Author
Beatrice Harraden
1864-1936
Beatrice Harraden (1864-1936) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Beatrice Harraden
Katharine Frensham: A Novel
"Katharine Frensham: A Novel" by Beatrice Harraden is a late 19th-century novel that explores complex family dynamics, love, and personal identity. The story primarily revolves around the characters of Clifford and Marianne Thornton, along with their son Alan, as they navigate the turbulent waters of their faltering marriage. As tensions rise and tragedy strikes, the book delves into themes of regret and the consequences of unfulfilled aspirations. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Clifford and Alan, who discuss the unhappy state of Clifford's marriage with Marianne. The emotional weight of their confrontation reveals the strains within the family, culminating in the abrupt and tragic death of Marianne after a heated exchange. Following this devastating loss, the focus shifts to both father and son grappling with their grief and guilt. Alongside this, we see the tender moments of their companionship, the interventions of their old Danish governess, Knutty, and the emotional void left by Marianne's passing, setting the stage for potential change and healing in their lives as they embark on a journey to Japan.
Hilda Strafford: A California Story
"Hilda Strafford: A California Story" by Beatrice Harraden is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the central characters Robert Strafford and his fiancée Hilda Lester, exploring themes of hope, disappointment, and the harsh realities of life on a Southern Californian ranch. Set during a transformative period, the narrative delves into Hilda's struggles to adapt to her new life as she joins Robert in a land that she initially finds bleak and unwelcoming. At the start of the novel, Robert eagerly anticipates Hilda's arrival at his ranch, filled with both hope and anxieties regarding her reaction to their new home. As he prepares for her welcome, he is plagued by doubts about whether the land will "smile" for her, fearing she might be disappointed. The beginning introduces us to their close friend Ben Overleigh, who offers support to Robert and assists in creating a pleasant environment for Hilda. As she arrives, however, the couple must navigate the challenges of their new life as the harsh reality of ranching begins to set in, particularly following a disastrous storm that threatens their plans and future together. Ultimately, the opening chapters establish a landscape marked by both natural beauty and overwhelming struggle, framing the emotional complexity of the characters as they confront the consequences of their choices.
A Bird of Passage, and Other Stories
"A Bird of Passage and Other Stories" by Beatrice Harraden is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. The main narrative follows a young girl, a tuner, who intrigues the guests at a little hotel in Switzerland with her charm, musical talent, and mysterious past, hinting at themes of independence and the search for personal fulfillment. Throughout the opening tale, readers are invited to explore the girl's interactions with various characters, including a curious gentleman named Oswald, setting the stage for deeper explorations of identity and societal expectations. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the young girl as she enters the hotel salon, drenched but cheerful, revealing her witty character and independence when she states that she has no luggage or companions. Her interactions with an elderly lady and then Oswald Everard highlight her unique outlook on life, particularly her passion for music and her determination to succeed in a profession that is rarely chosen by women at that time. As she tunes a piano in the salon, she captivates the guests, simultaneously wresting their attention and respect while prompting reflections on her unconventional lifestyle. This sets a lively anecdote that balances themes of ambition, femininity, and the desire for connection in a world of cyclical expectations.
Laivoja yössä
"Laivoja yössä" by Beatrice Harraden is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book appears to delve deep into themes of personal struggle and human connection through its main characters, notably Bernardine and Juro Herra, as they navigate their lives amid the backdrop of a spa environment frequented by individuals seeking healing and respite from their ailments. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to a dinner scene at the Kurhaus, where Juro Herra makes an unexpected comment that disrupts the usual table chatter, highlighting his solitude and discontent. His interaction with Bernardine, a new arrival seeking recovery from her own burdens, sets the stage for a relationship that oscillates between sympathy and existential reflection. Various other characters, including Mrs. Reffold and Mr. Reffold, are also introduced, each contributing to a complex web of social dynamics that explore the intricacies of human connection in a setting suffused with illness and the quest for renewal. The opening chapters establish a poignant atmosphere as listeners reflect on suffering, hope, and the often unspoken ties that bind individuals together in their journeys.
Ships that pass in the night
"Ships that Pass in the Night" by Beatrice Harraden is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around the intricate interactions of its characters, particularly focusing on Bernardine Holme, a young woman who arrives at the Petershof Kurhaus for her health. The narrative captures her encounters with various guests at the resort, including the enigmatic "Disagreeable Man," Robert Allitsen, and others navigating their own struggles with illness and existential reflections. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the contrasting personalities at the dining table of Petershof Kurhaus, where a new-comer, Bernardine, finds herself lost in thought amid the conversations. The Disagreeable Man's sharp remarks about life's disappointments catch her attention, and their exchanges hint at a deeper connection. As classic themes of health, ambition, and the search for purpose emerge, Bernardine reflects on her past, her lost ambitions in teaching and writing, and her current state of illness. The interactions set the tone for a character-driven exploration of hope, resilience, and the weight of unfulfilled dreams, presenting Bernardine's journey as one of self-discovery within the confines of a society marked by suffering.
Yksillä juurilla
"Yksillä juurilla" by Beatrice Harraden is a novel written during the early 20th century. The narrative delves into the lives of an elderly couple, exploring themes of marital discontent, memory, and the hopes and regrets that accompany a long life together. The story unfolds in a small, intimate setting where the couple reflects on their past as they face separation. The plot centers on Tuomas, a watchmaker, and his wife, Volumnia Webster, who are preparing to part ways after more than thirty years of marriage. The couple, despite their shared history, confront their lack of happiness and unfulfilled dreams. As they reminisce over their lives, amidst heavy rain and the arrival of a mysterious, down-on-his-luck musician, deeper issues of regret surface. The musician becomes a catalyst, prompting Tuomas and Volumnia to reassess their past and the choices they have made. Ultimately, the story examines the complexity of human relationships, the weight of memories, and the desire for connection, leading to a poignant conclusion that emphasizes the need for understanding and forgiveness.