Subject
Deserts -- Fiction Books
Best books
Honoré de Balzac
A Passion in the Desert
"A Passion in the Desert" by Honoré de Balzac is a short story published in 1830. A French soldier, captured during Napoleon's Egyptian campaign, escapes into the desert where he finds refuge in a cave. There he encounters a panther he names "Mignonne" and forms an unusual bond with the wild creature. As he journeys toward the Nile seeking rescue, their relationship unfolds in unexpected ways, blurring the line between man and beast in the harsh desert landscape.
Zane Grey
The Heritage of the Desert: A Novel
"The Heritage of the Desert: A Novel" by Zane Grey is a work of fiction likely written in the early 20th century. The novel explores themes of survival, morality, and conflict in the American West, particularly focusing on the life of John Hare, who finds himself embroiled in the tense dynamics between Mormons and outlaws in the desert landscape. As the story unfolds, Hare navigates a world filled with danger but also kindness, particularly from August Naab, a Mormon leader whose compassionate actions may alter Hare's fate. The opening of the novel introduces the protagonist, John Hare, who is on the brink of collapse after being pursued by outlaws. He is discovered by August Naab and his family, Mormons who embody both strength and piety. The tension escalates as they prepare for the impending threat from the outlaws led by Dene, adding a sense of urgency to the narrative. The group debates their responsibilities towards Hare, revealing their complex moral code against the backdrop of survival in a harsh desert environment. Hare's interactions with Mescal, a young woman of Navajo descent raised among the Mormons, hint at a deeper connection that may develop as the story progresses. This opening sets the stage for a gripping tale of endurance and the search for belonging amid danger and moral dilemmas.
Zane Grey
Wanderer of the Wasteland
"Wanderer of the Wasteland" by Zane Grey is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around Adam Larey, a young man embarking on a journey into the harsh landscapes of the American West as he seeks freedom and escape from the shadows of his past, particularly regarding his tumultuous relationship with his brother Guerd. The narrative revolves around themes of adventure, betrayal, and the complex interplay of love and loyalty. At the start of the novel, Adam Larey is seen casting off his former life as he begins his journey on the Rio Colorado. As he navigates the river and its surrounding desert, he reflects on his past—his painful family dynamics, particularly with his brother Guerd, and the changes in his life that led him here. The opening reveals Adam's emotional struggle: though he seeks adventure, he is haunted by feelings of betrayal and love, particularly for Margarita, a young Mexican girl he becomes entangled with. The vivid descriptions of the desert landscape serve not only as a backdrop for his journey but also mirror his internal conflict, setting the stage for the challenges and trials he will face in this wild new world.
Peter B. (Peter Bernard) Kyne
The Three Godfathers
"The Three Godfathers" by Peter B. Kyne is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically around 1913. The story follows three outlaws who find themselves in an unexpected situation that tests their character and resolve when they must care for an orphaned baby after the mother dies during childbirth in the desert. The book explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love. In the narrative, the three bandits—known as The Worst Bad Man, The Wounded Bad Man, and The Youngest Bad Man—steal a substantial sum from a bank but are pursued by lawmen. As they flee into the desert, they encounter a dying woman about to give birth. After her tragic death, they promise to care for her newborn son, Robert William Thomas. Throughout their arduous journey across the harsh terrain towards safety, the men face both physical challenges and moral dilemmas. Their evolving sense of responsibility towards the child ultimately leads to profound character growth, showcasing how unlikely heroes can emerge in life-and-death situations through acts of compassion and bravery.
Louise Gerard
A Son of the Sahara
“A Son of the Sahara” by Louise Gerard is a historical romance novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of colonial Africa, it explores themes of love, power, and cultural clash through the lives of its main characters, Colonel Raoul Le Breton, his young wife Annette, and the enigmatic Sultan Casim Ammeh. The story follows their tumultuous journey in a harsh desert landscape filled with intrigue and danger. The opening of the novel introduces Colonel Raoul Le Breton, a daring French officer leading an expedition into the Sahara, accompanied by his newlywed wife, Annette. Their journey takes a tragic turn when they encounter Sultan Casim Ammeh, who is drawn to Annette’s beauty. After a fierce conflict, Raoul is murdered, and Annette is taken captive by the Sultan. The narrative sets up a powerful tale of Annette's struggle for freedom and her efforts to conceal the true parentage of her son, all while navigating the brutal world of the Sahara and its complex social dynamics. The book promises a gripping exploration of love and betrayal in a richly layered historical context.
Adeline Knapp
The well in the desert
"The Well in the Desert" by Adeline Knapp is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces the inhabitants of Blue Gulch, a mining town, and follows the tumultuous life of Gabriel Gard, who has escaped prison and struggles for survival in the unforgiving desert landscape. Themes of desperation, survival, and the human psyche against the backdrop of harsh surroundings are likely to play a significant role throughout the narrative. At the start of the book, the atmosphere is set in Blue Gulch, characterized by the sounds of laughter and music emanating from the local dance hall. We meet a man, seeking refuge in the shadows, who approaches a lawyer named Westcott for assistance. This man, revealed to be Barker, is frail and desperately seeks a way to return to Iowa in hopes of dying in familiar surroundings. The opening chapters are rich with tension as Barker pleads for help, hinting at a dark past involving crime and betrayal that connects him deeply to Westcott. The dynamics between these two characters imply a brewing conflict, foreshadowing the themes of loyalty, deception, and the struggle for redemption in a desolate setting.
Wilson Woodrow
The Black Pearl
"The Black Pearl" by Mrs. Wilson Woodrow is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around Rudolf Hanson, a theatrical manager who arrives at the quiet village of Paloma. The plot centers on his interest in the mysterious dancer known as the Black Pearl, exploring the themes of ambition, desire, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly as they pertain to the main character and her family dynamics. At the start of the novel, as the sun sets, Hanson disembarks from a train at a desolate station, drawn in by the beauty of the desert landscape. He learns about an upcoming performance featuring the Black Pearl, which sparks his excitement, revealing his scheming plans to secure her for his theatrical endeavors. Throughout this opening portion, readers are introduced to key characters, including the enigmatic Pearl and the vigilant Bob Flick, who seemingly keeps close tabs on her, setting the stage for a story filled with intrigue, rivalry, and the pursuit of dreams in a mesmerizing desert backdrop.
D. W. (David W.) Belisle
The American family Robinson : $b or, The adventures of a family lost in the great desert of the West.
"The American Family Robinson; or, The Adventures of a Family Lost in the Great Desert of the West" by D. W. Belisle is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The narrative centers around the Duncan family, led by the father, Mr. Duncan, who embarks on a journey westward in search of new opportunities. Through their adventures in the wilderness, the family confronts dangers, encounters Native American tribes, and uncovers relics of ancient civilizations, presenting a vivid picture of the challenges and discoveries of frontier life. At the start of the story, Mr. Duncan expresses discontent with the encroachment of civilization on his life as a woodsman and decides to move his family westward in pursuit of a better life. The family, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan and their six children, prepares for the journey, selling their farm to venture into the uncharted territories. As they embark on their expedition, they face numerous trials, including the loss of two of their children, Edward and Anne, who become separated during a hunting trip. Their search leads to encounters with danger, such as a wolf attack, as well as awe-inspiring relics of a past civilization, setting the stage for the family's thrilling and tumultuous adventure in the American West.
Annie F. (Annie Fellows) Johnston
In the Desert of Waiting: The Legend of Camel-back Mountain
"In the Desert of Waiting: The Legend of Camel-back Mountain" by Annie F. Johnston is a philosophical fable written in the early 20th century. This narrative explores themes of patience, ambition, and personal growth through the journey of a young merchant named Shapur who finds himself stranded in the desert with his injured camel. The story illustrates the transformative power of waiting, showcasing how worthwhile insights and personal strength can emerge from difficult circumstances. The tale follows Shapur, who longs to reach the City of his Desire but is hindered by misfortune when his camel becomes lame. Instead of despairing, he meets an alchemist named Omar, who teaches him the value of patience through the labor of harvesting rose petals to create a precious attar. Over time, Shapur learns that his time spent waiting is not wasted; rather, it offers him profound lessons and the opportunity to distill sweetness from his struggles. Eventually, he gains the ability to enter the city not as a mere vendor of salt, but as an “Apostle of Alchemy,” equipped with knowledge and compassion for others. He becomes a beacon of hope for those facing their own deserts of waiting, imparting the wisdom he gained during his time of trial.
Max Hale
The girl at Silver Thistle
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