Subject
Disguise -- Fiction Books
Best books
Bernard Shaw
An Unsocial Socialist
"An Unsocial Socialist" by George Bernard Shaw is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story, infused with Shaw's signature wit and social commentary, revolves around the complexities of socialism and individualism, as depicted through a series of engaging interactions among its characters, primarily focusing on young women and their experiences in a college setting. The opening of the novel introduces us to a serene October evening at an English country house, where Miss Wilson, a sensible woman, monitors the antics of her students, Miss Wylie, Miss Carpenter, and Miss Lindsay. The scene unfolds as the girls hastily descend the stairs amid laughter, creating a lively atmosphere that quickly turns to tension when Miss Wilson reprimands them for breaking the rules. Their playful exchanges transition into moments of conflict, touching on themes of rebellion and the struggle against authority. The interactions between the girls reflect their distinct personalities, setting the stage for further exploration of their relationships and the implications of social norms within the context of their education.
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
The shadow kingdom
"The Shadow Kingdom" by Robert E. Howard is a fantasy novelette first published in August 1929. When Kull, a barbarian from Atlantis, conquers the ancient kingdom of Valusia and claims its throne, he discovers something far more dangerous than rival warriors. An alliance with the mysterious Brule the Spear-Slayer reveals a terrifying conspiracy: serpent-like beings lurk in the shadows, using magic to steal identities and rule from behind masks of deception. Kull must question everything—including his own reality.
John Talbot Smith
The Art of Disappearing
"The Art of Disappearing" by John Talbot Smith is a fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Horace Endicott, a young man who experiences a profound transformation after witnessing tragedy, leading him to question his life and relationships. The narrative explores themes of identity, betrayal, and the art of completely severing ties with one's past. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Horace, who reflects on his seemingly perfect life after marrying Sonia Westfield. However, his life takes a dark turn during a train accident where he meets Monsignor O'Donnell. This encounter sparks a series of reflections on faith and existence, especially as Horace witnesses a young fireman dying and the priest's compassionate ministrations. This harrowing experience forces Horace to confront the fragility of life and sets off a chain of events that lead him to contemplate his own identity and the possibility of disappearing from his current life. The opening chapters establish a gripping emotional landscape and hint at the complexities of Horace’s journey towards radical change.
Samuel Hopkins Adams
The Unspeakable Perk
"The Unspeakable Perk" by Samuel Hopkins Adams is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the exotic setting of Caracuña, a fictional Caribbean island teeming with adventures and political intrigues. The narrative primarily centers around a young American woman named Polly Brewster, who finds herself navigating complex romantic entanglements and the sociopolitical landscape of the island, particularly as it relates to her encounters with a mysterious scientist referred to as Mr. Beetle Man. The opening of the novel presents an engaging dialogue between Polly and the unseen Mr. Beetle Man, who initially expresses contempt for his tropical surroundings, while she revels in their beauty. Their conversation transitions from playful banter to deeper reflections on personal feelings and societal norms, especially around love, identity, and peril in the foreign land. As Polly shares her tumultuous romantic history, the reader is drawn into her world of flirtation and self-discovery, while Mr. Beetle Man's character hints at a scientific curiosity and emotional depth, setting the stage for further developments in their relationship and the unfolding narrative in the politically charged atmosphere of Caracuña.
Anthony Trollope
A Ride Across Palestine
"A Ride Across Palestine" by Anthony Trollope is a travel narrative written in the mid-19th century during the Victorian era. The book details the author's journey through the Holy Land, offering insights into the geography, culture, and experiences encountered along the way. The narrative weaves together personal reflections and historical observations while documenting a journey that explores both the physical landscape and the emotional terrain of isolation and companionship. The story unfolds as the narrator, traveling alone through Jerusalem, meets a young man named John Smith who expresses his desire to join him on his journey to the Dead Sea and beyond. As they travel together, they encounter the stark beauty of the landscape, the complexities of local customs, and a series of pilgrims on their journey to the Holy Sites. Tensions arise when Smith’s true identity is revealed to be that of Julia Weston, a woman disguising herself as a man to escape the constraints imposed by her overbearing uncle. Their journey culminates in a confrontation with her uncle that results in the narrator being embroiled in a misunderstanding about their relationship. The tale ultimately reflects on the themes of friendship, identity, and the creating of unexpected bonds against a backdrop of one of the world's most storied regions.
William Magnay
A prince of lovers : $b A romance
"A Prince of Lovers: A Romance" by Sir William Magnay is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. Set in post-Thirty Years War Germany, it delves into the intricate dynamics of love, power, and courtly politics as seen through the lives of nobles and their struggles. The narrative introduces key characters, including Duke Theodor, his ambitious Chancellor Rollmar, and the spirited Princess Ruperta, whose heart becomes the center of conflict amid scheming ambitions and personal desires. At the start of the story, Duke Theodor is engaged in a tense discussion with Chancellor Rollmar about the political marriage of his daughter Princess Ruperta to Prince Ludwig, who is indifferent to the arrangement. The Duke expresses concern for his daughter's happiness while Rollmar dismisses his worries, prioritizing political gain. Meanwhile, young Lieutenant Ludovic von Bertheim enters the scene as a potential romantic interest for Ruperta, notably during a crisis where he rescues her from a fortune-telling charlatan. As the narrative unfolds, themes of rebellion against oppressive norms and the struggles of the heart are introduced, laying the groundwork for impending conflicts based on love, duty, and social position. The stage is set for a captivating tale of romance interwoven with political intrigue against a richly depicted historical backdrop.
Justus Miles Forman
The Island of Enchantment
"The Island of Enchantment" by Justus Miles Forman is a historical novel set during the mid-14th century, a period marked by political strife and intrigue in Venice and its territories. The narrative follows the tumultuous events surrounding young Zuan Gradenigo, a nobleman embroiled in a conflict between the Venetian forces and the invading Hungarians, as he seeks to protect his family's heritage and reclaim lost honor in the wake of a political crisis. The themes of love, honor, betrayal, and redemption are interwoven throughout the tale, along with vivid depictions of the era’s cultural landscape. The story unfolds with Zuan Gradenigo being summoned by his uncle, the doge, to address the threat posed by the ban of Bosnia, who seeks to conquer Arbe, a cherished island for the Gradenigo family. Determined to defend it, Zuan leads a daring expedition but suffers setbacks due to a storm that separates his fleet. As he arrives on Arbe’s shores, Zuan encounters unexpected allies and foes, notably the enigmatic Princess Yaga, who he initially seeks to destroy but ultimately finds himself drawn to. The plot twists further when Zuan learns of Yaga's efforts to save him, revealing both her humanity and complexity. The climax builds to a tense resolution, where Zuan faces both the choices regarding his loyalty to his people and his conflicting feelings for Yaga, culminating in a poignant exploration of love amidst chaos and conflict.
Bernard Shaw
Der Amateursozialist: Roman
"Der Amateursozialist: Roman" by Bernard Shaw is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story likely revolves around a group of young women in a boarding school, where we meet characters like Miss Wylie, Miss Carpenter, and Miss Lindsay who navigate their social interactions and rules, often leading to humorous and insightful situations. The book seems to touch on themes of social class, youthful rebellion, and the struggle for personal agency within a structured environment. The opening of the novel introduces us to an October evening in an English boarding house, where a middle-aged woman stands in the hall, contemplating. The narrative quickly shifts to a group of girls who, despite having been scolded by Miss Wilson for mischief, engage in playful banter about their rule-breaking antics. The dynamic between the characters highlights their youthful exuberance and individuality amidst the constraints of school life. Tensions rise as Miss Wilson confronts them, and the girls engage in a mix of defiance and humor, showcasing their personalities and the complexities of their relationships. By the end of this section, readers are drawn into the setting and the characters’ interactions, setting the stage for further developments in their lives.
Robert Silverberg
The silent invaders
"The Silent Invaders" by Robert Silverberg is a science fiction novel published in 1963. Earth becomes a prize in an ancient galactic conflict between two alien species who dispatch surgically altered agents to infiltrate human society. Major Abner Harris, a Darruu operative, discovers his Medlin enemy has been subverted by telepathic human mutants evolving toward transcendence. He must choose between his hostile alien superiors and joining a conspiracy that demands he betray everything he knows.
Fergus Hume
The Gates of Dawn
"The Gates of Dawn" by Fergus Hume is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces a young man named Dan who embarks on a journey through rural England in search of adventure and self-discovery. As he travels in a caravan, he encounters various characters, including the mysterious gipsy woman Mother Jericho, who predicts that he will find joy symbolically coming up through the “Gates of Dawn.” The narrative promises elements of romance and intrigue, revealing Dan’s interactions with the enchanting Meg Merle, the doctor's daughter, who captivates him from the moment they meet. The opening of the book sets a picturesque scene, beginning with Dan's leisurely travel across moorland, marked by stunning natural beauty and a sense of isolation. He soon meets Mother Jericho, who insists on foretelling his future, which piques his curiosity about love and destiny. Despite dismissing her predictions, particularly those relating to a potential romance with two women, he finds himself intrigued when he catches a glimpse of Meg Merle, who embodies the very joy he seeks. As the narrative unfolds, Dan's journey is not just physical but also emotional, with hints of personal transformation as he navigates the complexities of attraction and the relationships he forms in this enigmatic village.
Anna Katharine Green
Midnight In Beauchamp Row 1895
"Midnight In Beauchamp Row" by Anna Katharine Green is a novel that embodies the elements of crime fiction, written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a chilling incident that unfolds on Christmas Eve, focusing on a young bride, Letty Chivers, who is left alone at home when her husband departs for an urgent business matter, bringing with him a significant amount of cash that he intends to secure. The atmosphere of suspense and danger escalates as Letty encounters two intruders who threaten both her safety and the money. The narrative follows Letty's harrowing experience of isolation and fear as a fierce snowstorm rages outside, making her feel even more vulnerable. Initially, an unwelcome and troubling stranger enters her home, leading her to fear for her life and safety. As the tension builds, another man, thought to be a criminal, arrives, demanding the very money her husband was supposed to safeguard. In a shocking twist, the return of her husband results in a tragic confrontation, uncovering a convoluted plot of betrayal that brings the narrative to a gripping climax. Ultimately, the novel explores themes of trust, danger, and the complexities of human nature in dire circumstances.
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