Subject
Angels -- Fiction Books
Best books
Anatole France
The Revolt of the Angels
"The Revolt of the Angels" by Anatole France is a novel published in 1914. It retells the war in Heaven, following Arcade, a guardian angel who discovers that God may be a false ruler. Disillusioned, he abandons his charge and gathers fallen angels to build an army of rebellion. They seek Lucifer's leadership to overthrow their tyrannical creator. But the story explores a troubling question: does every successful revolution merely replace one oppressor with another?
Marie Corelli
Ardath: The Story of a Dead Self
"Ardath: The Story of a Dead Self" by Marie Corelli is a novel written during the late 19th century. The book explores themes such as spirituality, existentialism, and the search for truth through the journey of its main character, Theos Alwyn, an emotionally troubled English author seeking solace from the world's cynicism and his own internal despair. The narrative hints at a mystical encounter with a monk named Heliobas, who possesses powers that challenge Alwyn's perceptions of reality and existence. The opening of the novel vividly sets the scene in the Caucasus mountains amid a raging storm, capturing the reader's attention through the stark contrast between the chaotic external world and the peaceful atmosphere of a monastery where monks are engaged in contemplative worship. As Alwyn observes the monks, he grapples with his own skepticism about faith and the existence of God, leading to introspective reflections on life, truth, and the soul. The narrative unfolds as Alwyn expresses a desperate desire for relief from his suffering, ultimately leading to his request for a powerful transformation that will allow him to escape his discontent. This complex interplay between the physical and spiritual realms creates a rich tapestry of thought-provoking ideas that will appeal to those interested in philosophical and metaphysical explorations.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The Wonderful Visit
"The Wonderful Visit" by H. G. Wells is a novel published in 1895. When an angel from the "Land of Dreams" is mistaken for a bird and shot by a country vicar, he finds himself stranded in Victorian England. As he recovers at the vicarage, this otherworldly visitor grows increasingly dismayed by human civilization's cruelty and hypocrisy. His presence scandalizes the community, and his wings begin to wither. A satirical fantasy that gently mocks Victorian society while exploring deeper questions about innocence confronting a harsh world.
James Stephens
The Demi-gods
"The Demi-gods" by James Stephens is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows a ragged traveler named Patsy Mac Cann and his daughter Mary as they navigate a world infused with magical realism. The story is set amid the lush Irish landscape and blends mythology with the daily struggles of its characters, particularly exploring themes of hunger, desire, and companionship. The opening of the book introduces us to Patsy Mac Cann and his daughter Mary as they engage in a whimsical dialogue about their donkey and their meager food supplies. Their banter sets a humorous tone while also revealing their simple, country living conditions. As twilight descends, they encounter three angels who have descended to earth. These celestial beings initiate a moment of wonder and curiosity, both for the Mac Canns and themselves, which transitions them into a deeper exploration of existence, leading to unexpected companionship and shared experiences. The initial interactions between the characters demonstrate a blend of lightheartedness and profundity, suggesting themes of connection and the search for sustenance—both physical and spiritual—as they journey through life together.
Joseph Hocking
The Everlasting Arms
"The Everlasting Arms" by Joseph Hocking is a novel set presumably during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Dick Faversham, a young man embarking on a journey that intertwines themes of spirituality, personal transformation, and the complexities of inheriting a vast fortune. The narrative opens with discussions among various characters about supernatural phenomena, casting a spotlight on Faversham's skepticism yet hinting at deeper spiritual elements that will soon impact his life. The opening of the novel introduces Dick Faversham aboard a steamship bound for Australia, where a conversation among various men explores the debated existence of spiritual beings, specifically regarding the so-called "Angels at Mons." As the discussion unfolds, Faversham sees a mysterious woman, provoking his intrigue and confusion, only for him to receive a telegram informing him of his uncle’s death and his imminent return to England for the inheritance of a significant estate. This initial segment sets the stage for a dramatic turn in his life filled with timely encounters and spiritual dilemmas, leading Faversham to question the very fabric of reality and destiny itself, while hinting at potential conflicts with a character named Count Romanoff, who introduces a sense of foreboding as the plot progresses.
Jerome Bixby
The Battle of the Bells
"The Battle of the Bells" by Jerome Bixby is a short story published in the mid-20th century, specifically in 1954. This humorous tale explores the themes of practical jokes and moral introspection against the backdrop of a small town in western Pennsylvania. It contrasts the innocence of small-town life with the complexities of human nature and the divine. The story centers on Charley Mason, a town resident known for his practical jokes aimed at unsuspecting travelers who stop at his outhouse. Charley’s antics take an unexpected turn when a fat woman from the city becomes his latest victim, launching into a tirade about morality and sin, which catches the attention of heavenly and hellish beings. A young man representing good and a dark figure representing evil engage in a cosmic struggle initiated by Charley's prank, debating the nature of good and evil and the impact of such seemingly innocent jokes on the human soul. Ultimately, the story culminates in a humorous and unexpected resolution that emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the inner battle against temptation, leaving readers to ponder the fine line between humor and insensitivity.
Henry Farrell
Blessed Event
"Blessed Event" by Henry Farrell is a satirical novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the highly unusual circumstances surrounding the birth of an extraordinary baby, the million quadrillionth child born on Earth, who possesses an unprecedented level of intelligence. The book explores themes of parenthood, societal expectations, and the consequences of exceptional talent, all wrapped in a comedic narrative. The plot centers on Lester and Ginny Holmes, a typical couple overwhelmed by the birth of their son, referred to as A.P. (Anstruther Pierpont Holmes), who begins to display a startling ability to communicate and manipulate situations from the time he is born. As A.P. grows, he quickly demands attention from the press and the public, leading to chaos in the Holmes family's lives. Lester and Ginny struggle to adapt to their son's extraordinary nature while trying to maintain normalcy. The story culminates in a series of comedic misunderstandings and critiques of societal norms, ultimately leading to a heartwarming conclusion that highlights the importance of family above intellect.
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