Subject
Exiles -- Fiction Books
Best books
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
The house of the dead : $b or, Prison life in Siberia
"The House of the Dead: or, Prison life in Siberia" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a semi-autobiographical novel published between 1860 and 1862. Based on Dostoyevsky's own four years in a Siberian labor camp, the work follows nobleman Aleksandr Petrovich Goryanchikov as he endures brutal conditions and hostility from fellow prisoners. Through vivid portrayals of convicts and their crimes, the narrator undergoes a spiritual transformation, discovering unexpected humanity among hardened criminals while exposing the tragic absurdity of prison life in Russia.
Edward Everett Hale
The Man Without a Country, and Other Tales
"The Man Without a Country and Other Tales" by Edward Everett Hale is a collection of fictional stories written in the late 19th century. The most notable tale, "The Man Without a Country," explores themes of nationalism and individual rights through the experiences of its main character, Philip Nolan. The collection aims to evoke a sense of love for one’s country and to reflect on the implications of treason and exile. The opening of the tale delves into the backstory of Philip Nolan, a young officer who becomes embroiled in a plot led by Aaron Burr that ultimately leads him to curse his own country during a court-martial. As a result of his outburst, Nolan is sentenced to live the rest of his life on naval ships, forbidden ever to hear the name of the United States again. The narrative highlights his transformation from a war hero to "a man without a country," illustrating his eventual realization of remorse and yearning for the nation he has forsaken, which carries profound lessons on loyalty, identity, and the human condition.
Molly Elliot Seawell
The House of Egremont : $b a novel
"The House of Egremont" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of English history, following the fortunes of the Egremont family, particularly focusing on the character of Roger Egremont, who navigates the tumult and decline of his family's legacy while grappling with themes of loyalty, identity, and social status. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Roger Egremont, a boy raised in isolation due to the indifference of his father, John Egremont, who is more concerned with courtly affairs than his son's upbringing. Roger’s childhood is marked by a close relationship with his cousin, Dicky, amidst the grandeur and decay of the Egremont estate. As the narrative unfolds, significant family dynamics come to light with the arrival of Roger's younger half-brother, Hugo, which complicates Roger’s feelings of inheritance and identity. The opening chapters establish a richly detailed historical context, setting the stage for Roger's eventual trials and tribulations that revolve around family loyalty, societal expectations, and the search for personal worth in a world dictated by lineage and fortune.
Margaret Horton Potter
The House of de Mailly : $b A romance
"The House of de Mailly: A Romance" by Margaret Horton Potter is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the 18th-century French court during the reign of Louis XV, it explores themes of love, rivalry, and power dynamics among the nobility. The main character, Claude de Mailly, navigates the complexities of court life and his infatuation with his cousin, the Duchess de Châteauroux, who is also the king's favorite, creating tension between personal desires and the royal expectations of the time. The opening of the narrative introduces us to a rainy evening in January 1744, where Claude de Mailly and the Duc de Richelieu make their way to a gathering at the Café Procope. Here, they engage in witty banter while discussing courtly affairs and the attraction that Claude feels for the Duchess. This scene paints a vibrant picture of court life, foreshadowing the emotional turmoil that will unfold as Claude's affection for the Duchess clashes with the King's interest in her. The interactions reveal the tensions that arise from love and loyalty in a world where appearances and royal favor dictate social standing, providing a glimpse into the complex relationships that will drive the plot forward.
Unknown
Stories of Exile
"Stories of Exile" by Rossiter Johnson is a collection of short stories published in the late 19th century. The anthology features tales that explore themes of human experience and reflection, likely delving into the nature of loss, identity, and the struggles of individuals separated from their homes or communities. The opening story, "Ethan Brand" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, introduces readers to the character Ethan Brand, who embarks on a dark and introspective journey in search of the "Unpardonable Sin." At the start of the book, we are introduced to Bartram, a lime-burner, and his young son, who encounter Ethan Brand, a solitary figure who has returned after years of searching for meaning and understanding of sin. The lime-burner, initially dismissive of Brand's ominous presence and peculiar quest, becomes increasingly intrigued by the enigmatic man. As Brand reveals that he has found what he sought deep within himself, the interplay between light and dark, laughter and despair, begins to unfold, hinting at the grave consequences of his introspection. This opening sets a compelling tone for the tales that follow, promising a mix of psychological depth and moral inquiry throughout the collection.
George Gibbs
The Vagrant Duke
"The Vagrant Duke" by George Gibbs is a novel that appears to be written in the early 20th century. It follows the story of Peter Nicholaevitch, a Russian Grand Duke navigating life after fleeing his homeland in the wake of revolution. Disguised as Peter Nichols, he embarks on a journey to America, grappling with his new identity while seeking stability and purpose amidst chaos and uncertainty. At the start of the novel, Peter's life is upheaved as he escapes from conflict in Russia, driven by a desire to start anew. The opening scenes introduce us to a significant crisis he confronts, with his home being attacked by angry villagers. After a narrow escape from violence, he disguises himself and boards a refugee ship to America. Upon arrival, he adopts the name Peter Nichols and begins to integrate into his new surroundings while harboring the memories and burdens of his past. His adventures lead him to an intriguing job opportunity in New Jersey, where he will oversee a large estate and its mysterious owner, Jonathan K. McGuire, entangling him further in a web of secrets and dangers that lie ahead.
Edward Everett Hale
The Man Without a Country
"The Man Without a Country" by Edward Everett Hale is a short story first published in 1863. A young American officer, charged with treason, rashly declares he never wants to hear about the United States again. The court grants his wish literally, condemning him to spend his remaining years aboard naval ships, forever exiled from his homeland and denied any news of his country. As decades pass at sea, his bitter renunciation transforms into profound regret and desperate longing for the nation he cast away.
William Oberfield
Escape From Pluto
"Escape From Pluto" by William Oberfield is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. Set in the year 2200 A.D., the story follows Marcius Kemble, a deposed dictator from Mars, who finds himself exiled to the desolate and icy landscape of Pluto. The narrative explores themes of revenge, power, and the consequences of ambition as Kemble grapples with his fate and contemplates his return to power. The plot centers around Marcius Kemble's struggle for survival and his desires for vengeance against those who exiled him. Initially, he rages against his situation, cursing his enemies back on Earth. Unexpectedly, he encounters the intelligent and strange inhabitants of Pluto, who have a different understanding of existence. They plan to dispose of him but underestimating his cunning. Upon being taught to pilot a small ship back to Earth, Kemble's dreams of revenge seem within reach. However, the situation quickly spirals out of control as his ship melts in the heat of the Sun, leading to an ironic and tragic end for the once-powerful dictator. The story serves as a commentary on the folly of unchecked ambition and the limits of power in the face of natural laws.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Muistelmia kuolleesta talosta
"Muistelmia kuolleesta talosta" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a semi-autobiographical novel written in the late 19th century. The book recounts the author's experiences in a Siberian labor camp, delving into the lives and thoughts of various characters he encounters during his sentence. The narrative primarily follows the main character, whose reflections and observations provide insights into the psychological and social dynamics within the confines of prison life. At the start of "Muistelmia kuolleesta talosta," we are introduced to the bleak and oppressive environment of the Siberian prison, where the narrator reflects on the stark contrast between life outside and the forced confinement of the inmates. Characters like Aleksanteri Petrowitsh Goräntshikow are introduced, highlighting their troubled pasts and the complex emotions tied to their crimes. The opening portion sets the stage for exploring themes of despair, camaraderie, and the struggle for identity amidst the dehumanizing conditions of imprisonment, as the protagonist navigates the intricacies of life behind bars while pondering deeper philosophical questions about freedom and morality.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Sämtliche Werke 18 : $b Aus einem Totenhause
"Sämtliche Werke 18 : Aus einem Totenhause" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a semi-autobiographical novel written in the mid-19th century. It depicts life inside a Siberian penal colony through the eyes of Alexander Petrovich Goryanchikov, a nobleman convicted of killing his wife, and blends stark observation with deep psychological insight. The focus is on daily routines, punishments, the prison economy, and the surprising mix of brutality and human feeling among convicts. The opening of the work begins with an editor’s meditation on Siberia’s future and a short preface locating the author’s exile, then frames the story through a narrator who meets the reclusive Goryanchikov in a provincial town; after Goryanchikov’s death, the narrator finds and presents his prison notes. Those notes first map the “Ostrogg”: its palisades, barracks, roll calls, guards, and the segregated classes of inmates with their distinctive clothing and shaved heads. Goryanchikov records the convicts’ social code—pride, touchiness, intrigue, and a conspicuous lack of overt remorse—illustrated by episodes like a fearless inmate facing punishment and a chilling father-murderer who speaks lightly of his crime. He argues that the worst torment is not the physical labor but enforced communal living and the humiliating futility of compelled work, while survival depends on private crafts, clandestine trade and smuggling, and small alms from townsfolk. Early scenes sketch winter routines, coarse food, the stifling barracks, and the abrasive, bantering camaraderie that defines everyday life.
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