Subject
Bachelors -- Fiction Books
Best books
José María de Pereda
El buey suelto... Cuadros edificantes de la vida de un solterón
"El buey suelto... Cuadros edificantes de la vida de un solterón" by José María de Pereda is a fictional work crafted during the late 19th century. This book explores the life and thoughts of Gedeón, a man who embodies the archetype of the selfish bachelor, reflecting on themes of solitude, indulgence, and the nature of marital life. As Gedeón navigates his comfortable but ultimately hollow existence, the narrative promises a mix of satire, social commentary, and insightful observations about the mundane realities of both single and married life. The opening of the work introduces Gedeón, who is characterized as an egoist, luxuriating in his bachelor lifestyle. Through his introspections, he draws distinctions between various types of egoists, ultimately leading himself to ponder the merits and demerits of marriage. At this stage, he is struck by the pangs of loneliness after the loss of a parental figure, compelling him to reflect on both the comforts and hardships of life as a celibate man. Disgruntled by his solitude, he imagines potential futures intertwined with the prospect of marriage while simultaneously voicing his disdain for the societal pressures and dissatisfaction that come with it, laying the groundwork for his examination of the contradictions inherent in domestic life.
Molly Elliot Seawell
Papa Bouchard
"Papa Bouchard" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Monsieur Paul Bouchard, who has lived a life of quiet subservience under the watch of his sister Céleste. The narrative hints at themes of independence and the breaking from societal conventions as it introduces the character of Pierre, Bouchard's valet, along with a lively parrot named Pierrot, both of whom begin to reflect on their own desires for freedom. The opening of the novel sets the stage in the serene Rue Clarisse in Paris, where a sudden shift occurs with the escape of Pierrot the parrot, which prompts Monsieur Bouchard to seek a new apartment in a more vibrant area. As he prepares to break the news to his protective sister, the reader is introduced to the humorous and complex dynamics of familial relationships, duty, and desires for personal enjoyment. This foundational scenario lays the groundwork for Monsieur Bouchard's journey towards self-discovery and potentially unrestrained living, alongside the slice-of-life characters that color his experience.
Oliver Onions
The Compleat Bachelor
"The Compleat Bachelor" by Oliver Onions is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Rollo Butterfield, a reflective bachelor navigating the social intricacies and romantic entanglements of his life in London, particularly his interactions with women and the challenges posed by societal expectations of marriage and companionship. The opening of the book introduces Rollo in a lively tea gathering hosted by a family member, Caroline, where the conversation flits between playful banter and subtle revelations about relationships. Rollo’s wit and keen observations set the tone, as he engages with the women around him while reflecting on his status as a confirmed bachelor. Through humorous dialogue and Rollo's internal monologue, we see his relationships with friends and family, hinting at deeper themes regarding the complexities of love, friendship, and the idea of remaining single in a society that values marriage. This lively beginning establishes Rollo as an endearing and thoughtful character, positioning readers to explore his journey further.
Marie Van Vorst
The Sentimental Adventures of Jimmy Bulstrode
"The Sentimental Adventures of Jimmy Bulstrode" by Marie Van Vorst is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the kind-hearted and generous Jimmy Bulstrode, a wealthy man known for his noble but impractical charitable acts. Throughout the narrative, Bulstrode's emotional complexities emerge, particularly his unrequited love for Mary Falconer and his desire to uplift those around him, suggesting themes of love, sacrifice, and societal challenges. The opening of the book introduces Jimmy Bulstrode, who is portrayed as a wealthy yet compassionate bachelor, deeply affected by the 'gloom of Christmas' as he reflects on his solitude amidst festive surroundings. He receives a thought-provoking letter from Mary Falconer, highlighting the emotional undertones of the season and prompting him to consider attending a family gathering. Shortly after, he meets a destitute man on the brink of despair, which leads to an act of compassion where Bulstrode invites the stranger into his home for shelter and companionship. This sets the stage for Bulstrode's ongoing quest for connection and purpose, showcasing his sentimental adventures and the intertwining lives of those he encounters.
F. E. Mills (Florence Ethel Mills) Young
Coelebs: The Love Story of a Bachelor
"Coelebs: The Love Story of a Bachelor" by F. E. Mills Young is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around John Musgrave, a confirmed bachelor who is deeply entrenched in his solitary domestic life and the local parish community of Moresby. As he navigates his interactions with various characters—including the respectable but plain housemaid Eliza, and the modern and progressive Mrs. Chadwick—Musgrave grapples with societal expectations, the nature of companionship, and his own aversion to change. The opening of the novel introduces John Musgrave as he thoughtfully engages with the dynamics of his household and reflects on his solitude. We see a glimpse of his character as he engages with Eliza, observing her quirks, and we learn about his deep sense of loss following his sister's marriage that further isolates him. Musgrave's conversation with the vicar illuminates his apprehensions regarding relationships, particularly with women, highlighting that he has never been in love. As Mrs. Chadwick enters the narrative with her modern ideas and assertive nature, Musgrave begins to face challenges to his well-ordered life, hinting at the transformation that may await him as the story unfolds.
H. H. (Henry Howarth) Bashford
Tommy Wideawake
"Tommy Wideawake" by H. H. Bashford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the titular character, Tommy, a unique and free-spirited boy full of imagination and energy. Set against the backdrop of a little English village, the narrative delves into themes of friendship, nature, and the adventures of boyhood, as seen through the eyes of various adults who express their hopes and concerns for Tommy's upbringing. The opening of the book introduces us to a group of middle-aged men discussing Tommy Wideawake, the colonel's only son, as they sit around a fire in a study. They reflect on their friendships and the peculiarities of their lives, while the colonel expresses his wish for Tommy to have a meaningful childhood, distinct from the typical education system. He enlists the help of his old friends to mentor Tommy during his holidays, allowing the boy freedom to discover the world around him. The set-up establishes the camaraderie and the contrasting perspectives of the characters as they prepare to take on the task of guiding Tommy in his formative years.
Edith Wharton
The children
The children by Edith Wharton is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows Martin Boyne, a middle‑aged engineer, who becomes entangled with the glamorous yet chaotic Wheater clan—especially teen caretaker Judith, her delicate twin Terry, and a volatile mix of full-, half-, and step‑siblings—while their wealthy parents drift between yachts and hotels. The story explores modern divorce and remarriage and the cost of adult caprice on children who are determined to keep themselves together. The opening of the novel finds Boyne on a cruise from Algiers, where he notices Judith minding a baby and a swarm of children and ends up sharing a cabin with her twin, Terry. Through Judith and the governess, Miss Scope, he learns the family tangle: the Wheater parents split and remarried disastrously (to a movie star and an Italian prince), then reunited; the brood now includes “steps” Bun, Beechy, and Zinnie alongside Judith, Terry, and Blanca, with baby Chip adored by the parents. A day trip to Monreale shows Judith’s flair for mothering even as high art leaves her cold, deepening Boyne’s interest. When Terry begs for an education, Boyne agrees to help, stays on to meet the parents in Venice, and secures a cultivated tutor, Gerald Ormerod. Over breakfast at the modest pension where the children stay, Judith refuses school for herself, vowing never to leave the tribe, and hints that Joyce may prefer to keep the tutor in Venice for her own amusement. The section closes with Boyne uncomfortably aware of adult currents swirling around the children he has begun to care about.
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