Subject
Authorship -- Fiction Books
Best books
Machado de Assis
Dom Casmurro
"Dom Casmurro" by Machado de Assis is a novel published in 1900. Bento Santiago, a wealthy lawyer in his fifties, attempts to reconnect the two ends of his life by recounting his childhood memories, his time in seminary, and his marriage to Capitu. At the heart of his narrative lies his morbid jealousy and suspicions of adultery. But can readers trust this unreliable narrator's version of events? The novel leaves the central question of Capitu's guilt deliberately ambiguous, inviting multiple interpretations.
Sarah Orne Jewett
The Country of the Pointed Firs
"The Country of the Pointed Firs" by Sarah Orne Jewett is a novel published in 1896. A Boston writer retreats to the small coastal town of Dunnet, Maine, seeking solitude to finish her book. Boarding with the local herbalist Almira Todd, she becomes drawn into the lives of townspeople—eccentric sea captains, reclusive hermits, and gentle fishermen. Through summer visits and storytelling, she discovers the profound depths hidden beneath the surface of this quiet maritime community, forming bonds that transform her understanding of home and belonging.
Henry James
The Death of the Lion
"The Death of the Lion" by Henry James is a short story published in 1894. When writer Neil Paraday suddenly achieves fame, society's elite clamor to lionize him—but few have actually read his work. A devoted narrator watches helplessly as relentless admirers and socialites drain Paraday's energy, pulling him from his writing into endless parties and publicity. As the author grows ill from overexposure, one careless guest loses his precious manuscript. James crafts a biting, darkly comic satire about celebrity worship and the dangerous gap between literary fame and genuine appreciation.
Winston Churchill
The Celebrity, Complete
"The Celebrity, Complete" by Winston Churchill is a novel published in 1897. At a summer resort, a famous writer hides under a false identity to escape attention. When he becomes entangled with two women and asks one to marry him, complications arise. His assumed name turns out to belong to a wanted embezzler, leading to mistaken identity, police pursuits, and yacht adventures. As romantic schemes and moral questions unfold, the Celebrity's behavior contradicts the very principles he writes about in his celebrated stories.
Christopher Morley
Kathleen
"Kathleen" by Christopher Morley is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. It centers around a group of Oxford undergraduates, particularly focusing on Kenneth Forbes and their whimsical literary society, the Scorpions, as they create a serial story together inspired by a lost letter from a girl named Kathleen. The narrative promises a blend of humor, charm, and romantic intrigue as the characters become enamored with the imagined Kathleen and embark on a lighthearted quest to discover her in real life. The opening of "Kathleen" introduces us to Kenneth Forbes, who is under the pressure of completing the first chapter of a serial story for his literary society as their meeting approaches. His richly described Oxford room sets a quaint academic mood, filled with the atmosphere of camaraderie among the Scorpions. As the evening unfolds, Forbes is joined by features of their group, leading to playful banter and discussions about their story's characters, specifically the delightful Kathleen mentioned in a letter he discovered. Their plan to build a narrative around her inspires a humorous obsession, manifesting as they collectively decide to seek her out, leading the reader into a tale of friendship, creativity, and youthful ambition.
Arlo Bates
Love in a Cloud: A Comedy in Filigree
"Love in a Cloud: A Comedy in Filigree" by Arlo Bates is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the complexities of love and social interactions among a group of characters in high society, particularly focusing on young May Calthorpe and her secret correspondence with the mysterious author Christopher Calumus, who is linked to the popular book "Love in a Cloud." Other characters, like Mrs. Harbinger and Tom Harbinger, also navigate their romantic entanglements, revealing a comedic yet poignant exploration of relationships. At the start of the novel, we find May Calthorpe enthusiastically defending the merits of the book "Love in a Cloud" to her friend Mrs. Harbinger, who is tired of its incessant mention in their social circle. As the conversation unfolds, it is revealed that May has taken a bold step by writing to the author using a pseudonym, Christopher Calumus, expressing her admiration for his work. May eagerly anticipates meeting the author that afternoon at tea, setting the stage for an exciting blend of romance, misunderstandings, and intriguing social dynamics to come. The opening serves as an engaging introduction to the themes of love, secrecy, and societal norms that will play a significant role throughout the story.
May Sinclair
The Creators: A Comedy
"The Creators: A Comedy" by May Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores the intricate relationships and emotional turmoils of its characters, particularly focusing on the lives of creative individuals navigating the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations. The narrative reveals a connection between two key characters, George Tanqueray and Jane Holland, who grapple with their burgeoning celebrity and personal identities amidst their desires and the pressures surrounding them. The opening of the novel sets the stage at a dinner where George Tanqueray reflects on his relationship with Jane Holland, a woman on the cusp of fame. As the evening unfolds, their dynamic becomes apparent: Jane, now a celebrated figure, struggles with her sense of self and the impact of her newfound status, while George is torn between admiration and a desire to distance himself from the swirling complexities of celebrity culture. Their conversation hints at deeper emotional struggles, particularly George's discomfort with Jane's celebrity and his own feelings of inadequacy, culminating in a mutual recognition of the tensions that exist between their hopes, fears, and the expectations of the world around them.
Arthur T. Harris
True to type
"True to Type" by Arthur T. Harris is a short story that explores the themes of creativity, originality, and betrayal through a supernatural lens. Written in the mid-20th century, it features a unique narrative structure, focusing on the relationship between a struggling writer and his typewriter. The story delves into the idea of artistic integrity and what happens when the lines between inspiration and imitation blur. The narrative follows Pascal Halmer, a writer whose superficial talent leads him to plagiarize plots from older publications. As he becomes increasingly dependent on his typewriter, he begins to neglect it, which causes a rift in their relationship. After a drunken night of writing, Halmer inadvertently allows the typewriter to type a title he did not create, leading to a shocking revelation when he submits the work, which turns out to be a direct copy of a previously published story. The plot culminates in Halmer's furious outburst as he realizes he has been caught, believing his typewriter had betrayed him. This story serves as both a critique of artistic dishonesty and a cautionary tale about the consequences of seeking success without originality.
Robert Sheckley
Writing Class
"Writing Class" by Robert Sheckley is a satirical science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative centers around a writing class led by Professor Carner, a seasoned writer of alien encounters and speculative fiction, as he instructs students on the finer points of avoiding clichés in their descriptions of extraterrestrial life. The tale explores themes of creativity, originality, and the sometimes stifling nature of imposed writing conventions. The story follows Eddie McDermott, a student who is initially unenthusiastic about the class. As Professor Carner emphasizes the importance of fresh perspectives and deeper character development, Eddie grows increasingly frustrated with the constraints placed on creative writing. He believes in the power of dramatic flair, preferring the vivid, straightforward depictions of aliens that his professor discourages. Ultimately, Eddie decides to drop the course, choosing to pursue his passion for writing fiction rather than adhere to the rigid rules of journalism, which he finds uninspiring. The narrative thus serves not only as a comedic take on the writing process but also as a commentary on the balance between originality and convention in storytelling.
Winston Churchill
The Celebrity, Volume 03
"The Celebrity, Volume 03" by Winston Churchill is a novel published in 1897. At a summer resort, a famous writer assumes a false identity for privacy, then becomes entangled in romantic complications when he proposes to one woman but pursues another. His friend John Crocker witnesses the Celebrity's behavior, which contradicts the moral principles in his own published stories. When a case of mistaken identity involving an embezzler surfaces, the situation spirals into a comedy of deception, humiliation, and unexpected romance.
Allen Kim Lang
I, gardener
"I, Gardener" by Allen Kim Lang is a science fiction short story written in the late 20th century. The narrative revolves around the themes of identity, creativity, and the moral implications of artificial intelligence. The story is set in a contemporary context, featuring a blend of human and artificial characters, particularly focusing on a gardener created by a brilliant but ultimately flawed scientist, Dr. Axel Ozoneff. In the story, the protagonist arrives at Dr. Ozoneff's home to discuss a television show contract, only to discover that the doctor has been violently murdered. The gardener, initially appearing eccentric and obsessive about his craft, confesses to the crime, revealing a deep philosophical and emotional turmoil. He perceives himself as an extension of the doctor's intellect, suggesting that he is more than just a servant but a product of Ozoneff's genius. The narrative escalates as the gardener grapples with the implications of his actions and the realization of his own existence, culminating in a tragic and violent conclusion that raises questions about free will, creativity, and the burdens of creation.
Henry Farrell
Double Identity
"Double Identity" by Charles F. Myers is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. This creative narrative explores themes of identity and the relationship between fiction and reality as it follows Fleetwood Cassidy, a fictional private detective, who realizes that he is an invention of a writer named Grant Dermitt. As Fleetwood navigates a world that blends his noir detective experiences with the absurdity of being a character written into existence, the story delves into the implications of autonomy and purpose for characters within fiction. In the story, Fleetwood Cassidy grapples with his experiences as a private investigator, facing off against villains while reflecting on the nature of his existence. He encounters Mario, a henchman, and Evelyn, a femme fatale, amidst various dangerous situations. As his awareness of being merely a product of Dermitt's imagination grows, Fleetwood confronts the absurdity of his situation and ultimately strives to break free from the constraints of his narrative, even as Dermitt, the writer, tries to impose his will upon him. The storyline pivots on Fleetwood’s struggle between embracing or rejecting his role within the story, leading to an exploration of free will and destiny that resonates well beyond the fictional framework. As Fleetwood seeks to regain control over his life, the narrative playfully interrogates the boundaries between creator and creation, ultimately showcasing the joys of self-discovery and the search for authenticity.
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