Subject
East and West -- Fiction Books
Best books
Charles de Secondat Montesquieu
Lettres persanes, tome I
"Lettres persanes, tome I" by baron de Charles de Secondat Montesquieu is an epistolary novel published in 1721. Two Persian travelers, Usbek and Rica, journey to Paris and exchange letters with friends back home during their nine-year stay abroad. Through their seemingly naive observations, they critique eighteenth-century French society and politics. Meanwhile, Usbek's harem in Ispahan descends into chaos as rebellion brews among his wives and eunuchs, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion.
Hallie Erminie Rives
The Kingdom of Slender Swords
"The Kingdom of Slender Swords" by Hallie Erminie Rives is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the character Barbara, a young woman navigating her emotional ties to Japan, a land rich with familial history and vibrant culture. As she begins her journey, she is drawn to the beauty of the landscape, her personal connections, and the complex interactions between East and West. The opening of the novel introduces Barbara as she arrives in Japan, filled with anticipation and a sense of wonder about the country that is tied to her family's past. It captures her vivid emotional state as she experiences the beauty of the Japanese coasts and reflects on her deceased parents' history. Her excitement is punctuated by interactions with her uncle, Bishop Randolph, as they discuss her father and the significance of her upcoming visit. As they approach land, Barbara’s internal musings and the lush descriptions establish a sense of place and set the tone for her exploration of identity, connection, and the cultural depths awaiting her in this new world.
Cyrus Townsend Brady
By the World Forgot: A Double Romance of the East and West
"By the World Forgot: A Double Romance of the East and West" by Cyrus Townsend Brady is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a love triangle involving Stephanie Maynard, Derrick Beekman, and George Harnash, exploring themes of love, honor, and societal expectations. As the narrative unfolds, the tension between personal desires and familial obligations creates a compelling conflict that captures the reader's interest in the characters' fates. The opening of the novel introduces a passionate exchange between Derrick Beekman and Stephanie Maynard, depicting their emotional struggle against the backdrop of an impending marriage that Stephanie feels compelled to fulfill despite her love for Derrick. Throughout this initial section, it's made clear that their relationship is steeped in complexities — including familial ties and societal expectations — particularly as Derrick learns of Stephanie’s engagement to another man, which heightens the stakes. Stephanie's resistance to a loveless marriage and Derrick's desperation to win her back set the tone for the unfolding drama, especially as George Harnash, Derrick's best friend, enters the narrative with intentions that complicate matters even further.
Onoto Watanna
Sunny-San
"Sunny-San" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the life and struggles of a young girl named Sunny, the daughter of a famous dancer known as Madame Many Smiles, who has recently passed away. The backdrop of Japanese culture and the complex dynamics between the geisha system and foreign influences create a rich tapestry exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. The opening of "Sunny-San" introduces readers to the somber atmosphere following the death of Madame Many Smiles, casting a shadow over the House of a Thousand Joys. As the titular character, Sunny, navigates her new reality, she is thrust into the spotlight as her mother’s successor amid societal expectations and the looming threat of punishment from Hirata, the house’s master. The narrative unfolds with Sunny's enchanting performance that captivates American students, culminating in a dramatic rescue by them when she faces abuse from Hirata. This sets the stage for Sunny's journey of self-discovery, as she is taken in by her rescuers, leaving behind the painful ties to her past while discovering new possibilities for her future.
Louise Jordan Miln
Mr. and Mrs. Sên
"Mr. and Mrs. Sên" by Louise Jordan Miln is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story primarily revolves around Miss Julia Townsend, a proud Southern woman holding onto her family's aristocratic traditions in Virginia, navigating her social life in a changing America. As the narrative unfolds, themes of race, class, and individual identity begin to emerge, especially through Julia's interactions with people from diverse backgrounds. The opening of the novel introduces us to Julia Townsend, the last surviving member of the esteemed Townsend family, living in Rosehill, her family home steeped in tradition and remnants of a proud past. Through vivid descriptions, we learn about her unique character attributes—she is both gracious yet exclusive, proud yet charitable, embodying the complexities of Southern genteel society. The narrative details Julia's interactions, particularly focusing on her friendship with Sên King-lo, a Chinese gentleman who has been welcomed into her circle. Ivy Gilbert, a nursery governess who stays with Julia, provides another perspective that juxtaposes her own views on race and class against Julia's established traditions, highlighting the evolving dynamics in society. These interactions set the stage for deeper explorations of cultural identity and the challenges of social acceptance.
Charles de Secondat Montesquieu
Lettres persanes, tome II
"Lettres persanes, tome II" by baron de Charles de Secondat Montesquieu is an epistolary novel published in 1721. Two Persian travelers, Usbek and Rica, journey to Paris and exchange letters with friends back home during their nine-year stay abroad. Through a falsely naïve perspective, they observe and critique eighteenth-century French society, politics, and customs. Meanwhile, back in Persia, Usbek's harem descends into chaos and rebellion, leading to a tragic conclusion that arrives too late for intervention.
Arthur Conan Doyle
A desert drama : $b being the tragedy of the "Korosko"
"A Desert Drama: Being the Tragedy of the 'Korosko'" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a diverse group of Victorian passengers aboard the boat Korosko as they navigate the dangers of the Nubian Nile, set against the backdrop of Egypt's political tension and the looming threat of Dervish tribes. As they embark on what they believe will be an idyllic journey, their adventure quickly spirals into chaos. The opening portion introduces the passengers of the Korosko, highlighting their varied backgrounds and personalities, from Colonel Cochrane, a reserved yet experienced military man, to the spirited American woman, Miss Adams, and her lively niece, Sadie. As their boat travels through the contrasting landscapes of lush Nubia and the daunting deserts beyond, the narrative captures the anticipation of a leisurely expedition—until they unexpectedly encounter the menace of the Dervishes. The vivid descriptions of their surroundings set the tone of impending peril, as character dynamics are revealed through their interactions and growing sense of foreboding.
Onoto Watanna
The Love of Azalea
"The Love of Azalea" by Onoto Watanna is a novel written in the early 20th century." The story revolves around Azalea, a young Japanese girl caught in the throes of cultural conflict, personal tragedy, and romantic turmoil as she navigates life under the strictures of her stepmother and the demands of societal expectations. Her journey leads her to encounter Richard Verley, a missionary who changes the course of her life. "At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to a mission church in a small Japanese village, where the congregation is disinterested in the sermons of the foreign priest, Richard Verley." Amidst this backdrop, Azalea is depicted as a young girl longing for escape from her unkind home life with a stepmother who treats her cruelly. Dressed in rags, Azalea finds herself smitten with the notion of earning money through singing, just like the choir boys who are treated kindly by Verley. This initial longing evolves when she decides to approach the minister, pretending to seek conversion in the hopes of receiving assistance. The opening chapters set the stage for her transformative journey, revealing her desires for freedom and love against the struggles of her impoverished circumstances and the rigid expectations of her society.
Adeline M. (Adeline Margaret) Teskey
The Yellow Pearl: A Story of the East and the West
"The Yellow Pearl: A Story of the East and the West" by Adeline M. Teskey is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the experiences of a young woman named Margaret, also known as Pearl, who is the biracial daughter of an American father and a Chinese mother. The story explores her struggles to adapt to life in America after the death of her father and her transition from Chinese culture to her grandmother's home, highlighting themes of identity, cultural conflict, and societal expectations. The opening of the novel introduces Pearl as she grapples with her mixed heritage and the prejudices she faces from her American relatives. After her father's death, she is sent to live with her grandmother in America, where she encounters disapproval from her Aunt Gwendolin and uncle regarding her Chinese background. The narrative highlights her internal conflict as she navigates her identity, feeling pressure to conform to American norms while longing for a connection to her Chinese roots. As she interacts with her new family, the reader sees the stark contrast between her upbringing in China and the expectations placed upon her in America, setting the stage for her story of self-discovery and cultural reconciliation.
John Scott Campbell
The Image and the Likeness
"The Image and the Likeness" by John Scott Campbell is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in a post-war Asia where a group of anthropologists and a zoologist embark on an expedition to understand "New Buddhism," a nationalistic religion gaining traction in Pan-Asia. However, their journey leads them to discover a colossal figure known as Kazu Takahashi, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha, who has been affected by the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing, raising themes of identity, power, and the intersection of science and mythology. The opening of the novel introduces us to a group of four scientists—William Cady, Llewelyn Baker, Walter Chamberlin, and Robert Martin—who arrive in Shanghai in 1965, keenly aware of the political changes in the region. Their expedition ostensibly revolves around studying Celebese man, yet they are also secretly tasked with investigating New Buddhism, which harbors potential ties to communist movements. As they dive deeper into their mission, they witness an unexpected phenomenon: the awakening of Kazu, an enormous entity that challenges their notions of life and reality. The narrative captures their escalating fears and the dangerous knowledge they unveil, ultimately compelling them to confront Kazu's true nature and the implications of their discoveries on both a personal and global scale.
George Ade
The Slim Princess
"The Slim Princess" by George Ade is a satirical novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the fictitious Eastern European state of Morovenia, the story follows Princess Kalora, the daughter of Count Selim Malagaski, who defies societal expectations by rejecting the traditional ideals of beauty that value obesity. The novel explores themes of self-acceptance, societal norms, and the pursuit of personal happiness. At the start of the narrative, the rulers of Morovenia are depicted as struggling with the rigid cultural norms of their society, which dictate that women must be fat to be considered beautiful. Kalora, however, is slender and active, much to the dismay of her father, who dreams of arranging a suitable marriage for her. Meanwhile, her sister Jeneka faces her own challenges due to her attractive appearance, tying the fates of both sisters together under the oppressive societal rules. The opening of the novel introduces a web of intrigue surrounding Kalora, her family dynamics, and her growing awareness of her desire for independence, setting the stage for her eventual encounters with the outside world.
Arthur Conan Doyle
The Tragedy of the Korosko
"The Tragedy of the Korosko" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story unfolds on the banks of the Nile in Nubia, following a diverse group of passengers aboard the "Korosko", including Colonel Cochrane, Miss Adams, and Mr. Stephens, as they embark on a journey that takes a tragic turn. The narrative explores themes of cultural encounters, the fragility of civilization, and the unpredictability of fate. At the start of the novel, the passengers of the "Korosko" are introduced as they set off on their expedition along the Nile, showcasing their varied backgrounds and personalities. The camaraderie aboard the vessel is palpable, with lively conversations and interactions that paint a vivid picture of the group dynamic. However, a sense of foreboding lingers as they traverse the vast, desolate beauty of Nubia, punctuated by ruins and reminders of a tumultuous past. The opening portion establishes a serene yet eerie atmosphere, hinting at the imminent danger that will disrupt their journey, culminating in their capture by a group of armed Bedouins, shattering the veneer of safety and leisure they had previously enjoyed.
Recently surfaced classics