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- "Is something that fall on your lap. Nobody else could do it."
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A Perfect Pledge: A Novel
Rabindranath Maharaj
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Contemporary
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Literary
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Maharaj, Rabindranath
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Caribbean
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The Inheritance of Loss
ASIN: 0374230706
Release Date: 2005-09-22 |
Book Description
It is 1961 and Trinidad, at once a lush island paradise and a poverty-stricken hole, is inching toward independence. Narpat, a sugar cane farmer, finds himself caught at the crossroads of a changing world. He is a hard-working man of modest means, and is sickened by the corruption and materialism running rampant on the island. He thinks his neighbors are greedy, shiftless, and enslaved to the rumshop. But Narpat is different. He contrasts the helplessness of the islanders with the resourcefulness of his ancient Aryans, and through a series of stringent moral codes and dietary injunctions, sets about to create order within his family and the village. His rules impose a great deal of deprivation on his wife and four children, and his wife must wage her own battle against her husband's ensuing neglect. Then Narpat decides to single-handedly build a factory to prevent the loss of his livelihood. Narpat's youngest son Jeeves watches his father's obsession with the factory, watches his mother's health decline, and watches as she dies. Unable to prevent his mother's death, he tries to redeem his father by constantly reminding him of the fables the older man told to his young children. And these fables with their undertones of pledges and duty steel the son for a terrible sacrifice.
In A Perfect Pledge, Maharaj combines a Dickensian rendering of the effects of poverty, caste, envy, superstition,corruption and bigotry with vivid, complex characters and gorgeous writing, in a novel that celebrates both the resilience of the human spirit and the heartbreak of failed dreams.
Customer Reviews:
"Is something that fall on your lap. Nobody else could do it.".......2005-10-02
In 1956 Trinidad, Narpat Dubay's family lives quietly, this father of four tending his sugar cane patch and designing ingenious contraptions to make life easier. In Trinidad, nothing is ever planned, the frequent floods thought of as an act of God, a punishment, and Narpat seeks to rectify such ignorance. He has also noticed an influx of "Outsiders", squatters who fill empty houses as though they own the land. Narpat is determined to run them out and restore order to a country filled with corruption and graft: "Just like the invaders of India, the Outsiders were introducing a system of values alien to the village."
Overburdened by insidious poverty, Narpat's wife, Dulari, borrows two-hundred dollars from her more successful brother to outfit her children properly for school and to arrange transportation for the older girls. While they are dependant on local bus transportation, Dulari waits anxiously for her daughters to return, content only when she has purchased a safe ride for them. Overruled and his authority threatened, Narpat is furious, believing the walk is beneficial, but then he expects every inconvenience to be turned into a learning experience, always ready with homilies to instruct his children on the virtues of hard work. Narpat feels his wife is acting against his wishes, as he routinely attempts to instill good habits and independence in Jeeves, Chandra, Kala and Shushilla.
Trinidad's anticipated day of independence is August 31, 1962. With all the crooked politicians in the election, Narpat runs for county councilor, his main concern that the cane farmers own the deeds to their lands. Later, building his factory is an act intrinsically out of step in island society, the degree of individuality and authority he assumes an anomaly. His philosophy too large for his world, Narpat is sure to disappoint, but it is in his nature to pursue his dream. While Narpat dedicates himself to fighting corruption and bureaucracy, his wife and children are held hostage to his ideals. Dulari is essentially powerless, her sanity preserved only by "this numbing ritual of sweeping, cooking, cleaning and washing, this silencing of my mind". Meanwhile, Narpat's life is purpose-driven; he is determined to adhere to the high moral path no matter what the cost, the children caught in the emotional underpinnings of futile arguments between their parents. As they mature, the children may question their father's dogmatic approach to existence, but the most telling exchanges are between husband and wife behind the closed door of their bedroom.
Time passes and the island changes but "progress [is] closely allied to treachery". In this landscape, village life, seemingly insignificant in the larger scope of things, is a microcosm for universal principles. The eccentric characters that people these pages, their idiomatic speech and stubbornness, portray a land in the midst of change, corruption a natural outgrowth of its evolution. The voices of Narpat, the Manager, Doon the schoolteacher, Radhica, Dulari and Jeeves fill this tale with the dreams and laments of the ages, a template for humanity, played out in all its sturm and drang. Luan Gaines/ 2005.
Customer Reviews:
Political Intrigue Abound.......2007-06-04
I was apprehensive about reading another Drake novel after not having the best luck with her Victorians; however, I'm glad I ventured back to the "D" seciton of the library fiction shelf.
From the first few pages, I was swept away. Drake immediately draws the reader into the midst of a battle. When I next looked up from the novel, I was oever 100 page into it and not likely to stop until I saw the back cover. Her use of intrigue and design admist the sweeping history of the Scot-English wars was refreshing amdist a sea of historical romance with so little actual history. Drake's thorough knowledge of the era made it clear to the reader that the heroine was struggling to uphold the traditions she had been born into while being thrown into a war where her loyalties now became ones of honor and strength.
I'm currently rounding out my collection of the Graham series--wish me luck!
Conquer the Night.......2007-04-11
This is the second book in the Graham Series by this author. I really enjoyed the first book, "Come the Morning." "Conquer the Night," was incredibly disappointing. It was dark and gloomy with torture and death throughout. I know Medievil Times were difficult and torture was common enough, but who wants to read about such gloomy things throughout an entire book! Very depressing. In fact, I have the rest of the series and since reading this book I haven't even wanted to read the rest. I have moved on to a new series.
Excellent Story, Part of an Extraordinary Series.......2006-03-22
This is book 2 of the Graham family series. Before reading this book, be sure to read "Come the Morning." These books are the best written romance stories of the Scottish vs. English war that I have ever read. They are more than pin cushion romance. They draw you into the desperate struggle for Scotland's freedom. These stories stay with you long after you finish them.
My personal suggestion for reading this series:
Each book picks up where the last left off. You are given a realistic view of the devastating war between England and Scotland. The Graham men are Scottish, fighting for their freedom. The heroines in these stories are English. I have read the first three books so far, and each one has the couples paired that way.
In order to enjoy each book, without feeling the themes are redundant, I suggest reading a book that is not connected with this series in between each of the Graham series books. This will make each story stand on it's own, while still keeping you personally connected to the Graham men... And these books are written well enough that you will feel that personal connection.
Conquer the Night:
Kyra's beloved father has died. He has spent his life loyal to the English king, although his estate is in Scotland. His only heir is his daughter, Kyra.
Kyra is devastated. Not only has she lost her father, but a horrible man has convinced King Edward to give Kyra to him in marriage. She loathes this man, Kinsey Darrow, and uses her personal connections to Edward to stall the wedding.
As a servant and knight to King Edward, Darrow leaves Kyra's estate temporarily to fight in the war. When he returns, he finds that the castle has been overtaken by the Scots. When he hears it is Aaryn Graham who has taken the castle, he knows that Graham will have taken his betrothed as well. He is certain Aaryn will use her as revenge for the fact that Darrow had raped and murdered Aaryn's young pregnant wife a year earlier.
Aaryn feels triumphant. Revenge will finally be his! He has taken the castle that Darrow hoped to claim through marriage, and he has taken Darrow's betrothed prisoner. He plans to ruin her by taking her virtue. He is certain Lady Kyra encouraged the ravishment of his wife and home.
While bathing in the master chamber, which is the room he keeps Kyra in, she thinks she can convince him that using her would be worthless. She taunts him with stories of how "well used" she already is. She claims to have been with every stable boy, servant, and knight in the keep. When Aaryn has had all he can take of her words, he quickly grabs her and takes her himself. When he does, he stops immediately. He finds that she had lied about being experienced. Still, she is hard to resist. Aaryn finds it becomes more and more difficult to keep her out of his thoughts.
Over the next weeks, Aaryn is surprised to find how happy the people of Kyra's land are to have him there. They believe he was sent by God to save her from her marriage to Darrow. Aaryn trains the people daily, preparing them for Darrow's return. They must fight the English soldiers to keep Kyra free of Darrow. They have realized that Darrow will murder Kyra once he has married her to claim her title and home.
Aaryn can't stay in Kyra's land forever. He must return to the battle with England. One of the greatest battles in this wars history is about to take place. He must be there to fight for Scotland. However, he can't leave Kyra alone. He knows Darrow will capture her and kill her. Aaryn brings Kyra along, planning to hide her with the wives of the Scottish soldiers.
Who will win the battle for Scotland's freedom? (The outcome is based upon true facts of the war.) Will Darrow find Kyra? Will Aaryn be slain in the combat against England?
There is a traitor among Kyra's people. Who is it? How will he betray her? Read and find out.
There are 5 books in this series. Reading them in order does make a difference. Here is the order of the series:
Come the Morning
Conquer the Night
Seize the Dawn
Knight Triumphant
The Lion in Glory
I am yet to have read the last two, but I have ordered them from Amazon. I look forward to the continuing story of the Graham family.
Pointless.......2006-01-20
Now I must confess that I am a historical fiction fan and NOT a romance fan. I came across the first book in this series and enjoyed it. I was a bit put off by the constant pride, by one misunderstanding after another leading to constant bickering, etc., but the story was fun and adventurous. I decided to read the second book and was dismayed to find practically the SAME thing repeated all over again. A strong-willed female defying her male captor, they fight verbally and physically, they accuse each of other lying... they have sex and fall in love. Come on! Did the second book have to be a cookie cutter of the first one? I can understand the need for tension to keep the pages turning, but this book was overkill in that regard. If the writing was not about the two principal characters fighting, then it was endless commentary on patriotic and political musings of the characters. I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if it had varied a bit more from the first book. It think I am done with this series. If you are looking for a story that is full of tension -- physical, psychological, emotional and sexual, but does not have much substance, then you'll love this book. If you want something a bit more intelligent, find another book.
Conquer the Night.......2005-08-16
Very good reading. Love the William Wallace era. The Graham men are very strong, athoritative and they love their women. Shannon Drake is an excellent author, can't wait for more from her.
Average customer rating:
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CONQUER THE NIGHT
Manufacturer: Zebra Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Scotland | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0739411063 |
Average customer rating:
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Get a Good Night's Sleep: How to Conquer Your Insomnia Without Drugs or Medication
Katherine A. Albert
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Sleep Disorders | Neurology | Internal Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Sleep Disorders | Neurology | Internal Medicine | Medicine | Medical | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Sleep Disorders | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Healthy Living | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0684835274 |
Book Description
An expert on sleep disorders shares the latest research information to help those with sleep problems conquer their insomnia.
Average customer rating:
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Conquer the Night
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000DILK80 |
Book Description
A chain of events has been set in motion that will change the Doctor and Peri forever. A chain that involves old enemies as well as old friends. How does Peri come to be the leader of a gang of rebel fighters on an outlying planet? Who is the mysterious 'General' against whom they are rebelling so violently? Where does the so-called 'Supremo', leader of the Alliance forces ranged against the General, come from, and why is he so interested in Peri? The answers lie in the origins of a conflict that will affect the whole cosmos - a conflict that will find humans, Sontarans, Draconians and even Cybermen fighting together for the greater good and glory. For the Supremo. It is a conflict that will test both the Doctor and Peri to the limit, and bring them face to face with the dark sides of their own personalities.
Product Description
Multiple books shipped as one item for your convenience. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.
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Aliens and Warmongers
Penelope, A Cox
Manufacturer: Athena Press Publishing Co. UK
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic
| Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror
| Literature
| Children's Books
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General
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General
| Ages 9-12
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ASIN: 1844019640 |
Book Description
What on earth are aliens from Mars doing in a farmer's yard in the year 1942? Fourteen-year-old Laura is the Zecrof Guardian, able to travel into the past, and it is up to her to find out. A simple trip back to 1942 with her cousin, Steve, and best friend, Alice, becomes anything but simple when Laura finds herself with the sole responsibility of saving Earth from an alien invasion! However, Laura's darkest adventure is yet to come. When she and her companions are plunged into the middle of the Civil War in 1644, she will soon experience the terrible consequences of evil wraith Upsilon's involvement, as she tries to protect an innocent boy. Sometimes, even the power of Zecrof is not enough.
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Passportal 2: The Warmongers
Randy J. Jondal
Manufacturer: Authorhouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary
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General
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ASIN: 1403360405 |
Customer Reviews:
Passportal Fan.......2007-01-18
Another great book by Randy Jondal. After reading Passportal, my son and I could hardly wait for the second to be delivered. It was as good as the first and we hope that Jondal has another on the way!
Average customer rating:
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Slave of the Warmonger (Mercenary Ser. 7)
Axel Kilgore
Manufacturer: Americana Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
General
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Men's Adventure
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Action & Adventure
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General
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| Specialty Travel
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ASIN: 1588073319 |
Product Description
Hank Frost, the one-eyed merc Captain, gets an offer he can't refuse. The exquisitely beautiful daughter of a New York Mafia copo has been kidnapped by white slavers in the Middle east and sold into the harem of a militant Arab oil sheik. The capo and his own crime syndicate soldiers are powerless to get her out. But rescuing the capo's daughter is just the beginning of Frost's problems. The sheik and his neo-nazi advisors are plotting to assinate the President of egypt, putting the blame on Jewish extremists and making the Middle east explode in an all-out war.
Customer Reviews:
Dynamic.......2007-08-15
This book really helped me understand why it has taken me so long to obtain the things I want most in life without struggle. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to grow spiritually and desires to be very prosperous.
It's a lifesaver when nothing seems to be going your way.......2002-07-31
I have used this book as a guide to keep me on track towards success for over 20 years. I think it's the best prosperity book ever written. It's especially good for people who are in the stages of life like Joshua's--feeling like they are wandering without direction, wondering when they will succeed and how they will do it. Ponder's advice is practical, comforting and inspiring. She tells you how to stay focused and keep planning to reach your goals, even when it seems like everything in life is resisting you or thwarting you. Then she explains the attitudes and actions that help you overcome the obstacles to achieving your goals. It really is a wonderful book. Also, Ponder is the only prosperity author whose books are all different from one another--each one takes a different perspective and adds depth and scope to your understanding, not just of prosperity, but also your health, yourself and all your relationships.
questionable validity.......2000-10-02
I purchased this book based on a recommendation by an author I respect; James Russell. I'm certain the book will benefit any that believe that positive thinking will make positive things happen, and that thinking happy thoughts will enable you to fly. There is a certain amount of truth to that, but the author claims to base her philosophies on the Bible and then exercises extreme creative license in her interpretation of the scripture. She in fact gives suggestions and direction that are in direct contradiction to it often enough that I felt her validity was compromised, and I won't purchase any of her other books in the "millionaires of the Bible" series.
Books:
- Acqua Calda: A Novel
- Amos Camps Out: A Couch Adventure in the Woods
- Arbor Alma/the Giving Tree
- At Home in Thrush Green
- Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life
- Banishing Verona: A Novel
- Before She Met Me (Picador Books)
- Bendiceme Ultima
- Bestial Noise: The Tin House Fiction Reader
- Beyond Illusions : A Novel
Books Index
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