Author
Sheila Kaye-Smith
1887-1956
Sheila Kaye-Smith (1887-1956) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Sheila Kaye-Smith
The end of the house of Alard
"The End of the House of Alard" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. This family saga centers around the Alard family and their estate following the aftermath of World War I, exploring their declining fortunes, internal conflicts, and shifting dynamics as they navigate life at Conster Manor. The story introduces Peter Alard, who returns from the war to assume familial responsibilities as the heir, and hints at the complexities of love, duty, and socio-economic pressures that surround him. The opening of the novel sets the stage by chronicling the illustrious yet dwindling legacy of the Alard family. It details their historical roots, the challenges posed by the war, and the family's deteriorating financial situation. As the narrative begins, Peter Alard returns home just before Christmas in 1918, where family tensions brew amidst the joy of his return. He faces the expectations of marriage, especially regarding financial alliances, while grappling with his feelings for Stella Mount, a woman untethered by wealth yet deeply cherished by him. This initial segment paints a vivid picture of the family's struggles, highlighting themes of love, legacy, and the burden of inheritance against a backdrop of post-war reality.
Sussex Gorse: The Story of a Fight
"Sussex Gorse: The Story of a Fight" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a historical novel set in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around a rural community in the 1830s and captures the tension stemming from the Inclosure Act, which threatens traditional ways of life. The central character, Reuben Backfield, emerges as a passionate and ambitious young man determined to reclaim and cultivate the land known as Boarzell, which has significant personal and communal value. At the start of the story, we witness the Boarzell Fair, a critical social event that highlights the community’s struggles against the backdrop of the impending Inclosure. As discussions unfold, the fairgoers express their anger towards Sir John Bardon, the local squire, for attempting to enclose their communal lands, a move that threatens their livelihoods. Reuben, a fifteen-year-old boy, feels the burden of these changes especially deeply as he grapples with his family dynamics and his father's passive acceptance of their situation. His fiery desire for land ownership becomes evident as he dreams of subduing Boarzell, making it flourish, and ensuring it is not lost to encroaching developments. The opening lays a foundation for themes of ambition, community resistance, and the struggle against oppressive change.
The Four Roads
"The Four Roads" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book is set in a rural Sussex community, where it explores the lives of characters caught in the turmoil of World War I. The primary focus in the opening chapters is on Tom Beatup, a young farmer who is grappling with the impending realities of war and the responsibilities he will leave behind at his family farm. At the start of the story, the setting is vividly established through descriptions of the Sussex landscape intersected by four roads, which serve as both a physical and metaphorical framework. We meet Reverend Mr. Sumption, who is deeply troubled by the enlistment of his son Jerry, and we see Tom Beatup reluctantly preparing to leave his farm for the army. The burdens of familial responsibility weigh heavily on Tom as he navigates the conflicting emotions of duty and the desire to protect his home. This initial portion of the novel suggests themes of sacrifice, the harsh realities of rural life, and the impact of war on personal and communal identities.
The Three Furlongers
"The Three Furlongers" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of the Furlonger siblings—Janet, Leonard, and their younger brother Nigel—as they navigate challenges and changes in their rural existence following Nigel's return from prison. The narrative captures the complexities of their relationships and emotional struggles, set against the backdrop of their diminished family estate in the English countryside. The opening of the novel introduces us to Janet Furlonger at Sparrow Hall, where the quiet evening descends over the fields of three counties. Her anticipation builds with the arrival of her brothers, Nigel and Leonard, marking a reunion filled with both joyful moments and underlying tensions. As the siblings share laughter, memories, and a meal, the scene rapidly shifts when Nigel is triggered by a seemingly innocent question, leading to an unexpected emotional outburst. This moment evokes the heavy aftermath of his prison experience and sets the stage for the siblings' ongoing dynamic, filled with love, concern, and the shadows of past traumas. Through vivid imagery and rich character dynamics, the book lays the groundwork for a story of redemption and the complexity of familial bonds amidst life's trials.
John Galsworthy
"John Galsworthy" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a literary biography written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life, works, and artistic contributions of the renowned author John Galsworthy, famous for his plays and novels that often tackled social issues and the complexities of human nature. The biography emphasizes how Galsworthy's narrative style and themes reflect the spirit of his time, offering a detailed understanding of both his artistic sensibilities and his place in modern literature. At the start of the book, the introduction discusses the role of popular writers in society and highlights Galsworthy's unique position among them. Kaye-Smith points out that Galsworthy, though not widely read in mainstream circles, possesses a distinct style that attracts a smaller, more discerning audience appreciative of his subtle yet powerful critiques of society. The opening also touches upon Galsworthy's background, mentioning his education and travels, which informed much of his writing. The text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Galsworthy's plays and novels, outlining the dual nature of his public and private personas—an artist dedicated to his craft who remains somewhat detached from the fame-seeking behaviors often associated with literary success.
Saints in Sussex
"Saints in Sussex" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a poetic exploration of the lives and significance of various saints associated with Sussex, crafted in the early 20th century. This collection of literary pieces reflects a blend of spiritual reverence and regional pride, delving into the themes of faith, the natural landscape, and the cultural charm of Sussex. The book likely serves as a tribute to local history and religious sanctity, giving readers insight into the importance of these saints to the area. The content of "Saints in Sussex" is structured around the narratives of different saints, each encapsulated in evocative poetry that intertwines personal and communal faith experiences. The poems depict figures such as St. Andrew, St. Mary Magdalene, and others, illustrating their virtues, teachings, and the impact they had on the people of Sussex. Through rich imagery and lyrical verses, Kaye-Smith evokes a sense of connection between the saints and the Sussex landscape, allowing readers to feel the spiritual and historical depth of the region. The work seamlessly blends the sacred with the earthly, capturing the essence of a community's devotion and its reverence for the past.
Joanna Godden
"Joanna Godden" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on Joanna Godden, a strong-willed young woman who takes over the management of Little Ansdore Farm after her father's death. Set against the backdrop of the marshes in Sussex and Kent, the novel explores themes of gender roles, independence, and the challenges of rural life. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Joanna as she deals with the aftermath of her father's funeral, showcasing her spirited personality, especially in her interactions with her younger sister, Ellen. Joanna is determined to run the farm herself, countering societal expectations of women at the time, and she quickly finds herself at odds with local opinion and her own farm workers. The opening chapters set the stage for Joanna's struggle not only against traditional gender roles but also against the practical challenges of managing a farm, hinting at the growth and experiences she will encounter as she asserts her independence.
Willow's forge, and other poems
"Willow's Forge, and Other Poems" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a collection of poems written in the early 20th century. This work showcases Kaye-Smith's distinctive voice and her thematic exploration of love, loss, nature, and the human condition, reflective of her time. The collection offers a range of styles, from traditional ballads to introspective lyrics, that all contribute to a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. The poems in "Willow's Forge" delve deeply into the complexities of love, lamentation, and the interplay between life and death. In the titular poem, for instance, the speaker experiences a haunting connection with a lost love, blending elements of madness and longing. Other pieces, such as "The Ballad of a Motor Bus," capture the vibrancy of urban life with rich imagery, while "The Counsel of Gilgamesh" philosophizes about the eternal search for meaning. Throughout the collection, Kaye-Smith’s vivid imagery and emotional resonance invite readers to reflect on their own encounters with love’s ephemeral nature and the inevitable transience of human existence.
Raakaleenkorjuu
"Raakaleenkorjuu" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the Fuller family, particularly James Fuller, who struggles with the tensions of family life, faith, and societal expectations in a rural English community. The opening sets the stage for a complex exploration of personal relationships, including those between James and his children Robert and Clem, against a backdrop of fading familial legacy and shifting social dynamics. At the start of this work, the narrative introduces the Fuller family, who have lived in High Tilt for nearly three hundred years, detailing their gradual decline from landowners to struggling farmers. James Fuller, recently widowed, tries to instill religious values in his children while dealing with their diverging paths, particularly Robert, who presents a rebellious attitude in contrast to his dutiful brother Clem. Tensions simmer during a family gathering as they prepare to attend a revival meeting, highlighting the differences in the siblings' behaviors and beliefs, setting the stage for future conflicts and character development.