Subject
British -- Ireland -- Fiction Books
Best books
Lady (Sydney) Morgan
The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale
"The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale" by Lady Morgan is an epistolary novel written in 1806. A dissolute young English nobleman is exiled to his father's Irish estate, where he discovers a crumbling castle inhabited by dispossessed Gaelic nobility. Posing as a penniless artist, he befriends the Prince of Inismore and his accomplished daughter Glorvina, learning to appreciate Irish culture while falling dangerously in love. But hidden identities and arranged marriages threaten their romance, leading to surprising revelations about family honor and reconciliation.
B. M. (Bithia Mary) Croker
A bird of passage
"A Bird of Passage" by B. M. Croker is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the Andaman Islands and follows the experiences of Colonel Denis and his daughter, Helen, who reunite after years apart. As Helen arrives in the unique and established settlement of Port Blair, she encounters various characters, including local socialites and convicts, creating a vivid tapestry of life in this secluded part of the world. The opening of the book introduces readers to the isolated setting of Port Blair, where Colonel Denis anxiously awaits the arrival of his daughter after thirteen years apart. Through descriptive prose, the lush tropical surroundings juxtapose the grim realities of the convict settlement. We are introduced to a diverse cast, including the charming yet conceited Mr. Quentin and the mysterious photographer, Mr. Lisle, whose enigmatic past intrigues the local community. The initial chapters set the stage for Helen's experiences as she navigates her new home filled with both warmth and tension, hinting at deeper personal and social dynamics yet to unfold.
Charles Lever
The Bramleighs of Bishop's Folly
"The Bramleighs of Bishop's Folly" by Charles James Lever is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set in Ireland, it centers around the eccentric life of a bishop and his opulent estate, now in disrepair, which has recently been purchased by a wealthy banker from London looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The book delves into themes of social ambition, local gossip, and the peculiar relationships among the characters drawn to the dilapidated grandeur of Bishop's Folly. The opening portion introduces the reader to the unique history of the bishop's estate, now a shadow of its former self, and piques curiosity about the incoming Bramleigh family, who are set to inhabit Castello, the name given to the estate. The local residents speculate about the reasons behind the Bramleighs' move to such an isolated area, raising questions of social status and personal motivations. Additionally, with Lady Augusta's letter providing insight into the family dynamics, the stage is set for conflicts and aspirations, hinting at the novel's exploration of ambition and class distinctions in society. The blend of humor, social critique, and character-driven storytelling invites readers to immerse themselves in Lever's keen observations of human behavior and relationships.
Maria Edgeworth
The Absentee
"The Absentee" by Maria Edgeworth is a novel written in the early 19th century, reflecting the cultural and social norms of its time. The story explores the lives of Irish landlords residing in England, particularly focusing on the clashing identities and challenges faced by those, like Lady Clonbrony, who seek acceptance in English high society while neglecting their responsibilities in Ireland. The narrative centers around characters like Lord Colambre, Lady Clonbrony, and the heiress Miss Broadhurst, whose relationships and personal dilemmas provide a rich commentary on societal expectations and the concept of duty. At the start of the novel, a conversation at the opera introduces Lady Clonbrony and her family's struggles, positioning them as Irish absentees who are trying to navigate the complexities of London high society. Through Lady Langdale and Mrs. Dareville’s dialogue, we learn of Lady Clonbrony's efforts to assimilate, which are marred by the ridicule she faces for her accent and manners. Lord Colambre, her son, begins to contemplate his family's situation with a growing sense of responsibility, leading him on a journey back to Ireland to confront the reality of his family's estate and the lives affected by their absentee status. The opening chapters set the stage for the unfolding drama of social aspirations, personal identity, and the pursuit of belonging against a backdrop of class distinctions and familial duty.
Anthony Trollope
The O'Conors of Castle Conor, County Mayo From "Tales from All Countries"
"The O'Conors of Castle Conor, County Mayo" by Anthony Trollope is a comedic novel set in the late 19th century, during the Victorian era. This narrative follows Archibald Green, a young Englishman, as he navigates social encounters and romantic prospects while staying with the O'Conor family in the Irish countryside. The book explores themes of hospitality, class dynamics, and the intricacies of social interactions within a close-knit community. In the story, Archibald Green arrives in County Mayo for work but quickly becomes entangled in the lively family life of the O'Conors. His initial awkwardness soon transforms into friendship with Tom O’Conor and his sons. A key comedic episode arises when Archibald finds himself without appropriate footwear for dinner due to a mix-up with his luggage, forcing him to borrow ill-fitting shoes from the O'Conors' servant, Larry. This leads to a series of humorous misunderstandings as Archibald tries to impress the O'Conor daughters, particularly Fanny. Ultimately, the narrative combines light-hearted romance with the charm of Irish country life, showcasing the warmth and joviality of the O'Conor family while highlighting Archibald's growing affection for Fanny amid various comedic predicaments.
E. Oe. (Edith Oenone) Somerville
In Mr. Knox's Country
"In Mr. Knox's Country" by E. Oe. Somerville and Martin Ross is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book presents a humorous depiction of rural life in Ireland, particularly focusing on the eccentricities of the characters residing in and around Aussolas, particularly Flurry Knox and his formidable grandmother, Mrs. Knox. The narrative likely explores the interactions between the local gentry and the tenants, alongside the humorous undertones of fox-hunting, social customs, and family dynamics. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Flurry Knox and his companion as they embark on a journey to meet David Courtney. Their venture unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of the Irish countryside, characterized by its hills and vibrant scenery. Flurry’s whimsical encounters with various characters, including the mysterious "Kitty the Shakes," hint at the quirky social fabric of the area. As they seek out Courtney, the narrative shifts to the quirks of family life at Aussolas, with Mrs. Knox's domineering presence shaping the dynamics as tensions regarding her health and her relationships with guests begin to surface. The opening sets the stage for an exploration of rural Irish culture, infused with humor and nostalgia.
E. Oe. (Edith Oenone) Somerville
Further Experiences of an Irish R.M.
"Further Experiences of an Irish R.M." by E. Œ. Somerville and Martin Ross is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story continues to explore the humorous and chaotic life of Major Sinclair Yeates, a land agent in rural Ireland, who finds himself embroiled in the peculiarities of country life, including hunting, community events, and the eccentricities of local characters. At the start of the book, Major Yeates is reluctantly stepping into the role of Deputy Master of Foxhounds while his friend Flurry Knox is away serving in the South African War. He is immediately beset by a series of comical problems, including managing the expectations of locals seeking compensation for their livestock lost to the hounds, while also dealing with his own inexperience and the chaos of preparing for a hunt. The scene is set with vivid descriptions of his surroundings and provides a comedic look at the challenges he faces during the photo session meant to document the hunt, which spirals into further calamity when the hounds unexpectedly take off after a fox. The opening deftly captures the blend of humor and the charming absurdity of Yeates's life, promising more misadventures to come.
E. Oe. (Edith Oenone) Somerville
Some Experiences of an Irish R.M.
"Some Experiences of an Irish R.M." by E. Œ. Somerville and Martin Ross is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds from the perspective of Major Sinclair Yeates, a recently appointed resident magistrate in the rural South-West of Ireland. The narrative primarily explores his humorous and often chaotic experiences as he navigates local politics, eccentric characters, and the challenges of his new role, all set against the backdrop of a vividly depicted Irish landscape. The opening of the novel introduces Major Yeates as he reflects on his recent appointment and the difficulties he faces settling into his new home at Shreelane. He finds himself overwhelmed by the dilapidated condition of the house, the peculiarities of his landlord Mr. Knox, and the antics of the local inhabitants. Yeates grapples with practical challenges of household life while simultaneously facing ghostly legends associated with his predecessor, Great-Uncle McCarthy. The tone is set for a series of comedic misadventures as Yeates becomes embroiled in the quirks and oddities of rural Ireland, hinting at the humorous yet poignant moments that characterize his life as a resident magistrate.
Recently surfaced classics