Subject
Chess -- Fiction Books
Best books
Natalie Sumner Lincoln
The three strings
"The Three Strings" by Natalie Sumner Lincoln is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Evelyn Preston, who experiences a shocking discovery of a dead man in her home—a mystery that becomes complicated by various interactions with her family, friends, and the authorities. The novel unfolds in a tightly woven narrative that invites readers to unravel the circumstances surrounding the dead man's identity and the events leading up to that fateful moment. At the start of the narrative, Evelyn returns home after a long journey, only to find that the house is devoid of servants and the air is thick with an unsettling quiet. After a series of mundane actions to settle in, she stumbles upon a dead man in the library, triggering panic and confusion. As Evelyn encounters the housekeeper, Dr. Hayden, and eventually the coroner, the gravity of the situation escalates. They soon realize that Evelyn may have inadvertently been part of an unfolding mystery that entwines several key characters, including Dan Maynard and her step-father, Peter Burnham, each with their own secrets, creating a rich backdrop for exploration of motives and relationships.
Arrigo Boito
Novelle e riviste drammatiche
"Novelle e riviste drammatiche" by Arrigo Boito is a collection of novellas and dramatic essays written in the late 19th century. This volume features three largely unknown novellas, including "L'alfier nero," "Iberia," and "Il trapezio," along with critical reviews of various dramatic works of the time. The collection delves into themes of race, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, exploring historical and contemporary issues through the lens of fiction and criticism. The opening of "L'alfier nero" introduces a high-stakes chess match between an American gentleman and a wealthy black man nicknamed "Oncle Tom." Set in a Swiss hotel, the narrative captures a tense atmosphere as the two players engage in a battle of wits amid discussions surrounding racial tensions and societal attitudes toward black individuals in the context of slavery. The match becomes a metaphor for the struggle of identity and power dynamics as Tom, despite facing prejudices, reveals extraordinary skill and cunning in the game, leading to an unexpected climax. This juxtaposition of dialogue among onlookers and the chess match challenges the readers to reflect on deeper themes of race and dignity in the face of societal stereotypes.
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