Subject
Adoption -- Fiction Books
Best books
Joseph Crosby Lincoln
Cy Whittaker's Place
"Cy Whittaker's Place" by Joseph Crosby Lincoln is a novel set in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the fictional village of Bayport, where the focus appears to be on the titular character, Captain Cy Whittaker, who has returned to his childhood home after many years at sea. This return sets off a series of events involving the dilapidated state of his old family home, the community of Bayport, and the various village personalities that inhabit it, offering a blend of humor, nostalgia, and social commentary. The opening of the book introduces us to the charming chaos of Bayport's local life. It begins with Captain Cy and several townspeople discussing the state of his family home, which has fallen into disrepair. Their conversations reveal a tight-knit community with a keen interest in Captain Cy's past and present. Through a series of humorous exchanges, we see the dynamics of village life, including gossip, opinions on local politics, and the peculiarities of the residents. The sense of community is strong, and it is clear that Captain Cy's return sparks both curiosity and nostalgia among the townspeople. This setup promises a rich exploration of character interactions and the comedic intricacies of small-town life.
Walter Besant
The Changeling
"The Changeling" by Walter Besant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around themes of identity and the consequences of choices surrounding adoption and substitution of children, particularly focusing on a young mother seeking a solution to her grief after the loss of her son. The story unfolds with a prominent lady who is driven by desperation to adopt a child, leading to a complex web of emotions and moral dilemmas. The opening of the novel introduces us to a doctor who assists a young lady in adopting a child, as she is grieving her own deceased son. The scene is filled with tension as the lady expresses her sympathy for the child's biological mother, revealing the emotional weight of her decisions. The dialogue between the doctor and the lady hints at deeper themes of heredity and the unknown consequences of her actions. As the narrative progresses, it is clear this seemingly clandestine transaction sets off a chain of events that intertwines their lives irrevocably, setting the stage for explorations of familial bonds, identity, and societal expectations.
George L. Aiken
The Antelope Boy; or, Smoholler the Medicine Man A Tale of Indian Adventure and Mystery
"The Antelope Boy; or, Smoholler the Medicine Man" by George L. Aiken is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story presents a thrilling Indian adventure that unfolds in the American West, primarily following two boys, Percy Vere and Percy Cute, who are on a quest to find Vere's missing father, a rather eccentric man. They find themselves entangled in a conflict with Native Americans, led by the enigmatic Prophet Smoholler, and confront various challenges and supernatural elements in their pursuit. At the start of the novel, the surveying party, which includes two surveyors and American soldiers, is camped near the Columbia River. The two Percys, introduced as chain-bearers of the expedition, are characterized by their contrasting personalities, with Percy Vere being skilled and earnest, while Percy Cute provides comic relief and mischief. The camp is lively and infused with danger, as they receive a dire warning from an arrow message sent by Smoholler. The chapter sets the stage for a supernatural encounter, blending humor, adventure, and suspense, as the boys prepare to venture into the potential conflict with the Native Americans, quaking between their quest for the truth about Vere's father and the unpredictability of their surroundings.
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