Subject
Catholics -- United States -- Fiction Books
Best books
John Talbot Smith
The Art of Disappearing
"The Art of Disappearing" by John Talbot Smith is a fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Horace Endicott, a young man who experiences a profound transformation after witnessing tragedy, leading him to question his life and relationships. The narrative explores themes of identity, betrayal, and the art of completely severing ties with one's past. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Horace, who reflects on his seemingly perfect life after marrying Sonia Westfield. However, his life takes a dark turn during a train accident where he meets Monsignor O'Donnell. This encounter sparks a series of reflections on faith and existence, especially as Horace witnesses a young fireman dying and the priest's compassionate ministrations. This harrowing experience forces Horace to confront the fragility of life and sets off a chain of events that lead him to contemplate his own identity and the possibility of disappearing from his current life. The opening chapters establish a gripping emotional landscape and hint at the complexities of Horace’s journey towards radical change.
Marion Ames Taggart
The cable : $b a novel
"The Cable" by Marion Ames Taggart is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Cicely Adair, a spirited young woman who finds joy in her work as a telephone operator while grappling with social expectations and her relationships with other characters, including the genteel Jeanette Lucas. The book explores themes of personal integrity, friendship, and the complexities of modern life. The opening of the novel introduces us to Cicely as she engages with a group of young boys, revealing her kind-hearted nature and her penchant for bringing joy to their lives through small acts of generosity. The narrative then shifts to Cicely's life at the telephone exchange, where her interactions with other operators, especially her interactions and observations regarding Jeanette Lucas, suggest deeper themes of loyalty and the precarity of connections. As the story unfolds, it hints at Cicely's bold decisions and moral compass, setting the stage for the challenges and adventures she will face.
Hugh Quigley
The Cross and the Shamrock Or, How To Defend The Faith. An Irish-American Catholic Tale Of Real Life, Descriptive Of The Temptations, Sufferings, Trials, And Triumphs Of The Children Of St. Patrick In The Great Republic Of Washington. A Book For The Entertainment And Special Instructions Of The Catholic Male And Female Servants Of The United States.
"The Cross and the Shamrock" by Hugh Quigley is a historical narrative written in the mid-19th century. This Irish-American Catholic tale explores the struggles and faith of the Irish Catholic diaspora in America, particularly emphasizing the trials and triumphs of the O'Clery family after their emigration. The book serves both as an entertainment piece and a diorama depicting the challenges faced by the Catholic community in the United States during that era. The opening of the book introduces readers to a scene of profound grief as the widow O'Clery lies dying, surrounded by her children who are praying fervently for her. Father O'Shane, the local priest, arrives to provide the last rites and comfort the family with his presence, embodying the dedication of the clergy to their flock. The children, particularly the eldest, Paul O'Clery, promise to uphold their mother’s legacy of faith. As the chapter unfolds, we witness the emotional weight of their situation, which soon transitions into the harsh reality that they will face as orphans in a foreign land. This poignant introduction sets the tone for the themes of loss, faith, and the community's reliance on God and the church, while also foreshadowing the challenges the children will encounter as they navigate their new lives in America.
John Ayscough
Mariquita: A Novel
"Mariquita: A Novel" by John Ayscough is a work of fiction likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mariquita, a young woman living on the prairie with her father, Don Joaquin, who is a horse and cattle rancher. The novel explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the complexities of family dynamics against the backdrop of the American West, as Mariquita navigates her role in the household and her relationship with her father while facing the challenges and distances of prairie life. The opening of the novel sets a vivid scene, immersing the reader in the expansive landscape of the prairie, described with poetic detail. It introduces Mariquita as a solitary figure, reflecting on her life after her mother's passing, and the expectations placed upon her by her father, a man who is emotionally distant and focused on work. The initial chapters portray Mariquita’s sense of devotion, a deep longing for connection to her mother’s Catholic faith, and the arrival of new characters—Mr. Gore and her cousin, Sarah Jackson—who disrupt the solitude of her existence. Their introduction hints at possible romantic tensions and the shifting dynamics in Mariquita’s life, making it clear that her world is on the brink of change. Overall, the beginning of "Mariquita" establishes a rich foundation for the exploration of Mariquita's inner life and her journey towards self-realization.
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