Subject
Cowardice -- Fiction Books
Best books
Joseph Conrad
Lord Jim
"Lord Jim" by Joseph Conrad is a novel originally published as a serial from 1899 to 1900. When young British seaman Jim abandons a distressed passenger ship with its crew, he faces public censure and loses his sailing certificate. Haunted by shame, Jim flees from port to port until finding refuge in a remote island village, where he becomes a respected leader called "Lord Jim." But when a dangerous marauder arrives, Jim's past and present collide with devastating consequences.
A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason
The Four Feathers
"The Four Feathers" by A. E. W. Mason is an adventure novel published in 1902. Set against the Mahdist War in Sudan, it tells the story of Harry Feversham, a British officer who resigns his commission and is branded a coward by his comrades and fiancée, who give him four white feathers. Determined to redeem himself, Harry travels alone to Sudan, where he undertakes dangerous missions to prove his courage and win back those he loves.
Maud Howard Peterson
The Potter and the Clay: A Romance of Today
"The Potter and the Clay: A Romance of Today" by Maud Howard Peterson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story features a cast of young characters where themes of innocence, friendship, and the trials of growing up are explored against a backdrop of adventure. It primarily revolves around Cary, a lieutenant's daughter, and her relationship with two boys, Rob and Johnny, hinting at the complexities of childhood friendships and emerging emotions. The opening of the book introduces readers to Cary and her companions as they play and scheme together on a fort's drawbridge, setting the tone for their youthful exuberance and adventures. As they plan to steal a boat for fun, it brings an unexpected storm that leads to a dangerous situation on the water. This initial conflict showcases the dynamics of their relationships, especially focused on Cary, as well as setting the stage for deeper developments in their character arcs as the story unfolds. The tension and sense of adventure established in this portion indicate a delightful exploration of childhood and coming-of-age themes.
Alan Edward Nourse
Journey for the Brave
"Journey for the Brave" by Alan Edward Nourse is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century. This narrative focuses on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by an astronaut named Scotty Johnson as he prepares for the historic journey to the Moon. The story delves into themes of courage, fear, and the desire for validation as Scotty confronts his own insecurities and past traumas while awaiting the launch. The plot follows Scotty as he arrives at the launch site and interacts with friends, officials, and the excitement of taking part in a groundbreaking mission. Initially brimming with bravado, Scotty soon grapples with intense feelings of fear and doubt when he finds himself isolated in the spacecraft. Through reflections on pivotal moments from his past, including a traumatic event in the jungle during the war, Scotty confronts the truth about his motivations and fears, ultimately discovering what it truly means to be brave. As the countdown progresses, Scotty's transformation from apprehension to acceptance of his fate encapsulates the essence of heroism—embracing courage in the face of overwhelming fear.
Alexandre Dumas
Gabriel Lambert
"Gabriel Lambert" by Alexandre Dumas is a novel published in 1844 as a newspaper serial. A poor young man with a talent for forgery fabricates a new identity to climb into Parisian high society. When his counterfeiting scheme is exposed, he faces execution, but his sentence is commuted to hard labor in the penal colony. The story explores themes of social ambition, identity, and capital punishment through a frame narrative that begins with a mysterious encounter in Toulon and unfolds through discovered documents.
Rog Phillips
Captain Peabody
"Captain Peabody" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction story published in the late 20th century. This narrative revolves around Captain Arthur Peabody, who reflects on his unconventional journey as a space captain while confronting his fears and insecurities, particularly associated with a notorious bully among the crew, Oscar Resnick. Set in a futuristic backdrop, the story explores themes of strength, fear, and personal growth within the high-stakes environment of space travel. The plot unfolds at a gathering of retired space captains where Peabody recounts the defining experience of his first command aboard the starship "Alabama". Struggling with the presence of Resnick, his former nemesis, Peabody grapples with his overwhelming fear of being perceived as a coward by his crew. Attempting to manage the tension, he unwittingly involves himself in the ordeal of another crew member, David Markham, who has a troubled past of his own. Ultimately, Peabody's journey leads him to confront Resnick in a climactic encounter that tests his courage and self-identity. By overcoming his fear and asserting his authority, Peabody transforms into the captain he aspires to be, embracing both his vulnerabilities and qualities of leadership.
John McGreevey
The Brave Walk Alone
"The Brave Walk Alone" by John McGreevey is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book centers around Dirk Jemson, the son of the esteemed Commandant Jemson, who faces profound challenges regarding his identity and abilities amidst the high-stakes environment of space exploration. As Dirk grapples with his fear of piloting a spaceship and the immense pressure of his father's expectations, the story delves into themes of courage, legacy, and personal failure. The narrative unfolds as the Jemson family embarks on a daring expedition to the dark satellite of Caliban. Dirk, plagued by space sickness and self-doubt, is forced to confront the reality of living up to his father's renowned legacy. His inability to command the cruiser leads to a near disaster, resulting in a disastrous encounter with an alien life form that threatens not only his life but also the future of Earth. As Dirk navigates this high-stakes scenario, he ultimately makes a noble decision to prevent potential catastrophe by sacrificing himself, seeking redemption in the eyes of his father. The story poignantly explores the conflict between personal fear and the desire to fulfill familial expectations, culminating in a powerful and emotional climax.
H. B. Hickey
The Eye of Wilbur Mook
"The Eye of Wilbur Mook" by H. B. Hickey is a whimsical fantasy novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically around the 1940s. The story follows Wilbur Mook, an exceptionally timid man who struggles with his lack of confidence and a tyrannical boss, Pete Bellows. The book explores themes of courage, self-discovery, and transformation as Wilbur embarks on an extraordinary adventure that changes his life. In the narrative, Wilbur's life takes a fantastical turn when he encounters A. J. Merlin, a peculiar old man who promises to help him gain bravery. This leads Wilbur back to the time of King Arthur, where he plays an unexpected role in a quest involving the legendary sword Excalibur. Despite his cowardice, Wilbur gradually learns the value of courage and self-worth as he faces various challenges, including navigating his complicated feelings for his attractive coworker, Miss Burnett, and confronting the bullying nature of Pete Bellows. Through a series of humorous and dangerous encounters, Wilbur ultimately discovers that true bravery comes from within and that he is capable of more than he ever imagined.
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