In the case of 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks', a very important feature is its blend of real - life events and urban context. It shows how in an urban area, scientific progress can sometimes come at a cost, especially for marginalized communities. It also does a great job of bringing to light a story that was long overlooked, and through that, it shows the complex social fabric of urban society in terms of race, class, and medical power dynamics. This book really makes you think about the ethics of urban - based scientific research and how it impacts people's lives.
Take 'The Song of Achilles' again. A notable feature is its use of classic mythology as a backdrop. It makes the story of the two male characters more accessible and gives it a sense of grandeur. The writing is also very lyrical, which adds to the emotional depth of the relationship between the characters.
In 'The Hydrogen Sonata' by Iain M. Banks, his signature Culture universe is on display. It has highly advanced technology and complex social and political systems that are typical of his work. The story itself is an exploration of the end of a particular civilization within this universe.
In 'The Essex Serpent', the notable feature is its vivid description of the Essex landscape and the era it's set in. The characters are well - developed, each with their own motives and secrets.
For 'The Price of Salt', the fact that it was written at a time when LGBT representation was scarce makes it stand out. It was bold in its exploration of a lesbian relationship. The way it shows the internal struggles and the external challenges faced by the two women is both poignant and important for understanding the history of LGBT literature.
In 'Homegoing', the multi - generational narrative is a key feature. By following different generations on both sides of the Atlantic, it shows how racism has evolved and endured over time, painting a complex picture of its influence on families and cultures.
In books like 'The Forgotten Soldier', a common feature is the in - depth look at the soldier's experience. It details the harsh living conditions, the constant fear, and the small moments of hope during war. It also might explore the cultural differences between different military forces.
Some popular 2017 fiction books include 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful novel that uses a fantastical concept of an actual underground railroad as a means of escape for slaves, exploring themes of race and freedom in a very unique way.
One of the notable books could be 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a story that follows a young boy's life after a tragic event at an art museum. Another might be 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel, which is a post - apocalyptic novel that explores the importance of art and human connection. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, a beautifully written novel set during World War II that tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy.
Many of the books in the list likely have advanced technology as a key feature. For example, they might have super - advanced weapons, spaceships with incredible capabilities, or new forms of military communication. Another feature could be complex characters. In military sci - fi, you often get characters who are trained soldiers but also have to deal with moral and ethical dilemmas. For instance, in a war - torn alien planet setting, a soldier might question the orders he's given.
One notable book could be 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It's a classic that has defined vampire horror. Another might be 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, which explores the horror of creation gone wrong. 'The Shining' by Stephen King is also a great one, with its terrifying hotel setting and psychological horror.