Subject
Beauty, Personal -- Fiction Books
Best books
Harriet Stark
The Bacillus of Beauty: A Romance of To-day
"The Bacillus of Beauty: A Romance of To-day" by Harriet Stark is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around the transformation of Helen Winship, who has recently arrived in New York City and undergone a remarkable change in appearance that captivates those around her. The narrative is primarily seen through the eyes of John Burke, her devoted admirer, who is perplexed yet enthralled by her newfound beauty. The opening of the novel introduces John Burke as he reflects on his arrival in New York and his anticipation of seeing Helen, who he fondly remembers from their shared childhood in the West. However, upon meeting her again, he is astonished to find her unrecognizable; she is now an embodiment of beauty that seems to have emerged overnight. As John navigates this emotional landscape, he experiences a rollercoaster of feelings ranging from disbelief to admiration. The chapter captures the essence of transformation, longing, and the complexities of love in a bustling urban setting.
Elizabeth Von Arnim
Introduction to Sally
"Introduction to Sally" by Elizabeth Von Arnim is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the characters Mr. and Mrs. Pinner and their daughter, Sally, exploring themes of beauty, anxiety, and familial dynamics. As Mr. Pinner grapples with his daughter’s extraordinary beauty and the complications it brings, we witness the unfolding of Sally’s life as she navigates her emerging identity amidst parental concerns and societal expectations. The opening portion introduces us to Mr. Pinner, a man driven by respectability and fear, who struggles with the challenges of his marriage and the beauty of his daughter, Sally. Despite initial hopes for parental stability, Mrs. Pinner's death thrusts the responsibility of raising Sally onto Mr. Pinner, who reacts by attempting to shield her from unwanted male attention that her beauty attracts. As Sally grows into a stunning young woman, her parents' fears intensify, leading to their decision to relocate in hope of achieving a quieter life. However, their troubles are exacerbated by the inevitable consequences of Sally's beauty, ultimately leading us to the exploration of familial love, anxiety, and the desire for autonomy.
Charles A. Stearns
Color Blind
"Color Blind" by Charles A. Stearns is a science fiction story likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative follows a young woman named Sukey Jones, who struggles with her identity and self-worth in a world obsessed with beauty and appearance. With themes related to social status, beauty standards, and the quest for acceptance, the story explores the lengths individuals go to achieve an idealized self-image. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant Venus, the plot revolves around Sukey’s journey from being a counter girl in a spaceport café to entanglements with society's elite. She takes a job as a maid for the wealthy Althea Campbell, who is determined to chase beauty through the fabled rainbow gardens of Venus. When things go awry and Sukey is left locked away, her friend Harry Thurbley, a kind-hearted space pilot, embarks on a quest to rescue her. The story takes an unexpected turn as Harry discovers the dangerous grip of beauty culture and the true consequences of vanity. Ultimately, the tale serves as a poignant reflection on societal pressures surrounding appearance and the value of genuine connection over superficial glamour.
Joseph Samachson
Bedside Manner
"Bedside Manner" by William Morrison is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of identity, beauty, and the human condition through the lens of an extraordinary medical incident. The story centers around a woman who, after surviving a catastrophic spaceship crash, faces the harrowing reality of being physically reconstructed by an alien doctor who is unfamiliar with human anatomy. The plot unfolds as the protagonist, after waking up without her limbs and senses, learns she has been saved by a non-human race that operates far beyond the current capabilities of human medicine. As she undergoes treatment, she grapples with her new identity and the fear of becoming unrecognizable to her husband, Fred. Their conversations reveal their insecurities and complexities within their relationship, particularly regarding physical appearance and self-worth. Ultimately, the alien doctor succeeds in reconstructing both of them, but with surprising results; while she becomes beautiful, Fred's appearance is less favorable. The story concludes with a sense of acceptance as they realize their love for each other transcends their physical forms, introducing a profound contemplation of love and acceptance in the face of change.
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