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Commercial crimes -- Fiction Books
Best books
Anthony Trollope
The Way We Live Now
"The Way We Live Now" by Anthony Trollope is a satirical novel published in 1875. Inspired by financial scandals of the early 1870s, it exposes the greed and dishonesty pervading Victorian commercial and political life. The story centers on Augustus Melmotte, a mysterious financier who arrives in London with grand ambitions. His railway scheme entangles aristocrats, a dissolute baronet pursuing Melmotte's daughter for her fortune, and various others whose lives become dangerously intertwined with his corrupt enterprise. Trollope's longest work dramatizes moral corruption across all levels of society.
David Graham Phillips
Light-Fingered Gentry
"Light-Fingered Gentry" by David Graham Phillips is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of societal dynamics and personal relationships, focusing on complex characters navigating their lives amid changing social landscapes. The narrative primarily centers around Neva Carlin and Horace Armstrong, delving into their troubled marriage and the ramifications of their emotional estrangement. The opening of the novel introduces Neva, a young woman of somber demeanor and beauty, who seeks a private meeting with her husband, Horace. Their conversation reveals a deep disconnect in their marriage, rooted in unfulfilled expectations and the lingering aftermath of a lost child. As they navigate their emotional turmoil, Neva expresses her desire for freedom, leading to a poignant discussion about their past choices that have led to their current dissatisfaction. The scene is filled with a sense of melancholy as both characters confront the reality of their situation, setting the stage for their individual journeys toward self-discovery within the confines of their societal roles.
Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant
At His Gates: A Novel. Vol. 1 (of 3)
"At His Gates: A Novel. Vol. 1 (of 3)" by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces Mr. and Mrs. Robert Drummond, a couple navigating their contrasting aspirations and disappointments in Victorian society. Robert is a painter of genre art who yearns for recognition as a historical artist, while Helen, his wife from a well-off family, grapples with her dreams of fame and artistic prowess that remain unfulfilled in her husband's work. The opening of the novel establishes the Drummonds' domestic life in Kensington, portraying Helen’s internal struggle with Robert's mediocrity as an artist. Although Robert is a talented painter, he lacks the genius Helen desires, creating a rift between them. As Helen contemplates their life, she feels a mix of pride and discontent, questioning the sacrifices they have made, especially as her cousin, Mr. Reginald Burton, reenters their lives with the prospect of wealth through commercial speculation. The narrative sets the stage for a complex examination of ambition, identity, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of art and success, all while exploring the tensions in their marriage and the societal expectations of the time.
Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant
At His Gates: A Novel. Vol. 3 (of 3)
"At His Gates: A Novel. Vol. 3 (of 3)" by Mrs. Oliphant is a fictional work likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the lives of the Burton family, particularly focusing on their son Ned and the lingering tensions related to their social and business connections, notably with the enigmatic Mr. Golden. Central themes include social status, familial loyalty, and the impact of past events on present relationships, set against the backdrop of a vibrant society full of interactions and dynamics among its characters. At the start of the novel, the drawing-room is alive with various activities while outside, darkness prevails. Introduced are key characters such as Ned, Clara, and Mr. Golden, whose presence stirs discord within the family, especially as conversations turn towards the Drummond family and insinuations about Mr. Golden’s role in their past tragedy. Tensions flare as Ned grapples with feelings of protectiveness and rising anger towards Mr. Golden concerning a tragedy linked to his family. The opening portion sets the stage for conflicts involving loyalty, potential disgrace, and the complexities of romantic entanglements, particularly as Ned’s relationship with Norah Drummond is foreshadowed amidst familial expectations and the specter of past sins.
Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant
At His Gates: A Novel. Vol. 2 (of 3)
"At His Gates: A Novel. Vol. 2 (of 3)" by Mrs. Oliphant is a fictional narrative likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Helen Drummond, who is grappling with grief and anger following the wrongful tarnishing of her deceased husband's name. Themes of betrayal, social status, and family dynamics unfold as she confronts those responsible for her husband's downfall, particularly Mr. Golden, and navigates her new circumstances with her daughter, Norah. The opening of the novel introduces the emotional turmoil Helen faces as she returns home to a once familiar place now filled with painful memories. After a confrontation with Mr. Golden, who embodies the source of her family's distress, she expresses her rage against his presence and what he has done to her late husband, whose name he sullied. While Helen battles her feelings of helplessness, we see Norah grow and mature in the face of adversity. Their lives are intertwined with the attitudes of others in their community, including Mr. Burton, whose patronizing attitude exacerbates Helen's situation and underscores the class tensions and moral complexities present in their world. This first chapter establishes not only the emotional stakes for Helen and Norah but also hints at the social scrutiny they will face because of their changed status.
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