Author
Marie Belloc Lowndes
1868-1947
Marie Belloc Lowndes (1868-1947) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Marie Belloc Lowndes
下宿人
"Geshukunin" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the struggles of the Bunting couple, Robert and Ellen, who have fallen into financial hardship and are attempting to turn their home into a boarding house to regain some stability in their lives. As they navigate their precarious situation, an intriguing new tenant arrives, which adds an unexpected twist to their story. At the start of the narrative, we find the Bunting couple in a diminished state, grappling with anxiety over their financial situation and the loss of their previous respectable lives. The couple's past as domestic servants is highlighted, as is their hope for recovery by taking in boarders. The opening chapters detail their interactions, their emotions regarding their plight, and their first encounter with a new potential tenant—a peculiar gentleman named Mr. Sleuth—who seems like an enigma but offers a glimmer of hope for their dreary existence. This moment introduces a pivotal change in their fortunes, mixing elements of desperation and the potential for renewed purpose as they open their home to guests.
His Most Gracious Majesty King Edward VII
"His Most Gracious Majesty King Edward VII" by Mrs. Belloc-Lowndes is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book presents a detailed biography of King Edward VII, recounting his life from birth through his childhood, education, and eventual accession to the throne. It offers insights into his character, upbringing, and the unique circumstances surrounding his time as the Prince of Wales and beyond. The opening of the book introduces King Edward's birth on November 9, 1841, amidst great public enthusiasm, as noted in contemporary accounts. It provides context about the sentiments of the nation regarding his future role, with references to the hopes invested in him by both his royal parents and the public. The narration seamlessly transitions into his formative years, highlighting the early influences on his character and the careful preparations made for his education. This section sets the stage for understanding the man he would become and the contributions he would make to the British monarchy and society at large.
The Lodger
"The Lodger" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a horror novel first published as a short story in 1911, later expanded and published in 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Bunting, struggling London lodging-house owners, desperately need income when mysterious Mr. Sleuth arrives as their sole guest. As brutal murders plague nearby neighborhoods, Mrs. Bunting notices disturbing patterns in their lodger's behavior. Torn between financial necessity and mounting suspicion, the couple must confront a terrifying possibility that could destroy everything.
The lonely house
"The Lonely House" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to Lily Fairfield, an English girl who leaves her sheltered life after the death of her aunt to stay with distant relatives, the Count and Countess Polda, at their villa in Monaco. As she seeks a fresh start on the French Riviera, the novel hints at deeper themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and potentially sinister experiences that await her in her new home. At the start of the story, Lily embarks on her journey to La Solitude, her new residence, filled with hope yet subconsciously burdened by past traumas. The opening chapters recount her vivid dreams and her arrival in the picturesque yet isolating setting of the Polda's villa. Upon meeting her relatives, Lily's initial enthusiasm is shadowed by an eerie atmosphere, strange occurrences, and unsettling interactions with the household staff and her distant relatives. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Lily's presence at La Solitude may not be as wholesome as it seems, setting the stage for intrigue and suspense in her new life.
The Heart of Penelope
"The Heart of Penelope" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Sir George Downing, who returns to London after a twenty-year exile due to a scandal involving a woman that marked his past. As he navigates his reintegration into society, themes of redemption, memory, and the complexities of relationships emerge, particularly against the backdrop of his former life and the elegant society he once knew. The opening of the novel introduces Sir George Downing as he reflects on his return to England, grappling with the weight of his past mistakes and their implications. His absence seems to have stripped him of the youthful optimism he once had, and his memories are tinged with both nostalgia and regret. Downing's life is complicated further by his marriage to Prudence Merryquick, an American woman who aspires to a different kind of life. The juxtaposition of his past in London and the present he encounters sets up a conflict that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the effects of time on personal relationships. As the narrative unfolds, readers begin to grasp the depth of Downing's inner turmoil and the societal expectations he faces.
The End of Her Honeymoon
"The End of Her Honeymoon" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Nancy and John Dampier, a young couple enjoying the final evening of their honeymoon in Paris, steeped in love and new beginnings. Their seemingly romantic getaway takes an unsettling turn as mysterious and unusual occurrences foreshadow complications in their new life together. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Nancy and John as they navigate the vibrant streets of Paris, culminating in their arrival at Hôtel Saint Ange. The atmosphere is magical, filled with hope and promise. However, a strange mishap occurs when their horse-drawn carriage halts unexpectedly, hinting at the troubles ahead. The couple's intimate moments are juxtaposed with a sudden sense of foreboding, heightened by Nancy's unease regarding her unfamiliar surroundings and growing fears for her husband's well-being after he is unexpectedly unresponsive the following morning. The tension escalates as they encounter the mysterious Hôtel Poulain, leading to misunderstandings and an unsettling revelation that leaves Nancy anxious about Jack’s absence and the hotel staff's dubious assertions regarding their arrival.
The Terriford mystery
"The Terriford Mystery" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in a picturesque English village, the story unfolds around a seemingly idyllic cricket match featuring the famous Australian team and the local squire, Harry Garlett. However, beneath this pleasant veneer lies a web of intrigue, personal relationships, and a tragic death that hints at deeper mysteries yet to be uncovered. The book introduces characters such as Lucy Warren and Guy Cheale, who are marked by their own romantic complications against the backdrop of village gossip and societal expectations. At the start of the story, readers are immersed in the cheerful atmosphere of Terriford village, where villagers are gathered to witness a friendly cricket match. Amidst the bustling crowd, the narrative introduces significant characters like Harry Garlett, a beloved cricketer and businessman, and his sickly wife, Mrs. Garlett. Their interactions hint at a world of personal struggles, especially with the presence of Lucy Warren and her forbidden romance with the enigmatic Guy Cheale. The plot thickens when an unforeseen event occurs, potentially tying the festive mood to a dark undercurrent of mystery and tension as the night unfolds. The opening chapters set the stage for a gripping exploration of love, secrets, and the complexities of human relationships within the quaint but watchful village society.
Barbara Rebell
"Barbara Rebell" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Barbara Rebell, whose tenth birthday in 1870 is marked by both anticipation and disappointment as she reflects on her life in France away from her English roots. As she grapples with her emotions and the complexity of her family’s past, the narrative hints at deeper themes of identity, isolation, and familial relationships. At the start of the novel, the opening portion introduces Barbara's tenth birthday, filled with longing for a more vibrant life filled with friends and familial connections. We learn about her life in St. Germains, where her parents live encased in an air of mystery surrounding her father's past. The encounter with her distant godmother and her family's complicated history brings to light Barbara’s feelings of disappointment, confusion, and her growing awareness of the different worlds she inhabits. The narrative sets a tone of reflection, as Barbara begins to comprehend the burdens of her family legacy while yearn for a sense of belonging and fulfillment that seems just out of reach.
What Timmy Did
"What Timmy Did" by Mrs. Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Tosswill family, particularly focusing on the peculiarities of their youngest member, Timmy, who possesses an uncanny gift that allows him to perceive things beyond the ordinary. As the family navigates changes in their financial circumstances and the return of Godfrey Radmore, a former friend with unresolved affections for one of the family members, the narrative unfolds layers of familial dynamics, past grievances, and emerging relationships. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the Tosswill household at Old Place, where Janet Tosswill responds to a phone call from Godfrey Radmore, long absent from their lives. As she prepares for his visit, the family’s financial struggles are hinted at, revealing a significant change in their once-comfortable lifestyle. Timmy is depicted as a unique child, hinting at his extraordinary gifts amidst the family's complicated emotions regarding Godfrey's return. The conversation surrounding Godfrey's ties with the family sets the stage for past relationships to resurface, raising questions of loyalty, affection, and the impact of time on their interconnected lives.
Studies in Wives
"Studies in Wives" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative begins with Althea Scrope, the young wife of a politician, revealing her complex position within her marriage, marked by emotional distance and social pressures. As the story unfolds, it appears to explore themes of societal expectations, personal dissatisfaction, and the roles women play within the institution of marriage against a backdrop of early 1900s England. The opening of the novel presents Althea as she reflects on her life and relationships, particularly with her husband, Perceval Scrope, and her friendship with Joan Panfillen, a woman ten years older who seems to have more influence in their social circles. Althea’s introspection reveals her feelings of inadequacy and her struggle for identity as she teeters between her youthful idealism and the harsh realities of her marriage. As she prepares for a visit from a friend, she suddenly receives a cryptic call from Joan, urging her to come over immediately, hinting at a deeper, possibly troubling development in their intertwined lives. The tension between Althea and her environment sets the stage for a narrative that promises to delve into the complexities of marital dynamics and female agency.
Jane Oglander
"Jane Oglander" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. It revolves around Jane Oglander, a young woman navigating her way through complex social landscapes after enduring familial tragedy and societal upheaval. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of personal identity amid the strictures of early 1900s British society. The opening of "Jane Oglander" introduces us to Jane as she walks across Westminster Bridge, where she becomes the subject of fascination for a man named Henry Ryecroft. He observes her unique demeanor and fleeting glances across the Thames, attributing to her an air of nobility and innocence that sets her apart from the bustling crowds. As he follows her, we learn of Jane's recent brushes with tragedy tied to her family's past and the depth of her character as she grapples with her circumstances. Ryecroft's introspections offer insight into both Jane's intrigue and his personal longing for romance, setting the stage for the intertwined narratives that will unfold in the course of their lives.
The Red Cross Barge
"The Red Cross Barge" by Mrs. Belloc Lowndes is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set amidst the backdrop of World War I, it explores the lives of German and French characters caught in the throes of war. The narrative follows Max Keller, a German Red Cross surgeon, as he navigates his duties and complex emotions in a small French town captured by German forces. The opening portion of the book introduces us to the Herr Doktor, who is distanced from the exuberant young Uhlan officers celebrating their conquests, possessing a grim understanding of the war's brutality and suffering. As he contemplates the aftermath of the battle of Charleroi, we also meet Jeanne Rouannès, a determined French nurse caring for wounded soldiers on a Red Cross barge moored on the river. Their interactions reveal cultural and emotional tensions, hinting at deeper connections that can arise even in times of conflict. As Keller prepares to relocate a wounded officer, Prince Egon, to the barge, the contrasting perspectives of the characters foreshadow a poignant exploration of compassion, duty, and the personal costs of war.
From out the Vasty Deep
"From out the Vasty Deep" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Blanche Farrow and her maid, Pegler, as they navigate the eerie atmosphere of Wyndfell Hall, a house rumored to be haunted. With the arrival of various guests for Christmas, the unfolding of mysterious events and the tension surrounding the supernatural elements set the stage for an intriguing tale filled with suspense and psychological exploration. The opening of the novel introduces us to Miss Farrow and Pegler engaging in a conversation about strange occurrences within Wyndfell Hall. Pegler recounts her frightening experience of seeing what she believes to be a ghost, a woman in a dreadful state who haunts her bedroom. Miss Farrow, feeling both anxious and amused, attempts to comfort her maid despite her own disbelief in the supernatural. As they discuss this ghostly apparition, the dynamics of their relationship and the layers of class and loyalty emerge, hinting at deeper themes of fear, isolation, and the complexities of the human experience within the rich, atmospheric setting of a dark, old manor.
The Chink in the Armour
"The Chink in the Armour" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds mainly around Sylvia Bailey, a beautiful young widow, who finds herself in Paris where she encounters the intriguing world of fortune-telling and the complexities of friendship and love. The narrative hints at themes of mystery and potential danger lurking beneath the surface of seemingly innocent pursuits like gambling and fortune-telling. At the start of the novel, Sylvia is introduced as a charming and somewhat naive character who is adjusting to life in Paris after the recent loss of her husband. The opening scenes depict her daily life and her budding friendship with Anna Wolsky, another widow who challenges Sylvia's perceptions of love and risk. When the two women decide to visit a fortune teller, Madame Cagliostra, the atmosphere becomes charged with anticipation, foreshadowing the intertwining fates that lie ahead for both women. Sylvia's reluctance to part with her cherished pearls—representative of her newfound independence—pairs with Anna’s fascination for gambling, setting the stage for a narrative filled with tension, choices, and caution against unknown dangers that may threaten their freedom.
Good Old Anna
"Good Old Anna" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the lead-up to World War I, the story revolves around the character of Mrs. Mary Otway and her long-time German servant, Anna, exploring themes of loyalty and prejudice in the wake of war. The narrative begins when Mrs. Otway grapples with the implications of England's declaration of war against Germany, particularly regarding her relationship with Anna, who has served her family faithfully for eighteen years. At the start of the novel, Mrs. Otway and her friend Miss Forsyth engage in a tense discussion about the fate of Anna following the war declaration. Miss Forsyth suggests that Mrs. Otway should send Anna back to Germany, a notion which Mrs. Otway fiercely rejects, highlighting her deep affection for her servant. As the two women navigate their differing perspectives on duty, nationalism, and friendship, the weight of historical events looms large. The opening chapters establish not only the intricate dynamics of their relationship but also set the stage for the unfolding turmoil as war disrupts their lives and forces them to confront cultural tensions in a rapidly changing world.
Studies in love and in terror
"Studies in Love and in Terror" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The works explore themes of passion, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, often set against dramatic backdrops. Central to the narrative is Claire de Wissant, the mayor's wife, who navigates her feelings while intertwined with the lives of others, including her husband, Jacques, and the naval officer, Commander Dupré. The opening of the story introduces Claire de Wissant as she stands on a cliff overlooking the sea, revealing her conflicted emotions about her husband and the English. She reflects on her connection to the submarines anchored in the bay, which generate a mix of pride and foreboding. The narrative hints at the dynamics of her relationships with her husband, the other officers, and particularly Commander Dupré, setting the stage for an exploration of love, loyalty, and the tensions that arise when duty clashes with personal desire. As the story unfolds, the foreshadowing of tragedy looms over their lives, demonstrating the fragility of human connections in times of crisis.
Told in gallant deeds : $b A child's history of the war
"Told in Gallant Deeds: A Child's History of the War" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work aims to provide children with a narrative of the Great War that highlights brave actions and noble themes, contrasting the war's brutal realities with the valor displayed by soldiers and civilians alike. At the start of the book, the author introduces the context of the Great War, emphasizing the importance of Belgium and its violation by Germany as the catalyst for Britain's involvement. Through relatable examples, the narrative explains complex themes of loyalty and courage, personified by the "happy warrior," someone who embodies the spirit of bravery amidst chaos. The opening not only sets the stage for the ensuing battles, such as the defense of Liège, but also prepares the reader to explore many heroic tales that will follow in the chapters ahead. Various valiant acts are introduced, demonstrating that acts of heroism can arise even in the direst circumstances, and aiming to instill a sense of pride and understanding in younger readers about their historical heritage.
Love and hatred
"Love and Hatred" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book delves into complex emotional relationships and the nuances of love, particularly focusing on the intertwined feelings of Laura Pavely and Oliver Tropenell, as well as Laura's relationship with her husband, Godfrey Pavely. With themes of desire, betrayal, and societal expectations, the narrative explores the consequences of passion and the struggles faced by its characters. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Laura Pavely, who experiences a profound emotional struggle after Oliver confesses his love for her during a seemingly innocent meeting in a summer house. Despite their prior friendship, Laura is taken aback by Oliver's feelings, leading to a tense exchange where she expresses her disappointment and contempt for the idea of love, viewing it as degrading. Meanwhile, Oliver grapples with his unyielding love for Laura, torn between his attachment to her and the reality of her marriage to Godfrey. The opening sets the stage for the unfolding drama, hinting at the complexities and heartaches that will arise as these characters confront their conflicting emotions and desires.
The Uttermost Farthing
"The Uttermost Farthing" by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a novel written in the early 20th century. This tale weaves a complex narrative surrounding Laurence Vanderlyn, an American diplomat in Paris, and his relationship with Margaret Pargeter, a married Englishwoman who longs for a brief escape from her constrained life. As their secret affair leads to a clandestine journey, the story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the precarious nature of human relationships. The opening of the book introduces Laurence Vanderlyn waiting at the Gare de Lyon for Margaret Pargeter, with whom he has shared a deep yet challenging emotional connection for years. Both are acutely aware of the societal and personal risks involved in their meeting, particularly as Margaret is a married woman and mother. As Vanderlyn reflects on their past interactions and the peculiar arrangement leading to this moment, a palpable tension builds. When Margaret finally arrives, their encounter signifies both a chance for happiness and the looming shadow of inevitable consequences, as Vanderlyn grapples with doubts about her choice to embark on such a risky affair. The narrative is steeped in anticipation, as the characters face an uncertain future that may hold dire revelations.