that stays with the reader long after the last page.
Enrique the Black - Thryft
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Danny Jalil | Penguin Random House Southeast Asia

Enrique the Black

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This book is a captivating historical fiction that brings to life the remarkable story of Enrique the Black. With its vivid portrayal of Enrique's struggles as a slave and his incredible journey with Magellan's fleet, this book offers a powerful exploration of resilience, adventure, and the enduring human spirit. For readers who enjoy immersive historical fiction that sheds light on lesser-known heroes, "Enrique the Black" is a must-read.
The Story of a Brief Marriage - A Novel
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Anuk Arudpragasam | Flatiron Books

The Story of a Brief Marriage - A Novel

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"The Story of a Brief Marriage" offers a poignant exploration of humanity when it's most fragile. In your hands, you'll find more than a narrative; you'll discover a visceral experience, striking deep emotional chords. Imagine the blend of tense, war-torn reality with tender moments of connection—a narrative that not only narrates but makes you feel the weight of existence and the fleeting beauty of companionship in chaos.
The Big Money - Thryft
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John Dos Passos | Mariner Books Classics

The Big Money

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"The Big Money" would be a good read for history enthusiasts, as it provides a comprehensive and vivid account of the American industrial boom and its materialistic success that ultimately led to the crash of 1929. The book's most unique feature is Dos Passos' writing style, combining traditional narrative with newsreels, autobiographical accounts, and fictional biographies of prominent historical figures. Readers would appreciate the author's ability to capture the essence of the era and portray the social, economic, and political changes that shaped modern America.
Atonement : Discover the modern classic that has sold over two million copies. - Thryft
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Atonement is a heart-wrenching tale of love, betrayal, guilt, and redemption. Ian McEwan's writing is intense and brilliantly captures the psyche of his characters. The plot is complex and keeps the reader engrossed till the end. The book is best suited for those who enjoy family drama and psychological fiction.
End Zone - Thryft
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Don DeLillo | Picador Usa

End Zone

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End Zone could be a great read for someone who enjoys dark humor and satirical commentary on American culture. The novel cleverly explores the relationship between football and the Cold War, using playful language and thought-provoking themes to keep the reader engaged. Don DeLillo's ability to connect seemingly disparate topics makes this novel a unique and enjoyable read for anyone looking for a fresh perspective on traditional American values.
New Beginnings - Thryft
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Chan Ling Yap | Marshall Cavendish International (asia)

New Beginnings

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"New Beginnings" takes the readers on an emotional journey through the historical events of the Taiping Rebellion and Opium War in China, leading them to the promised land of Malaya. It tells the tale of one man's fight against the scourge of opium and rise to fortune, offering a unique insight into the struggles faced by our ancestors and their triumphs. A must-read for history enthusiasts and those seeking inspiration.
C - Thryft
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Tom McCarthy | Jonathan Cape, Ltd

C

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C is a unique novel that delves deep into themes of language, communication, and technology. The narrative follows a young man named Serge who becomes obsessed with communication technologies, leading him on a journey to uncover the true nature of language and reality. The book's fragmented structure may be challenging for some readers, but it ultimately adds to the richness of the story. If you're someone who enjoys stories that challenge your perception of the world around you, then C is definitely worth checking out.
For Whom The Bell Tolls - Thryft
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Ernest Hemingway | Vintage Classics

For Whom The Bell Tolls

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Hemingway's great novel of the Spanish Civil War'The world is a fine place and worth fighting for and I hate very much to leave it'High in the pine forests of the Spanish Sierra, a guerrilla band prepares to blow up a vital bridge. Robert Jordan, a young American volunteer, has been sent to handle the dynamiting. There, in the mountains, he finds the dangers and the intense comradeship of war. And there he discovers Maria, a young woman who has escaped from Franco's rebels...'A sparse, masculine, world-weary meditation on death, ideology and the savagery of war in general' Sunday Telegraph'One of the greatest novels which our troubled age will produce' Observer**One of the BBC’s 100 Novels That Shaped Our World**
War Poems (Poetry Classics) - Thryft
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Siegfried Sassoon | Faber

War Poems (Poetry Classics)

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Siegfried Sassoon, who lived through World War One and who died in 1967, was, as the introduction to this book tells us, irritated in his later years at always being thought of as a "war poet". Understandable perhaps from the point of view of the poet: readers on the other hand might wish to demur. The poems gathered here and chronologically ordered, thereby tracing the course of the war, are an extraordinary testimony to the almost unimaginable experiences of a combatant in that bitter conflict. Moving from the patriotic optimism of the first few poems (" ... fighting for our freedom, we are free") to the anguish and anger of the later work (where "hope, with furtive eyes and grappling fists / Flounders in mud ... "), there comes a point when the reality of trench-warfare and its aftershocks move beyond comprehension: Sassoon knows this, and it becomes a powerful element in his art. As a book, the images have a cumulative relentlessness that make it almost impossible to read more than a few poems in one sitting. Unlike the avant-garde experiments developing in Europe in the first decades of this century, Sassoon's verse is formally conservative--but this was perhaps necessary, for as one reads the poems, one feels that the form, the classically inflected tropes, the metre and rhyme, apart from ironising the rhetoric of glory and battle were necessary techniques for containing the emotion (and indeed, a tone of barely controlled irony may have been the only means by which these angry observations would have been considered publishable at the time). When Sassoon's line begins to fragment, as it does in several of the later poems, it is under the extreme pressure to express the inexpressible. Compassion and sympathy are omnipresent here, in their full etymological sense of suffering with or alongside others--something the higher echelons of command (those " ... old men who died / Slow, natural deaths--old men with ugly souls") were never able or willing to contemplate. But Sassoon intuited the future of warfare, could sense that this was not "the war to end all wars": the mock-religious invocation of the final poem prefigures the vicious euphemisms of more recent conflicts: "Grant us the power to prove, by poison gases, / The needlessness of shedding human blood." Sassoon's bile-black irony signals a deep-felt pessimism: it was with good reason. --Burhan Tufail
Oliver Twist - Thryft
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Charles Dickens | Trans Atlantic Press

Oliver Twist

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If you're up for a dive into Victorian England through the eyes of an endearing orphan, "Oliver Twist" is a classic that won't disappoint. You'll navigate Oliver's harrowing journey with him, witnessing the harsh realities of that era's society and cheering for his courage and purity amidst adversity. This book isn't just a story; it's a profound social commentary wrapped in a timeless narrative.
The Captain and the Enemy - Thryft
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Graham Greene | The Viking Press

The Captain and the Enemy

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Victor Baxter is a young boy when a secretive stranger known simply as “the Captain” brings him from his boarding school to London. Victor becomes the surrogate son and companion of a woman named Liza, who renames him “Jim” and depends on him for any news about the world outside their door. Raised in these odd yet touching circumstances, Jim is never quite sure of Liza’s relationship to the Captain, who is often away on mysterious errands. It is not until Jim reaches manhood that he confronts the Captain and learns the shocking truth about the man, his allegiances, and the nature of love.
The Iliad - Thryft
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Stanley Lombardo, Homer, Sheila Murnaghan  | Hackett Publishing

The Iliad

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If you're drawn to the grandeur of ancient epics, "Iliad" is perfect for you. Homer’s artful storytelling breathes life into the fabled Trojan War, creating a vivid tapestry of human emotions and divine interventions. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just recount history—it makes you feel as though you’ve lived it. The complex characters and poetic language will stay with you long after the last page.
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 .
Matterhorn - Thryft
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Karl Marlantes | Corvus

Matterhorn

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A big, powerful saga of men in combat, written over the course of thirty-five years by a highly decorated Vietnam veteran.Intense, powerful, and compelling, Matterhorn is an epic war novel in the tradition of Norman Mailer's The Naked and the Dead and James Jones's The Thin Red Line. It is the timeless story of a young Marine lieutenant, Waino Mellas, and his comrades in Bravo Company, who are dropped into the mountain jungle of Vietnam as boys and forced to fight their way into manhood. Standing in their way are not merely the North Vietnamese but also monsoon rain and mud, leeches and tigers, disease and malnutrition. Almost as daunting, it turns out, are the obstacles they discover between each other: racial tension, competing ambitions, and duplicitous superior officers. But when the company finds itself surrounded and outnumbered by a massive enemy regiment, the Marines are thrust into the raw and all-consuming terror of combat. The experience will change them forever.Written over the course of thirty years by a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Matterhorn is a visceral and spellbinding novel about what it is like to be a young man at war. It is an unforgettable novel that transforms the tragedy of Vietnam into a powerful and universal story of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice: a parable not only of the war in Vietnam but of all war, and a testament to the redemptive power of literature.A graduate of Yale University and a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, Karl Marlantes served as a Marine in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Navy Cross, the Bronze Star, two Navy Commendation Medals for valor, two Purple Hearts, and ten air medals. This is his first novel. He lives in rural Washington State.
War and Peace
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Leo Tolstoy, Rosemary Edmonds  | Penguin Books

War and Peace

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If you're drawn to the monumental journey of human experiences against the backdrop of historical events, "War and Peace" offers just that. Immersing in Tolstoy's narrative, you'll navigate the tumultuous era of the Napoleonic Wars through intimate portraits of individuals. Tolstoy's profound examination of life's grandeur will likely transform how you see history, humanity, and yourself.
Trust
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Hernan Diaz | Penguin

Trust

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"Trust" invites you to unravel the enigmatic lives of New York City's elite during the intoxicating era of the 1920s and the Great Depression. With its layers of narrative that cleverly intersect, diving into this book is like piecing together a sophisticated literary mosaic. As you explore the shifting truth beneath a world of opulence, your own perceptions of intimacy, capitalism, and history will be artfully challenged. This isn't merely a historical tale; it's an intellectual expedition designed to enthrall even the most avid puzzle solvers.
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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"Breaking the Tongue: A Novel" packs a punch with its vivid portrayal of a tumultuous time in Singapore's history, seen through the eyes of a relatable family. Its blend of the personal with the political is a literary dance that invites you into the deep-rooted conflicts and transformations of its characters. If you appreciate stories where the fabric of language is as pivotal as the plot itself, this evocative read will resonate with you long after the final page.
The Orchard Of Lost Souls - Thryft
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Nadifa Mohamed | Simon & Schuster

The Orchard Of Lost Souls

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The book offers a harrowing account of three women's lives intertwined amidst the civil war in Somalia. It paints an immersive portrait of everyday trials and tribulations in war-torn Somalia, depicting the courage and resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times. It is a poignant tale of struggle, love, and hope in the face of unspeakable atrocities. Highly recommended for readers interested in historical fiction and stories of resilience in the face of adversity.
Human Traces - Thryft
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Sebastian Faulks | Hutchinson

Human Traces

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"Human Traces" is an expansive weave of personal ambition, mental health exploration, and human connection that spans generations and continents. For anyone interested in the intricacies of the human mind set against a backdrop of historical events, your journey through this novel will mingle the satisfaction of intellectual curiosity with the emotional resonance of human drama. Sebastian Faulks offers not just a story but an experience that echoes the profound quests of its protagonists.
Black Dogs : A Novel - Thryft
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Ian McEwan | Anchor

Black Dogs : A Novel

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This book is a great read for those who enjoy literary fiction that explores complex relationships and historical events. McEwan's ability to weave together personal and political narratives is stunning, and the book's exploration of the lingering effects of trauma is particularly poignant. If you enjoy introspective, character-driven stories that tackle weighty themes, this is a book for you.
The English Patient - A Novel - Thryft
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Michael Ondaatje | Vintage Books

The English Patient - A Novel

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Three individuals--nurse Hana, thief Caravaggio, and Kip--are brought
together in an abandoned Italian villa at the end of World War II by a
nameless and hideously burned English patient. Reprint.


Author: Michael Ondaatje
Publisher: Vintage
Publication Date: 1993