Subject
Eccentrics and eccentricities -- Fiction Books
Best books
Frederick Rolfe
Hadrian the Seventh
"Hadrian the Seventh" by Frederick Rolfe is a novel published in 1904. George Arthur Rose, a failed candidate for the priesthood, is unexpectedly summoned to Rome where the Papal Conclave has reached deadlock. Against all odds, he is elected Pope and takes the name Hadrian VII. As the first English Pope in centuries, this unconventional, chain-smoking outsider sets out to reform the Church and reshape the modern world, rewarding friends and confronting enemies with charm and determination.
Kálmán Mikszáth
Besztercze ostroma
"Besztercze ostroma" by Kálmán Mikszáth is a novel first published in 1894. Count Pongrácz István lives as a medieval warlord in 19th-century Hungary, maintaining his own army and ruling by ancient customs. When his purchased "lady" Estella escapes with a former servant, the eccentric count prepares to besiege the city harboring them. Meanwhile, orphaned Apolka becomes entangled in family disputes and eventually arrives at Nedec Castle as a hostage, where her presence unexpectedly transforms the count's strange world and threatens his singular devotion to the past.
V. (Victoria) Sackville-West
Heritage
"Heritage" by V. Sackville-West is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds through the reflections of a character named Malory as he recalls his time spent in a small Italian village and his relationship with a companion named Malory, who shares poignant stories from his life, particularly his connection to a man named Oliver Pennistan and the complexities of love, heritage, and identity. The opening of "Heritage" introduces readers to the rustic beauty and intimacy of a village in the Apennines where Malory and his companion are studying Italian. As Malory reflects on his time there, he recounts a deeper story told by Malory, focusing on the themes of love and personal struggle. The narrative hints at the presence of a captivating woman, Ruth, whose interactions with her cousin Rawdon Westmacott form a pivotal part of the narrative, setting the stage for explorations of emotional intricacies, family dynamics, and the intertwining of their heritages. The opening portion establishes a sense of nostalgia and emotional depth, inviting readers into a world shaped by personal histories and social contexts.
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