Subject
Dueling -- Fiction Books
Best books
Wilkie Collins
The Black Robe
"The Black Robe" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1881. After accidentally killing a man in a duel, Lewis Romayne returns to England haunted by the victim's brother's screams. When he falls in love with Stella Eyrecourt, a Catholic priest named Father Benwell schemes to convert Romayne and claim his ancestral estate for the Church. The novel explores manipulation, faith, and loyalty through its controversial anti-Catholic lens.
A. I. (Aleksandr Ivanovich) Kuprin
The duel
"The duel" by A. I. Kuprin is a novel published in 1905. An intelligent young officer stationed at a dreary Russian military garrison struggles against the brutality and stupidity surrounding him. When he falls for Shurochka, a fellow officer's wife, he mistakes her compassion for genuine feeling. She harbors darker ambitions. Their affair sets in motion a fatal confrontation that exposes both personal betrayal and the moral decay of military society. Published after Russia's defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, the novel earned Kuprin widespread acclaim.
A. I. (Aleksandr Ivanovich) Kuprin
Le duel : $b roman
"Le duel : roman" by A. I. Kuprin is a novel published in 1905. Set in a provincial Russian infantry regiment, it follows young Sub-Lieutenant Romashov as his romantic, idealized worldview collides with the crude reality of military life. The story centers on a conflict between Romashov and a superior officer, exploring themes of honor, disillusionment, and the gap between cultivated ideals and harsh institutional truths. Considered Kuprin's most important work, the novel sparked intense controversy upon its release during the Russo-Japanese War.
Molly Elliot Seawell
The Loves of the Lady Arabella
"The Loves of the Lady Arabella" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a historical context, revolving around the lives and loves of its central characters, notably Lady Arabella Stormont, who captures the affections of several suitors, including the young midshipman Richard Glyn. The narrative promises themes of romance, class dynamics, and the intricacies of society's expectations. The opening of the novel introduces us to Richard Glyn, who, at just fourteen, seeks a midshipman’s warrant in the Royal Navy. After an awkward meeting with his formidable great-uncle, Admiral Sir Peter Hawkshaw, and Lady Hawkshaw, Richard is eventually granted his wish. Notably, Richard meets Lady Arabella, described as the most beautiful creature he has ever seen, which sets the stage for his infatuation with her. Throughout this portion, we see the interplay of power and affection among the characters, particularly Richard's relationship with Lady Arabella and her interactions with others, including the ambitious Giles Vernon. This establishes a rich backdrop for the romantic and adventurous exploits yet to unfold in the narrative.
Robert E. Gilbert
Thy Rocks and Rills
"Thy Rocks and Rills" by Robert E. Gilbert is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story is set in a dystopian future where an advanced society engages in brutal bullfighting, reflecting on themes of human-animal relationships and the consequences of violence in sport. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of M. Stonecypher, a farmer who is pitted against L. Dan, a cruel hobbyist in a ridiculous duel that serves as a critique of societal norms regarding masculinity and entertainment. The plot centers around Stonecypher's prized bull, Moe, who has been mutated by exposure to radioactivity and possesses extraordinary intelligence. As the narrative progresses, Stonecypher prepares for Moe's participation in a deadly bullfight on Dependence Day, where the hope is to show that the bull can defy the gruesome culture surrounding animal fights. The duel serves as a backdrop for exploring the philosophical quandaries of agency, morality, and the instinctual fight for survival, leading to a climactic showdown between humans and the expectations placed on the animals in their midst. Ultimately, it acts as a lens through which the reader confronts the implications of man’s dominion over nature.
Basil Wells
Stalemate
"Stalemate" by Basil Wells is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, likely during the early 1950s. It explores the theme of war and conflict through a unique setup where individual duelists represent their nations in a controlled combat scenario rather than conventional warfare. The book delves into the psychological struggles of these warriors, offering an intense examination of honor, ambition, and the moral dilemmas of violence. The story centers around Gram Treb and his adversary Harl Neilson, who are two of the last surviving combatants in a staged war duel taking place on Earth Satellite One. As they engage in their desperate struggle for survival, both men confront the harsh realities of their situation and the implications of their actions. Treb, who is struggling with wounds and the memories of loss, contemplates the futility of their conflict and longs for peace, while Neilson, motivated by love and ambition, is driven by the desire for recognition and a better life. As the duel progresses, the two men's intertwined fates force them to consider the true cost of victory and the possibility of friendship in a world beloved by competition, ultimately leading to an unexpected conclusion that challenges the nature of honor and human connection.
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Kaksintaistelu
"Kaksintaistelu" by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a novella written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the complexities of human relationships, primarily focusing on the character Ivan Andreitsh Lajevski, a young civil servant, who is entangled in a tumultuous relationship with Nadeshda Feodorovna, a married woman. The narrative explores themes of love, disillusionment, and the societal constraints of love and morality. At the start of the story, Lajevski is introduced as he interacts with his friend, Samoilenko, shortly after their morning swim. The two engage in a discussion about love and relationships, with Lajevski revealing his struggles with his feelings for Nadeshda, and his realization that his love may be waning. Lajevski expresses his guilt and confusion regarding his relationship, contemplating the idea of freedom from it, while simultaneously recognizing Nadeshda's dependency on him. As their conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that both characters are grappling with their own shortcomings and the complexities of love, revealing the deeper emotional and societal dilemmas that will form the crux of the novella.
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