3.77
Part of "Loveswept" series
"Trouble in Triplicate" by Barbara Boswell is a gripping collection of short stories that explores the complexities of contemporary South African life. The book is divided into three sections, each containing a series of interlinked stories that delve into the themes of love, loss, and identity. In the first section, "The Space Between Us," Boswell introduces us to a cast of characters who are all struggling to connect with those around them. Whether it's a long-married couple on the brink of separation or a group of friends grappling with the aftermath of a betrayal, these stories are imbued with a sense of yearning that is both poignant and deeply relatable. The second section, "The Weight of History," takes a more political turn, examining the ways in which South Africa's past continues to shape its present. Through the stories of a history professor confronted with the ghosts of his past, a young activist seeking justice for her community, and a family grappling with the legacy of apartheid, Boswell paints a vivid picture of a country still grappling with its demons. Finally, in "The Search for Self," Boswell turns her gaze inward, exploring the complexities of identity and self-discovery. From a woman reconnecting with her estranged father to a young girl coming to terms with her sexuality, these stories are by turns heart-wrenching and uplifting, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Throughout the collection, Boswell's prose is both elegant and incisive, her characters drawn with a depth and nuance that is truly remarkable. Whether you're a fan of literary fiction or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, "Trouble in Triplicate" is a book that is not to be missed...
Edith Wharton
The House of Mirth
Set in the upper class society of New York City, this novel follows the tragic story of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent woman who struggles to maintain her social status and find a suitable husband. Like 'Trouble in Triplicate,' this book explores themes of class, gender, and the consequences of societal expectations.
Learn MoreBarbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible
This novel tells the story of an evangelical Baptist minister who moves his family to the Belgian Congo in 1959, where they become entangled in the country's struggle for independence. Like 'Trouble in Triplicate,' this book explores themes of culture clash, identity, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.
Learn MoreDonna Tartt
The Secret History
This novel follows a group of classics students at a small, elite college who become obsessed with the occult and the darker aspects of Greek literature. When they attempt to recreate a Dionysian ritual, their lives begin to unravel with tragic consequences. Like 'Trouble in Triplicate,' this book explores themes of obsession, secrecy, and the power of knowledge.
Learn MoreColson Whitehead
The Underground Railroad
This novel reimagines the Underground Railroad as a literal subterranean train system, following a young slave named Cora as she escapes from a Georgia plantation and makes her way north to freedom. Like 'Trouble in Triplicate,' this book explores themes of history, identity, and the struggle for freedom.
Learn MoreHaruki Murakami
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
This novel follows the surreal and mysterious journey of a man named Toru Okada as he searches for his missing wife and uncovers a series of strange and unsettling events. Like 'Trouble in Triplicate,' this book explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of the unconscious mind.
Learn MoreMichael Chabon
The Yiddish Policemen's Union
This novel is an alternative history in which Jewish refugees have established a temporary settlement in Sitka, Alaska, after the Holocaust. The story follows a detective named Meyer Landsman as he investigates a murder and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the future of the settlement. Like 'Trouble in Triplicate,' this book explores themes of identity, history, and the power of storytelling.
Learn MoreJunot Díaz
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
This novel follows the story of a young Dominican man named Oscar, who is obsessed with science fiction and fantasy, as he struggles to find his place in the world and come to terms with his family's troubled past. Like 'Trouble in Triplicate,' this book explores themes of identity, history, and the power of storytelling.
Learn MorePaul Beatty
The Sellout
This satirical novel follows the story of a young black man who attempts to reinstitute slavery and segregation in a fictional Los Angeles suburb in order to bring attention to the plight of his community. Like 'Trouble in Triplicate,' this book explores themes of identity, history, and the power of storytelling.
Learn MoreViet Thanh Nguyen
The Sympathizer
This novel follows the story of a Vietnamese communist spy who infiltrates the South Vietnamese army and flees to the United States after the fall of Saigon. Like 'Trouble in Triplicate,' this book explores themes of identity, history, and the power of storytelling.
Learn More