The Hangman's Daughter centers around a small German town's executioner, explaining how he is born into the job and how he protects not only his family but also the innocent. The title is a bit misleading; the book is not gruesome, but it offers a great history lesson.
This English translation was free on Kindle e-books for a while, making it a bargain as well.
Showing posts with label Period Drama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Period Drama. Show all posts
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
In Snow Falling on Cedars, David Guterson tells a story on many levels. On one, he relates a beautiful story of the love between an American boy and a Japanese girl which takes place during the World War II internment of Japanese-Americans. On another, his plot provides an element of mystery: it begins with the murder trial of a Japanese-American fisherman. Lastly, the reader receives Guterson's tremendous insight into Americans' feelings throughout this time period.
The book is long by many high schoolers' standards and moves slowly in some places, but the character development and descriptions are worth the time. Be advised that it contains a fairly explicit sex scene.
The book is long by many high schoolers' standards and moves slowly in some places, but the character development and descriptions are worth the time. Be advised that it contains a fairly explicit sex scene.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Told in a flashback, Jacob Jankowski's story details his experiences as part of a circus family during the Depression years. Through all of life's twists and turns, he not only becomes a protector for his adopted circus family and for the mistreated animals but also manages to fall in love with Marlena, one of the star performers.
This novel has a little of everything: action, romance, and intrigue.
This novel has a little of everything: action, romance, and intrigue.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Imagine your friends and your parents being disappointed because you came home from college with a degree but no husband. This perfectly describes Skeeter, one of the main characters of The Help. At the peak of the Civil Rights movement, Skeeter tells the world what is really happening behind the closed doors of households in Jackson, Mississippi.
On a personal note, reading the book reminded me of my childhood in the fifties. Because my divorced mom worked full-time, she hired a maid to care for my brother, sister, and me. I now wonder what tales her community heard about our family.
The Help highlights the shame of America's racism and is considered by some to be a new classic.
On a personal note, reading the book reminded me of my childhood in the fifties. Because my divorced mom worked full-time, she hired a maid to care for my brother, sister, and me. I now wonder what tales her community heard about our family.
The Help highlights the shame of America's racism and is considered by some to be a new classic.
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