Author
Perceval Gibbon
1879-1926
Perceval Gibbon (1879-1926) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Perceval Gibbon
Flower o' the Peach
"Flower o' the Peach" by Perceval Gibbon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the Karoo, a semi-desert region in South Africa, where the protagonist, Paul, navigates his life as a young boy approaching adulthood. Through his interactions with the old black shepherd and the arrival of a sick woman named Miss Harding, the novel touches on themes of youth, dreams, identity, and the complex social dynamics of the time, particularly as they relate to race and class. At the start of the narrative, Paul reflects on the beauty of the landscape as he watches sheep depart for the pastures. His conversation with the old shepherd reveals a mysterious tale about a "mad Kafir," stirring Paul's curiosity and igniting his imagination. The opening chapters also introduce significant characters in Paul's life, including his mother, vivid in her dreams of the past, and Mrs. Jakes, who is coping with her flawed husband, Dr. Jakes, whose personal issues complicate the lives of those around him, particularly Miss Harding, the new arrival at the Sanatorium. As Paul engages with the world and the people around him, the novel sets the stage for exploring deeper issues of artistry, societal expectations, and emotional struggles in a mesmerizing and expansive landscape.
Those Who Smiled, and Eleven Other Stories
"Those Who Smiled" by Perceval Gibbon is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The opening story introduces complex themes of war, morality, and human emotion, depicting the interactions of two military officers—Captain Hahn, a robust German captain epitomizing authority and control, and Lieutenant Jovannic, a more introspective young Austrian officer. As they observe the arrest of a forced-laborer, the story explores the juxtaposition of brute force and the tragic, silent resistance of those subjected to violence. The beginning of "Those Who Smiled" sets the stage with Captain Hahn and Lieutenant Jovannic as they prepare to capture a deserter from a forced labor camp. They observe a scene charged with tension as the villagers react to the violent arrest. Gibbon delves into the detached mindset of Captain Hahn, who prides himself on systematic control over the situation, whereas Jovannic’s discomfort grows as he witnesses the prisoner’s calm acceptance of fate and the villagers' oddly tranquil smiles, which suggest a deeper gravitas to their suffering. Through this opening, Gibbon hints at themes of complicity, the moral weight of authority, and the unfathomable depths of human resilience in the face of tyranny.
The Second Class Passenger: Fifteen Stories
"The Second Class Passenger: Fifteen Stories" by Perceval Gibbon is a collection of short stories likely written in the early 20th century. The stories focus on various characters, exploring their experiences and interactions, often highlighting themes of social class differences, cultural encounters, and the complexity of human relationships within different societal settings. The opening of the first story introduces a character named Dawson, who is depicted as a second-class passenger arriving in Mozambique. After a day of sightseeing with fellow travelers, he undertakes a quest to retrieve a bronze idol for a companion, Miss Paterson. However, during his return, Dawson becomes lost in a dark alley while navigating the rainy city streets. He encounters a diverse array of unsettling characters, leading to a tense and chaotic situation where he unwittingly finds himself embroiled in a violent conflict involving a woman and two men in a cramped room. The chaos escalates as violence erupts, and Dawson, initially a passive observer, takes drastic action to defend the woman amid the turmoil. This gripping start sets the tone for a narrative rich with drama and exploration of human nature under duress.
Vrouw Grobelaar and Her Leading Cases: Seventeen Short Stories
"Vrouw Grobelaar and Her Leading Cases: Seventeen Short Stories" by Perceval Gibbon is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The collection features the character of Vrouw Grobelaar, a formidable matriarch of a Boer family, who narrates tales filled with moral lessons, folklore, and cultural reflections from her life on the South African frontier. Through her stories, Gibbon explores themes of morality, human and racial dynamics, love, and conflict within colonial contexts. The opening of the book introduces Vrouw Grobelaar as a commanding figure respected for her lineage and wealth. She is portrayed as a fixed point in her bustling household, surrounded by grandchildren and Kafirs, whom she governs with an iron hand, albeit with underlying affection. The narrative sets the stage for her storytelling, where she shares fables that invoke the cultural heritage of the Boers, such as tales involving familial and moral conflicts that reflect the harsh realities of life on the frontier. Among her relatives, young Katje stands out, expressing youthful desires and challenges to Vrouw Grobelaar. The old lady’s stories reveal the complexities of human nature, often punctuated by the local magic and beliefs that shape their lives.