Subject
China -- Fiction Books
Best books
George F. (George Frank) Worts
Peter the Brazen: A Mystery Story of Modern China
"Peter the Brazen: A Mystery Story of Modern China" by George F. Worts is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Peter Moore, a skilled wireless operator, as he navigates the intrigues and dangers of 1910s China. The narrative intertwines elements of adventure, mystique, and peril, as Peter becomes embroiled in complex relationships, secretive communications, and potential threats to his life. At the start of the novel, we meet Peter Moore, who is depicted as a talented wireless operator with a unique ability to catch signals others cannot. His life takes a turn after he resigns from his position on the "Vandalia", seeking adventure in China. As he navigates the bustling streets of Chinatown, he encounters enigmatic figures, including a mysterious Chinese woman and Ching Gow Ong, a key player in the silk trade. The looming danger of a kidnapping plot unfolds, beginning with Peter receiving cryptic messages and warnings, which sets the stage for a gripping exploration of entanglements in a perilous world of secrets and hazardous alliances.
Louise Jordan Miln
Ruben and Ivy Sên
No description available.
W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Painted Veil
"The Painted Veil" by W. Somerset Maugham is a novel published in 1925. When a frivolous young woman enters a loveless marriage and begins an affair in Hong Kong, her betrayed husband presents her with a devastating choice: accompany him to a cholera-ravaged village in mainland China or face public divorce. Forced into a dangerous epidemic zone, she embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery among French nuns and suffering villagers, confronting her own shallow nature and witnessing her husband's hidden depths.
Enrique Gaspar
El anacronópete; Viaje a China; Metempsicosis
"El anacronópete; Viaje a China; Metempsicosis" by Enrique Gaspar is a science fiction novel published in 1887. This pioneering work presents the first literary depiction of a time machine, predating H.G. Wells' famous novel. Spanish inventor Don Sindulfo García creates the Anacronópete to travel backward through time, hoping to impose his will on his unwilling ward Clara. Accompanied by reluctant passengers, the journey takes them through historical events to ancient China, where they seek the secret of immortality while navigating dangerous encounters and romantic entanglements.
Sax Rohmer
The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu
"The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu" by Sax Rohmer is a novel likely written in the early 20th century, specifically during the period of fascination with Eastern mysteries and criminal psychology. This work serves as a continuation of the notorious adventures tied to the brilliant yet menacing character, Dr. Fu-Manchu, who embodies the "Yellow Peril" stereotype prevalent in literature of the time. The story engages readers with complex characters, such as Nayland Smith, a British commissioner determined to confront the diabolical intentions of Fu-Manchu and rescue his allies from impending danger. The opening of the novel introduces Dr. Petrie, who reminisces about his last communication with Nayland Smith, hinting at his current frustration and uncertainty regarding their mutual adversary, Fu-Manchu. The conversation shifts ominously as Petrie's visitor, the Rev. Eltham, expresses a deep-seated fear about the revival of Fu-Manchu's threat in London, recalling their previous harrowing encounters. The tension escalates when we learn of a mysterious telephone call summoning Petrie to a patient, only to discover it was a hoax. Meanwhile, Eltham vanishes under suspicious circumstances, heightening the sense of urgency and calamity. When Nayland Smith arrives, he reveals his fears that Eltham may have already fallen victim to Fu-Manchu's dark designs, setting the stage for the revival of their epic struggle.
Pearl S. (Pearl Sydenstricker) Buck
The mother
"The Mother" by Pearl S. Buck is a novel written in the early to mid-20th century. The story revolves around the life of a young mother living in a rural setting who is dedicated to her family, including her husband, children, and elderly mother-in-law. Throughout the opening chapters, themes of motherhood, hard work, and the struggles of rural life begin to emerge, setting the groundwork for exploring the dynamics within the family as well as the challenges they face. The beginning of the novel introduces the mother as she tends to her household tasks in a small farmhouse, highlighting her strength, dedication, and the challenges of managing both family and farm life. The old mother-in-law, who is partly blind and dependent, often engages in reminiscing about the past, while the young mother juggles her duties alongside raising children and tending to the farm. As the narrative unfolds, we see her tender interactions with her children, her reflections on the burdens of motherhood, and hints of underlying tensions with her husband, who appears more focused on personal pleasures outside of the home. This opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the family's relationships and the matriarch's unwavering love amid growing strains and hardships.
Jules Verne
Les tribulations d'un chinois en Chine
"Les tribulations d'un chinois en Chine" by Jules Verne is an adventure novel published in 1879. Kin-Fo, a wealthy young Chinese man indifferent to life, believes himself ruined and asks his philosopher friend Wang to kill him within a set deadline, hoping to finally feel emotion through fear. When Kin-Fo discovers he isn't ruined after all, he desperately wants to live—but Wang has vanished, and Kin-Fo must chase him across China to cancel his own death sentence.
Homer Lea
The Vermilion Pencil: A Romance of China
"The Vermilion Pencil: A Romance of China" by Homer Lea is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of fate, desire, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of China’s rich landscape and tumultuous history. The narrative introduces intriguing characters such as a passionate tea-farmer's daughter, a determined mandarin, and two priests from the French Mission in Yingching, each entangled in their destinies within a beautifully and vividly described Chinese setting. The opening of the book begins with a prolog that sets the stage dramatically through a typhoon, signaling significant change and upheaval. It quickly shifts to the serene yet captivating Valley of the Fountain, introducing the vibrant and independent daughter of a tea farmer, who captures the attention of a mandarin longing for her talent and presence. The narrative is imbued with rich descriptions of the landscape, cultural elements, and the characters' inner thoughts, establishing an atmosphere of tension and anticipation that will likely draw readers into the unfolding romance and conflict as they navigate personal desires and societal expectations. The complex interplay of fate and individual will is suggested as central to the storyline, promising a thoughtful exploration of these themes.
Judith Gautier
Le Dragon Impérial
"Le Dragon Impérial" by Judith Gautier is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a richly imagined imperial China, focusing on two primary characters: the ambitious young laborer Ta-Kiang and the playful poet Ko-Li-Tsin, who are both navigating personal and societal challenges. Themes of ambition, fate, and the interplay between tradition and individuality seem to be central to the narrative. The opening of the novel introduces the desolate landscape of Chi-Tse-Po and the contrasting characters of Ko-Li-Tsin, a poet struggling with his creative pursuits, and Ta-Kiang, a laborer who harbors a deep-seated hatred for the earth he works. A mystical connection between Ta-Kiang and the image of a dragon hints at greater things to come, as the laborer dreams of greater ambitions beyond his humble origins. The narrative sets the stage for a transformative journey, as Ta-Kiang decides to leave behind his old life in search of glory and fortune, accompanied by the poet and a youthful fiancée, Yo-Men-Li, both of whom express their loyalty amidst their uncertainties. As they travel towards the capital, the dynamics of their relationships and their individual quests become key elements in this unfolding tale.
B. L. (Bertram Lenox) Putnam Weale
Wang the Ninth: The Story of a Chinese Boy
"Wang the Ninth: The Story of a Chinese Boy" by B. L. Putnam Weale is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the young protagonist, Wang the Ninth, an unfortunate child born into poverty in China, who embarks on a journey through personal and societal struggles as he seeks a better life. The story paints a vivid picture of Wang's early experiences, including the abandonment by his mother and the subsequent hardships faced by him and his father. The opening of the book introduces us to Wang the Ninth's dire circumstances as he begins his journey of survival. At just three years old, he is pushed along in a wheelbarrow by his father, who is desperate after famine strikes their village, leading to the sale of his siblings and the departure of his mother. This tumultuous backdrop sets the stage for Wang's adventures in the city, where he begins to learn about the world, confront poverty, and discover the complexities of human relationships. The chapters transition from his father's struggles to his own as he adapts to his environment, highlighting themes of resilience, independence, and the quest for identity.
Jules Verne
Les tribulations d'un chinois en Chine
"Les tribulations d'un chinois en Chine" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1879. Kin-Fo, a wealthy young Chinese man indifferent to life, believes himself ruined and asks his philosopher friend Wang to kill him within a set timeframe, hoping to finally feel emotion through fear of death. When Kin-Fo discovers he isn't ruined after all, Wang has vanished. Now desperately wanting to live, Kin-Fo must chase Wang across China to cancel his own death sentence.
Alma M. Karlin
Mein kleiner Chinese: Ein China-Roman
"Mein kleiner Chinese: Ein China-Roman" by Alma M. Karlin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the journey of the main character, Katherina Schulze, a young woman who is curious about the world beyond her immediate surroundings. Through her connection with a Chinese student named Hoang-Zo, the narrative explores cultural exchanges, personal growth, and the complexities of identity. The opening of the story introduces Katherina, who provides a whimsical account of her life and home, fabricated with charming details about her quirky pets and family relationships. She expresses her urge to explore and understand the world, describing her resolve to learn about the Chinese culture, which leads her to contact a student association in London. This results in her meeting Hoang-Zo, marking the beginning of an exchange where Katherina teaches him Italian while he introduces her to the nuances of the Chinese language and heritage. Their interactions promise a blend of humor and philosophical musings, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their distinct backgrounds and the bonds formed through learning.
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