Subject
British -- South Africa -- Fiction Books
Best books
Evelyn Brentwood
Hector Graeme
"Hector Graeme" by Evelyn Brentwood is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Lieutenant Hector Graeme, a somewhat arrogant young officer in Her Majesty’s 1st Regiment of Lancers, who is currently on leave in England. The narrative begins with Hector at Radford Hall, where he is engaged in a partridge shoot with Lucy Caldwell, the daughter of his host, and sets the stage for themes of ambition, personal struggle, and romantic entanglement. The opening of the book introduces readers to the tranquil yet ominous setting of a damp November afternoon, which mirrors Hector's own self-importance and brash demeanor. As he engages in shooting while accompanied by Lucy, their playful banter hints at both their budding attraction and tensions regarding their social standings. The dialogue reveals Hector's braggadocio about his shooting prowess, juxtaposed with Lucy's annoyance at his arrogance. Meanwhile, the narrative hints at deeper discontent in Hector's life stemming from his upbringing and relationship with his mother. The chapter closes with a turning point, as Hector impulsively confesses his feelings for Lucy, setting both characters on a path intertwined by love, ambition, and possible conflict as the story unfolds.
F. E. Mills (Florence Ethel Mills) Young
The Bigamist
"The Bigamist" by F.E. Mills Young is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of Herbert Arnott and his wife Pamela, focusing on the complexities of their marriage against the backdrop of a deeply troubling revelation: Herbert has another wife whose existence he has concealed. The main characters grapple with themes of love, deception, and societal norms, as the stability of their seemingly happy life begins to unravel. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Herbert and Pamela Arnott on the eve of their fifth wedding anniversary. Herbert appears troubled and preoccupied, while Pamela is blissfully content with their life together. As they share intimate moments and reflect on their happiness, a shadow looms closer, represented by the arrival of a letter that Pamela discovers later. This letter reveals that Herbert previously had another marriage, throwing their bond and Pamela's understanding of her identity into chaos. The opening chapters set the stage for a turbulent emotional journey, as Pamela must navigate the painful truth of her husband's past and the implications it poses for their future.
H. De Vere (Henry De Vere) Stacpoole
The Story of Gombi
"The Story of Gombi" by H. De Vere Stacpoole is a narrative that blends adventure and humor, likely written during the early 20th century. This novella recounts the experiences of Patrick Spence, an old Anglo-Irish big-game hunter, who reflects on his extravagant collection of trophies and the remarkable events in Africa involving a peculiar encounter with a small Pygmy named Gombi. The central theme revolves around the complexities of human-animal relationships and the unexpected dangers that emerge from seemingly innocent interactions. The story begins with Patrick Spence narrating his last days at his ancestral home, establishing a humorous and reflective tone. This shifts to his past adventures in Africa, where he embarks on a big-game hunt alongside his companion Tellemark. They encounter an elephant, which leads to the discovery of Gombi, a curious and resourceful Pygmy. Initially, Gombi aids them in locating elephants to hunt, but the narrative takes a dark turn when it becomes apparent that Gombi has ulterior motives, ultimately leading to a harrowing experience in the wilderness as they become lost and hunted. The story culminates in a mix of suspense and comedy, showcasing the unpredictability of nature and the folly of human assumptions about other cultures, while ultimately highlighting Spence's character and reflections on his eclectic collection of trophies.
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