Subject
Charity -- Fiction Books
Best books
Bernardin de Saint-Pierre
Paul and Virginia
"Paul and Virginia" by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre is a novel published in 1788. Set on the island of Mauritius under French rule, it tells the story of two friends raised together from birth who fall in love. Living in isolation amidst tropical landscapes, they lead an idyllic life of virtue and simplicity until family circumstances force a separation. Written on the eve of the French Revolution, the novel explores the corruption of natural innocence by French upper-class artificiality and critiques eighteenth-century social divisions.
Caroline Abbot Stanley
The First Church's Christmas barrel
"The First Church's Christmas Barrel" by Caroline Abbot Stanley is a fictional narrative published in the early 20th century, specifically in the early 1910s. The book addresses themes surrounding charity and the true spirit of Christmas, centering on the struggles of a missionary family as they face poverty and the complexities of receiving help from their home church. The narrative explores the contrasts between genuine generosity and the superficiality often surrounding charitable acts. The story follows Reverend John Haloran and his wife Mary as they navigate the hardships of frontier life, especially during the Christmas season. When a barrel of donated items arrives from the First Church, the couple anticipates relief and joy, especially for their four children. However, their excitement quickly turns to disappointment as they discover that the contents are largely unsuitable and insufficient for their needs. This leads Mary to take a strong stand against the church's neglect, igniting a call for genuine support rather than merely symbolic gestures. The story culminates in a meeting at the First Church where the women confront their own complacency and redefine what it truly means to give, ultimately learning that love and thoughtfulness should accompany acts of charity.
Bernardin de Saint-Pierre
Paul and Virginia from the French of J.B.H. de Saint Pierre
"Paul and Virginia from the French of J.B.H. de Saint Pierre" by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre is a novel published in 1788. Set on the island of Mauritius, it tells the story of two childhood friends raised together in natural simplicity who fall in love as they grow older. Their idyllic existence faces disruption when Virginie is sent to France to claim an inheritance, separating the devoted pair. Written on the eve of the French Revolution, this tale explores the clash between natural virtue and artificial society.
W. H. H. (William Henry Harrison) Murray
Holiday Tales: Christmas in the Adirondacks
"Holiday Tales: Christmas in the Adirondacks" by W. H. H. Murray is a collection of holiday-themed narratives written in the late 19th century. The book centers on the character John Norton, an old trapper living in a cabin in the woods, as he prepares for Christmas and reflects on the spirit of giving and community amidst his solitary life. The story explores themes of kindness, generosity, and the simple joys of life during the holiday season. The opening of the tale introduces us to John Norton in his cozy, fire-lit cabin on Christmas Eve, where he engages in thoughtful contemplation as he reads a book. He is struck by the notion of charity and feels compelled to help a less fortunate family nearby. As he prepares a pack of food to bring to them the next day, he experiences a moment of connection with his loyal hounds and expresses his desire to give back to the community, demonstrating his warm-hearted nature. The narrative sets the stage for a heartwarming exploration of Christmas spirit through the trapper's interactions with his friend Wild Bill, leading to an unexpected delivery of gifts meant for a woman struggling with hunger and hardship.
W. H. H. (William Henry Harrison) Murray
How John Norton the Trapper Kept His Christmas
"How John Norton the Trapper Kept His Christmas" by W. H. H. Murray is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story centers around John Norton, an old trapper living in a remote cabin in the woods, who reflects on the true spirit of Christmas while preparing to help a family in need. The opening sets a picturesque scene of solitude and contemplation, hinting at themes of generosity and the warmth of human connection. The beginning of the story presents John Norton on Christmas Eve, alone in his cabin, sharing his thoughts as he reads a book by the fire with his two hounds beside him. He muses over the meaning of the season, contemplating his responsibilities to those less fortunate. When he realizes the potential suffering of a woman and her children living nearby, he resolves to prepare a basket of supplies for them. As he makes his plans, the arrival of his friend Wild Bill, who brings an unexpected heavy box, adds an element of surprise and anticipation for the ensuing Christmas festivities, suggesting that the true spirit of Christmas is about giving and compassion towards others.
Bernardin de Saint-Pierre
Paul ja Virginia
"Paul ja Virginia" by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre is a novel published in 1788. Set on the island of Mauritius under French rule, it tells the story of two childhood friends raised together by their single mothers in natural isolation. As they grow into adolescence, romantic feelings emerge between them. When Virginie is sent to France to claim an inheritance, their idyllic world faces disruption. Written on the eve of the French Revolution, this tale explores the corruption of natural innocence by artificial society.
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