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Silent Duchess
Dacia Maraini Manufacturer: Feminist Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
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ASIN: 155861222X |
Amazon.com
Dacia Maraini is something of a national treasure in Italy. The author of more than 50 books, a director of stage and screen, and an outspoken feminist, Maraini has never been afraid of controversy. The Silent Duchess won prestigious awards in Italy upon its publication there in 1990, and has since been translated into 14 languages. It tells the story of Marianna Ucria, an 18th-century noblewoman who is both deaf and mute following a mysterious childhood trauma. Though outwardly Marianna's life follows the same trajectory as most women's of her class and time--an arranged marriage and endless childbearing--her inner life is quite unique. Within the silent world she occupies, Marianna pursues a vigorous life of the mind; in fact, silence becomes a weapon she wields to defend her deepest, truest self against society's suppression of women's creativity and will. From the first, horrifying images of a child's hanging, through Marianna's forced marriage to her elderly uncle, and finally to her recollection of the trauma that scarred her, The Silent Duchess takes the reader on a remarkable journey through the mores and manners of 18th-century Sicily and into the mind of its enigmatic, courageous heroine.Book Description
Winner of the Premio Campiello (Italy's equivalent of the National Book Award), short-listed for the Independent Foreign Fiction Award upon its first English-language publication in the U.K., and published to critical acclaim in fourteen languages, this mesmerizing historical novel by one of Italy's premier women writers is available in the United States for the first time. Set in Sicily in the early eighteenth century, The Silent Duchess is the story of Marianna Ucria, the daughter of an aristocratic family and the victim of a mysterious childhood trauma that has left her deaf and mute, trapped in a world of silence. Set apart from the world by her disability, Marianna searches for knowledge and fulfillment in a society where women face either forced marriages and endless childbearing or a life of renunciation within the walls of a convent. When she is just thirteen years old, Marianna is forced to marry her own aging uncle. Her status and wealth as a duchess cannot protect her from many of the horrors of that time: she witnesses her mother's decline due to her addiction to opium and snuff and her father's cruelly misguided religious piety as he participates in the hanging of a young boy. She watches helplessly as her four-year-old son dies of smallpox and her youngest daughter is married off at the age of twelve. It is not until the death of her "uncle-husband" that Marianna at last gains freedom from her life of subservience: she learns to manage her estates and to love a man as she had never loved her husband, and she also learns of the unspeakable events that led to her lifelong silence. In luminous language that conveys both the keen visual sight and the deep human insight possessed by her remarkable main character, Dacia Maraini captures the splendor and the corruption of Marianna's world and the strength of her spirit. The Silent Duchess is the timeless story of one woman's struggle to find her own voice after years of silence.
The publication in America of The Silent Duchess is cause for rejoicing.-Publishers Weekly
"a carefully paced story of intellectual and moral growth."-Kirkus
"Maraini's writing is elegant, and her graphic descriptions of the luxurious life of the aristocracy in sharp contrast to the squalor of the majority living in poverty are quite realistic. . . . Recommended. . . wherever foreign authors are popular."- Library Journal
Suggested for course use in:
Fiction
Comparative literature
Italian literature
One of Italy's foremost women writers,
Dacia Maraini is the winner of the international Prix Formentor and the Premio Campiello, one of Italy's highest literary honors. She is the author of more than fifty books, including novels, plays, collections of poetry, and critical essays.
Customer Reviews:
the silent duchess.......2003-03-27
a silent little gem.......2002-10-30
Dacia Maraini has created a gem of a book, which deal with many women's issues, some of which still exist today, but does so in a way that's not off-putting. Thought provoking, not boring.
ho-hum.......2000-06-27
Strangely still and static........2000-03-10
A very original , totally ingrossing book.......1999-03-04
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THE SILENT DUCHESS
Dacia Maraini Manufacturer: The Feminist Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000H3DKVG |
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The silent duchess,
Anne Green Manufacturer: Harper & Brothers ProductGroup: Book Binding: Unknown Binding ASIN: B0006AOOYM |
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The Silent Duchess
Dacia Maraini Manufacturer: The Feminist Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000INF03Q |
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The Silent Duchess
Dacia; Translated from the Italian by Kitto, Dick and Spottiswood, Elspeth; Afterword by Hostert, Anna Camaiti Maraini Manufacturer: Feminist Press/C.U.N.Y. ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000IWV1IA |
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Diabolo, Vol. 1
Kaoru Ohashi , and Kei Kusunoki Manufacturer: TokyoPop ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1595322329 |
Book Description
*A poignant story of friendship and heroism *The allure of the occult will appeal to fans of Demon Diary and PriestRen is now on a mission to find Rai, but in his way are the six great spirits, and among them is Rai. The plot thickens when a 7-year old Mio is found alive and well. A confused Ren faces the tough task of saving Rai and his friends--but can he do it all alone?
Customer Reviews:
An excellent small horror series.......2005-08-24
In fact, it is the story of two seventeen-years-old childhood friends, Ren and Rai, who are as close as brothers. They have been cursed by the demon ten years ago and are now "diabolos", human beings who will turn into monsters when they turn 18. Before that happens, they have given themselves the mission to protect other people from suffering the same as they did in the only way possible : by killing them before that happens.
I have to say that at first, I thought I had made a mistake buying those books. The first volume is pretty ordinary. It gives an overview of what Ren and Rai's lives must have looked like all these years, when they fought "diabolos" like themselves. Like every first manga of a serie, it only sets the story and main characters and helps to understand what their history is, without any real plot yet.
However, I was pretty amazed by the second book. New characters are introduced and they have more influence in the story. The plot starts to get a lot more developped and it really gets interesting. The third manga is even deeper, with a lot of plot twists, fights and treasons.
What I really loved about these series is, first, the art, which is constant eye-candy. The characters and background are truly beautiful (see previews on TokyoPop's web site). I also loved the many plot twists. I hate predictable stories and this one kept surprising me many times. Ren and Rai are also handsome, truly lovable characters who will please every bishounen-loving girl! I also like short series because the pace is always very fast so I loved the fact that we get to the core and the end of the story in only three volumes.
The one big deception I had in this manga was because I thought it might be a little shounen-ai, with both characters so close, but there wasn't. However, the good side of this is that the story might reach a larger public. I would recommand this manga to my male and female friends alike ; however, note that this series is rated teens 16+ horror, though I found it less violent than mangas such as Descendants of Darkness and Count Cain.
It's not THAT graphic..........2005-03-06
Diabolo, a beautiful series beyond words........2005-02-21
Evil, deals & birthdays, oh my! (Warning, possible ramblng).......2005-01-15
get this manga.......2005-01-05
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Berserker Lies (Berserker)
Fred Saberhagen Manufacturer: Tor Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Mass Market Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0812505638 |
Customer Reviews:
Decent collection of short stories.......2002-12-07
First off, this book is not for someone who doesn't appreciate the berserker series. Go read one of the other novels; the original by Saberhagen is probably the best to introduce you. You can find it in the list "Berserker Books", or just search for "Berserker".
The stories themselves are pretty engaging, and are mostly focused on the early days of the ED Humanity's fight against the Berserker death machines. Lots of different literary styles, so its a good breather from the rest of the series which, to me, tends to drone on when each book is written in such a similar style.
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5 PBs by Fred Saberhagen, Berserker Series: Berserker, Man, Lies, Planet & Brother Assassin (Berserker)
Fred Saberhagen ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000RXZXZC |
Product Description
Paperbacks
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Junior League Centennial Cookbook
Junior League International Manufacturer: Broadway ProductGroup: Book Binding: Spiral-bound Similar Items:
ASIN: 0385477317 Release Date: 1996-03-01 |
Customer Reviews:
Junior League Cookbook.......2007-08-16
out of date.......2007-06-08
Great cookbook.......2005-10-08
Great collection!.......2002-12-14
AWESOME!.......2002-11-21
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Junior League Centennial Cookbook
Jr Leagues Assn Manufacturer: BANTAM DOUBLEDAY @ DELL ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000N7C4A4 |
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The Junior League Centennial Cookbook: Over 750 of the Most Treasured Recipes from 200 Junior Leagues
Junior League International Manufacturer: Doubleday Publishing ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000MHKWY0 |
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Choosing a Dog for Dummies
Chris Walkowicz Manufacturer: For Dummies ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0764553100 |
Product Description
A mind-boggling number of dog breeds exists, and choosing the right dog for you may be confusing. No worries! This book provides a simple, straightforward guide to selecting the best breed for your lifestyle.Discover how to:Decide which pet qualities you value most.Choose a great dog.Care for your pet.Find out about breed rescue.Select a kid-friendly dog.The Dummies WayExplanations in plain English."Get in, get out" information.Icons and other navigational aids.Tear-out cheat sheet.Top ten lists.A dash of humor and funCustomer Reviews:
The perfect starting point.......2007-01-24
ALWAYS good to look at different qualities each breed has.......2006-11-03
A Godsend!.......2006-09-28
Good Book.......2004-09-07
An invaluable resource.......2002-02-12
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Choosing a Dog for Dummies
Manufacturer: HUNGRY MINDS (TWLD) ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000GT2QZ2 |
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Christmas Antiques, Decorations and Traditions
Constance King Manufacturer: Antique Collectors' Club ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 1851492976 |
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Nautical Knits for Kids
Debbie Bliss Manufacturer: Collins & Brown ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 185585452X |
Book Description
From the best-selling author of Great Knits for Kids, Bright Knits for Kids, and Classic Knits for Kids, here are 25 new nautically inspired knits for infants and for children up to six years old. A seaworthy sailor's jacket, a marine-striped baby's outfit, and a sweater bright with maritime motifs are just three of the designs in this delightful new knitwear collection from Debbie Bliss. Combining style with practicality, Bliss presents 25 seashore-inspired designs for babies and for children up to six years old; projects range from simple knits for beginners to intricate cable stitches and color patterning for more experienced needleworkers. With its charming seafaring style, easy-to-follow patterns and charts, and captivating color photos, Nautical Knits for Kids is a welcome addition to the Debbie Bliss knitwear series. Debbie Bliss is a leading designer of children's knitwear and a highly successful author. Among her books are Great Knits for Kids, Bright Knits for Kids, Classic Knits for Kids, Baby Knits, New Baby Knits, and Kids Country Knits. 80 pp 8 1/2 x 11 35 color & 26 b/w photos, charts throughout A Crafter's Choice Book Club SelectionCustomer Reviews:
STYLISH.......2000-05-12
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Nautical Knits for Kids
Debbie Bliss Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000OMYVHC |
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Sullivanesque: URBAN ARCHITECTURE AND ORNAMENTATION
Ronald E. Schmitt Manufacturer: University of Illinois Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items: ASIN: 0252027264 |
Customer Reviews:
Louis Sullivan's Vernacular Influence.......2003-10-25
This is a very thorough book that will appeal to students of The Arts & Crafts/Prairie School and "vernacular urban architecture" which has all but been ignored by architects and academics. The book contains numerous photographs. There is a great chapter on Sullivan's disciples, and, as mentioned before, the work of lesser-known "blue collar" architects whose background buildings are great contributions to the city of Chicago. There is also an appendix which contains an exhaustive, state by state inventory of Sullivanesque buildings.
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Architectural Ornamentation in Chicago
William A. Rooney Manufacturer: Chicago Review Pr ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0914091387 |
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Architectural Ornamentation In Chicago
William A. Rooney Manufacturer: Chicago Review Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000UUIUAC |
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ARCHITECTURAL ORNAMENTATION IN CHICAGO, Signed By the Author
William A. Rooney Manufacturer: Chicago Review Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000VBNZPA |
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Shopping Bag: Portable Art
Stephen C. Wagner Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0517561778 Release Date: 1986-09-18 |
Customer Reviews:
It's OK to Collect Shopping Bags.......2007-02-18
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The Shopping Bag: Portable Art (ISBN: 0517561778)
Michael L. and Wagner, Stephen C. Closen Manufacturer: Crown Publishers ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000LCB9XO |
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The Shopping Bag: Portable Art.
Stephen and CLOSEN, Michael L. WAGNER Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000MX8Y1W |
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The shopping bag : portable art / by Stephen C. Wagner & Michael L. Closen ; design by George Corsillo
Stephen C. Wagner Manufacturer: New York : Crown Publishers ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000VZS092 |
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Shopping Bag Portable Art Colu
Crown Manufacturer: Crown ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0517564815 Release Date: 1989-01-01 |
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Surviving in Biafra: The Story of the Nigerian Civil War
Alfred Obiora Uzokwe Manufacturer: Writers Advantage ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0595263666 |
Book Description
In 1966, several waves of rioting in northern Nigeria culminated in the brutal massacre of thousands of easterners by their northern Nigerian counterparts. Sensing that their safety could no longer be guaranteed, the easterners fled to the eastern region and established an independent nation called Biafra.Refusing to accept her sovereignty, Nigeria waged a thirty-month war against Biafra, targeting air assaults at civilian locations, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of children, women and the elderly. Nigeria used land and sea blockade to prevent relief food from reaching hungry masses in Biafra and thousands of children died from a form of malnutrition called kwashiorkor. At the end of it all in 1970, two million people had perished.Customer Reviews:
Very insightful.......2005-06-01
A Political Book Told Honestly.......2003-10-12
The author, Mr. Uzokwe, doesn't speak as an authoritarian or an analyst. He simply tells the story of what he saw, felt and experienced as a child living in a war torn world. This includes some sorrow but also reminds us of the naiveté and life as usual wanderings of a child's mind. (Not unlike the film "Life is Beautiful" depicting a child's experience in Nazi Germany)
I have read the F. Forsythe book and other material on the subject of the Nigerian Civil War. I recommend those earlier works primarily on historical merit. However in my opinion, Surviving In Biafra is the most heart-felt story telling perhaps because the innocence depicted heightens the senselessness of the nearly 2 million lives lost. Although the subject matter is heavy, many passages are funny and endearing. As a non-African reader I found some ideas and practices presented odd and intriguing. The book is about family relations, community responses and how coping affects everyone differently. A variety of cultural norms are revealed and an overall picture of life in a small war torn village is painted quite beautifully. Many words, phrases and saying and songs are translated into the (then Biafran) native language of Ibo, and a variety of photos are included which adds nice documentation.
Anyone interested in peace will benefit from the truth presented in Surviving In Biafra. For those interested in the holocaust or other genocide attempts it is a must read. Likewise, for those interested in affirming the joy of life and the enduring human spirit this reading is a memorable journey.
Great book.......2003-05-17
"Surviving in Biafra" is a must read!!.......2003-03-11
THE BRUTALITY OF NATIONS: THE NIGERIAN-BIAFRAN CIVIL WAR.......2003-02-24
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