Subject
Alaska -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edison Marshall
The land of forgotten men
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Elizabeth Robins
Come and Find Me
"Come and Find Me" by Elizabeth Robins is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins in a modest family setting, focusing on Nathaniel Mar, who works for the Palmas Valley Bank in California. It captures the challenges of domestic life, with the bustling chaos of a home filled with children and the burdens of financial stress that overshadow Mar's ambitions. The opening of the novel introduces Nathaniel Mar amidst a backdrop of familial duties and interpersonal dynamics as he works through financial crises in his dimly lit dining room. His wife, Mrs. Mar, juggles the chaos of raising their children while dealing with a household that seems perpetually in disrepair. The chapter sets a tone of melancholy and resignation, illustrating Mar's weariness and the struggles he faces while balancing his work and family life, hinting at deeper themes of ambition, unfulfilled dreams, and the impact of domestic responsibilities on personal aspirations.
Rex Beach
The Iron Trail
"The Iron Trail" by Rex Beach is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the rugged landscapes of Alaska, primarily focusing on the adventures and challenges faced by Murray O'Neil, a rugged, practical man with a passion for his dreams, as well as his encounters with various characters navigating the complex world of mining and railway construction. The opening portion of the novel sets the stage with a ship called the Nebraska sailing through the Inside Passage of Alaska, where tragedy strikes as the ship dangerously collides with unseen hazards in the treacherous waters. Murray O'Neil, aboard the ship, must grapple with a shipwreck that leads to a chaotic evacuation. Amidst the turmoil, he encounters a terrified girl, Natalie Gerard, whom he aids to safety. This opening builds anticipation as it not only highlights O'Neil's character—courageous and protective—but also foreshadows his deeper involvement with Natalie and the schemes of Curtis Gordon, a dubious promoter connected to Natalie's family and their coal mining ventures. The events hint at a rich tapestry of themes involving ambition, danger, and interpersonal dynamics against the backdrop of a stark yet beautiful wilderness.
Edison Marshall
The Isle of Retribution
"The Isle of Retribution" by Edison Marshall is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the main character, Ned Cornet, a self-indulgent son of wealth whose careless lifestyle is thrown into turmoil when he inadvertently causes an accident that nearly results in the death of a young girl. The initial chapter introduces themes of recklessness, privilege, and the moral awakening that follows a close brush with disaster, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the characters and their conflicts. The opening of the book presents Ned Cornet experiencing a carefree afternoon that abruptly shifts into chaos when he skids his car and collides with another vehicle, resulting in a serious accident. He discovers the injured girl to be unharmed, but the encounter leaves him shaken and contemplative as he grapples with the ramifications of his actions. Following the accident, there's a significant conversation with his father, Godfrey Cornet, who criticizes Ned's privileged life and moral laxity, urging him instead to embrace hardship and responsibility. This foreshadows a journey that will challenge Ned's character and force him to confront his life choices, making him consider the complexities of life's hardships and the essence of true manhood.
Ridgwell Cullum
The Saint of the Speedway
"The Saint of the Speedway" by Ridgwell Cullum is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around themes of adventure, ambition, and moral dilemmas associated with fortune-seeking, primarily through the lives of two main characters, Len Stern and Jim Carver, who are youthful adventurers from Alaska. Their quest for gold leads them to the treacherous northwest coast of Australia, where they unearth a fortune but must navigate the dangers of secrecy and greed that accompany their newfound wealth. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the two men as they experience the thrill of discovering a significant gold deposit while working at a primitive sluice in the Australian wilderness. As their excitement builds, Len contemplates the vast implications of their discovery. Meanwhile, Jim, reflective and cautious, warns of the risks involved, hinting at the challenges that come with their ambition. The narrative quickly establishes a sense of urgency, as both men realize the need to devise a plan to conceal their fortune from outside forces, including the Australian government. Amidst this tension, the foreword draws a connection to the enigma of the "Marie Celeste," adding layers of intrigue to their adventure.
Rex Beach
The Winds of Chance
"The Winds of Chance" by Rex Beach is a novel set during the gold rush era, likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the treacherous landscapes of Dyea and Chilkoot Pass, as it follows the experiences of Pierce Phillips and other adventurers seeking fortune in the Yukon. The narrative captures themes of ambition, deception, and the harsh realities faced by gold seekers during a time of frenzy and lawlessness. At the start of the book, we are introduced to a lively scene where gamblers like Mr. "Lucky" Broad engage unwary travelers with shell games, illustrating the duplicitous environment of the frontier. The opening portion establishes the backdrop of a gold rush, characterized by excitement and the struggle for survival. Among the characters, key figures emerge, including Lucky Broad, who runs shady bets, and Pierce Phillips, whose aspirations for wealth lead him into precarious situations. Phillips’s initial optimism and desire for adventure quickly collide with the stark reality of the challenges and unscrupulous individuals he encounters, setting the stage for a story rich in conflict and character development.
Louis-Frédéric Rouquette
Le Grand Silence Blanc: Roman vécu d'Alaska
"Le Grand Silence Blanc: Roman vécu d'Alaska" by Louis-Frédéric Rouquette is a novel published in 1920-1921. Set during the Klondike Gold Rush, this adventure follows a narrator journeying through Alaska and the Far North, encountering colorful characters including a Mountie's wife, a Chinese merchant, an Inuit, and his faithful husky dog Tempest. The story explores physical and moral solitude against the vast, hostile wilderness, where the bond between man and dog becomes essential for survival in the unforgiving frozen landscape.
Harold Bindloss
The Secret of the Reef
"The Secret of the Reef" by Harold Bindloss is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Jimmy Farquhar, a second mate on a steamer, who is thrust into a challenging adventure after being dismissed from his ship. The narrative captures themes of camaraderie, resilience, and the pursuit of fortune, as Jimmy embarks on a quest to recover the rumored treasure from a wreck near an island reef. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Jimmy as he reflects on his experiences at sea, particularly his connection with a fellow passenger, Ruth Osborne. Their budding relationship is overshadowed by Jimmy's recent dismissal from the ship due to a moment of questionable judgment involving a crew member's health. Following his departure from the liner, Jimmy pursues a new venture with two companions, aiming to salvage gold from the wreck on a treacherous reef. Their journey is fraught with difficulties, from harsh weather conditions to strained relationships, setting the stage for a gripping tale of adventure and intrigue.
Gore Vidal
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.
Frank Richardson Pierce
The ice goes out
"The Ice Goes Out" by Frank Richardson Pierce is a short story published in the late 1920s. It is set in the northern territory of Alaska and revolves around the annual event known as the ice pool, which celebrates the dramatic melting of winter ice and marks the beginning of spring in the region. The narrative explores themes of hope, luck, and the tension between honest men and crooks, capturing the spirit of a community drawn together by their shared anticipation of the ice's break-up. The story follows Mack Leach, a determined prospector who believes this year is his chance to win the ice pool by cleverly planning a robbery of Con Welch's store. However, after the heist, the ice begins to break, leading to a chaotic chase where the crooks try to escape from the law even as the powerful river threatens to engulf them. The narrative culminates in a dramatic and suspenseful scene where the inevitable force of nature claims its victims, leaving the fate of the gold and its would-be winners uncertain. Ultimately, the story highlights the unpredictability of life and fortune, as it is revealed that Leach won the pool, but not without significant cost and loss.
Henry Oyen
Hidden Country
"Hidden Country" by Henry Oyen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Gardner Pitt, who, feeling stagnant in his mundane job as a literary secretary in New York, accepts an unexpected offer from his wealthy friend George Chanler to join him on an Arctic expedition aboard the yacht Wanderer. As he embarks on this journey, Pitt's situation spirals into a mix of adventure and tension, highlighting the stark dynamics between characters and the darker undertones of their motivations. At the start of the novel, Gardner Pitt reflects on his unsatisfactory career and is drawn to Chanler's proposal for adventure. As he travels to Seattle and boards the Wanderer, he interacts with an eclectic mix of characters, including the enigmatic Captain Brack, who harbors a menacing aura. The opening chapters introduce a spectrum of personalities, revealing tensions between crew members and hinting at a violent past with Brack. The atmosphere quickly shifts from anticipation of exploration to unease as Brack's harsh leadership becomes evident, foreshadowing impending conflict and raising questions about the true purpose of their journey.
Barrett Willoughby
Where the Sun Swings North
"Where the Sun Swings North" by Barrett Willoughby is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the remote setting of Katleean, Alaska, focusing on the complex lives of both the white trader, Paul Kilbuck, known as the White Chief, and the native Thlinget people, exploring themes of love, culture contrasts, and the impact of colonialism. The narrative delves into Kilbuck's relationships and influence over the local tribes as he navigates a world steeped in both privilege and peril. The opening of the novel introduces us to Paul Kilbuck, a trader in Katleean, who sits alone in the company’s trading post, reflecting on his position and relationships with the Thlinget people. As preparations for an impending Potlatch, an indigenous festival, unfold around him, we learn about Kilbuck's complex past, the contrast between his life and that of the native women he engages with, particularly one named Naleenah. The opening chapters set the stage for conflicts emerging from his authority and attraction to these women, revealing insights into the affluent yet morally ambiguous life he leads amid the stark wilderness of Alaska, as well as hints of upcoming tensions linked to colonialism and cultural misunderstandings.
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