Subject
Actresses -- Fiction Books
Best books
Henry James
The Tragic Muse
"The Tragic Muse" by Henry James is a novel published in 1890. Nick Dormer abandons his promising political career to pursue painting, while Miriam Rooth struggles to become a great actress. Their artistic ambitions clash with romantic expectations and family obligations. Nick's relationship with the politically ambitious Julia Dallow unravels, while diplomat Peter Sherringham falls hopelessly in love with the charismatic Miriam. Set against English society and the theatrical world, this sprawling tale explores the price of artistic dedication and the conflicts between personal passion and conventional success.
Rupert Hughes
Clipped Wings
"Clipped Wings" by Rupert Hughes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins in a suburban setting, introducing Mrs. Vickery, a mother returning from a shopping trip to find her children at home. However, a chilling twist ensues when she discovers a cacophony of chaos and what appears to be a tragic scene involving children, leaving the readers to wonder what calamity has struck her household. The opening of the narrative unfolds with Mrs. Vickery's frantic return home, where she is filled with dread as she hears the scream of a child and dashes to her living room only to stumble upon a bizarre theatrical arrangement of children ‘dead’ in play, led by a young girl named Sheila Kemble. In this surreal moment, Mrs. Vickery is torn between horror and confusion as the children engage in their playful charade, presenting a whirlwind of emotions and introducing Sheila, who appears to be a natural performer. The dynamics between the children and the adult's reactions offer a glimpse into the themes of childhood innocence, imagination, and the world of performative art that the story seeks to explore.
Clara Morris
A Pasteboard Crown: A Story of the New York Stage
"A Pasteboard Crown: A Story of the New York Stage" by Clara Morris is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative introduces the Lawton family as they arrive at their new home, Woodsedge, an old estate that garners mixed reactions from the locals. Central to the story are the two daughters, Sybil and Dorothy, whose aspirations and challenges unfold against the backdrop of their family's financial struggles and the theatrical world. The opening of the novel sets the stage for the family's arrival and the community's curiosity about the Lawtons, who are seen as a curious spectacle in their decrepit new surroundings. John Lawton, the father, almost oblivious to the social implications of their situation, is accompanied by his spirited daughters and wife, Letitia. As they settle in, the girls begin to confront their new reality, balancing their hopes and dreams with the socio-economic limitations they face, foreshadowing deeper developments in their personal lives as they connect with the local stage and the enigmatic Claire Morrell. The tone and representation of family dynamics and societal commentary create an engaging introduction to their journey.
Virginia Tracy
"Persons Unknown"
"Persons Unknown" by Virginia Tracy is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Bryce Herrick, a struggling writer who becomes entangled in a murder investigation when he witnesses a chilling event through his window. The novel explores themes of deception, love, and the complexities of human relationships against a backdrop of crime and intrigue. The opening of the narrative introduces Herrick during a hot August night, where he is awakened by a dream of his childhood and a mysterious phrase calling him to "Ask Nancy Cornish." As he listens to a magnificent piano performance from an apartment across the street, he is abruptly drawn into a night of chaos when he sees a shadowy figure and hears a gunshot. This incident propels him into a flurry of activity as he attempts to assist the police in unraveling the mystery of the victim, James R. Ingham, whose death becomes the crux of a complex plot involving potential suspects, including the enigmatic actress Christina Hope. As Herrick grapples with the unfolding events, he finds himself torn between his growing fascination with Christina and the haunting circumstances surrounding her connection to the murder.
Louis Joseph Vance
Joan Thursday: A Novel
"Joan Thursday: A Novel" by Louis Joseph Vance is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. This novel introduces the main character, Joan Thursby, a young shop girl struggling to make her way in a harsh urban environment characterized by poverty and gender-based challenges. As the story unfolds, it seems poised to explore themes of personal aspiration, societal constraints, and the pursuit of freedom against the backdrop of early 1900s New York. The beginning of "Joan Thursday" presents a day in the life of Joan, who is fatigued after a long day of work at a department store. As she waits for a crowded streetcar, her exhaustion is palpable, paralleling her feelings of frustration and despair. Faced with disrespect and harassment from men, Joan contemplates her lost job and uncertain future, revealing her inner struggles against societal expectations. When she finally returns to her family's tenement, she is determined to escape her current life, which she perceives as devoid of hope. Her tumultuous home life is marked by her father's gambling addiction and her family's oppressive circumstances, setting the stage for Joan's bold decision to seek a different path in the world.
David Graham Phillips
Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise
"Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise" by David Graham Phillips is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the complexities of social perceptions and the challenges faced by the titular character, Susan Lenox, who is born out of wedlock. The narrative reflects themes of societal standards, morality, and the often harsh realities of gender dynamics during a time when such topics were considered taboo. The opening of the novel sets a dramatic tone, introducing a poignant scene where Dr. Stevens valiantly attempts to revive a newborn baby believed to be dead. This early episode foreshadows the struggles that Susan will face throughout her life as she is a "love-child" born to a life filled with disgrace and social stigma following her mother’s untimely death. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to key characters, including Ruth and George Warham, who will play significant roles in Susan's life, navigating their relationships while grappling with their own insecurities and societal expectations. The narrative highlights Susan's innocence and beauty, creating a stark contrast against the judgmental world around her—setting the stage for a compelling exploration of her fall and rise within that society.
Paul Féval
Annette Laïs
"Annette Laïs" by Paul Féval is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story begins with a detailed portrayal of the Kervigné family in Brittany, portraying their wealth, social status, and complex dynamics, particularly focusing on the young protagonist, René de Kervigné, who is on the cusp of leaving for Paris. At the start of the narrative, the reader is introduced to various family members, including René's well-to-do father and nonchalant mother, as well as the eccentricities of Uncle Bélébon and the differing opinions of his aunts on family matters. This familial gathering serves as a backdrop for discussions about wealth, expectations, and societal roles, with René caught between familial loyalty and the pressure of what lies ahead. The opening sets the stage for René's transition from his comfortable provincial life to the uncertainties of Paris, filled with both opportunities and challenges, as he grapples with his identity and aspirations amidst the eccentricities and expectations of his family.
Molly Elliot Seawell
The fortunes of Fifi
"The Fortunes of Fifi" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in Paris during the early 19th century and follows the life of Mademoiselle Fifi, a young actress who has just become the leading lady at the Imperial Theater. The plot navigates her aspirations and encounters, particularly focusing on her relationships with Cartouche, a devoted stage manager, and the challenges that accompany newfound wealth after winning a lottery. The opening of the novel introduces Fifi and her surroundings, highlighting her recent promotion in the theatrical world and her budding ambitions. We see her vibrant personality as she banters with Cartouche, who acts as her protector and mentor, providing a glimpse into the dynamics of their relationship. As they navigate the bustling streets of Paris, the allure of fame and fortune begins to stir within Fifi. The chapter sets a lively tone, establishing Fifi's charm, her dreams, and the complexities that will arise from her ascent in the theatrical world, especially as she grapples with her identity amidst the trials that fortune brings.
Charles Reade
Peg Woffington
"Peg Woffington" by Charles Reade is a dramatic story written in the mid-19th century. The narrative centers around the life of the celebrated actress Margaret Woffington, exploring themes of theatre, personal ambition, and the turbulent interactions of love and art. The book highlights various actors and playwrights of the era, including Mr. Vane, who admires Woffington's talent and beauty. At the start of the tale, we are introduced to Triplet, a struggling scene painter and playwright, who is beset by his artistic failures and dreams of literary success. His dissatisfaction with his life is contrasted with his admiration for Mrs. Woffington, who captivates audiences with her performances. The story unfolds in a theatre setting, where characters navigate their aspirations and relationships, including Mr. Vane's burgeoning passion for Woffington, while also highlighting the dynamics and rivalries among the actors. The opening establishes the stage as a vivid backdrop for the drama that evolves, promising a rich exploration of both the personal and professional lives of its characters.
Fergus Hume
Miss Mephistopheles: A Novel (Sequel to Madame Midas.)
"Miss Mephistopheles: A Novel" by Fergus Hume is a fictional work written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in Melbourne, Australia, featuring characters like Keith Stewart, a young man with literary aspirations, and Ezra Lazarus, a journalist. Their lives intersect with the complexities of the theatre scene and a woman known as "Caprice," who is both a celebrated actress and the mother of a child saved from danger by Keith. The opening of the novel introduces a dreary, rainy evening in Melbourne, emphasizing the discomfort felt by the characters but juxtaposing it with vibrant discussions between them. The beginning focuses on Keith and Ezra as they share insights into their ambitions and the women in their lives—particularly Caprice. The narrative presents their contrasting backgrounds: Keith's struggles and romantic ideals versus Ezra's more grounded perspective. As the two men contemplate their lives, a dramatic moment unfolds when Keith heroically saves a child, a pivotal event that brings him into the orbit of Caprice. This scene sets the stage for the exploration of themes like ambition, love, and the darker corners of society that the characters navigate.
Katharine Newlin Burt
Snow-Blind
"Snow-Blind" by Katharine Newlin Burt is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in a stark, snowy wilderness, following Hugh Garth, a rough and embittered man, as he interacts with his younger brother Pete and a woman named Bella. The story explores themes of isolation, unfulfilled dreams, and the haunting past that grips Hugh, revealing the tensions in relationships formed under the oppression of their rugged, remote life. At the start of the book, Hugh Garth is introduced as a tormented figure emerging from his cabin, surrounded by a harsh winter landscape. His feelings of frustration and anger manifest in his interactions with Pete, a quiet youth who seems to idolize him, and Bella, a woman who provides a nurturing presence but also hides her own complexities. A domestic conflict arises following Hugh's harsh words toward Pete, revealing a power struggle and the emotional burdens they all carry. The tension crescendos when Hugh's past catches up with him, as it is revealed that there are men searching for him because of a crime he committed years ago. This ominous turn introduces a sense of danger and foreshadows a confrontation that could change their isolated lives forever.
Władysław Stanisław Reymont
The Comedienne
"The Comedienne" by Władysław Stanisław Reymont is a novel written in the early 20th century. This tale revolves around Janina, the daughter of a provincial station-master, who is determined to escape her oppressive home life and pursue her passion for the theater. The narrative explores her struggles against societal expectations and familial pressures as she embarks on a journey toward independence. The opening of the book introduces us to various characters in the quiet setting of Bukowiec, particularly focusing on Janina, who is faced with the unwanted advances of a suitor, Grzesikiewicz, and the harsh expectations of her father, Orlowski. The story begins with a glimpse of Janina's longing for freedom as she reacts against her father’s coercive plans to marry her off, revealing her fierce determination not to conform to the traditional roles expected of women in her society. As the tension escalates between Janina and her father, her eventual decision to leave for the theater marks the beginning of her struggles in a new, chaotic world, setting the stage for her quest for self-discovery and fulfillment.
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