Author

Gore Vidal

1925-2012

Gore Vidal (1925-2012) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.

Wikipedia

Subjects

Alaska -- Fiction Aleutian Islands (Alaska) -- Fiction Choice (Psychology) -- Fiction Cults -- Fiction Man-woman relationships -- Fiction New York (N.Y.) -- Social conditions -- 20th century -- Fiction Satire Science fiction Sea stories Stockbrokers -- Fiction Suicide -- Religious aspects -- Fiction War stories World War, 1939-1945 -- Alaska -- Aleutian Islands -- Fiction World War, 1939-1945 -- Alaska -- Fiction World War, 1939-1945 -- Veterans -- Fiction

Books by Gore Vidal

Messiah

"Messiah" by Gore Vidal is a satirical novel published in 1954. In this darkly prophetic tale, an American undertaker named John Cave founds a new religion that teaches followers to embrace death rather than fear it. As Cavism spreads across America, it systematically displaces Christianity, erasing cathedrals and rewriting history. The story unfolds through the memoir of Eugene Luther, one of Cave's earliest disciples, who witnesses how the movement's leaders betray their founder and transform his teachings into something far more sinister than he ever imagined.

In a Yellow Wood

"In a Yellow Wood" by Gore Vidal is a novel written in the mid-20th century. The story primarily focuses on Robert Holton, a young man adjusting to civilian life after serving in the war, navigating through his work in a brokerage house, and his interactions with various characters, including Marjorie, a waitress, and Caroline, his co-worker. The novel delves into themes of identity, societal expectations, and the search for personal meaning amidst the backdrop of post-war America." The opening of "In a Yellow Wood" introduces us to Robert Holton as he prepares for his day, reflecting on his appearance and the lingering effects of a troubling dream. Through vivid descriptions, we gain insights into his mundane life at a New York hotel and his routine as an office worker at a brokerage firm. The narrative captures his interactions with other characters, including a fellow worker with whom he shares a friendly rapport, and Marjorie, a waitress who harbors feelings for him. As the scenes unfold, there’s an exploration of Robert's inner thoughts and the sense of alienation he feels in the bustling city, setting the tone for deeper character development and emotional complexity in the rest of the book.

Williwaw: A Novel

"Williwaw: A Novel" by Gore Vidal is a fiction work written in the mid-20th century. The narrative follows the character of Skipper Evans, a ship''s captain, and his crew as they embark on a journey through the harsh and isolating landscapes of the Aleutian Islands during World War II. The book explores themes of personal struggle, camaraderie, and the challenges of leadership amid a backdrop of military life. The opening of the novel sets a somber tone, depicting Evans recovering from a raucous party while grappling with the responsibilities that lie ahead. As he interacts with his crew, including the scrappy second mate Bervick and the stoic Chief Engineer Duval, we gain insight into the frustrations and banter that characterize their daily lives aboard the ship. The complexities of their relationships are quickly introduced, especially in the competitive dynamics surrounding Olga, a woman in the local town. Through the characters’ conversations, Vidal hints at larger conflicts and moments of introspection, setting up a narrative that intertwines life at sea with the emotional currents driving the crew forward.