Author
Katherine Cecil Thurston
1875-1911
Katherine Cecil Thurston (1875-1911) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Katherine Cecil Thurston
The Masquerader
"The Masquerader" by Katherine Cecil Thurston is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story centers around John Chilcote, a member of Parliament who grapples with the pressures of his political life and personal demons, particularly his addiction to morphia. The narrative begins in a fog-laden London, where Chilcote encounters a doppelganger named John Loder, setting off a chain of events that explores themes of identity, desperation, and the façade of social appearances. At the start of the novel, a significant fog disrupts London life, and it is on this night that Chilcote's struggle with his identity and addiction becomes pronounced. He navigates the dense fog both literally and metaphorically, illustrating his self-absorbed and tumultuous state. After an unsettling encounter with a mysterious stranger who shares his striking resemblance, Chilcote experiences a blend of fascination and distress. The conversation hints at greater themes of ambition and downfall, particularly surrounding a public figure named Lexington. As this initial scene unfolds, it becomes clear that the duality of the characters and their individual struggles will play a crucial role in the unfolding narrative. Chilcote's increasing unrest foreshadows his later desperate proposal to Loder, which will shape the course of the story.
The Mystics: A Novel
"The Mystics: A Novel" by Katherine Cecil Thurston is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around the lives of John Henderson and his dying uncle, Andrew Henderson, who is part of a secretive religious sect known as the Mystics. As John navigates the complexities of his heritage and the emotional weight of watching his uncle pass away, the themes of familial obligation, ambition, and the search for meaning in life begin to emerge. The opening of the novel introduces us to John Henderson, a young man in a tense vigil as his uncle lies dying in a remote Scottish house. The atmosphere is charged with the looming presence of death, and John's emotions are a mixture of grief and an unexpected sense of liberation—he has long suffered under his uncle's oppressive rule. As the narrative unfolds, John's curiosity about his uncle's mysterious beliefs grows, especially when he learns of a secret book that holds the promise of power and enlightenment within the sect. The opening chapters highlight themes of promise and disillusionment while foreshadowing the power struggle and internal conflicts that will guide John's journey of self-discovery in the quest for true identity and purpose.
The Gambler: A Novel
"The Gambler: A Novel" by Katherine Cecil Thurston is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows James Milbanke, an English archaeologist, as he embarks on a journey to Ireland, where he is set to reconnect with an old friend, Denis Asshlin, who seems to be struggling with personal demons. As the story unfolds, themes of nostalgia, personal change, and the cultural contrasts between the English and the Irish emerge. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Milbanke during his arrival in Ireland, where he reflects on his past and his long-standing friendship with Asshlin, who he has not seen in nearly thirty years. The journey is marked by the dreariness of a rainy landscape, evoking a sense of isolation. Once he reaches the Asshlin home, their reunion is filled with warmth but also hints at underlying tensions. Through dinner conversations, Milbanke feels a mix of nostalgia and unease about his friend’s life and his own evolving viewpoint, setting the stage for the complexities of their relationship that will develop throughout the story. As he interacts with Asshlin and his daughters, Clodagh and Nance, the unfolding drama around gambling, familial expectations, and personal struggles begins to take shape.
Max
"Max" by Katherine Cecil Thurston is a novel published in the early 20th century, likely around the 1910s. The story is set in Europe, beginning with a night train traveling from Cologne to Paris and centers on the titular character, Max, a young Russian boy on the cusp of adventure. He embodies the spirit of a born adventurer, filled with dreams and aspirations as he navigates his way through life, seeking more than just mere pleasure or money; he desires life and fame. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a weary but restless atmosphere on the north express train. Amidst the dream-like quality of the night journey, Max is initially portrayed as a solitary figure, lost in his thoughts and memories of Petersburg. His reverie is interrupted as he awakens and grapples with a sense of purpose and an exciting unknown awaiting him in Paris. He encounters other passengers, including three men who engage in somewhat dismissive banter, contrasting sharply with Max’s intense and vibrant ambition. His experiences culminate in his arrival in a stark, cold Paris where he searches for a hotel, eager to dive into a new chapter of his life, while carrying the weight of a mysterious packet that hints at deeper complexities within his journey. This establishes not only the tone of the narrative but also Max's restless spirit and determination to chase after his dreams.