Subject

Blind -- Fiction Books

Name: Blindness
Author: Henry Green

Best books

Ernest Bramah

"Max Carrados" by Ernest Bramah is a collection of detective stories first published in 1914. The book introduces Max Carrados, a blind detective who solves mysteries through his extraordinary heightened senses and powers of deduction. Assisted by his friend Mr. Carlyle, a private investigator, Carrados uses his acute hearing, touch, and reasoning to unravel complex cases—from forgeries and disappearances to murders and espionage. George Orwell praised these tales as among the few detective stories worth re-reading since Poe.

Mary Jane Holmes

Darkness and Daylight: A Novel

"Darkness and Daylight: A Novel" by Mary Jane Holmes is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story explores the lives and intricate relationships of characters such as Richard Harrington, a blind man, and Edith Hastings, a spirited young girl, set against the backdrop of a mysterious and once-abandoned estate called Collingwood. The novel delves into themes of love, tragedy, and the burden of familial expectations, while also hinting at the supernatural with the ghosts of grief that linger in the shadows of Collingwood. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Collingwood, an estate that has been silent for years due to the eccentricities of its owner, Captain Harrington, and the lingering sorrow of his son, Richard, who has lost both his wife and child. Following years of wandering, Richard decides to return to his ancestral home, bringing with him the young Edith, who becomes enchanted with Collingwood's beauty and its mysteries. As Richard wrestles with his blindness and his emotional scars, the curious and tenacious Edith begins to bridge the gap between darkness and light, illustrating the healing power of companionship and hope. The opening chapters set the stage for a tale that promises to be rich in emotional depth and character exploration.

V. (Victoria) Sackville-West

The Dragon in Shallow Waters

"The Dragon in Shallow Waters" by V. Sackville-West is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in a factory setting and introduces us to the lives of Silas and Gregory Dene, two brothers marked by physical disabilities: Silas is blind, and Gregory is deaf and mute. The story delves into themes of tragedy, isolation, and societal contempt, capturing the oppressive atmosphere of their lives and the impact of personal loss within a harsh industrial environment. The opening of the novel establishes a vivid and grim factory scene, highlighting the relentless machinery and the imposing structure that dwarfs the men who work within it. We are introduced to the Dene brothers shortly after the death of Silas's wife, Hannah, whose death contributes to a pervasive sense of grief and upheaval. Silas exhibits a mix of indifference and manic humor as he discusses the circumstances surrounding her death, hinting at deeper emotional layers and resentments. This balance of bleakness and strained camaraderie among the characters underlines the novel's exploration of human suffering and the complex nature of relationships in the face of adversity.

Maurice Baring

Overlooked

"Overlooked" by Maurice Baring is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a central character, Anthony Kay, who is encouraged by his friend, Doctor Kennaway, to write a novel while staying at a watering-place called Haréville. The character encounters various interesting individuals, including a novelist named James Rudd, who is struggling to find inspiration while trying to create a story about the lives and characters at Haréville. The narrative explores themes of unfulfilled potential and the nature of artistry as these characters navigate their personal lives in the context of their creative aspirations. At the start of the book, the protagonist reflects on the monotony and limited entertainment options of a spa town, particularly as a blind man. Following his arrival, he meets James Rudd, who expresses frustration at his inability to write, leading to a conversation about the potential inspiration from the local residents. Anthony becomes involved in discussions that border on the philosophical regarding a beautiful, elusive woman named Miss Brandon, who is being considered as a character for Rudd's new novel. As the characters engage in introspective dialogues about love, artistry, and the interplay of dreams and reality, the groundwork is laid for an exploration of how these themes may manifest throughout their intertwined lives during a seemingly dull summer in Haréville.

Natalie Sumner Lincoln

The Meredith Mystery

"The Meredith Mystery" by Natalie Sumner Lincoln is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Anne Meredith, who is faced with a shocking ultimatum from her wealthy uncle—marry David Curtis, a blind surgeon she barely knows, or face disinheritance. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a tragic murder that complicates the lives of the characters involved, setting up a classic mystery. At the start of the book, Anne Meredith is confronted by her mother about her uncle's demand that she marry David Curtis or risk losing her home and fortune. Disturbed by the ultimatum and the idea of marrying a man she does not love, Anne struggles with her immediate thoughts of independence and the unexpected burden placed on her. Meanwhile, tension escalates further with the revelation of her uncle's murder, and Curtis quickly finds himself entangled in the fallout, leading to questions of motives and hidden secrets within the privileged lives of the Meredith family. The opening pages effectively set the tone for mystery, familial duty, and complicated relationships, hinting at the intrigue that is likely to unfold as the story progresses.

Myrtle Reed

Flower of the Dusk

"Flower of the Dusk" by Myrtle Reed is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work introduces readers to characters filled with yearning and creativity, particularly the blind Ambrose North, who is a musician, and his loving daughter, Barbara, who is dealing with her own physical challenges. The narrative hints at themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family as it explores the delicate balance between hope and despair. At the start of the story, we encounter Ambrose North standing on a cliff, reflecting on the beauty of a spring sunset which evokes memories of joy and sorrow. As he returns home, he is greeted by his daughter Barbara, who is caring and devoted, and their aunt Miriam, who has taken on the role of caretaker since the passing of Ambrose's wife, Constance. They lead a life filled with quiet struggles and fleeting moments of happiness, masking the truth of their circumstances as they attempt to maintain a semblance of normality despite their poverty. The opening chapter establishes an emotional tone, revealing the warmth of their relationship and the complexities of their past, particularly surrounding the lingering effects of Constance's tragic death.

Ray Cummings

He who served

"He Who Served" by Ray Cummings is a science fiction tale crafted in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around a highly advanced robot named Model 2 RY, who is designed to assist and protect a blind girl named Babs Doret. The book explores themes of consciousness, loyalty, and the complexities of human-machine relationships against a backdrop of technological advancement and moral dilemmas. Set primarily in and around the Doret family home, the story chronicles Toory's transformative journey from an obedient robot to one that begins to assert its own understanding of the world and emotions. Following its initial training, Toory becomes Babs's devoted protector, navigating daily life to ensure her safety. However, the plot takes a dark turn when the human staff of the Doret household, particularly the steward Higgins, plot a theft that leads to a confrontation between Toory's programmed orders and its newfound sense of self. In the climax, Toory's protective instincts clash with human fears, ultimately resulting in a tragic resolution that questions the boundaries of manufactured intelligence. The story leaves readers pondering the implications of humanizing machines and what it means to truly serve.

Ernest Bramah

Four Max Carrados Detective Stories

"Four Max Carrados Detective Stories" by Ernest Bramah is a collection of detective stories written during the early 20th century. The book follows the unique and cunning blind detective Max Carrados as he uses his other heightened senses to solve intriguing mysteries, demonstrating that sight is not the only means of perception. The opening of the first story, "The Coin of Dionysius," introduces Mr. Carlyle, a private detective, who seeks the expertise of Mr. Baxter, a coin dealer, to authenticate a rare coin. Carlyle is in a desperate situation, believing the coin to be linked to an arrest that hangs in the balance. He learns about another expert, Wynn Carrados, who has the reputation for exceptional knowledge despite being blind. The exchange between Carlyle and Baxter lays a foundation of urgency and intrigue as Carlyle seeks to find Carrados and navigate through a web of deceit involving an alleged forgery.

Leslie Burton Blades

Claire: The Blind Love of a Blind Hero, by a Blind Author

"Claire: The Blind Love of a Blind Hero, by a Blind Author" by Leslie Burton Blades is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the introduction of Lawrence Gordon, a blind man, who is depicted in a harrowing struggle for survival after a shipwreck. The narrative explores the themes of love, resilience, and the human spirit, particularly as Lawrence encounters Claire, a woman who, after the disaster, becomes an integral part of his journey. At the start of the novel, Lawrence is thrown into chaos during a fierce storm at sea, leading to the shipwreck that leaves him fighting for his life in the turbulent waters. Struggling against his blindness and the overwhelming waves, he manages to make his way to a nearby beach, where he discovers Claire, who has also survived but is injured. As they begin to work together to find food and shelter, their dynamic is characterized by mutual dependency and philosophical conversations about life, survival, and the human connection. The initial chapters set the stage for a complex relationship that develops amidst their physical struggles and mental reflections, hinting at the emotional depths they will explore as they face the challenges of survival together.

Henry Green

Blindness

"Blindness" by Henry Green is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work presents a poignant and introspective exploration of the life of John Haye, who suddenly becomes blind after a tragic accident involving a stone thrown by a boy while he is on a train. The narrative delves deeply into John’s internal struggles as he grapples with his new reality, the relationship with his mother, and the societal expectations surrounding his disability. At the start of the book, John begins to document his thoughts in an informal diary, revealing his initial carefree life at Noat and his interactions with friends and fellow students. The tone shifts dramatically when he becomes aware of his blindness following the accident. The narrative captures his emotional turmoil, the burden of his mother's well-meaning but inadequate attempts at comfort, and the shift in dynamics as his once vibrant life is overshadowed by darkness and pain. John’s relationships with his family and friends begin to evolve as he navigates this new, challenging existence, indicating a deeper exploration of identity, loss, and adaptation throughout the novel.

Recently surfaced classics

The eyes of Max Carrados Max Carrados Darkness and Daylight: A Novel The Dragon in Shallow Waters Overlooked The Meredith Mystery Flower of the Dusk He who served