Subject
British Columbia -- Fiction Books
Best books
Bertrand W. Sinclair
The inverted pyramid
"The Inverted Pyramid" by Bertrand W. Sinclair is a novel published in 1924. Set in British Columbia's logging industry from 1909 to 1920, it follows the Norquay brothers—Rod, Phil, and Grove—as they pursue fortune in the booming timber sector and establish the Norquay Trust. Through ambition and mismanagement, their enterprise crumbles, testing family bonds and personal relationships. Rod Norquay's romance with Mary Thorn adds emotional depth to this tale of rise and fall in early twentieth-century Canada.
Robert Watson
The Spoilers of the Valley
"The Spoilers of the Valley" by Robert Watson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a ranching community, centering on a young woman named Eileen Pederstone who finds herself in a tense situation when a fugitive, claiming to be a runaway convict, seeks refuge in her home. The narrative explores themes of trust, moral dilemmas, and the impact of past choices as Eileen becomes entwined in the fugitive's desperate plight. At the start of the book, Eileen is introduced as she stands at her window, enjoying a serene night when she hears distant gunshots and excited voices. Her peaceful evening is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a disheveled man who pleads for help, revealing that he is being hunted. Eileen's compassion drives her to hide him from pursuers, leading to a tense confrontation with members of the community who are searching for the escaped convict. As she forges a connection with the fugitive, they engage in deep conversations that hint at deeper complexities in both their characters and backgrounds, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
Morley Roberts
The mate of the Vancouver
"The Mate of the Vancouver" by Morley Roberts is a novel written in the late 19th century. This maritime tale follows Tom Ticehurst, the chief mate of the bark Vancouver, as he navigates personal and emotional challenges while at sea, particularly involving his brother Will's dangerous drinking and the complications arising from romantic tensions with Will's wife, Helen, and passenger Elsie Fleming. The narrative intertwines themes of honor, love, and despair within the seafaring life. At the start of the story, Tom reflects on his family's long maritime lineage and his own rise to mate on the Vancouver. He reluctantly accepts this position to keep an eye on his brother, Will, who struggles with alcoholism. After a turbulent journey filled with drama, including a perilous confrontation leading to a tragic outcome, Tom finds himself entangled in complex relationships on board, especially with the formidable Helen and the charming young Elsie. The opening establishes Tom's internal conflicts and foreshadows the emotional turbulence he will face during the voyage.
Alex Philip
The Crimson West
"The Crimson West" by Alex Philip is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Donald McLean, a young man grappling with the fallout from a troubled relationship with his father and his struggles with personal shortcomings, including gambling and drinking. Set against the backdrop of the burgeoning Western landscape in Canada, the novel explores themes of self-discovery, redemption, and adventure as Donald embarks on a journey towards empowerment and potential. The opening of the book introduces Donald McLean just after he has been released from jail, where he faced the disappointment of his father, who has distanced himself due to Donald’s reckless behavior. After an encounter with the sheriff, who showed him kindness, Donald feels a mixture of shame and determination as he contemplates his future. He soon meets a friendly Westerner, Jack Gillis, who becomes a supportive ally, encouraging Donald to venture to British Columbia. As Donald navigates the challenges of seeking employment and brushes with danger, he is also profoundly affected by the rich and vibrant world around him, as illustrated through his introspection and encounters with various characters, setting the stage for his transformative journey in the West.
Morley Roberts
The prey of the strongest
"The Prey of the Strongest" by Morley Roberts is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set against the backdrop of British Columbia and explores the lives of workers in a lumber mill, highlighting the vibrant and perilous dynamics within a diverse community. The central character, Pitt River Pete, is a half-breed laborer returning to work at the mill and navigating the complex relationships with his colleagues, including the affections and tensions surrounding his wife, Jenny. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the day-to-day life in the mill through detailed descriptions of the machinery and workflow that dominate the setting. Pitt River Pete arrives at the bustling lumber mill, filled with a mix of anticipation and reflection on his past experiences. As the rhythm of labor unfolds, relationships and rivalries between the workers begin to take shape. Pete is quickly drawn into the workplace's social intricacies, particularly concerning his wife, Jenny, and the mill's manager, George Quin, who has his eyes set on her. This segment establishes a vivid picturing of mill life, setting the stage for conflicts and themes of love, jealousy, and the struggle for survival in a harsh environment.
Ralph Connor
The Gaspards of Pine Croft: A Romance of the Windermere
"The Gaspards of Pine Croft: A Romance of the Windermere" by Ralph Connor is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the picturesque Windermere Valley of British Columbia, focusing on Hugh Gaspard, a proud engineer with aspirations that merge his artistic temperament with his practical skills. Themes of love, identity, and the intermingling of cultures form the crux of the narrative as Gaspard navigates both personal and environmental challenges. The opening of the novel introduces the majestic landscape of British Columbia, emphasizing its beauty and the magnetic pull it exerts on Hugh Gaspard, who yearns for a life beyond the confines of his father's engineering business. After securing his father’s reluctant approval to pursue his dreams, Gaspard establishes a grand ranch in the valley, Pine Croft Ranch. Amidst this new life, he marries a charming English woman and experiences blissful years until her health declines. Complicating matters further, a past encounter with a Native American woman surfaces, introducing a child that could threaten Gaspard’s idyllic family life, setting the stage for emotional turmoil and ethical dilemmas that will challenge the bonds of love and loyalty.
Harold Bindloss
Vane of the Timberlands
"Vane of the Timberlands" by Harold Bindloss is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Wallace Vane, a young man who has spent several years living and working in the rugged and untamed wilderness of British Columbia. The story begins with Vane enjoying a canoe trip with his companion Carroll, reflecting on their recent prosperity related to mining ventures, while hinting at Vane's past and the unfolding connection with women, hinting at the emotional and social challenges that await them in the civilized world. The opening of the book introduces us to the natural beauty of British Columbia, characterized by the lush forests and the lifestyle of men like Vane and Carroll, who have thrived in the wilderness through hard work and perseverance. As the two friends prepare for a new chapter in their lives, they encounter Kitty Blake, a young woman in distress, which leads Vane to offer assistance that sparks a change in his previously solitary life. Their interactions set the stage for Vane's internal struggles, hinting at themes of compassion, societal expectations, and the complexities of relationships that will deepen as the narrative unfolds. The character-driven plot promises a blend of adventure, personal growth, and emotional exploration against the backdrop of the Canadian wilderness and its transition into the more structured societal norms of the early 20th century.
Bertrand W. Sinclair
Troubled Waters
"Troubled Waters" by Bertrand W. Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the complex emotional struggles faced by Joe Galloway, a man who has fled from his past life following the dissolution of his marriage. With themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, the narrative explores personal rebirth amidst the desolation of working as a logger in a rugged coastal setting. The plot unfolds as Joe, now living under an assumed name, encounters an old friend, Steve, who gradually uncovers Joe's troubled past. Joe’s despondency stems from a broken marriage with Norma, who has left him for another man. Throughout the novel, Joe forms a bond with Ed Broderick, a man who is also marked by a sense of loss and a longing for the past. The climax reveals that Norma still harbors feelings for Joe, prompting a confrontation of unresolved emotions and regret. The resolution comes with her unexpected arrival, leading to a poignant moment of reckoning and the hope for reconciliation, beautifully captured against the backdrop of the tempestuous sea, symbolizing turbulent emotions and life’s unpredictability.
Edison Marshall
The Sky Line of Spruce
"The Sky Line of Spruce" by Edison Marshall is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Ben Kinney, a strong and compelling character who has found himself in a convict gang due to a tumultuous past shrouded in amnesia. As he works on a road crew near Walla Walla, the narrative delves into themes of identity, redemption, and the interplay between nature and personal discovery as Kinney grapples with his lost memory and incomplete sense of self. The opening of the book introduces us to the convict work gang, with a particular focus on Ben Kinney, who is strikingly different from the other inmates. The guards discuss Kinney’s past, revealing he's a criminal but hinting at his former life before his mental break. A chance encounter with an old man named Ezra Melville ignites recognition within Ben, leading to a profound realization about his identity. This sets the stage for Ben's journey of self-discovery as he and Ezra embark on a path that may lead to recovering the fragments of his past, against a rich backdrop of the wilderness that begins to awaken his memories and vitality. The journey also introduces the theme of the North as home and the restorative powers of nature, as Ben embraces the beauty that surrounds him.
Robert Watson
My Brave and Gallant Gentleman: A Romance of British Columbia
"My Brave and Gallant Gentleman: A Romance of British Columbia" by Robert Watson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around George Brammerton, the second son of an aristocratic family, navigating the complexities of love, social standing, and familial loyalty amidst a backdrop of impending marriage announcements and societal expectations. The introductory chapters set up a tension between George's free-spirited disposition and his brother Harry's more traditional pursuits, particularly regarding a charming yet controversial lady, Rosemary Granton. At the start of the narrative, we find George reflecting on Lady Rosemary Granton, who is set to marry his haughty brother, Harry. As George contemplates her dramatic upbringing and the whispers of scandal surrounding her, he grapples with his own feelings about the marriage and his place in a world dictated by social status. The opening also introduces key characters, including his father, who holds steadfast to family traditions, and Harry, who embodies the arrogance of aristocracy. The groundwork is laid for conflict, not only within George's family but also in the romantic tension surrounding Lady Rosemary and the social repercussions of Harry's past entanglements.
Harold Bindloss
Partners of the Out-Trail
"Partners of the Out-Trail" by Harold Bindloss is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the rugged landscapes of British Columbia and follows the protagonist, Jim Dearham, who works as a telegraph linesman. As he navigates through the challenges of the wilderness, Jim encounters both the harsh realities of nature and the complexities of human relationships, particularly with a young woman named Carrie, who becomes an integral part of his life and work. The opening of the book introduces Jim in his isolated telegraph shack, where he battles the elements and reflects on his past. As winter sets in, the narrative unveils his thoughts on civilization, adventure, and his longing for connection, especially with people from his past. This longing becomes evident when he unexpectedly meets two men with whom he shared a connection during his time as a waiter, bringing aspects of his former life into his current solitary existence. His encounter with these men hints at deeper themes of identity and belonging which may unfold as the story progresses, setting the stage for both external and internal conflicts as he moves forward in the wilderness, determined to maintain the telegraph line amidst adversity.
Harold Bindloss
The Greater Power
"The Greater Power" by Harold Bindloss is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the rugged wilderness of British Columbia, where the protagonist, Derrick Nasmyth, struggles with the harsh realities of life as a logger while grappling with his past and the ensuing trials of survival in a foreign land. As he faces physical challenges and emotional turmoil, the narrative highlights the themes of resilience, identity, and the complexity of human connections. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the stark winter landscape and the demanding life of logging in the brutal cold. Derrick, the main character, is depicted as a man who feels overburdened by the demands of his labor yet shows a sense of determination. As he struggles to keep up with his strong companions, we learn about his background, suggesting he hails from a more privileged yet troubled existence. His experiences lead him to contemplate his future and connections with others, particularly when he receives help from the local ranchers, setting in motion his journey toward finding purpose and possibly redemption in the unforgiving wilderness.
Recently surfaced classics