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False imprisonment -- Fiction Books
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William Godwin
Caleb Williams; Or, Things as They Are
"Caleb Williams; Or, Things as They Are" by William Godwin is a three-volume novel published in 1794. A humble young man enters service with the wealthy Ferdinando Falkland, whose volatile temperament conceals a dark secret. When Caleb's curiosity leads him to uncover his master's guilt in a past murder, he becomes trapped in a desperate game of pursuit and persecution. This gripping tale exposes how power and institutions destroy innocent lives, offering a scathing critique of tyrannical justice in Godwin's England.
R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
The Garret and the Garden; Or, Low Life High Up
"The Garret and the Garden; Or, Low Life High Up" by R. M. Ballantyne is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story appears to explore the lives of characters in a poverty-stricken area of London, focusing on the interactions between a seaman named Sam Blake and a young boy named Tommy Splint. The narrative is likely to delve into themes of friendship, survival, and the contrasts between wealth and destitution. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Sam Blake, a weathered seaman in search of his daughter, along with Tommy Splint, a sharp and witty street urchin. Their immediate friendship is established through playful banter and mutual curiosity. Through their dialogue, we learn Blake is on a quest to locate an elderly woman, Chimney-Pot Liz, who cared for his daughter during his long absence at sea. The text then shifts to a glimpse of a rooftop garden maintained by Susy, Blake's daughter, set against the urban backdrop of London's corruption and chaos, illustrating the juxtaposition of beauty amidst despair. Tension mounts as we see the brewing challenges that arise from Susy's predicament, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
Rafael Sabatini
Bardelys the Magnificent Being an account of the strange wooing pursued by the Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol, marquis of Bardelys...
"Bardelys the Magnificent" by Rafael Sabatini is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the charismatic and extravagant young nobleman, Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol, the Marquis of Bardelys, as he embarks on a bold wager to woo the unattainable Roxalanne de Lavedan. Set in a time of sociopolitical tension in France, the story combines themes of romance, rivalry, and adventure amidst the backdrop of courtly life. At the start of the book, we meet Bardelys as he engages in a spirited discussion with his peers, which is disrupted by the arrival of his rival, the Comte de Chatellerault. The atmosphere at Bardelys' gathering shifts as Chatellerault, recently defeated in love, becomes the subject of mockery. Fueled by the stirring of his pride, Bardelys accepts a wager challenging his abilities to win Roxalanne's heart—a woman deemed cold and difficult to attain. The opening chapters introduce the lively social dynamics of the court, Bardelys' adventurous spirit, and hint at the challenges he will face as he embarks on his quest to win the lady and uphold his reputation.
Malcolm Jameson
4-1/2B, Eros
"4-1/2B, Eros" by Malcolm Jameson is a science fiction novella written in the early 1940s. The story revolves around Captain Hank Karns, a seasoned space trader, who finds himself entangled in the corrupt politics of Venus while trying to save his friend from a wrongful imprisonment. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and cunning within a backdrop of interplanetary trade and intrigue. The plot follows Karns as he learns that his longtime friend, Cappy Wilkerson, has been unjustly sentenced to hard labor in the treacherous swamps of Venus under suspicious circumstances. Determined to save him, Karns sets off to Mercury as part of a risky plan. Throughout his journey, he encounters a nefarious drug smuggling operation led by the notorious Von Kleber, who poses significant obstacles. Utilizing his wits and trading expertise, Karns discovers a hidden cache of drugs and ultimately assists in bringing down the criminal enterprise. The story culminates with Karns regaining his freedom alongside his friends and returning to his ship, the "Swapper", which has been restored and stocked for new ventures.
Frederick Forest
Iron Hand, Chief of the Tory League; or, The Double Face
"Iron Hand, Chief of the Tory League; or, The Double Face" by Frederick Forest is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set during the American Revolutionary War and follows Captain Edgar Sherwood, a young aristocrat of English descent who, feeling wronged by his homeland, joins the colonial cause against British rule. As tensions rise, the narrative unfolds around Sherwood's quarreling with his betrothed's Tory father and his subsequent heroic actions against the Tory League, a group led by the nefarious Iron Hand. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Sherwood's beliefs and convictions as he debates enlisting in the Continental army with his fiancée's father, Thomas Lear. Their heated argument leads to a severance of their relationship, propelling Sherwood into action. Soon after, he is positioned with his regiment at Fort Ann, receiving news of an impending attack from the Tory League. As the soldiers prepare for battle, Sherwood's loyalties and personal struggles are highlighted, particularly as he contemplates the dangers of love and war. The opening sets up an emotionally charged atmosphere that blends themes of duty, betrayal, and the fight for freedom, laying the groundwork for a tale of valor and conflict.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The phantom hunter; or, love after death
"The Phantom Hunter; or, Love After Death" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the early settlements of Kentucky and revolves around themes of justice and betrayal as it follows the wrongful punishment of Russell Trafford, who is executed for the murder of his uncle, Doctor Trafford, despite his claimed innocence. The narrative explores the intertwining lives and relationships of several characters, including the grieving Isabel Moreland, engaged to Trafford, and the nefarious Jim McCabe, who harbors ulterior motives. The opening of the novel introduces a significant event: the execution of Russell Trafford, who stands accused of murdering his uncle, Doctor Trafford, under mysterious circumstances involving a fire. The community's suspicion is fueled by circumstantial evidence, including the discovery of Trafford with an open tinder-box during the fire incident. Although the story begins with a grim and tense atmosphere as the townspeople gather for the execution, elements of love and the supernatural surface when Isabel mourns her lost love and the possibility of Trafford’s return from the grave emerges. This initial setup hints at a deeper exploration of themes like innocence, vengeance, and the hauntings of love that may lie ahead, engaging readers interested in historical romance blended with elements of suspense and potential redemption.
Rafael Sabatini
Uhkea markiisi
"Uhkea markiisi" by Rafael Sabatini is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, Marcel de Bardelys, who is embroiled in courtly matters, gambling, and romantic pursuits, particularly his ambitious attempt to woo the beautiful Roxalanne de Lavédan while competing against rival suitors. The novel promises a mix of intrigue, romance, and the complexities of social hierarchies during a tumultuous period in France. At the start of the narrative, we find Marcel de Bardelys engaged in a raucous dinner party with friends, where playful banter and a wager lead to a bold challenge: if he can win over the heart of Roxalanne de Lavédan, a woman reputed for her cold beauty, he stakes his estate, while Count de Chatellerault risks his own properties. This initial scenario sets the tone for a tale filled with high-stakes romance and societal expectations, as Bardelys contemplates the daunting task ahead amidst the backdrop of underlying tensions in the court and hints of political unrest. The camaraderie and rivalry at the dinner table hint at the character dynamics that will further unfold as Bardelys embarks on his quest in Languedoc.
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