Subject
Betrayal -- Fiction Books
Best books
Mrs. Rowson
Charlotte Temple
"Charlotte Temple" by Mrs. Rowson is a novel originally published in England in 1791. It tells the story of fifteen-year-old Charlotte Temple, a schoolgirl seduced by a British officer who persuades her to run away with him to America. There, abandoned while pregnant and penniless, Charlotte faces devastating consequences. The novel became a bestseller in America, going through over 200 editions, and belongs to the seduction novel genre that captivated early American readers with its cautionary tale of youthful innocence betrayed.
Joseph Conrad
An Outcast of the Islands
"An Outcast of the Islands" by Joseph Conrad is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores the complex lives of its characters against the backdrop of colonial settings in the East Indies, focusing particularly on themes of identity, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The protagonist, Willems, is a conflicted character whose ambition and actions lead him to a precarious position on the fringes of society, suggesting a deeper commentary on colonial exploitation and personal downfall. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Willems, a man who struggles with his identity and morality. He initially views a misguided venture into dishonesty as a minor detour, believing he can easily return to his virtuous life. As he interacts with his wife Joanna and the Da Souza family, it becomes clear that his sense of superiority derived from his European status is shallow and ultimately fragile. In a critical scene, Willems experiences a dramatic confrontation with Joanna, revealing the tensions in their relationship that stem from his arrogance and neglect. The opening sets a tone of impending tragedy, establishing Willems as a man increasingly alienated from those around him and foreshadowing the chaotic moral landscape he must navigate.
Jules Verne
Mathias Sandorf [2] : $b De Middellandsche Zee
"Mathias Sandorf [2] : De Middellandsche Zee" by Jules Verne is an adventure novel published in 1885. When a ciphered message falls into the wrong hands, three Hungarian conspirators plotting against Habsburg rule face betrayal and execution. Count Mathias Sandorf survives and assumes a new identity, building a fortified island empire filled with advanced weaponry. Fifteen years later, wealthy and powerful, he embarks on a relentless Mediterranean pursuit to exact justice from those whose greed destroyed his friends and crushed their uprising.
C. M. (Cyril M.) Kornbluth
The Luckiest Man in Denv
"The Luckiest Man in Denv" by Simon Eisner is a science fiction novella originally published in 1952. Set in a dystopian future, the narrative explores the hierarchical society of Denv, where individuals vie for power and status amidst the backdrop of looming threats from a rival faction, Ellay. The story showcases themes of ambition, deception, and the manipulation of identity within a rigid social structure. The plot follows Reuben, an Atomist from the lower levels of Denv, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous political scheme when he is targeted for assassination by a double sent to replace him. As he navigates the treacherous politics of Denv, he encounters various characters, including the ambitious General May and the alluring Selene, who complicate his journey. Reuben's realization of the betrayals surrounding him culminates in a thrilling confrontation that tests his loyalty and cunning. Ultimately, the novella critiques the lengths to which individuals will go to climb the social ladder in a world marred by fear and manipulation.
Mór Jókai
The Tower of Dago
"The Tower of Dago" by Mór Jókai is a novel written during the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds around a mysterious and ominous structure known as the Tower of Dago, perched upon the treacherous rocky promontory of the island of Dago. The book explores themes of vengeance, betrayal, and the struggle between good and evil, as well as the dark and twisted repercussions of personal and familial conflicts. The story follows Captain Feodor von Ungern, who is betrayed by his brother Zeno and subsequently outlawed, leading him to reside in the Tower of Dago, where he embraces a life of vengeance against those who have wronged him. As he resorts to treacherous methods for survival, including luring ships to their doom with false signals, the narrative reveals the devastating impact of a life steeped in hatred and darkness. The plot intertwines with the lives of his son Alexander and Zeno’s son Paul, setting the stage for an inevitable confrontation and the potential for reconciliation as they become aware of their fathers' hatred. The culmination builds towards a tragic climax that ultimately leads to Feodor’s demise, leaving contemplation on the consequences of one's choices in life.
B. Traven
Der Schatz der Sierra Madre
"Der Schatz der Sierra Madre" by B. Traven is an adventure novel published in 1927. In 1920s Mexico, two destitute American drifters team up with an experienced prospector named Howard to search for gold in the remote mountains. As they pursue their fortune, Howard warns them that discovering gold in quantity corrupts men's souls and awakens insatiable greed. Dobbs insists he would be content with modest wealth, but the old prospector quietly doubts him. Their expedition unfolds against a backdrop of exploitation, revolution, and legendary mines cursed by bloody histories.
Jules Verne
Mathias Sandorf [3] : $b Een Model-volksplanting
"Mathias Sandorf" by Jules Verne is an adventure novel published in 1885. When a coded message falls into the wrong hands, three Hungarian conspirators plotting against Austrian rule face betrayal and death. Only Count Mathias Sandorf survives, emerging fifteen years later as the mysterious Dr. Antekirtt—a wealthy physician commanding an island fortress. With advanced weaponry and relentless determination, he hunts across the Mediterranean for those who destroyed his friends, becoming a solitary figure devoted to revenge.
Jules Verne
Mathias Sandorf [1] : $b Een verijdelde samenzwering; Dokter Antekirrt
"Mathias Sandorf" by Jules Verne is an adventure novel published in 1885. When petty criminals intercept a secret message, they expose a Hungarian conspiracy against Habsburg-Austrian rule, leading to arrest and execution. Count Mathias Sandorf escapes and disappears into the Adriatic. Fifteen years later, he resurfaces as the wealthy and mysterious Dr. Antekirtt, commanding an island fortress with advanced weaponry. With two French carnival performers as allies, he navigates the Mediterranean seeking vengeance against those who betrayed his cause and destroyed his friends.
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