Second Half of the 20th Century discussion

Time periods can overlap, but books recommended here should have some part of it set in the 1950’s.

Many excellent authors published books in the 50's as men returned from war and women, who had worked outside of the home, refused to be locked away. Although the themes were often those of war, others took on contemporary issues. Saul Bellow (was Henderson the Rain King about contemporary Africa?) and (by memory) Phillip Roth were two.

J.D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey was, again by memory, set in the 50's as well as written then.

My memory could have let me down as to any of these.

Two pillars of erotic literature were published in the 1950's:
Story of O, , by Pauline Réage, and
Lolita, , by Vladimir Nabokov.

Most westerners will recognize Nabokov as a noted and celebrated writer of the 20th Century.

Pauline Reage was the nom de plume of Anne Desclos, who was a long time member of the French Academy. That very unusual all white cover was marketing genius. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&r...

Jon wrote: "Many excellent authors published books in the 50's as men returned from war and women, who had worked outside of the home, refused to be locked away. Although the themes were often those of war, ot..."

What I could find about the books they are set in the 50's and also Lolita, I was reading descriptions and reviews. I couldn't tell if The Story of O was set in the 50's. If it does tell me. I added the ones that take place in the 50's to the bookshelf. I do hope you recomened one for June. Sorry for any mistakes in this post. I'm typing from my Kindle and have not mastered the key pad.

Story of O was set in contemporary France, so yes: 1950's. It is quite dark, quite bdsm, with very dubious consent elements. I'm not brave enough to recommend it for a group read. Plus, I'd like to take on a book I haven't read. Possibly I will recommend Lolita. Think I download a sample first.

Jon wrote: "Story of O was set in contemporary France, so yes: 1950's. It is quite dark, quite bdsm, with very dubious consent elements. I'm not brave enough to recommend it for a group read. Plus, I'd like to..."

I see that you added that book and other books to the book shelf. Thanks for doing that.

As a moderator (well, co-), a pet peeve is a group's failure to build up a library for future members to use.

Just finished and loved the delightful coming of age story set in a 1950's W.VA. company coal town...... .