Subject
Amnesia -- Fiction Books
Best books
Rebecca West
The Return of the Soldier
"The Return of the Soldier" by Rebecca West is a novel published in 1918. Captain Chris Baldry returns from the trenches of World War I suffering from shell shock, his memory erased of the last fifteen years. He believes he is still twenty and in love with Margaret Grey, not his wife Kitty. As his cousin Jenny observes, the family must decide whether to restore his traumatic memories or let him remain in his happier past—a choice between truth and mercy.
William Le Queux
The Wiles of the Wicked
"The Wiles of the Wicked" by William Le Queux is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the protagonist, Wilford Heaton, who is a blind medical graduate living in London, and follows his journey as he becomes embroiled in a mysterious and dangerous series of events involving double murder and intrigue. The atmosphere is thick with suspense as Heaton navigates his new life of darkness, loneliness, and the unexpected assistance of a strange woman named Edna. At the start of the narrative, Heaton recounts his life after losing his sight due to a severe illness. He is initially isolated and despondent but soon finds himself caught up in a violent event that leads him to witness a double murder. He is approached by Edna, who claims to know him and offers her protection while requesting that he remain silent about the incident. As Heaton grapples with his troubling circumstances, he becomes increasingly entangled in Edna's secrets and the sinister forces that seem to want him silenced. The opening chapters present a gripping blend of mystery, tension, and moral ambiguity, setting the scene for a fascinating exploration of trust and survival in the dark underbelly of London.
Frederik Pohl
Conspiracy on Callisto
"Conspiracy on Callisto" by James MacCreigh is a science fiction novel written during the early 1940s. Set on the icy moon of Jupiter, Callisto, the story follows Peter Duane, who becomes embroiled in a power struggle amid an uprising. The central theme revolves around amnesia and political intrigue within a backdrop of rebellion against a repressive regime. The narrative unfolds as Peter Duane wakes up with no memory of his past, finding himself thrust into a complex situation involving gun smuggling and a ruthless governor named Andrias, who is plotting to betray the League governing Callisto. As Duane gradually pieces together his life and the conspiracy surrounding him, he learns that he was involved in gun-running operations intended for a rebellion against the League. His internal struggle to reclaim his identity is paralleled by the external conflict as he confronts Andrias and wrestles with his moral compass. Ultimately, with tension building towards a climax, Duane must navigate betrayal, power, and the rekindling of lost memories while fighting to thwart Andrias’ dangerous plans.
D. Allen Morrissey
Captain Chaos
"Captain Chaos" by D. Allen Morrissey is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1950s. The story follows David Corbin, who awakens in a spacecraft with no memory of himself or his mission, thrust into a future where he must navigate the uncertainties of space, reviving his fellow crew members while grappling with his amnesia. The central theme revolves around the exploration of alien worlds and the human experience of facing the unknown. In the narrative, David Corbin finds himself in a mysterious spaceship, where he discovers he has awoken from a state of suspension alongside a diverse crew, each of whom also struggles with memory loss after waking up. As they begin to restore the ship's operations and realize they are on a mission to locate a habitable planet, tensions arise from the different characters' personalities and hidden pasts. The novel examines their interactions as they work together to survive and complete their mission, leading to discoveries about the alien landscape on their newfound planet and the personal revelations that influence their fates. Ultimately, the story is a blend of science fiction adventure and introspective character study, addressing themes of memory, identity, and the human drive for exploration.
Evelyn Everett-Green
Drifted ashore; $b or, a child without a name
"Drifted Ashore; or, A Child Without a Name" by Evelyn Everett-Green is a novel written in the late 19th century. This compelling tale revolves around the mysterious fate of a young boy washed ashore after a storm, who is taken in by a kind-hearted fisherwoman while he recovers from his injuries. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the search for family, as the boy, later named Bertie, grapples with his lost memories and the kindness extended to him by strangers. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of a desolate seaside landscape marked by a tumultuous ocean and a solitary young boy named David, a fisherman's son, reflecting on a name and a life he has yet to uncover. We learn that Bertie, the boy who drifted ashore, lies in a fisherman's cottage, unconscious and without any means of identifying himself. As he slowly regains consciousness, not only does he face the uncertainty of his origins, but he also develops a bond with David and the fisherwoman. The narrative hints at the darker realities of life through the boy’s mysterious past, intertwining the lives of the two boys, and raising questions about class and identity as they navigate their new friendship.
Hilaire Belloc
Mr. Petre : $b a novel
"Mr. Petre" by Hilaire Belloc is a novel associated with early 20th century literature, published in the 1920s. The story follows the central character, Mr. Petre, who is depicted as a rather stout middle-aged man returning to England after a two-year absence in America. Upon his arrival, he experiences a peculiar sense of detachment and loss of memory, leading him to grapple with his identity and past as he tries to piece together the fragments of his life. The opening of the novel establishes a sense of mystery and disorientation. Mr. Petre steps off a ship into the English countryside, filled with anticipation for his return but simultaneously burdened by blank spots in his memory. As he travels to London, he becomes increasingly aware that he cannot recall essential details about his life. This growing sense of confusion culminates when he learns his name is tied to important wealth and social status, which places him at the center of intrigue among various characters in London's elite circles. The narrative builds on this tension as Mr. Petre finds himself unwittingly involved in an unfolding drama related to his financial dealings, raising questions about his past and identity.
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