Subject
Farmers -- Fiction Books
Best books
George W. Gough
The Yeoman Adventurer
"The Yeoman Adventurer" by George W. Gough is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds through the experiences of Oliver Wheatman, a yeoman, as he navigates life in a tumultuous period marked by the Jacobite uprisings, personal ambition, and romantic entanglements. The novel delves into themes of bravery, identity, and the quest for adventure against a backdrop of deep social and political upheaval. The opening of the book introduces Oliver Wheatman as he reflects on his life in a rural setting, immediately exposing his longing for adventure and the complexities of his relationships, especially with a character named Kate and her brother Jack Dobson, a soldier. As he witnesses soldiers marching and grapples with feelings of inadequacy, his fate intertwines with that of a captivating woman, Mistress Margaret Waynflete, who is entangled in the Jacobite cause. The chapter sets up a series of events where violence and danger emerge, ultimately leading Oliver to rescue Mistress Waynflete, and shapes the thrilling and romantic quest that defines the narrative.
Frank Norris
The Octopus : A Story of California
"The Octopus: A Story of California" by Frank Norris is a novel published in 1901. It chronicles the brutal conflict between wheat farmers in California's San Joaquin Valley and a powerful railroad corporation seeking to seize their land. As ranchers band together to defend their livelihoods against monopolistic forces, loyalties fracture, violence erupts, and lives are destroyed. Through bribery, betrayal, and bloodshed, Norris depicts how impersonal economic powers crush individuals caught in their path, culminating in tragedy for both the innocent and the corrupt.
H. P. (Howard Phillips) Lovecraft
The colour out of space
"The colour out of space" by H. P. Lovecraft is a science fiction/horror short story written in March 1927. A surveyor investigates a cursed area called the "blasted heath" near Arkham, Massachusetts, uncovering the tale of a mysterious meteorite that crashed decades earlier. The impact unleashed something alien and incomprehensible that poisoned the land, corrupted all living things, and drove a farming family to madness and death. Something unnatural still lingers in the contaminated soil.
Robert J. C. Stead
Dennison Grant: A Novel of To-day
"Dennison Grant: A Novel of To-day" by Robert J. C. Stead is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of ranch workers in the Canadian plains, focusing on the character of Transley, a determined contractor, and introduces Y.D. and his daughter Zen, who are central figures in the unfolding narrative about love, rivalry, and the harsh realities of ranching life. The opening portion of the novel sets the stage with Transley's team preparing to cut hay under a contract, showcasing details of their work and camaraderie. As he interacts with characters like Linder, the foreman, and George Drazk, a humorous team member who admires women, we see the dynamics of ranch life. The introduction of Y.D. and Zen at their ranch hints at forthcoming romantic and competitive conflicts, particularly as Landson, another rancher, emerges as a rival, adding tension to the narrative. This blend of everyday ranch work, interpersonal relationships, and impending conflict lays the groundwork for a rich exploration of themes related to ambition, rivalry, and personal transformation in the rugged landscape of ranching.
Joseph Conrad
Gli Idioti = The Idiots
"Gli Idioti = The Idiots" by Joseph Conrad is a short story first published in 1896. Set in rural Brittany, it follows a farming couple whose children are born with intellectual disabilities. As the strain of their circumstances intensifies, Jean-Pierre and Susan Bacadou face mounting desperation about their family's future and the farm's succession. The story builds toward a violent climax involving murder and suicide, all framed by the narrator's encounter with "the idiots" on a country road. Conrad's first published story explores themes of isolation and human desperation.
Jean-Pierre Zanen
Berels Berta: Eine Bauerngeschichte aus dem Luxemburgischen
"Berels Berta: Eine Bauerngeschichte aus dem Luxemburgischen" by Jean-Pierre Zanen is a novella written in the early 20th century. The story primarily revolves around a farmer and his experiences with love, family, and the changing agricultural practices of his time, particularly focusing on his feelings for Berta, a strong and admirable young woman from a neighboring farm. This tale captures themes of rural life, tradition, and the desire for progress. The opening of the novella introduces us to the main character, who expresses his deep pride in his successful farm and the happiness he shares with his partner, Berta. However, he reflects on a challenging time two years prior when he contemplated leaving for America due to the pressures of family responsibility and societal expectations regarding marriage. The story illustrates a significant turning point as he describes his first encounter with Berta, highlighting her charm and the warmth of her family. As they connect over various topics, we witness his growing affection for her, setting the stage for the exploration of their relationship against the backdrop of societal and familial expectations in rural Luxembourg.
Helen Reimensnyder Martin
Tillie, a Mennonite Maid; a Story of the Pennsylvania Dutch
"Tillie, a Mennonite Maid; a Story of the Pennsylvania Dutch" by Helen Reimensnyder Martin is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story focuses on the life of Tillie, a young Mennonite girl living in Pennsylvania Dutch country, who grapples with her love for reading and the constraints of her strict home life under her father, Jacob Getz. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Tillie as she admires her teacher, Miss Margaret, who represents a figure of kindness and dreams for the girl. Tillie's adoration leads her to an emotional struggle when her father discovers her possessing a novel, which he vehemently disapproves of, leading to a harsh punishment that intensifies her fear of losing Miss Margaret's affection. The opening chapters establish Tillie's longing for education and escape from her demanding household, presenting a poignant exploration of childhood, love, and the conflict between personal desires and familial obligations.
Jules Verne
P'tit-bonhomme
"P'tit-bonhomme" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1893. Set in 1870s Ireland, it follows an abandoned orphan exploited by harsh masters and passed between caretakers. After finding brief happiness with a farming family, P'tit-Bonhomme faces separation and must forge his own path. With growing confidence, he dreams of becoming a successful merchant and begins building a small trading business in Dublin, determined to rise above his miserable beginnings.
Frederick Landis
The Angel of Lonesome Hill; A Story of a President
"The Angel of Lonesome Hill; A Story of a President" by Frederick Landis is a historical novel written in the early 20th century, specifically in 1910. This narrative delves into the life of John Dale, an elderly farmer, who seeks the aid of the President of the United States to secure a pardon for his wrongfully accused son. The book explores themes of justice, redemption, and the profound connections between ordinary people and their leaders. The story unfolds in a small, rural setting where time seems to stand still, centered around Lonesome Hill and the lives of its simple inhabitants, especially John Dale and his wife, who is affectionately known as "The Angel of Lonesome Hill." The narrative intertwines Dale’s ambitions and struggles with the political machinations of the time, leading him to Washington, D.C. Seeking justice for his son, Dale's journey is filled with emotional depth as he confronts a powerful figure—the President—who becomes a symbol of hope against a backdrop of social inequities. The novel captures the essence of compassion, human connection, and the impact of one's dreams, culminating in a poignant moment that highlights the enduring bond between the past and present.
Clifford D. Simak
The World That Couldn't Be
"The World That Couldn't Be" by Clifford D. Simak is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century. Set on the alien planet Layard, the story explores themes of survival, the relationship between humans and extraterrestrial life, and the complex dynamics of non-verbal communication in environments where traditional social structures do not exist. The narrative focuses on the challenges faced by the protagonist, Gavin Duncan, as he seeks to protect his crop from a dangerous creature known as the Cytha. In this tale, Duncan, a planter on Layard, becomes embroiled in a hunt for the elusive Cytha after it threatens his valuable "vua" crops, which are crucial for the health of the native inhabitants. As he pursues the creature, he is accompanied by a native tracker named Sipar, but their journey quickly turns perilous. Throughout the chase, Duncan confronts supernatural aspects of the Cytha, including its unexpected ability to communicate and manipulate its surroundings. Following a series of dangerous encounters and Sipar's tragic suicide, Duncan ultimately learns that the Cytha is not only an intelligent predator but also a maternal figure for the diverse fauna of Layard. The novella culminates in a precarious bargain between Duncan and the Cytha, where they agree to coexist while maintaining a delicate balance between their respective roles within the ecosystem.
Jules Verne
Der Findling. Erster Band.
"Der Findling. Erster Band." by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1893. Set in late 19th-century Ireland, it follows an abandoned child called Findling through a harsh childhood marked by poverty and exploitation. From brutal caretakers to cruel orphanages, he endures suffering while seeking human kindness. Along his journey, he finds brief moments of warmth with compassionate souls and discovers friendship amid hardship. This tale explores survival, resilience, and the search for belonging in an unforgiving world.
Hamlin Garland
A Spoil of Office: A Story of the Modern West
"A Spoil of Office: A Story of the Modern West" by Hamlin Garland is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Bradley Talcott, a young farmer navigating the challenges of political ambition and social dynamics in the context of the Midwest during this transformative period. Through his experiences, readers are invited to engage with themes of ambition, class struggle, and the pursuit of a better life in a rapidly changing society. The opening of the narrative introduces Bradley at the Grange picnic, a lively event symbolizing the local farming community's unity and aspirations. As Bradley drives the omnibus, the vibrant atmosphere contrasts sharply with his internal struggles of feeling marginalized and unnoticed. He becomes captivated by Ida Wilbur, a speaker at the event, whose powerful words ignite a yearning for more than his current life offers. The early chapters lay the groundwork for Bradley's journey of self-discovery and ambition amidst the socio-political challenges faced by farmers of the time, illustrating his introspective nature and the allure of political life that beckons him to step beyond his role as a laborer.
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