You may have to Search all our reviewed books and magazines, click the sign up button below to create a free account.
"The Light Shines in Darkness" is a play by Leo Tolstoy set in Russian society. The narrative revolves around the challenges faced by a wealthy family and their conflicts over morality, religious belief, and the search for truth. The moral dilemmas arise during the process of self-discovery and personal transformation of Nikolai Ivanovich Saryntsov, the patriarch of a family with seven children. Elements of love, hate, forgiveness, and sacrifice are skillfully interwoven, reflecting the author's ethical and social concerns. The play highlights internal struggles and attempts to navigate the often harsh realities of their lives. Although Tolstoy died before completing this play, he left a summary of how he intended to finish it, making the reading complete for each character. **The Light Shines in Darkness** offers a glimpse into Tolstoy's ability to create complex characters and situations that provoke reflection on universal questions of human existence.
Marvels of the Russian Tale is a collection of the finest works by renowned Russian authors, including Pushkin, Gogol, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Garshin, Fyodor Sologub, Gorky, Semyonov, and Kuprin. This anthology presents a carefully curated selection of some of the most captivating and thought-provoking short stories in Russian literature, such as "The District Doctor," "The Christmas Tree and the Wedding," "God Sees the Truth, but Waits," "The Bet," "The Signal," "The Darling," "Hide-and-Seek," "An Autumn Night," "The Servant," and "The Offense". Through the pages of this book, readers will be transported to a different time and place, where they will encounter complex characters, intricate plots, and rich cultural landscapes that have defined Russian literature for centuries. From tales of love, betrayal, and revenge to stories that explore the depths of the human condition and the complexities of the Russian soul, Marvels of the Russian Tale offers something for every taste. Therefore, if you are looking for a captivating and intellectually stimulating read, this anthology is a must-read for any literature lover.
The Flesh (A Carne) by Júlio Ribeiro is an intense and provocative book that takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, questioning the social norms imposed and the consequences of giving in to carnal desires. Lenita's story is a reflection on the limits of morality and the struggle between reason and instincts. This scandalous plot of forbidden love, as well as Lenita's bold behavior in taking certain sexual initiatives, stirred up society at the time. Her journey of personal discovery is full of ups and downs, but always with a fierce determination. Through Júlio Ribeiro's fluid and engaging writing, the reader is led to reflect on the role of women in society and the challenges fa...
Welcome to Charles Perrault's enchanting collection of fairy tales, "Tales of Passed Times (with morals)" or "Mother Goose Tales," translated from the original "Histoires ou contes du temps passé avec des moralités or Les Contes de ma mère l'Oye". Unlike most fairy tales you will find for sale by publishers worldwide, this is NOT a softened or politically correct version of Charles Perrault's writings; this is the original. This timeless compilation of tales transports us to a world where magical events and unforgettable characters captivate our imaginations. In this book, you will find some of the most well-known and beloved stories ever told, including: Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Ridin...
"The Jew" is a classic of Portuguese literature written by Camilo Castelo Branco. Originally published in 1866, the narrative unfolds in four parts, originally in two volumes, spanning a family's story from 1699 to 1760. In the first volume, we are introduced to the ill-fated couple of lovers, Jorge de Barros and Sara de Carvalho, in the mid-1699s. Jorge, a member of a noble family in Portugal, faces the hatred and persecution of his own relatives, while Sara, whose parents were condemned to the stake by the Inquisition due to accusations of Judaism, seeks to conceal her true ancestry to avoid the same tragic fate. The plot unfolds amidst prejudices and adversities, but their story is linked...
"A Doll's House," a play and masterpiece by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, challenged the social conventions of the 19th century. The story revolves around Nora Helmer, a woman who appears fragile and dependent but hides surprising strength and determination. The work is a landmark of the realist movement in literature and one of the first examples of a woman's autonomy in marriage. Ibsen skillfully explored female emancipation, social hypocrisy, and the quest for personal identity. This play is a timeless reflection on individual freedom and the price of self-realization.
"Life is a Dream," a work by Pedro Calderón de la Barca, is centered on issues of freedom and predestination. The play unfolds around Segismundo, Prince of Poland, imprisoned since birth by his father, King Basilio, due to a prophecy predicting the ruin of the kingdom under his rule. When Basilio decides to test fate by releasing Segismundo, the plot explores the consequences of this decision. The narrative addresses Segismundo's internal struggle with his destiny and the nature of reality, questioning whether life is a dream from which one can awaken. Other characters, such as Rosaura and Astolfo, weave subplots that interconnect personal desires and social duties, reflecting on justice, honor, and love. Set in a context that blends elements of drama, philosophy, and politics, the play investigates the complexity of the human condition, the ethics of leadership, and the power of repentance and personal transformation. With a structure that includes intrigue, plot twists, and reflections on being and seeming, "Life is a Dream" invites the audience to ponder freedom and determinism.
"A Secret Offense, a Secret Revenge" (A Secreto Agravio, Secreta Venganza) is a play by Pedro Calderón de la Barca, written in the 17th century, during the Golden Age of Spain. The work falls within the drama genre. The plot revolves around themes such as honor, revenge, and the moral dilemma that these concepts can generate. The story follows Don Lope, a nobleman, who discovers a betrayal and decides to act outside the social and personal norms of honor of the time, that is, a duel, to not shed light on his dishonor. "A Secreto Agravio, Secreta Venganza" aptly represents the culture and values of the 17th century in Spain and Portugal, where the play's story is set, in addition to its historical contribution to the dramatic genre.
Abel Sánchez: A Tale of Passion is considered one of the most important works of Spanish literature of the 20th century. The book is a philosophical and psychological reflection on the human being and its condition. The story revolves around two main characters: Abel and Joaquín. Abel is seen as the personification of life and joy, while Joaquín is the personification of death and suffering. Through the narrative, Miguel de Unamuno explores issues such as the struggle between life and death, the search for happiness and truth, and human nature. In addition, the author uses the figure of Joaquín to question the nature of science and religion, and how they relate to human life. Unamuno's writing is intense and poetic, and his reflections are deep and touching. The book is an enriching and challenging read that will certainly make the reader question their own beliefs and values.
Mist (Niebla) by Miguel de Unamuno is considered one of the greatest works of Spanish literature and is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, existentialism, and 20th century literature. In Mist, we follow the journey of a young man named Augusto Pérez who is struggling with questions of existence and identity. The narrative is written in a stream of consciousness style, allowing the reader to dive into the protagonist's inner thoughts and emotions. Through Augusto's experiences, the book explores themes of self-awareness, meaning, and purpose. One of the unique aspects of Niebla is its use of symbolism and allegory, adding layers of meaning to the story. The title itself, Mist, serves as an image to represent the confusion and uncertainty that Augusto faces in his quest for truth. Overall, Mist is a thought-provoking book that will leave a lasting impact on its readers. If you're looking for a book that challenges your perspective and stimulates your mind, Mist is definitely worth checking out.