Subject
Blindness -- Fiction Books
Best books
Rudyard Kipling
The Light That Failed
"The Light That Failed" by Rudyard Kipling is a novel first published in 1891. It follows Dick Heldar, a war artist who returns to London from military campaigns in Sudan, only to face two devastating challenges: his progressive blindness from a battle wound and his unrequited love for Maisie, his childhood companion. As Dick struggles to complete his masterwork while his vision fails, he must confront whether art, love, or friendship can sustain him through darkness. Based on Kipling's own heartbreak, this semi-autobiographical tale explores passion, loss, and destiny.
Henry James
Glasses
"Glasses" by Henry James is a short story published in 1896. A young orphan named Flora Saunt possesses extraordinary beauty—her sole asset in a world where she has little money or intellect. When she becomes engaged to a wealthy aristocrat, her future seems secure. But Flora harbors a dangerous secret: she is nearly blind and requires thick corrective glasses that destroy her famous looks. As her vision fails, she must navigate a society that values appearance above all, leading to unexpected consequences and revelations about love, vanity, and what truly matters when sight itself disappears.
Harriet L. (Harriet Lummis) Smith
Agatha's Aunt
"Agatha's Aunt" by Harriet L. Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Agatha Kent, a spirited and resourceful young woman managing a dilapidated boarding house, where she hopes to provide for her brother, Howard, and her friend, Miss Finch. The narrative begins with Agatha's attempts to attract summer boarders, leading to unexpected complications and a web of deception regarding a blind guest, Mr. Burton Forbes, who may not be quite who he expects. The beginning of the novel sets the stage for a comedic and poignant exploration of Agatha's life and ambitions. We meet her and Miss Finch in their charming yet shabby home, where Agatha is brimming with determination to succeed as a boarding house proprietor. A twist occurs when she receives a letter from Mr. Forbes, who wishes to stay with them; Agatha, fascinated by the prospect, concocts a scheme to present herself as a much older woman to maintain his illusions. This opening section highlights Agatha's fiery personality, her caring nature towards Howard, and the humorous intricacies of her endeavor, hinting at deeper themes of identity, societal expectations, and the power of familial bonds.
William Le Queux
The Wiles of the Wicked
"The Wiles of the Wicked" by William Le Queux is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the protagonist, Wilford Heaton, who is a blind medical graduate living in London, and follows his journey as he becomes embroiled in a mysterious and dangerous series of events involving double murder and intrigue. The atmosphere is thick with suspense as Heaton navigates his new life of darkness, loneliness, and the unexpected assistance of a strange woman named Edna. At the start of the narrative, Heaton recounts his life after losing his sight due to a severe illness. He is initially isolated and despondent but soon finds himself caught up in a violent event that leads him to witness a double murder. He is approached by Edna, who claims to know him and offers her protection while requesting that he remain silent about the incident. As Heaton grapples with his troubling circumstances, he becomes increasingly entangled in Edna's secrets and the sinister forces that seem to want him silenced. The opening chapters present a gripping blend of mystery, tension, and moral ambiguity, setting the scene for a fascinating exploration of trust and survival in the dark underbelly of London.
Frank M. Robinson
Beyond the Ultra-Violet
"Beyond the Ultra-Violet" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction narrative written in the early 1950s. The book explores the profound consequences of an experimental procedure designed to expand human vision beyond the conventional spectrum of light. It focuses on the themes of sight, perception, and the nature of reality, illustrating the potential dangers of human curiosity and ambition. The storyline follows Charles, a young physics student who, upon the encouragement of his professor, embarks on a radical experiment to enhance his vision to perceive wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum. As he undergoes the treatment, Charles describes a transition from the known colors of his world into a vibrant realm filled with unimaginable hues and forms, ultimately leading to a complete loss of his sight in the conventional sense. Despite this, he discovers a deeper understanding of light and perception. However, he faces a poignant moment when, after the final procedure, his vision opens to a world beyond comprehension, where he unexpectedly cries out for Alice, his deceased wife, suggesting that his journey might have led him to a realm of emotional resonance rather than mere visual experience.
Recently surfaced classics