Subject
Apartment houses -- Fiction Books
Best books
Francis Hopkinson Smith
Enoch Crane
"Enoch Crane" by Francis Hopkinson Smith and F. Berkeley Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces readers to various characters living in a boarding house in New York City, particularly focusing on the titular character, Enoch Crane, an old gentleman with a crusty exterior but admirable values. The narrative explores themes of societal interactions, love, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. At the start of the novel, readers meet Joe Grimsby, a vibrant young architect moving into an apartment, who quickly becomes absorbed by the charming new tenant, Sue Ford, and her family. Their arrival sparks interactions among various house residents, including the wise old Enoch Crane and the outgoing Ebner Ford, Sue's stepfather, who is characterized as loud and opportunistic. Through these early interactions, tensions escalate, particularly between Joe's earnest pursuit of a relationship with Sue and the contrasting influences of her stepfather's brashness. The opening part sets an engaging stage for a blend of romance and drama, providing insights into the characters' social dynamics and establishing the groundwork for the unfolding narrative.
Hugh Walpole
The Thirteen Travellers
"The Thirteen Travellers" by Hugh Walpole is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book seems to explore themes of social class, personal identity, and the transformative effects of war on individuals and society. The opening section introduces Absalom Jay, a once-prominent figure in London society, who now faces the challenges posed by the post-war world. The beginning of the novel focuses on Absalom Jay, painting a vivid portrait of his life and character as he navigates the drastic changes brought on by the Great War. Once a social butterfly, Absalom is characterized by his fastidiousness regarding his appearance and his strong desire for the approval of the upper class. However, as the war alters the social landscape, he finds himself increasingly isolated and struggling with his sense of purpose and identity. The narrative delves into his declining circumstances, particularly after losing his long-time servant, and reflects on his loneliness and denial of the changing world around him. Through Absalom's eyes, readers are invited to contemplate the fragility of social status and the impact of historical events on individual lives.
Elisabeth R. Lewis
Know Thy Neighbor
"Know Thy Neighbor" by Elisabeth R. Lewis is a science fiction story published in the early 1950s. Set in the gritty and unsavory Tenderloin district of San Francisco, the narrative explores themes of paranoia and the unknown lurking within seemingly ordinary lives. The tale draws readers into a world where the everyday mundane becomes intertwined with terrifying supernatural elements, driven by the protagonist's fears and suspicions of her neighbors. The story follows Ellen Tighe, a young woman who feels isolated and uncertain in her dilapidated apartment building. Her unease escalates dramatically when she discovers a dead cat on her fire escape and later encounters what appears to be a ghastly green creature stuck in the incinerator chute. Panicking and unable to convince herself of her sanity, Ellen begins to suspect that her neighbors might not be who they seem, leading her to horrifying conclusions about their true nature. As she grapples with her fears and the possible reality of monstrous beings disguised as ordinary people, the tension mounts, culminating in a chilling confrontation that leaves the reader questioning the safety of familiarity and the deceptive appearances of those around us.
Recently surfaced classics