Subject
Amnesiacs -- Fiction Books
Best books
William De Morgan
Somehow Good
"Somehow Good" by William De Morgan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with an unnamed man who has just returned from a sea voyage and finds himself in London without any clear memory of his past. The protagonist, described as an exceptionally well-built man, navigates the city while grappling with his sudden amnesia and an unexpected encounter that hints at a more tumultuous backstory involving violence and intrigue. At the start of the narrative, the man attempts to secure the funds he believes are waiting for him at a bank. However, he faces the harsh reality of having no credit as he finds himself drawn into a chaotic scene involving a domestic violence incident in a slum. This confrontation reveals his instinct to help, leading to a physical altercation with a drunken aggressor. The opening chapters not only set up his mysterious circumstances but also introduce potential key characters, including the Nightingale family, who play a significant role in his journey to reclaim both his identity and place in society amidst the unfolding drama.
Edwina Stanton Babcock
Under the Law
"Under the Law" by Edwina Stanton Babcock is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Sard Bogart, the daughter of a judge, who experiences the complexities of life in a small town, particularly as it relates to issues of justice, compassion, and personal morality. As Sard navigates her societal expectations and the harsh realities of the human condition, she becomes involved with a vagrant named Mr. Colter, whose plight compels her to confront the rigid societal laws that govern her life and the lives of those around her. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to a small town in the aftermath of a thawing winter, where Sard, driving through the streets, discovers a group of men mocking a disheveled vagrant. Her instinctive compassion leads her to intervene, highlighting themes of empathy and social responsibility. As she attempts to understand and assist Mr. Colter, who is lost and confused, Sard grapples with the judgment of society and the constraints of her own upbringing. This initial encounter sets the stage for exploring broader questions about law, morality, and human kindness, making it clear that Sard's journey will challenge the conventions of her world.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
The kingdom of the blind
"The Kingdom of the Blind" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around James Forrest Carroll, a brilliant physicist, who suffers from severe amnesia following a mysterious incident related to the Lawson Radiation. The narrative delves into themes of identity, the impacts of traumatic experiences, and the quest for knowledge against a backdrop of alien influence on Earth’s scientific progress. The opening of the novel introduces Doctor Pollard, a psychologist, as he grapples with the puzzling case of James Forrest Carroll, who cannot acknowledge his own identity. Embedded within a larger conspiracy surrounding the Lawson Radiation, Pollard and his colleague, John Majors, struggle to understand Carroll’s condition while hinting at broader ramifications for humanity’s understanding of interstellar science. As Carroll navigates his new reality, he begins to experience inexplicable urges to reconnect with his former life, suggesting layers of complexity regarding his lost memories and the threat posed by unseen alien forces monitoring his progress. The stage is set for a compelling exploration of the interplay between intellect, memory, and the unknown, inviting readers on a journey filled with intrigue and existential challenges.
F. L. (Floyd L.) Wallace
The Man Who Was Six
"The Man Who Was Six" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel probably written in the early to mid-20th century. The book explores the life of Dan Merrol, a man who survives a catastrophic accident but endures extensive surgeries that leave him physically and mentally altered, showcasing themes of identity and self-discovery. Through the story, Merrol grapples with merging memories and personalities from various individuals whose body parts and brain segments have been used to piece him back together, resulting in complications when he attempts to reconnect with his wife, Erica. In the book, Dan Merrol awakens in a hospital after a devastating accident to find himself physically transformed and mentally confused, questioning his own identity as both a pilot and a patched-together individual. His struggle to convince his wife, Erica, of his true identity is marred by his mismatched physical features and varying personalities, leading to comedic and poignant moments as he attempts to reclaim a semblance of his former life. As he navigates this bizarre new existence filled with remnants of other lives, he ultimately faces the choice of embracing his new reality or escaping from the hospital that has transformed him. The novel delicately balances humor and exploration of the human condition, posing questions about what it means to be oneself in the face of abject change.
Joseph Samachson
Forgotten danger
"Forgotten Danger" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the character Crusoe, who suffers from amnesia and grapples with a looming sense of danger that he cannot fully comprehend. Set against a backdrop of intrigue and otherworldly elements, the narrative explores themes of identity, memory, and the struggle to recall one's past. The plot follows Crusoe as he wakes up near a swamp with no memory except for the feeling that he is in grave danger. He is found by a group of ragtag men, including Angel and the Professor, who take him under their wing. As he navigates through the challenges of his amnesia, Crusoe discovers he possesses strange powers that cause weapons to explode upon his pointing gesture. His journey leads him to uncover the mystery of his identity, revealing that he is actually an alien named Tlaxon, trapped on Earth after a crash landing. The tale culminates in a confrontation with the Professor, who turns out to be a malevolent being, and Crusoe must decide whether to save his newfound friend, Angel, or allow the Professor to face justice. The story offers a blend of suspense, action, and the exploration of personal and cosmic stakes.
Joseph Samachson
Messenger
"Messenger" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows an enigmatic being on a mission through the vastness of the Universe, tasked with finding and helping an intelligent species on a distant planet, though he suffers from amnesia about the specifics of his mission. The narrative explores themes of isolation, purpose, and the struggles within civilizations. The protagonist, a celestial messenger, awakens in the aftermath of a nova explosion, with fragmented memories of his mission to find a specific planet and assist its intelligent life. As he travels through galaxies with a mix of hope and despair, he finally locates the third planet in a solar system teeming with sentient beings. However, upon observing the desolation—characterized by fear, greed, and conflict—he realizes the urgent need for change. Overcoming his initial caution, he ultimately confronts the brutal reality of war and human suffering. In a moment of clarity, he crafts a powerful instrument intended to communicate a transformative message to humanity, signaling a potential path to healing the chaos around him.
Rebecca N. (Rebecca Newman) Porter
The Rest Hollow Mystery
"The Rest Hollow Mystery" by Rebecca N. Porter is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around the character Roger Kenwick, who finds himself in a desperate situation after recovering from an accident in a remote area near a foreboding mansion. As he navigates his circumstances, he encounters a mysterious house, a potential victim, and unsettling secrets that hint at a deeper intrigue. The opening of this novel introduces us to Roger Kenwick, who awakens disoriented and injured after a vehicle accident in a secluded canyon. Struggling to make sense of his surroundings and the events that led him there, he limps towards a nearby mansion that appears both lavish and unwelcoming. Desperate for help, he discovers that the house is suspiciously locked and seemingly abandoned, heightening the sense of isolation. As he explores the premises, he becomes increasingly intrigued by unsettling signs of past occupants and a strange, solitary woman's sobbing coming from one of the locked rooms. This sets the stage for a gripping mystery filled with suspense and a quest for truth amidst a web of dark secrets.
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