Subject
British -- France -- Fiction Books
Best books
Emmuska Orczy Orczy
The Scarlet Pimpernel
"The Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a historical fiction novel published in 1905. Set during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, it follows a mysterious Englishman who rescues aristocrats from the guillotine. Sir Percy Blakeney appears to be merely a wealthy fop, but conceals a daring secret identity. When his wife Marguerite becomes entangled in a dangerous plot involving a French agent, she must uncover the truth about her husband before it's too late.
Arthur Conan Doyle
The White Company
"The White Company" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical adventure novel published in 1891. Set during the Hundred Years' War in 1366-1367, it follows young Alleyne as he leaves his sheltered abbey life to discover the world. Joining a band of English archers called the White Company, he becomes squire to the valiant Sir Nigel Loring and falls in love with his daughter Maude. Their journey takes them through England, France, and Spain in a campaign to restore a king, leading to battles, captures, and tests of courage.
Laurence Sterne
A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy
"A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy" by Laurence Sterne is a novel published in 1768. It follows the Reverend Mr. Yorick, a character from Sterne's earlier work, on a picaresque journey through France told from a sentimental perspective. The fragmented narrative explores the connection between sympathy and sexual desire through encounters with monks, shop girls, and fellow travelers. Written in response to declining interest in Tristram Shandy, the novel blends travel writing with emotional intensity, leaving readers to question whether Yorick's extreme feelings are sincere or satirical.
Emmuska Orczy Orczy
El Dorado: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel
"El Dorado: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a novel published in 1913. This sequel to "The Scarlet Pimpernel" follows Sir Percy's daring mission to rescue the young Dauphin from revolutionary Paris in 1794. When Armand St. Just betrays Percy to save his beloved actress, the legendary hero finds himself imprisoned and tortured by his nemesis Chauvelin. Percy must use all his cunning to escape captivity and outwit his enemies in a desperate race to the coast.
Molly Elliot Seawell
The House of Egremont : $b a novel
"The House of Egremont" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of English history, following the fortunes of the Egremont family, particularly focusing on the character of Roger Egremont, who navigates the tumult and decline of his family's legacy while grappling with themes of loyalty, identity, and social status. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Roger Egremont, a boy raised in isolation due to the indifference of his father, John Egremont, who is more concerned with courtly affairs than his son's upbringing. Roger’s childhood is marked by a close relationship with his cousin, Dicky, amidst the grandeur and decay of the Egremont estate. As the narrative unfolds, significant family dynamics come to light with the arrival of Roger's younger half-brother, Hugo, which complicates Roger’s feelings of inheritance and identity. The opening chapters establish a richly detailed historical context, setting the stage for Roger's eventual trials and tribulations that revolve around family loyalty, societal expectations, and the search for personal worth in a world dictated by lineage and fortune.
Emmuska Orczy Orczy
Lord Tony's Wife: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel
"Lord Tony's Wife: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Orczy is a novel published in 1917. This sequel to "The Scarlet Pimpernel" follows Pierre Adet, a French peasant who assaults an aristocrat's daughter in 1789 and later seeks revenge by assuming a false identity in England. Years later, he manipulates his way into marrying Yvonne de Kernogan to lure her to France and the guillotine. When she elopes with Lord Antony Dewhurst instead, Adet kidnaps her, forcing Lord Tony to seek help from the legendary Scarlet Pimpernel.
William John Locke
The Wonderful Year
"The Wonderful Year" by William John Locke is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story encapsulates the experiences of Martin Overshaw, a somewhat timid and unremarkable English professor, as he navigates life and relationships in Paris after being dismissed from his teaching position. The narrative unfolds an exploration of themes such as liberation, self-discovery, and the contrast between the mundane and the romantic backdrop of Paris. The opening of the novel introduces Martin as he navigates the unfamiliar streets of Paris, eagerly anticipating a meeting with a friend, Corinna Hastings. Through his reflections, the reader learns of his recent struggles and sense of loss following his mother’s death, juxtaposing the vibrancy of Paris with his own feelings of alienation. His dinner with Corinna sets the stage for their budding friendship, revealing their shared sentiments of searching for purpose and happiness against the backdrop of a city that evokes both excitement and dread. As they connect over their dreams and disappointments, they lay the foundation for an adventurous journey that promises further exploration of their lives and aspirations.
Bernard Capes
Our Lady of Darkness
"Our Lady of Darkness" by Bernard Capes is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative begins by introducing the eccentric character of Gustavus Hilary George, the Right Honourable Viscount Murk, a flamboyant and aged dandy, and his austere grand-nephew, Edward Murk. Their contrasting personalities and the uncle-nephew dynamic suggest a theme exploring vanity, independence, and societal expectations. The opening of the novel sets the stage with a vivid representation of the characters' interactions in Cavendish Square, revealing their respective philosophies and social critiques. The dialogue between the viscount and his nephew permeates with wit and sarcasm, highlighting their generational differences and perspectives on life, art, and morality. As Edward embarks on a journey toward self-discovery and artistic expression, he finds himself in the rustic setting of Méricourt, where he meets intriguing characters such as the enigmatic Nicette and the liberal M. de St Denys. These early chapters hint at a deeper exploration of themes like the tension between tradition and progress, as well as the personal quests for identity and meaning amidst the societal changes of their time.
Freeman Wills Crofts
The Pit-Prop Syndicate
"The Pit-Prop Syndicate" by Freeman Wills Crofts is a mystery novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Seymour Merriman, a junior partner in a wine merchants' firm, who encounters an intriguing situation while on a business trip in France. The narrative begins with Merriman's journey to Bordeaux, where a peculiar incident concerning a motor lorry and its changing number plate sparks his curiosity, hinting at a deeper mystery related to the operations of a sawmill. At the start of the novel, Merriman, feeling weary and disillusioned after a long ride, encounters a girl named Madeleine Coburn in a remote part of the forest. She helps him with his motorcycle troubles and invites him to the mill, which her father manages. However, Merriman becomes intrigued by the lorry he had seen earlier, marked with different numbers at different times. As he contemplates the implications of this change and the mysterious aura surrounding the Coburns, he decides to investigate further. The opening chapters set the stage for a mix of mystery and adventure as Merriman and his friend, Hilliard, plan to uncover potential secrets behind the mill's operations and the enigmatic number plates, while also exploring their burgeoning interests in the Coburns.
D. K. (Dorothy Kathleen) Broster
The Vision Splendid
"The Vision Splendid" by D. K. Broster and G. Winifred Taylor is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of early 19th century England, the story revolves around the life of Horatia Grenville, a well-educated yet unmarried woman navigating societal expectations and personal aspirations. The narrative unfolds in her picturesque garden, where she grapples with her desire for intellectual fulfillment while contending with the pressures of marriage and domesticity. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Horatia as she enjoys her summer afternoon, ostensibly reading Plato, yet lost in her thoughts about the roles women play in society. We learn about her unconventional upbringing as a parson's daughter and her aversion to societal norms that expect women to prioritize marriage over personal ambition. Encounters with Tristram Hungerford, a family friend who has proposed to her in the past, set the tone for a deepening relationship fraught with unspoken feelings. The narrative hints at emerging tensions as societal currents of the period shift, blending themes of individual desire with the expectations of family and society.
Anne Douglas Sedgwick
The Little French Girl
"The Little French Girl" by Anne Douglas Sedgwick is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Alix, a young French girl navigating her new life in England after leaving her beloved home in Montarel, France. As she adapts to her surroundings, connections to her past and the impact of her family's history shape her experiences and emotions. The opening of the novel introduces Alix waiting at a station in a cold, foggy England, reflecting on her previous life filled with warmth and beauty in Montarel. She is anxious and alone, having just traveled from France, and is apprehensive about meeting the family of Captain Owen, a deceased family friend. Through her memories, we learn about her close connection to her mother and grandfather, the feel of her home, and the burdens of loss and change she carries with her. The narrative deftly juxtaposes Alix's nostalgia for her life in France with the unfamiliarity and challenges she faces in England, setting the stage for her journey of self-discovery and adaptation.
Ernest Oldmeadow
Susan
"Susan" by Ernest Oldmeadow is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Gertrude, a young woman who is both conflicted and protective regarding her maid, Susan, who is caught in the emotional turmoil of an unexpected romantic overture from a suitor. As the narrative unfolds, it showcases the intricacies of class distinctions, personal sacrifice, and the challenges of navigating relationships during a time dictated by societal norms. The opening portion of the novel introduces us to Gertrude and highlights her relationship with Susan, especially in light of Susan's recent preoccupation with a romantic letter she received from a man identifying himself as "Lord Ruddington." While Gertrude initially wrestles with her own feelings of annoyance and possessiveness over Susan, she soon discovers the depth of Susan's emotional struggles and fears regarding love and marriage. As their lives begin to intertwine with the prospect of Susan's potential engagement, Gertrude’s protective instincts kick in, leading to various contemplations about duty, affection, and societal expectations. The details vividly portray their daily lives, establishing a strong foundation for both characters, while laying the groundwork for the ensuing conflicts and comedic elements.
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