Subject
Diary fiction Books
Best books
Mark Twain
Eve's Diary, Complete
"Eve's Diary, Complete" by Mark Twain is a comic short story first published in 1905. Written as the diary of the biblical Eve, the story follows her from creation through her discovery of Eden and her relationship with Adam. Presented as a "translation from the original MS," Eve records her observations with appreciation for beauty and love. The work may have been Twain's posthumous tribute to his wife Olivia, who died in 1904, ending with Adam's tender words at Eve's grave.
Paul Alexander Bartlett
Voices from the Past
"Voices from the Past" by Paul Alexander Bartlett is a collection of independent historical novels written in the early 21st century. The volume presents a unique narrative through the journals of five iconic figures: Sappho of Lesbos, Jesus, Leonardo da Vinci, Shakespeare, and Abraham Lincoln. Each story allows readers to delve into the inner lives and thoughts of these historical giants, creating a bridge to worlds long lost to time. The opening of the work introduces Sappho's Journal, where we are immersed in the life of Sappho, depicted as a complex, poetic soul grappling with solitude, love, and the impacts of war on her life and relationships. Against the backdrop of Mytilene, she reflects on her emotional turmoil, her love for Alcaeus, and her relationships with her girls, offering insights into her desire for connection and the struggles she faces as a woman in a turbulent era. The narrative captures her vivid surroundings and evokes a rich sense of life, blending her personal reflections and poetic sensibilities with her interactions, ultimately engaging the reader in her vividly troubled existence.
George Grossmith
The Diary of a Nobody
"The Diary of a Nobody" by George and Weedon Grossmith is a comic novel published in 1892. It chronicles fifteen months in the life of Charles Pooter, a London clerk whose inflated sense of self-importance collides constantly with everyday reality. Through daily entries, readers witness his domestic troubles, social mishaps, and minor humiliations as he navigates lower-middle-class Victorian life with his wife Carrie and friends. The humor derives from Pooter's obliviousness to his own pomposity, creating a portrait that resonated immediately with contemporary readers and established a lasting genre of aspirational comedy.
Wilkie Collins
After Dark
"After Dark" by Wilkie Collins is a collection of six short stories first published in 1856. The tales are united by a framing narrative: a portrait-painter forbidden from working must rely on his wife to transcribe his stories for publication to avoid destitution. Each story—featuring terribly strange beds, stolen letters, and mysterious masks—comes from a different narrator, creating a tapestry of suspenseful tales originally published in Charles Dickens's magazine Household Words.
Anita Loos
"Gentlemen prefer blondes" : $b The illuminating diary of a professional lady
"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: The Illuminating Diary of a Professional Lady" by Anita Loos is a comic novel published in 1925. The story chronicles Lorelei Lee, a blonde gold-digger navigating Jazz Age America with cunning charm and materialistic ambition. From New York penthouses to European escapades, Lorelei pursues wealthy men and expensive jewels while recording her adventures in diary form. This satirical tale captures the hedonism and excess of 1920s society through the eyes of an unforgettable flapper.
Joseph Furphy
Such Is Life
"Such Is Life" by Joseph Furphy is a novel written in 1897 and published in 1903. Set in rural Australia during the 1880s, it follows narrator Tom Collins as he travels the countryside, encountering bullock drivers, squatters, and swagmen. Through campfire conversations and loosely woven stories, the novel captures bush life with mordant irony, contrasting high-flown language with mundane events. Hidden substories lurk beneath the surface, challenging readers to untangle truth from tall tales in this distinctly Australian classic.
Mark Twain
Extracts from Adam's Diary, translated from the original ms.
"Extracts from Adam's Diary, translated from the original ms. by Mark Twain" is a comic short story first published in 1893. Through Adam's bemused perspective, Twain reimagines the Garden of Eden as Eve arrives—a chattering "creature with the long hair" who insists on naming everything. Adam struggles to understand this newcomer, then puzzles over a mysterious being called Cain. The humorous account follows Adam's journey from deep annoyance to unexpected love, offering an ironic, fresh take on Genesis from humanity's first man discovering the world anew.
Mark Twain
Eve's Diary, Part 3
"Eve's Diary, Part 3" by Mark Twain is a comic short story first published in 1905. Written as a diary kept by the biblical Eve, the story follows her experiences from creation through her expulsion from Eden and forty years beyond. Eve explores her world, meets Adam, and reflects on beauty and love in her own voice. The work may have served as Twain's posthumous tribute to his wife Olivia, who died shortly before he wrote it. The book's illustrations sparked controversy for depicting Eve unclothed.
Mark Twain
Eve's Diary, Part 1
"Eve's Diary, Part 1" by Mark Twain is a comic short story first published in 1905. Written as the diary of the biblical Eve, it chronicles her creation, discovery of Eden, and relationship with Adam through her own voice. Part of Twain's series on Adam and Eve, this story stands out for its appreciation of beauty and love. Believed to be a tribute to Twain's late wife Olivia, it concludes with Adam's poignant words at Eve's grave: "Wheresoever she was, there was Eden."
Ernest Oldmeadow
Susan
"Susan" by Ernest Oldmeadow is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Gertrude, a young woman who is both conflicted and protective regarding her maid, Susan, who is caught in the emotional turmoil of an unexpected romantic overture from a suitor. As the narrative unfolds, it showcases the intricacies of class distinctions, personal sacrifice, and the challenges of navigating relationships during a time dictated by societal norms. The opening portion of the novel introduces us to Gertrude and highlights her relationship with Susan, especially in light of Susan's recent preoccupation with a romantic letter she received from a man identifying himself as "Lord Ruddington." While Gertrude initially wrestles with her own feelings of annoyance and possessiveness over Susan, she soon discovers the depth of Susan's emotional struggles and fears regarding love and marriage. As their lives begin to intertwine with the prospect of Susan's potential engagement, Gertrude’s protective instincts kick in, leading to various contemplations about duty, affection, and societal expectations. The details vividly portray their daily lives, establishing a strong foundation for both characters, while laying the groundwork for the ensuing conflicts and comedic elements.
Henry James
The Diary of a Man of Fifty
"The Diary of a Man of Fifty" by Henry James is a reflective novella written in the late 19th century. This introspective work chronicles the thoughts and reminiscences of a middle-aged man as he revisits Florence, a city filled with memories of his youth and a lost romance. The book delves into themes of nostalgia, love, regret, and the existential ponderings of a man examining the choices he has made in life. The narrative unfolds as the unnamed protagonist recounts his journey back to Florence after many years, revealing his deep-seated emotions connected to a past love, the Countess Salvi. Through the diary entries, he reflects on the bittersweet nature of memory and the passage of time, comparing his youthful aspirations and experiences with his current state of life. As he encounters the Countess's daughter, he is faced with the stark similarities between their lives at different ages, sparking both hope and trepidation as he contemplates unfulfilled desires and the complexities of love. The story not only highlights the protagonist's internal struggles but also connects to broader themes of happiness, the influence of past relationships, and the quest for meaning in one's life.
Gertrud Almqvist
I tolfte timmen : $b En gammal, dåraktig kvinnas bekännelser
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