Author
Marie Conway Oemler
1879-1932
Marie Conway Oemler (1879-1932) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Marie Conway Oemler
Slippy McGee, Sometimes Known as the Butterfly Man
"Slippy McGee, Sometimes Known as the Butterfly Man" by Marie Conway Oemler is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a small town called Appleboro, South Carolina, and follows the experiences of Father Armand De Rancé, a Catholic priest, as he navigates his calling and the vibrant community around him. Central to the narrative is the character John Flint, also known as Slippy McGee, a noted burglar whose life takes a turn after a devastating accident. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the quaint town of Appleboro and its inhabitants through the eyes of Father De Rancé. His reflections on the town's traditions, as well as on the nature of his ministry and the people he serves, add depth to the setting. The opening portion reveals the arrival of John Flint, who is found severely injured near the railroad tracks. In the Parish House, Father De Rancé and the kind-hearted Dr. Westmoreland work to save Flint, resulting in the traumatic amputation of his leg. As Flint begins his recovery, we see glimpses of his past life, and the tensions between his criminal identity and the compassionate community that surrounds him, setting the stage for a transformative journey through pain, redemption, and the discovery of his true self.
The Purple Heights
"The Purple Heights" by Marie Conway Oemler is a novel set in the early 20th century, likely around the 1920s. The story follows Peter Champneys, a boy from the impoverished remnants of a once-prominent Southern family, as he navigates life in Riverton, South Carolina. The themes of poverty, family legacy, and the quest for identity are woven throughout Peter's development and formative years, particularly in the context of his relationship with his loving mother and the African American community surrounding him. At the start of "The Purple Heights," we are introduced to Peter's humble home and his day-to-day life filled with vivid sensory experiences that shape his character. The narrative focuses on Peter's early childhood, his impression of the world around him, and the major figures in his life, including his mother, Maria, and Emma Campbell, a colored woman who plays a significant role in his upbringing. Despite his poverty, Peter finds joy in drawing, a talent that his mother nurtures, as well as in his bond with the natural environment. The narrative touches upon the struggles of growing up without a father, the remnants of his family's social status, and the friendships he forms, including a love-hate relationship with his mischievous cat, whom he names Martin Luther. The opening sets up Peter's inner world and hints at the challenges he will face as he seeks to reconcile his past with his ambitions for a brighter future.
A Woman Named Smith
"A Woman Named Smith" by Marie Conway Oemler is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores the life of Sophronisba "Sophy" Smith, who unexpectedly inherits Hynds House in South Carolina from her Great-Aunt Sophronisba Scarlett, an aging woman with a fierce reputation. The narrative touches on themes of family legacy, societal expectations, and personal identity, as Sophy, alongside her friend Alicia Gaines, navigates the complexities of her new home and their place within the conservative community of Hyndsville. The opening of the book sets the stage for Sophy's journey as she grapples with her unexpected inheritance. It introduces the character of Sophy as a pragmatic woman with a history in business, highlighting her reluctance to embrace her new role in a quaint yet hostile town. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Hynds House, its grandeur now dimmed by neglect, and the lingering shadows of her aunt’s harsh legacy. As she and Alicia prepare to move into the house, they sense not only the challenges ahead but also the potential for transformation, hinting at the magical elements intertwined with their new life, encapsulating a blend of realism and mystique in their adventure.