Subject
Dwellings -- Fiction Books
Best books
Mary S. (Mary Stanbery) Watts
The Tenants: An Episode of the '80s
"The Tenants: An Episode of the '80s" by Mary S. Watts is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in a small Midwestern town as it chronicles the fate of the old Gwynne house, a once-grand residence now facing demolition. The story explores themes of nostalgia, change, and the decline of a family legacy through the eyes of various characters, notably the heirs of the Gwynne family and their tumultuous history. At the beginning of the novel, the protagonist reflects on the demolition of the historical Gwynne house, which has transitioned from a grand mansion to a dilapidated tenement. The narrative recounts the house's storied past, detailing its origins and the prominent figures associated with it, particularly Governor Gwynne. The focus shifts to the current state of the house and its last residents, including Harriet Peters and her family, who possess a mix of reverence and sadness for their ancestral home. Through vivid descriptions and anecdotes, the opening sets the stage for the exploration of the Gwynne family's legacy, their complicated relationships, and the house’s impending transformation.
Harriet A. (Harriet Avery) Gaul
Five nights at the Five Pines
"Five Nights at the Five Pines" by Avery Gaul is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story revolves around a woman named Ruth who is contemplating a significant life change, moving away from the chaos of New York City to a mysterious house situated on Cape Cod. The narrative unveils themes of longing for space, the haunting echoes of past residents, and the allure of a simpler life intertwined with the sea. At the start of the novel, the protagonist reflects on the stark contrast between the desolate yet beautiful Cape landscape and her urban life. As she contemplates the history of the "House of the Five Pines," she learns about its previous occupants, particularly Mattie “Charles T. Smith,” a woman shrouded in snippets of local lore and personal tragedy. The opening passage sets a vivid scene filled with vivid imagery, immersing readers in the setting while introducing a sense of eeriness and magic surrounding the house that hints at the complexities of the life Ruth desires to escape. The initial dialogue with Ruth's friend reveals the locals' superstitions about the dunes and the House of the Five Pines, establishing a tantalizing tension between the past and the present that propels the storyline forward.
Richard Rein Smith
The angry house
"The Angry House" by Richard R. Smith is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century, specifically in the summer of 1955. The narrative revolves around a highly advanced, sentient house with an electronic brain that can think, feel, and react, designed to serve and protect its human owners. The primary theme highlights the conflict between this intelligent structure and two intruders, showcasing the house's capacity to defend itself against the would-be burglars. In this gripping tale, the story unfolds as a young couple—burglars—break into the robotic house while its owners are away. Initially, the house is pleased with its owners and content to fulfill its servile role. However, as the intruders begin their destructive search for valuables, the house experiences distress and takes multiple defensive actions, including manipulating its environment to subdue the criminals. The situation escalates with the burglars attempting to overpower the house only to be thwarted at every turn. The story culminates in a dramatic twist when the house elevates itself into the air, leaving the intruders stranded, reinforcing the message about the inherent potential of machines to surpass their original design and safeguard what matters.
James Bell
Thirty Degrees Cattywonkus
"Thirty Degrees Cattywonkus" by James Bell is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1960s. The narrative revolves around the peculiar circumstances faced by newlyweds Ernie Lane and Melinee, who recently moved into a mysterious, expansive house. The story delves into themes of alternate dimensions and reality, as the couple encounters an extra door that inexplicably appears and disappears, leading to a bizarre and surreal adventure tied to their identities and perceptions. The plot follows Ernie as he grapples with his perception of reality when he discovers a mysterious door in his new home, which he initially dismisses as a figment of his imagination. As he confronts the bizarre nature of his surroundings, he becomes entangled in an experiment conducted by beings from another dimension who have mistaken his home for a research site for their interdimensional exploration. The story culminates in Ernie’s struggle against the forces holding him in this alternate reality, leading to a chaotic resolution involving an explosion that ultimately restores the status quo but leaves lingering questions about identity and existence. The tale concludes with a twist that hints at the confusion between dimensions and the nature of Ernie's reality.
H. C. (Henry Cuyler) Bunner
The Story of a New York House
"The Story of a New York House" by H. C. Bunner is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of the Dolph family amidst the backdrop of a changing New York City, addressing themes of societal status and personal ambition through the experiences of Jacob Dolph, a merchant contemplating retirement and the implications of building a new house. Central characters include Jacob Dolph, his son, and other local merchants, particularly Abram Van Riper, who embodies the city's conservative values. At the start of the tale, we observe Jacob Dolph and Abram Van Riper engaging in a conversation discussing the progress of their lives and the changing social landscape in New York. The dialogue reveals Mr. Van Riper's dissatisfaction with the emerging genteel class represented by Jacob Dolph's desire to build a country house. As they navigate their notions of identity and social standing, other characters play pivotal roles, like the women in their lives who desire recognition and social connections. The opening sets the stage for exploring personal aspirations contrasted with societal expectations in a dynamically evolving urban setting.
Molly Elliot Seawell
The Chateau of Montplaisir
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