Subject
Farms -- Fiction Books
Best books
Ada Barnett
The man on the other side
"The Man on the Other Side" by Ada Barnett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Ruth Courthope Seer, a woman in her forties who has finally achieved ownership of Thorpe Farm after a hard life of struggle. As she finds solace in her new home, she begins to feel a connection to the land and its previous owner, leading to themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The opening of the novel introduces Ruth as she luxuriates in the beauty and ownership of her farm, reflecting on her solitary life without family. Dogs Sarah and Selina accompany her, highlighting her nurturing nature. Ruth encounters a mysterious stray dog, whose arrival shifts her introspection to thoughts of a previous owner, setting the stage for deeper connections, both with the land and the man who once cherished it. The dynamic of her meeting with Roger North, a man connected to the farm's past, hints at the intertwining of their lives and the unfolding narrative of grief and healing set against the backdrop of rural peace.
Carl Jacobi
The Dangerous Scarecrow
"The Dangerous Scarecrow" by Carl Jacobi is a short story that falls within the realms of science fiction and fantasy, written in the early to mid-20th century. The tale revolves around the interplay between imagination and fear, where ordinary occurrences are imbued with an unsettling atmosphere. The narrative centers on two scarecrows named Mr. Maudsley and Mr. Trask, who are anthropomorphized by two children, Jimmy and Stella, leading to an exploration of themes like childhood innocence, folklore, and the haunting shadows of past rivalries. In this story, Jimmy and Stella's innocent fascination with their farm's scarecrows takes a dark turn when they learn about the rivalry between their ancestors associated with each scarecrow. As the children engage in imaginative play, they unwittingly revive a malevolent spirit tied to Mr. Trask. When Jimmy presents a mysterious voodoo knife to Mr. Trask, it sets off a series of eerie events culminating in a violent encounter between the two figures. The climax reveals a chilling connection between folklore and reality, leading to a grotesque conclusion where Mr. Maudsley is decapitated in a haunting reenactment of the children's playful imaginings, leaving them to grapple with the implications of their actions.
Florence Warden
St. Cuthbert's tower
"St. Cuthbert's Tower" by Florence Warden is a fictional novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story appears to revolve around Olivia Denison, a young woman who has moved to Rishton Hall as part of her family’s transition to farming life, bringing with her both excitement and trepidation about the rural community and its inhabitants. The narrative hints at themes of class conflict, local rivalries, and the mysteries of the past that seem to linger in the old house. At the start of the novel, the Hall is preparing to welcome its new tenants, Olivia and her maid, Lucy. Their arrival is met with a mix of curiosity and disdain from the locals, particularly from John Oldshaw, a resentful farmer who had hoped to secure the property for himself. The girls face numerous challenges upon arriving at the dilapidated Hall, including an overturned cab carrying their luggage. Despite the ominous atmosphere surrounding the farm and the neighborhood, Olivia's strong spirit is evident as she navigates her new home, encounters various characters, and grows intrigued by the history of the Hall, particularly the mysterious figure of Nellie Mitchell.
William Dean Howells
Mrs. Farrell
"Mrs. Farrell" by William Dean Howells is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a New England boarding house during the summertime, exploring themes of social interactions, artistic ambitions, and romantic interests among its characters. The main character, Mrs. Belle Farrell, is a beautiful young widow who captivates those around her, particularly a promising artist named Rachel Woodward, who struggles with her emerging talent against societal expectations. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to West Pekin, a rural place that has transitioned into a summer boarding town. It describes the farming community's adjustments to accommodate city guests and the various personalities that emerge within this setting, particularly focusing on the dynamics among the boarders and the family that owns the boarding house. Mrs. Farrell's entrance is marked by her charming and stylish persona, contrasting with the modest surroundings and the more reserved nature of the other women in the household. The chapter sets the stage for Mrs. Farrell’s interactions with Rachel, indicating a growing friendship that is likely to explore themes of mentorship, aspirations, and the challenges of pursuing one's passions in a traditional setting.
Maria Thompson Daviess
The Golden Bird
"The Golden Bird" by Maria Thompson Daviess is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Ann Craddock, a young woman facing sudden financial hardship after her father's loss of fortune, who embarks on a quest to establish a new life by raising chickens. As Ann navigates her newfound responsibilities with determination and a sense of adventure, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of rural life in the Harpeth Valley, blending elements of humor, romance, and personal growth. At the start of the novel, Ann is introduced as a spirited and resourceful character, realizing that her immediate need is not just love, but also financial security. After selling her luxury items to purchase a prized rooster and a flock of hens, she finds herself returning to her family's ancestral home, Elmnest. During her journey, she encounters various characters, including her childhood friend Matthew, who proposes marriage, and Adam, a mysterious woodsman who helps her with her chickens. The opening chapters set the tone for Ann's adventures and struggles as she attempts to transform her life through poultry farming while grappling with her emotions and budding relationships.
Lester Del Rey
The band played on
"The Band Played On" by LESTER DEL REY is a science fiction novella published in the late 20th century. The story revolves around the life of a space garbage man named Captain Thomas Murdock, exploring themes of heroism, duty, and the often overlooked importance of menial tasks in the grand context of space exploration. Del Rey's narrative provides a unique twist on the traditional space adventure by emphasizing the significance of seemingly mundane jobs in sustaining the larger operations of space travel. The plot follows Murdock as he grapples with his identity and role as the 'garbage man' for a space station, contrasting his work with the more celebrated tasks of heroic pilots. When an emergency arises in the space station due to toxic air, Murdock’s experience and knowledge become crucial. He volunteers for a dangerous mission to deliver necessary filters, proving that every role, no matter how unglamorous, holds immense value. The narrative culminates in a perilous return leg where Murdock navigates a perilous descent amidst a storm, ultimately leading to his recognition as a hero, albeit reluctantly. The story invites readers to consider the unseen contributions of those who maintain the systems that enable grand adventures, making it both an engaging and thought-provoking read.
Constance Holme
Beautiful end
"Beautiful End" by Constance Holme is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the themes of renewal and the emotional complexities surrounding the return of an elderly father, Christopher Sill, to the family home after a long absence. It primarily follows his son Thomas and his wife Agnes as they prepare to welcome him back and grapple with their own lives, hopes, and disappointments. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Agnes, who is reflecting on the completion of a room she has meticulously renovated. This room holds great significance as it symbolizes more than just a physical space; it represents Agnes's efforts to reconcile the past and create a welcoming environment for Thomas's father, who is returning home after a difficult period away. Through her internal conflict, we witness Agnes’s blend of pride and apprehension as she confronts the emotional weight of the past and the uncertain future. As Thomas prepares to receive his father, their conversation highlights the dynamic between him and his wife, showcasing the tension between familial duty and personal desire. The opening sets the stage for an exploration of relationships, identity, and the changing nature of home.
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