Author
Percival Christopher Wren
1885-1941
Percival Christopher Wren (1885-1941) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Percival Christopher Wren
Cupid in Africa
"Cupid in Africa" by Percival Christopher Wren is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the character Bertram Greene, a young man caught between his family's military legacy and his own intellectual pursuits, as he navigates the challenges of becoming an officer during the Great War while stationed in India and being assigned to Africa. The novel delves into themes of duty, identity, and the contrast between societal expectations and personal aspirations. The opening of the novel sets the stage by introducing Major Hugh Walsingham Greene, Bertram's father, whose disappointment in his son’s artistic and intellectual inclinations heightens the familial tension. The narrative reveals Major Greene's struggles with respectability and masculinity, contrasting sharply with Bertram's aspirations dominated by scholarly accomplishments rather than military prowess. As Bertram prepares for his upcoming assignment and embraces his role as a soldier, he experiences deep self-doubt about his capabilities and the crude realities of warfare, suggesting a rich exploration of personal growth against a backdrop of conflict.
The Wages of Virtue
"The Wages of Virtue" by Percival Christopher Wren is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins by exploring the lives of men in the French Foreign Legion, focusing particularly on Sir Montague Merline. Throughout this tale, themes of duty, love, and identity intertwine with the chaotic and often brutal backdrop of military life, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships amid the dire circumstances of war. The opening of the novel introduces us to Lord Huntingten, Captain Strong, and Sir Montague Merline against the backdrop of an East African safari. Lord Huntingten reveals his growing affection for Lady Merline, creating a tension as he, in turn, grapples with feelings for her that conflict with the loyalty he has towards her husband, Merline. As the party enjoys their time out in Africa, hints of impending trouble arise with the arrival of urgent letters regarding a mutiny, which suggests that their peaceful excursion is about to be abruptly interrupted by the harsh realities of their duties. This tension leads to a profound exploration of personal virtue and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters in the context of both love and duty.
Snake and Sword: A Novel
"Snake and Sword: A Novel" by Percival Christopher Wren is a work of fiction likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the intertwined fates of Colonel Matthew Devon de Warrenne, his wife Lenore, and their son Damocles, set against the backdrop of British colonial India. The themes of bravery, love, and the emotional weight of family heredity permeate the story, exploring how trauma and valor shape the lives of the characters. The opening of the novel introduces Colonel de Warrenne, who, in a moment of grief and impulsivity, pins his awarded Victoria Cross to the night-dress of his dying wife, Lenore. The narrative then shifts to a tense and gripping moment where Lenore finds herself in peril, literally standing on a snake, as she summons the courage to protect her unborn child. This event foreshadows the significant impact of fear and bravery on both Lenore's life and the life of her son, Damocles, who is born amidst tragedy. The complex relationships and emotional struggles set the stage for the analysis of fate, loss, and legacy, which will unfold as the story progresses.
Driftwood Spars The Stories of a Man, a Boy, a Woman, and Certain Other People Who Strangely Met Upon the Sea of Life
"Driftwood Spars" by Captain Percival Christopher Wren is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book introduces readers to a rich tapestry of characters intertwined by fate on the volatile sea of life, primarily focusing on John Robin Ross-Ellison, a man of complex heritage and tumultuous experiences. The author's narrative hints at themes of honor, revenge, and the interplay between personal pride and social identity, particularly as experienced through the lives of diverse characters from different backgrounds. The beginning of "Driftwood Spars" presents Major Michael Malet-Marsac reflecting on the life and death of his friend John Ross-Ellison. The story commences with a sense of mystery surrounding Ross-Ellison's extraordinary life, as the Major recounts intimate memories of camaraderie and conflict, revealing Ross-Ellison’s mixed lineage as a Scotch Pathan raised in India. Through a conversation with Subedar-Major Mir Daoud Khan, we learn about Ross-Ellison's upbringing and the familial complexities intertwined with his adventures. This sets the stage for exploring the themes of loyalty and the consequences of revenge, illustrated through Ross-Ellison’s contentious relationship with his half-brother Ibrahim Mahmud. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at further revelations in the lives of several characters whose paths intersect dramatically, promising a saga rich in cultural and emotional depth.